On this Private Wild West and North Ireland 5-Day Tour, expect a deep dive into culture, history, and Ireland’s natural abundance. A relaxed and leisurely excursion, you’ll enjoy the added benefits of our Ireland Private Guided Tours. Limited to just you and your chosen group, this offers an intimate experience of the west and northern coasts, enhanced by the expert knowledge of your personal guide!
Starting in Galway and ending in Dublin, you’ll pass through towns like Westport, Sligo, Derry, and Belfast, soaking up unmatched views and experiences along the way! Take a trip to the breathtaking Aran Islands, spend the night in a castle in Donegal, and taste a classic Irish whiskey. You’ll see the very best of the west of Ireland and immerse yourself in Northern Ireland in less than a week.
As the private version of our Wild West & North Ireland 5-Day Tour, you’ll get to experience our perfectly designed tour with the luxury of some personalization. (If you want full control of the itinerary, have a look at our Tailor-Made Tours of Ireland.)
If you’re more interested in the south of Ireland, then have a look at our Magical Southern 6-Day Ireland Tour. But once you’ve read our itinerary below, you may find yourself wanting to do both!
Our 5-day adventure begins in the bohemian city of Galway, abuzz with shops, restaurants, and street entertainers. Leave the hustle and bustle behind to explore the remote Aran Islands, where you can peer over the edge of Dún Aenghus Ring Fort into the swirling ocean.
Before we make our way into Northern Ireland, we’ll discover the beautiful hills of Donegal and stay the night in a luxurious castle hotel. Moving on to Derry, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Northern Ireland’s history with a walking tour focusing on the Troubles. Then, we discover the unbelievable natural beauty of this region. Explore Giant’s Causeway, cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge, and discover the Dark Hedges featured in Game of Thrones!
The journey continues in Belfast, where you’ll have the chance to experience the Titanic Belfast, which tells the story of the world’s most famous shipwreck. Before the trip ends in Dublin, we’ll travel further into ancient history with a visit to the legendary Hill of Tara.
Read the full breakdown of our itinerary below for all the details. This tour can also be done in reverse or combined with any of our other tours for the ultimate Irish experience!
Unfortunately, due to the remote nature of the tour locations, vehicle size, and accommodation options, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. Contact us about a custom tour so we can accommodate your needs!
Overland Ireland strives to provide the most comprehensive Irish tours at the best prices. You won’t find any hidden costs or surprise expenses with our trips!
We include as much as possible into our tours, including accommodation, transport, entrance fees, and delicious breakfasts, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the journey.
Plenty of thrilling activities are also included in your tour, from walking tours to bike rides, meaning every possible experience has already been thought of!
Should you have any dietary requirements, we can make the necessary arrangements. Let us know in advance if you are vegetarian, vegan, or pescetarian.
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Your exclusive tour of Ireland’s stunning north and wild west begins with a visit to the historic site of the Battle of the Boyne, the most important battle on the island of Ireland. Soak in the history with tales and accounts from your private group’s dedicated guide.
In the afternoon, we arrive in Northern Ireland’s capital city and head straight to Titanic Belfast for the full Titanic experience. This incredible interactive visitor center covers not only the building and sailing of the infamous ship but also the industrial history of Belfast and the people who were integral in building the Titanic. Prepare to be moved by the wonderful stories told about the world’s most famous ship.
The evening is yours to enjoy in Belfast. Embrace the buzz of this resurgent city, its lively restaurants, and traditional pubs. Or, if you have the energy, head out on a fun and fascinating Black Cab tour to learn more about The Troubles!
Total driving time: 1 hour 15 Minutes, excluding stops
Your group hops in its exclusive private transport in the morning and leaves Belfast behind. We head toward one of the most anticipated experiences on this private tour of Ireland — Giant’s Causeway. This iconic natural wonder never disappoints! And the wider Causeway Coastal Route is breathtaking, to say the least, so the day’s journey is a true pleasure.
The adventurous souls in your group can cross the Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge and feel the exhilaration of air and the ocean beneath their feet. The bridge’s opening is weather-dependent; if it’s closed on the day of our visit, don’t worry. We will head straight to the striking Dunluce Castle, perched atop a sheer cliff, and hear great tales of battles fought, won, and lost in the Middle Ages.
Our next stop is Northern Ireland’s second-largest city, Derry, which is steeped in rich Irish history. Your group will enjoy an immersive experience with a private walking tour through Derry’s historic streets. Spend the evening enjoying a touch of Northern Ireland magic! Your group’s dedicated guide will steer you in the direction of all the fabulous eateries Derry has to offer!
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops
To celebrate the mid-point of your private Ireland tour, your group will visit the newly established Ardara Distillery. Dive into the rich tradition of whiskey-making in the heart of Donegal. Learn about the intricate, time-honored process behind this beloved spirit and sample a taste of what Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw famously called “liquid sunshine.”
After your distillery experience, we return to your group’s private transport and embark on a magnificent drive over the stunning Glengesh Pass. As you wind through breathtaking landscapes, keep your eyes peeled for remote beaches, hidden caves, and incredible views that showcase the beauty of the North West.
Finish a perfect day on the Emerald Isle in the lap of luxury at Lough Eske Castle. This castle is a historic landmark that has been meticulously restored to its former glory and is a beloved highlight of this exclusive Ireland experience. Enjoy feeling like a King or Queen tonight!
Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
We are now really living the wild west life! Relax and enjoy the journey along the Wild Atlantic Way from Donegal to Westport – one of our favorite towns in the west! As you journey through County Sligo in comfort and style, prepare to be mesmerized by the dramatic landscapes that unfold around you. Be sure to take a moment to stand in awe of Benbulben, the iconic flat-topped mountain steeped in folklore. It’s said to be the resting place of the legendary warriors Diarmuid and Gráinne.
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 – that’s Irish fun!
Total driving time: 1 hour 30 minutes, excluding stops
Your private group’s dedicated guide will drive you through Connemara National Park en route to Bohemian Galway City. Connemara is a treasure trove of dramatic mountains, hidden lakes, rich history, and charming villages. In Galway – The City of the Tribes – you will discover a city bustling with music, culture, and craic! Our local friends will take your group on their famous ‘Walkin’, Talkin’, Tastin’’ tour of Galway. This is the perfect way to savor local delicacies while learning about the city’s culinary heritage and history.
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. Its historic buildings are now home to many wonderful shops, bars, and restaurants.
All good things must come to an end, and this is where the curtain comes down on your private Ireland tour! We will say our fond farewells in Galway City. If you have some time left in Ireland, your expert guide will arm you with great recommendations for things to see and do.
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 €300 per person for Private 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.
