The Wild West and Northern Ireland Tour with Overland Ireland is an amazing way to see as much of Western and Northern Ireland as possible in 6 days. It is a Jewel Tour, which means it has been designed to allow guests to tour Ireland at a smoother pace whilst enjoying light activity along the way.
Get the absolute best of the West of Ireland and top it off with a sensational Northern Ireland tour. With a great 6-day Ireland itinerary, this Wild West and Northern Ireland Tour is the perfect way to explore so much of Ireland in less than a week.
If you’re looking for a longer round trip, you may like to check out the Ultimate Ireland Tour or for a trip to just the Republic of Ireland, our Magical Southern Explorer 5-Day Tour. Challenge yourself to walk among Giants at the Giants Causeway and fall in love with bustling bohemian Galway City, famous around the world for its art and culture. Galway was voted the European Capital of Culture in 2020.
Moving from culture to the wilderness of the coast. Do you dare to take a peak over the ledge at Dún Aenghus Ring Fort on the Aran Islands? Experience the spectacular views of Connemara National Park, the wilds of Donegal, and the panoramic views of Ireland’s countryside throughout your 6-day Ireland tour.
Explore the beautiful South West of Ireland and Northern Ireland!
Make unforgettable memories at The Giant’s Causeway, Game of Thrones’ Dark Hedges, and Belfast as you journey through Northern Ireland! Explore a diverse range of scenery, castles, adventure, history, and culture. Enjoy light activities on your tour and immerse yourself in Ireland’s enchanting beauty. Check out our Ireland travel blog for more tips and inspiration before your big trip!
Please get in touch if you have any questions about this Western and Northern Ireland tour. Come with us on the authentic Irish experience of a lifetime! This tour can be operated in reverse and combined with other tours that follow the same route for the best guest experience.
Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations, the size of our vehicles, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
At Overland Ireland, we want you to make unforgettable memories on a fun-filled holiday. When you travel with us, you don’t have to worry about hidden fees and surprises.
As one of the only Irish tour companies to pack as much fun and interest into your tour price as possible, you can be sure that you’re getting the best value for money. Our aim is the same as it’s always been and always will be — to provide an incredible range of experiences at the lowest possible price!
If you have any special dietary requirements or preferences, please let us know as early as possible. We can cater to vegetarians, pescatarians, and vegans.
Note: This is our current itinerary for this year. If you’re booking for next year, the plan could change slightly. Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about this or our other tours!
You will meet our guide at your accommodation in Galway and they will direct you and the group to our local friends for a Walkin’ Talkin’ Tastin’ tour of Galway!
Have them point out all their favourite spots while trying traditional Irish cuisine, tasting locally distilled gin, and learning about the rich history of Galway.
You’ll have free time this afternoon to try on Claddagh rings and Galway shawls and pass through The Spanish Arch to take in the famous Claddagh fishing village.
This city is a destination for both tourists and Irish people, where entertainment is always high on the agenda. Its quirky medieval streets are alive with street entertainers and musicians all day. Its historic buildings are now home to many wonderful shops, bars, and restaurants.
**If you require help getting to Galway, contact us for more information on transportation.
Total driving time: 1 hour 45 Minutes, excluding stops
We leave Galway and drive west to Rossaveal Pier along the coast road. From Rossaveal, we will sail across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands. Our destination is the rugged Inishmore which is the largest of the three Aran Islands.
We will explore the island by cycling through its meandering roads. You can also choose a jaunting cart (Horse and Buggy) to bring you along the way. This is an optional added cost that we will be happy to arrange for you.
We will no doubt meet many locals and pick up a few words in “Gaelic” along the way. Our tour of the island will take us to the stone fort of Dún Aengus, which lies 100m over the ocean, before making our way back to the mainland.
We then leave Rossaveal for Ireland’s favourite town – Westport taking in the breathtaking views of Connemara National Park along our route. It’s then time to ease into an unforgettable night in County Mayo. Unwind in Westport with some local craft beers and mouthwatering food. And no trip to Westport is complete without a visit to Matt Molloy’s bar where you can enjoy a traditional Irish music session and some good old ‘Craic – fun’.
Note: The Aran Islands ferry crossings are weather permitting. If it is unsafe to travel we will provide wonderful alternative plans for the group!
Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
We love showing off Westport town and its gorgeous little shops bursting with nick-nacks, antiques and Irish crafts. This could be the perfect opportunity to do some retail therapy on tour or our friends in Westport will while away the morning with you on a walking tour of the town.
Up north we go travelling through County Sligo and making a wonderful loop of Mullaghmore, taking in Cassiebawn Castle – owned by Lord Mountbatten when he was tragically killed. Here you will begin your education on Northern Irish history and get a great insight into the contrast between the north and south of Ireland.
You are in for a treat. Before settling into the 5-star Lough Eske Castle Hotel and enjoying this luxury experience we will stretch our legs at Glencar’s magnificent waterfall. Donegal’s rugged wild landscape will take your breath away as will the charming locals! You’ll have to retune your ears to understand their sing-song lilt!
Tonight is all about treating yourself on the grounds of the castle and embracing your inner King/Queen at the home of the powerful O’Donnell Clan from the 14th Century.
Total driving time: 3 hours, excluding stops
Now it is time to explore the North West: the Hills of Donegal. We continue our Wild North and West Tour and embark on a magnificent drive over the Glengesh Pass and the Assaranca Waterfall. Discover remote stunning beaches, hidden caves and amazing views all around.
Continue your exploration of the gorgeous hills of Donegal at the newly established Ardara Distillery. Learn about the tradition of whiskey and even have a taste of what Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw described as “liquid sunshine”.
Our next stop is Derry, Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, which is steeped in rich Irish history. We provide a walking tour of the city, helping visitors to learn about the Troubles. Derry is also here where we will spend the evening. Enjoy the amazing restaurants Derry has on offer.
Total driving time: 3 hours, excluding stops
Today will be both a test of mental strength and a celebration of your soul. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated experiences in this small group tour of Ireland and it never disappoints.
The Causeway Coastal Route is breathtaking, to say the least. If you have the nerve, cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge and feel the exhilarating air beneath your feet.
The opening of the bridge is weather-dependent, but we can take a visit to Dunluce Castle and hear great tales of battles fought won and lost in the Middle Ages.
Game of Thrones fans will have officially landed in their spiritual home as we take a sneak peek at one of its most famous filming locations: The Dark Hedges.
We will finish the day with an enthralling black cab tour of Belfast. This tour is optional but highly recommended. Alternatively, if you just need to take a break and relax, you can spend some time exploring the city’s coolest pubs, shops, and restaurants.
Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
On this final morning, get ready for the full Titanic experience at Titanic Belfast.
This splendid interactive visitor centre covers not only the building and sailing of the infamous ship but also the industrial history of Belfast and those who were integral in the building of the Titanic. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship.
Last but not least, we will visit the magical Stone Age passage tomb at Newgrange, richly decorated by Neolithic art. On some dates Newgrange is swapped for the amazing ancient ceremonial and burial site: the Hill of Tara.
All good things must come to an end! We will say our fond farewells in Dublin City. If you have some time left in Ireland and would like to spend some time in Dublin your expert guide will arm you with great recommendations for things to see and do in the capital.
Due to our tours’ off-the-beaten-path locations, the size of our vehicles, and the fact that we cannot guarantee that all accommodation partners have ramps/elevators, unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Note: To confirm your booking, you are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of €250 per person for Small-Group tours.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about this tour or any others we operate. We may have already answered your question on our frequently asked questions page.
