On this Private Wild West and North Ireland 6-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 6-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 6-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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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 “Gaeilge” 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 €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.
