The Wild West and North 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 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!
We can operate this tour in reverse if it’s a better fit with your schedule. We can also combine it with other tours following the same route, ensuring you see and do everything you want to!
Unfortunately, our tours are not wheelchair accessible. This is because we tend to include visits to isolated, off-the-beaten-track attractions and locations. And we also can’t guarantee that our accommodation partners will have elevators and/or ramps at their properties.
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 and vegans.
We also offer fantastic options for pescatarians. The fish and seafood we serve are as fresh as it gets and responsibly sourced!
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!
Your tour starts in the cultural heart of Ireland — Galway. Here, you will meet your guide at your accommodation before heading out on a Walkin’ Talkin’ Tastin’ tour with our local friends!
As you take in the sights and sounds of this artistic city, you will stop at some of Galway’s best spots.
There’s no better way to sample traditional Irish cuisine, try locally distilled gin, and discover the rich culture and history of Galway.
You’ll have free time in the afternoon to explore on your terms.
This is the perfect opportunity to try on Galway shawls and Claddagh rings. You can pass under The Spanish Arch and walk through to Claddagh, a famous, picturesque fishing village.
Galway is a city for tourists and Irish people. It’s an incredible melting pot overflowing with life and energy.
Today, its many historic buildings are home to an array of amazing bars, restaurants, and shops.
And entertainment is always a priority here. The city’s quaint medieval streets are alive with musicians and street entertainers all day, every day.
Total driving time: 1 hour 45 Minutes, excluding stops
After leaving Galway, we drive west to Rossaveal Pier, winding our way around the gorgeous coastal road.
In Rossaveal, we catch a ferry across Galway Bay to the breathtaking Aran Islands. We land at rugged Inishmore, the largest of the three islands.
After disembarking the ferry, you begin your discovery of Inishmore. One of the best ways to cover as much ground as possible is by cycling its scenic roads.
However, we will happily arrange for travel in a traditional jaunting cart (Horse and Buggy), if you prefer. But please note, this is an optional added cost.
And don’t be surprised to learn some Gaelic words from the locals while you’re here! The Irish language is especially strong on the Aran Islands.
Our tour leads to Inishmore’s majestic centrepiece — the stone fort of Dún Aengus.
This spectacular ancient site stands on a cliff edge, 100m above the roaring Atlantic Ocean below.
After returning to the mainland, we drive to the picture-perfect town of Clifden, taking in awe-inspiring views of Connemara National Park on the way.
We arrive at the elegant Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, where you will sleep overnight like a King or Queen. A castle stay is essential on this tour of Ireland’s wild west and Northern Ireland!
Before bed, you can travel back in time with mystical tales of Abbeyglen and Clifden.
Cap off this amazing day with an evening toast.
Note: Aran Island ferry crossings go ahead weather permitting. If we feel conditions are unsafe for travel, we will provide exciting alternative plans!
Total driving time: 4 hours, excluding stops
The day starts with a touch of luxury on a wonderful tour around Kylemore Abbey and Gardens.
This 1,000-acre estate overlooks Kylemore Lake and the incredible Connemara National Park.
You will have plenty of time to roam around the truly beautiful grounds, the Victorian Walled Garden, and the abbey.
Heading further north, we pass through Sligo, William Butler Yeats’ county.
Here, we visit Glencar Waterfall, a hidden gem in an oasis of lush green and a strong inspiration for Yeats’ writing.
This 50-foot waterfall flows year-round and is fed by the Devil’s Chimney, an even larger, more spectacular waterfall cascading down a sheer rock face.
Spend the evening unwinding while taking in wonderful views over the bay in Donegal. This lively seaside town is renowned for great music and good times.
Total driving time: 3 hours, excluding stops
Our journey through the heart of Ireland takes us into the rugged North West and the Hills of Donegal.
We embark on an incredible drive over the winding and looping Glengesh Pass, one of Ireland’s most unique roads.
This region is home to the roaring Assaranca Waterfall, as well as mysterious hidden caves, stunning remote beaches, and views you’ll never forget.
The exploration continues in the gorgeous Donegal Hills, including a stop at the Ardara Distillery where you can learn about the tradition of Irish whiskey.
And why not have a taste of “liquid sunshine”? Those aren’t our words, but George Bernard Shaw’s, the famous Irish playwright.
As we cross the border into Northern Ireland, Derry awaits us! The country’s second-largest city (behind only Belfast) is rich in culture and history.
Once in the city itself, we start a Derry walking tour. This is a fascinating, humbling exploration of the Troubles.
We spend the night in Derry, so you can enjoy one of the many fantastic restaurants in the city.
Total driving time: 3 hours, excluding stops
Today will test your mental strength, but also provide a celebration for your soul!
There aren’t many more anticipated experiences on this small-group tour of Ireland than the Giant’s Causeway — and this jaw-dropping scene never disappoints!
And the wider Causeway Coastal Route is just as mesmerizing. Just two of the many highlights along the route include Dunluce Castle and Ballintoy Harbour.
Game of Thrones fans will feel at home as we visit one of its most famous, most photogenic filming locations: The Dark Hedges.
This is where an avenue of beech trees creates a natural tunnel over a country road that is as majestic as it is ominous.
We finally roll into Belfast, Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital. You can explore this resurgent city on a fun and fascinating black cab tour of Belfast
While optional, we highly recommend this tour. Of course, if you just want to take a break and relax, you can explore Belfast’s best shops, pubs, and restaurants.
Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes, excluding stops
Welcome to the final morning of this tour! Today, we experience the world’s most famous ship at Titanic Belfast.
This impressive, interactive visitor centre covers the building of the infamous liner, its doomed maiden voyage, as well as Belfast’s industrial history.
It’s a genuinely moving experience and a fantastic opportunity to learn about the people who were integral in building the Titanic.
Last but by no means not least, we visit the enchanting stone age passage tomb at Newgrange.
The striking neolithic art decoration is incredibly impressive, but even more astounding is the fact that this structure is older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids!
On some dates, we swap out Newgrange for the equally amazing Hill of Tara.
This ancient burial and ceremonial site was a place of inauguration for, and seat of, the High Kings of Ireland.
All good things must come to an end! In Dublin, we say our fond farewells.
If you’re staying in the Emerald Isle for a while longer, we will happily give you our favourite recommendations for must-see spots and must-do activities in the city.
Our excursions often visit isolated, off-the-beaten-track attractions and locations. We also can’t guarantee that our accommodation partners have elevators and/or ramps at their properties. For these reasons, our tours are not wheelchair accessible.
Note: We have finalised the itinerary above for this year only. If you are planning to book for next year, we may make changes, if only slight ones, to the schedule.
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.
