walking tour northern ireland

• Giant’s Causeway Cliff Path Tours
• Other Day Tours
• Self Guided Walking Holidays

Walk Ireland's Stunning Causeway Coast

Guided or independent day tours and holidays along the Causeway Coast and Glens Hiking in this beautiful landscape is by far the best way to truly experience it.

Helping you hike in our breathtaking places.

We know that the best way to experience this world famous giant’s causeway coastline is to put your walking boots on and get out in it..

Specialising in Ireland’s world famous Causeway Coast, we provide guided walking day tours along the stunning Giant’s Causeway cliffs, independent walking holidays or bespoke, guided hiking vacations.

Let us ensure your experience is full of unforgettable, authentic and deeply renewing experiences.

Breathtaking

Avoid the crowds, choose your walking day tour.

Giants Causeway Cliff Top Experience with National Trust

Choose your walking holiday.

3 Night Walking Holiday of the Causeway Coast Way

7 night walking holiday – Causeway Coast and Glens

Over one million visitors go to the grand causeway every year., with us, you also see the entire unesco cliffs, far from the crowds..

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THE 10 BEST Northern Ireland Walking Tours

Walking tours in northern ireland.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private Guided Walking Tour in Derry City

2. Belfast Political Tour-Conflicting Stories Walking Tour

3. Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

4. The troubles Bogside walking tour

5. The Story of Belfast walking tour

6. IRA Troubles Conflict Private Tour Museum Graves Murals and Political Analysis

7. Titanic Museum and Whiskey Distillery Exploration with Tasting

8. Eclectic Belfast Story,Hidden Gems, Best Bits Walking Experience

9. Official World Famous Belfast Taxi Tour ™

10. Derry Girls Original Sites Tour

11. Derry Londonderry Small Group Private Day Trip From Belfast

12. Belfast Troubles Tour: Walls and Bridges

13. The Bloody Sunday Story - Walking Tour

14. Belfast Political Murals Street Art and Peace Wall Small Group Walking Tour

15. Belfast Music Walking Tour

16. Best of Belfast Walking Tour

17. Derry Walls Authentic Private Walking Tour

18. Walking Bogside History Tour in Guildhall

19. If Buildings Could Talk Tour

20. Falls road Murals Walking Tour with former prisoners

21. Derry City Bloody Sunday Bogside murals walking tour

22. Haunted Outdoor Escape Game in Belfast

23. Derry/Londonderry - City Walls History Walking Tours

24. Derry Walls Private Walking Tour

25. Derrie Danders: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Walled City’s West

26. Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour

27. Derry Guided Tours Private Bloody Sunday and Bogside Murals Walking Tour

28. Private Eclectic Belfast walking experience, along'The Marti Way'

29. Game of Thrones - Tollymore Forest Trek

30. Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour

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Walking in Northern Ireland

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The Best Walks in Northern Ireland 2023

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Autumn Strolls: Exploring the Best Trails for Autumn Colours

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THE 10 BEST Northern Ireland Walking Tours

Walking tours in northern ireland.

• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Private Guided Walking Tour in Derry City

2. Belfast Political Tour-Conflicting Stories Walking Tour

3. Belfast Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

4. The troubles Bogside walking tour

5. The Story of Belfast walking tour

6. IRA Troubles Conflict Private Tour Museum Graves Murals and Political Analysis

7. Eclectic Belfast Story,Hidden Gems, Best Bits Walking Experience

8. Belfast Private Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

9. Official World Famous Belfast Taxi Tour ™

10. Derry Girls Original Sites Tour

11. Derry Londonderry Small Group Private Day Trip From Belfast

12. Belfast Troubles Tour: Walls and Bridges

13. The Bloody Sunday Story - Walking Tour

14. Titanic Museum and Whiskey Distillery Exploration with Tasting

15. Belfast Political Murals Street Art and Peace Wall Small Group Walking Tour

16. Best of Belfast Walking Tour

17. Derry Walls Authentic Private Walking Tour

18. Walking Bogside History Tour in Guildhall

19. If Buildings Could Talk Tour

20. Falls road Murals Walking Tour with former prisoners

21. Derry City Bloody Sunday Bogside murals walking tour

22. Haunted Outdoor Escape Game in Belfast

23. Derry/Londonderry - City Walls History Walking Tours

24. Derry Walls Private Walking Tour

25. Derrie Danders: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of the Walled City’s West

26. Belfast Line of Duty Walking Tour

27. Derry Guided Tours Private Bloody Sunday and Bogside Murals Walking Tour

28. Private Eclectic Belfast walking experience, along'The Marti Way'

29. Game of Thrones - Tollymore Forest Trek

30. Belfast A Music and StreetArt Experience. Small Gr Walking Tour

What travellers are saying.

Self-guided Walking Holidays in the UK and Ireland

UK tel: 01837 880075 or +44 (0)207 193 1252

US +1 (646) 233-1541 AUS +61 (02) 8006 0182 CAN +1 (647) 478-6251

Northern Ireland Walking Holidays

Let's go walking offers self-guided northern ireland walking holidays.

Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland

Our self-guided walking holidays are designed with your comfort and enjoyment in mind and can be tailor-made to your own personal requirements.

The routes are clearly way-marked to provide reassurance on your hiking vacation.

We use high quality guest houses, inns or small hotels with en-suite or private bathroom to ensure you are well rested each night after a busy day hiking and sightseeing. Rest assured that all our accommodation walking holiday providers are hand-picked and offer you that famous Irish hospitality.

Special diets can be catered for, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free.

We organize the luggage transfer so your bags are at your next accommodation when you arrive.

Let’s Go Walking has developed one of the largest choices of walking holidays. Our offices are staffed 9am to 9pm during our walking season (March to September) to ensure your walking holiday runs without a hitch.

Our self-guided Northern Ireland Walking Holidays include:

• Causeway Coast Way
• Causeway Coast Way and Glens of Antrim/Moyle Way
• Glens Of Antrim/Moyle Way

Causeway Coast Way Walking Holiday

A 26 mile coastal section of the Ulster Way in Northern Ireland between Portrush and Ballycastle, including the world famous Giant’s Causeway and Carrick a Rede rope bridge. This route can be walked in either direction.

This is one of our Coastal Walking Holidays in UK and Ireland and also one of our Northern Ireland Walking Holidays .

Causeway Coast Way and Glens of Antrim/Moyle Way Walking Holiday

A 53 mile walking trail combining the Causeway Coast Way and the Moyle Way, walking between Portrush to Ballycastle, and through the Glens of Antrim to Cushendall. This route can be walked in either direction.

Glens of Antrim Walking Holiday on the Moyle Way

A 29 mile section of the Ulster Way in Northern Ireland between Ballycastle and Cushendall through the Glens of Antrim along the Moyle Way. This route can be walked in either direction.

This is one of our Moorland Walking Holidays and also one of our Northern Ireland Walking Holidays .

Lecale Way Walking Holiday

A 41 mile coastal section of the Ulster Way in Northern Ireland from Strangford to Newcastle.

This is one of our Coastal Walking Holidays in UK and Ireland , and also one of our Northern Ireland Walking Holidays .

Mourne Way Walking Holiday

A 30 mile section of The Ulster Way in Northern Ireland through the Mourne Mountains from Newcastle to Rostrevor. 

This is one of our Moorland Walking Holidays , and also one of our Northern Ireland Walking Holidays .

Please contact us if you have any questions.

Our telephone Lines are open 7 days a week.

UK +44 (0)1837 880075 or +44 (0)207 193 1252 March to September 9am to 9pm October to February 9am to 5pm US +1 (646) 233-1541 New York 5 hours behind UK time: March to September 4am to 4pm EST October to February 4am to 12noon EST AUS +61 (02) 8006 0182 Sydney 10 hours ahead of UK time:  March to September 7pm to 7am EADT October to February 7pm to 3am EADT CAN +1 (647) 4786251 Toronto 5 hours behind UK time: March to September 4am to 4pm EST October to February 4am to 12noon EST or

All prices subject to change

Extra nights from £64.00 per person depending on location

Pembrokeshire Coast Path Walking Holiday Herbrandston to Cardigan or vice versa Suggested Tour Duration: 12 nights, 11 days walking Total Distance: 126 miles/203kms Min/max daily distance: 9.5/16 miles 15/26kms Average Daily distance: 11 miles/18kms Grading: moderate strenuous in parts Features: St Davids Cathedral St Non’s Chapel Neolithic burial chambers This route connects with: Wales Coast Path

Tavistock Bedford Hotel

double/twin £55.00

Single please ask

Brodick Douglas Hotel

double/twin £65.00

single please ask

Douglas Hotel half board

Can be added when booking online                      Subject to availability              Supplement per person per night

South West Coast Path Terrain Grading

Easy:   flat or undulating terrain Moderate:   a few ups and downs, the section requiring more effort than an easy section. For example, a section of 9 miles can require the amount of effort needed for 12 miles. Strenuous:   many ups and downs, the section requiring more effort than a moderate section. For example, a section of 9 miles can require the amount of effort needed for 15 miles. Severe:    many steep climbs, the section requiring twice the amount of effort as an easy section. For example, a section of 9 miles can require the amount of effort needed for 18 miles.

Walking Holidays in Northern Ireland

Our 8-day walking holidays in Northern Ireland will take you through some of the most stunning areas the region has to offer, as we travel up Ireland’s East coast to enter Northern Ireland by sea into the stunning Mourne Mountain Region, we then tour Northern Ireland’s Outdoors while visiting St. Patrick’s Country of Downpatrick, Belfast and finally touring along Northern Ireland’s stunning North Coast.

Price: £3499 Per Person Sharing ( Single Supplement Available )

Tour Grade: Easy

Accommodation: Hotel

Saturday 1st to Saturday 8 th June

What is included in this tour? Items that are included in the cost of tour price.

• Pickup and return to Dublin
• All transport and services of a guide while on tour
• 7 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast and 6 evening meals
• Admission to all attractions listed while on tour
• Transfers to/from Dublin Airport

What is not included in this tour? Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.

• Alcohol & Soft Drinks
• Gratituties
• Dinner on Nights 3 & 4 in Belfast

Day 1. Travel to Northern Ireland

Departing from Dublin Airport at 12 noon first stopping at the charming village of Carlingford on Carlingford Lough where you can visit the village and get some light refreshments before we take the Carlingford Ferry across the Lough to Northern Ireland before continuing to our accommodation in Newcastle, Co. Down.

Day 2: Silent Valley & Rostrevor

Our day begins with a trip into the Silent Valley of the Mourne Mountains and a trip back in time into the heritage of the Mournes with the establishment of the Water Works to supply an expanding City in Belfast and the construction of the Mourne Wall.

In the afternoon we will visit the charming village of Rostrevor before driving through the mountains to our overnight in Newcastle, Co. Down.

Day 3: St. Patrick’s Country 

Our day begins with a guided walk along a short section of the St. Patrick’s Camino visiting Irelands first church at Saul and Inch Abbey among others.

In the afternoon we will travel further north to Hollywood Co. Down and visit NI Siler we you will see first hand jewellery being made from the finest silver.

Our day will end with an overnight in Belfast City.

In the afternoon we will take a boat ride across the Lakes of Killarney one of the best ways to experience Killarney National Park, a truly unique perspective of the Park. While traveling along we will experience folklore and legends delivered by the local boat drivers while passing through scenery which hasn’t changed since the last ice age; 10,000 years ago.

Day 4: Belfast

A morning visit to Belfast Titanic Quarter and the Titanic Centre begins our day, before a black taxi tour takes is around the sights of the city’s dark past and its vibrant future. The black taxi tour will be followed by some free time in the city before an evening in the city’s lively Cathedral Quarter.

Overnight Belfast

Day 5: Arrival on the North Coast

Our journey to the North Coast takes us through the Glens of Antrim and a stop off on a local farm for a ‘Sheep Experience’ introduction to farming life in the beautiful Glens of Antrim.

Following on from our visit to the farm we will make the short trip to the ‘Dark Hedges’ and our final stop of the day is the Rock on the Road – Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and a short trip to the picturesque village and harbour of Ballintoy.

Overnight Coleraine

Day 6: Binevenagh & Derry City

Our Day will begin with a stunning Scenic Binevenagh Horse riding experience offing us a fantastic view-point of stunning Lough Foyle and across the North Coast of Antrim. Departing from here we will make the journey to L’Derry City and a guided walking tour of the City’s famous walls.

Our drive back to our accommodation takes us over the Glenshane Pass and a stop-off in Ireland’s Highest Pub the Ponderosa – where you can witness turf cutting first hand.

Day 7: The Giant’s Causeway

Our final day on tour begins with a walk along one of the world’s finest coastal walks from the ruins of Dunseverick Castle to The Giant’s Causeway. This trek (10km/6miles) takes us across some of the finest sea cliffs as we make our way to the UNESCO site of the Giant’s Causeway.

Following our trip, we will make the short journey to Bushmills. We will visit Ireland’s oldest Whiskey Distillery and Dunluce Castle before returning to our hotel to freshen up and then take a trip to a rural Irish Pub to finish with dinner and some good old ‘craic’!

Day 8. Depart ure

We will depart after breakfast for Dublin Airport and a 12.30 arrival at the airport. Further arrangements can be made for onward travel upon request – an additional cost may apply.

Self-Guided Antrim Glens and Causeway Coast Hike

Self Guided

• WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?
• What's Included
• Available Tours
• +353 667186181
• [email protected]

Location Map

Our Antrim Glens & Causeway Coast Self Guided tours explore some of the most beautiful walking trails on Northern Ireland’s coast. It is the home to the Giant’s Causeway, Glenarriff National Park, Fair Head & so much more.

Experience Irish castles, golden beaches and stunning scenery which will leave you with lifelong memories. This region is so spectacular HBO selected it for their filming of the amazing Game of Thrones!!

3 day & 5 day Causeway Tours

Your accommodation will be on the Causeway Coast for both these holidays. On the 3 day trip you will stay in Ballycastle for 2 nights which gives you the opportunity to hike the beautiful Fair Head and also the coastline that brings you from the famous Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge all the way to the renowned Giant’s Causeway.

The 5 day holiday also takes you to Fair Head and to the Giants Causeway UNESCO site.  On this holiday, you will also take a trip across to the beautiful Rathlin Island, famous for its Bird Sanctuary and finally along the wonderful White Strand to finish at Portstewart.

8 day Glens & Coast Walking Tour

This self guiding holiday offers you a tremendous insight into the best of Northern Ireland’s hiking. You will experience the Coastal Path from Carrick-A-Rede to the Giants Causeway, some beautiful beach walking and explore the stunning Antrim Glens.  This mix of inland and coastal hiking immerses you into the culture and character of this special place.

For more information about this tour & to explore all your other options please contact a member of our team here.

To see a short video of some of the highlights on this tour check out our YouTube channel here .

What makes us differEnt?

Hiking Day Transfers  –  We include transfers to and from the hikes to improve your hiking experience. We remove unnecessary road sections on multiple days to maximise your enjoyment of each trail.  “We received taxi rides to favourable trailheads, so we avoided flat boring stretches near towns, without sacrificing more remote and interesting parts.” – David USA  

Our Tailormade App  –  Our app is not just a GPS navigation tool…… you will have your entire holiday in your hand. You will have easy access to your route notes, points of interest, destination details and emergency contact information.  “The materials provided before and during the trip were extremely helpful. The phone app was excellent.” – Carole, USA

Overnight Locations –  We have carefully selected the start and finish locations for your overnights to allow for easy access and departure by public transfers. If not, we include a transfer to/ from the nearest transfer hub.  “The B&Bs were charming, very comfortable with personable hosts.” – Jack, USA

We write our own Route Notes  –  Our new route notes are even easier to follow with marked maps and distances between each point. We hike and re-check the routes each year to ensure all details are up to date. We do not give you generic guidebooks for your hikes.  “Everything went off without a hitch. Directions and maps were great and easy to follow.” – Kelly, USA

  On Tour Support  –  Not only do we offer you a 24/7 emergency contact support, we will also contact you regularly during your tour to see how things are going and if you have any questions for us.  “ I cannot praise Ireland Walk Hike Bike enough.  They are just outstanding at what they do.” – Russ, UK 

What's Included?

AVAILABLE TOURS

Click here to view/download our full itinerary PDF

Departure Dates

To book your tour choose your preferred Departure Date and click on Next Step.

Discover  Glenariff Forest Park  – with planted woodland, lakes, outdoor recreation spaces and conservation areas.

Venture across the spectacular  Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge  with the Antrim Coastline 30m below your feet!

Explore the iconic ruins of Dunluce Castle & Dunseverick Castle built on dramatic coastal cliffs. The amazing ruins date back to the 1500s

Experience  Rathlin Island , home to iconic lighthouse, shipwrecks and wonderful RSBP Bird Sanctuary,  home to puffins

Package Options

Prices quoted are for the Digital Option. If you would prefer the Traditional Pack please let us know your booking form page.

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Ireland Walk Hike Bike, PO BOX 372, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Ireland

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Northern Ireland Hiking Tours

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Northern Ireland

5-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour

The Causeway Coast was a central filming location for Game of Thrones – what more needs to be said? This 5-day self-guided hiking tour provides the best of this spectacular region, with some truly amazing formations to explore.

8-Day Self-Guided Causeway Coast Hiking Tour

Of all the coastal walks in the UK, few can match the sweeping beauty of the Causeway Coast. This 8-day self-guided hiking tour shows off the very best of this rugged region, from idyllic forests to far-flung island cliffs and everything in between.

The Causeway Coastal Route & Donegal Tour

You’re about to hike into the land that time forgot. Shrouded by mist and mystery, the North of Ireland is a rugged and hauntingly beautiful place for your next guided hiking adventure. On this journey, you’ll travel over the Causeway Coastal Route for a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, then continue along the very northern edge of Ireland and into County Donegal.

Family Adventure: Giants, Myths and Legends Tour

The famous Causeway Coast has been inspiring stories and legends since time immemorial. From C.S. Lewis’ Narnia to the modern TV show Game of Thrones, this iconic Irish locale continues to capture the human imagination. Come take a family adventure in Northern Ireland and explore this area on foot, by kayak, and by boat.

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Northern Ireland

Hiking in Northern Ireland

Atmospheric summits crowned by evocative tors of granite; a sumptuous coastline where patchwork pastureland abuts against spectacular terraced cliffs; magnificent lakes boasting wonderful wildlife: walks in Northern Ireland have all this and so much more.

Containing nine designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), there is a wealth of fantastic trails through a wide variety of landscapes. For hillwalkers, the brooding granite peaks of the Mourne Mountains offer wonderful adventures, whilst the unspoilt beauty of the Sperrins will have you returning time and time again to their tranquil, heather-clad tops.

The best walks and hikes in Northern Ireland

Giant's causeway via the ampitheatre — causeway coast aonb, slieve donard from donard park — mourne aonb.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Giant's causeway visitor centre to the organ via aird's snout — causeway coast aonb, dunseverick to giant's causeway — causeway coast aonb, cave hill country park loop, hare's gap & slieve bearnagh from trassey car park — mourne aonb, blue quarry to slieve doan — mourne aonb, scenic trail — antrim coast & glens aonb, portballintrae to giant's causeway loop via the organ — causeway coast aonb, giant's causeway & giant's gate from giant's causeway station — causeway coast aonb, more information, mountain trails up its slieves.

For upland aficionados, the best hiking trails in Northern Ireland are those that criss-cross the dramatic Mourne Mountains AONB. From the High Mournes in the east to the Low Mournes in the west, there are almost endless permutations for great adventures in this compact, yet complex range. From glorious woodland strolls in Tollymore Forest Park to strenuous peak bagging challenges across the high tops, there’s something for every inclination.

Traversing the mountains for a full twenty miles (32 km), the dry stone Mourne Wall is an intriguingly distinctive feature. It crosses fifteen summits, including national high point Slieve Donard at 2,790 feet (850 m), and the challenge of following its entire length is deservedly popular. Newcastle, with its cafés, restaurants and gear shops, is a great base, or you can set off into the hills with your tent for a wild camp.

The Causeway Coast and Glens

For lovers of sea air and spectacular coastal scenery, hikes in Northern Ireland don’t get much better than those found on the Causeway Coast AONB. For many, the main draw is the unique, natural splendour of the Giant’s Causeway. As waves lap against the shore, marvel at the 40,000 interlocked basalt columns, their distinctive geometric shapes the result of an ancient volcanic eruption.   

Epic vistas of terraced cliffs and shattered headlands; vertigo-inducing rope bridges between strips of land; idyllic fishing villages offering a warm welcome: the whole of the Antrim Coast is a delight. Long linear routes that hug the marvellous shoreline are made possible by the Causeway Rambler bus service. Inland, the verdant Glens of Antrim offer yet more gorgeous hill walks, albeit less strenuous than those found in the Mournes and the Sperrins.

A land of loughs

Northern Ireland is home to Lough Neagh, the UK’s largest freshwater lake, and Strangford Lough, its largest coastal inlet. Both offer lovely lakeside walks, perfect for the family and teeming with fascinating wildlife, such as Strangford’s seal colonies.

Some of the finest lakeside walks in Northern Ireland are those found in Fermanagh in the south west. Renowned for the picturesque scenery of island-studded Lough Erne, the region is also famous for the incredible underworld found at Marble Arch Caves, a Global Geopark. County high point Cuilcagh Mountain boasts great hiking trails, superb sandstone cliffs and marvellous flora and fauna.

Explore these walks and hikes on the map

Our Tour recommendations are based on thousands of activities completed by other people on komoot.

Popular around Northern Ireland

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Find the perfect Tour

Explore the most popular tours in northern ireland, discover the most popular attractions in northern ireland.

Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check out more Hikes throughout Northern Ireland below and find the perfect Tour in your destination.

• Castlereagh
• Antrim Coast And Glens Aonb
• Strangford And Lecale Aonb
• Guns Island
• Ballygammon
• Upper Malone
• Victoria Park
• Newry And Mourne
• Ballydownfine
• Greencastle
• Magherafelt
• Ballymaghan
• Black Mountain
• Lowwood Intake
• Ballycloghan
• Carrickfergus
• Ballygomartin
• Queen'S Island
• Englishtown
• Sydenham Intake
• Ballymiscaw
• Hannahstown
• North Strangford Lough National Nature Reserve
• Newtownabbey
• Ballymurphy
• Ballyaghagan
• Malone Upper
• Ballyhackamore
• Copeland Island
• Sperrin Aonb
• Ballymacarret Intake
• Upper Ballysillan
• Ballymagarry
• The Skerries
• Ballymisert
• Lower Ballysillan
• Ballyrushboy
• Ballymacarret
• Malone Lower

Explore more of United Kingdom : Browse the best Hikes in other regions.

Tel: +44(0)7785738861/+44(0)7469331602 E: [email protected]  

E xperience and Learn about the History and Culture of our beautiful home. Take a private walking or driven tours across Northern Ireland Ask us to design a bespoke tour to trace your ancestory or follow a theme such as early Christian heritage, Ulster Scots, US Presidents or the US presence in NI during WW2.

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Walking Holidays Northern Ireland

Northern ireland.

• Walk the best of the Saint Patrick’s Way pilgrimage trail
• Visit the Giant’s Causeway, an ancient geological wonder
• Explore Game of Thrones filming locations in the Mourne Mountains
• Soak up the atmosphere of the Queen of the Glens in Glenariff
• Meet our Northern Irish hosts sharing their food, music and stories
• Be amazed by the sheer amount of birdlife on the rugged Rathlin Island

Experience one of our walking trips in Northern Ireland and discover some of the most scenic landscapes along the way. This fairly undiscovered corner of the island is home to rugged coasts, striking rock formations, lush green countryside and inspiring cities.

One of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks is the Giant’s Causeway, a geological wonder steeped in history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is visited on our Causeway Coast & Antrim Glens itineraries . Another one of our great walks is the Saint Patrick’s Way , following a pilgrim’s trail through the dramatic Mourne Mountains and beyond. With a warm welcome from the locals and atmospheric pubs, you are sure to enjoy your walking adventure in this beautiful part of the world.

Macs Adventure has been sending travellers on memorable journeys in Northern Ireland since 2009. We have researched this outstanding place and created some of the best walks that will be sure to delight. With a wealth of knowledge from our Destination & Adventure Specialists and an expert bookings team, all that is left for you to do is pick an itinerary!

Featured Adventures - Northern Ireland

Saint Patrick's Way Short Break

Causeway Coast and Antrim Glens

Causeway Coast Short Break

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Providing Tours of Derry / Londonderry for over 25 years

Attractions

Traffic & parking, providing tours of the city for over 25 years.

Originally started by ‘Mr Derry’ Martin McCrossan amidst the troubled time period in the city of the early 90s.  Martin was named ‘Tourism Hero’ by Tourism NI amongst winning many other accolades in his career as a tour guide.

Only 5 Star Tour Operator in Derry.

Charlene McCrossan , Martin’s daughter stepped into Martin’s shoes following his passing realizing that they were big shoes to fill.  She has since led the company from strength to strength and maintained Tourism NI’s 5 star status. 

Blue Badge in Tourist Guiding

In 2018, Charlene obtained her Blue Badge in Tourist Guiding. This is the highest professional tourist guiding qualification  and she is proudly the youngest Blue Badge professional tourist guide in the entire country.

Our History

Years in business, year old walled city, star walking tour (only 5* tour in the city), people in our team, our city tours offer a full factual background of our history.

PUBLIC TOURS EVERYDAY AT 10AM, 12NOON, 2PM & 4PM ONLY £6PP, NO NEED TO BOOK JUST SHOW UP AT 11 CARLISLE ROAD.

The McCrossan family background is integrated between the two main communities of Northern Ireland and through this we provide our visitors with a factual, non-bias tour.  We cover all aspects of the city’s history from the 6th century Christian settlement right up to the modern day troubles including Bloody Sunday.

Our guides are uniformed, professional and personable – be sure to look out for the yellow coats and you will not be disappointed.

"My husband and I did the walking tour with Tony around the walls of Derry which took approximately 1 hour and 15 mins. It was absolutely brilliant, so much history captured in a short time and the guide, Tony, was exceptional in providing an insight into the history of Derry. I would highly recommend this tour and guide, Tony, to anyone who wants to learn more about Derry and the troubles it has faced over the years. I left feeling in awe of the people of Derry, especially the women, their resilience after such trauma."

clairecarpenter78

“ I can highly recommend this walking tour to old and young, a great way to see the city and learn about its past and present. Our tour guide was Pat, he kept us all engaged and had us laughing and giggling throughout the tour, most enjoyable."

“ We had an amazing tour with Philip. He was very informative, knowledgeable and funny. Despite the rain and wind he had a good spirit, it was also very price worthy 6 pound for 1.5 hour walking tour, I definitely recommend it ☺️"

R4429VDsharona

"Charlene McCrossan has done her da proud!! Best tour! Charlene was funny, informative, every so knowledgeable and she really knew and understood how to lead a group that was so eager to see everything and learn everything they could in a mere hour and a half. She answered questions quickly and with such passion and insight. I really enjoyed this tour and highly recommend."

Seaside03814917852

" John McNulty was the guide who was amazing. His knowledge personality and humour made the hour long experience the best way to find out all about the history of this amazing city walls."

Voyage11184484523

" Did the walking tour on Thursday 5th January 2023 with Sorcha. It was a wonderful tour, Sorcha was so well informed, passionate about Derry and had a real warmth about her. She answered any questions with real skill and flair. Love that they linked it back at the end to the man that started the whole tour back 20+ years ago, sounds like a special man. Would thoroughly recommend to anyone else visiting Derry. Thank you!"

Louise99Ireland

" As we were visiting Derry we decided to do the Derry Girls walking tour and we had a great time. Garvan our tour guide was very knowledgeable and funny. Would highly recommend McCrossan walking tours in Derry for all types of tours. Professional and friendly and have a wealth of knowledge of their city."

In Proud Partnership with...

Company Overview Charlene McCrossan gives...

…an overview of the company & what the City of Derry has to offer.

Latest Blog Posts

Discover what to do, where to stay and where to eat by reading our latest blog posts.

Top 10 Things to do in Derry

Eating out in Derry

Museums In the City

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Cave Hill walking tour

Explore Belfast's famous hill with walking guide, Rodney and Nikki

Exploring Belfast’s famous hill in the company of a guide brings this landscape and all its stories to life

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“This must be the only place in Ireland where you can see giraffes and elephants on your walk.” I’m standing at the top of Cave Hill looking down at Belfast Zoo with walking guides Rodney Ferguson and Nicky Jones. And while we can’t see any giraffes, we do spy some brown bears lumbering around in the enclosure below. I imagine them scrambling up these shadowy hills after dark, roaming the silent forest and bellowing over the city.

Cave Hill, Belfast

© Shutterstock

Rising to a height of over 370 metres, and visible from almost everywhere in the city, Cave Hill occupies a special place in the hearts, minds and lives of Belfast’s citizens. Marked by the caves from which it gets its name, the hill is also famous for a lofty cliff called Napoleon’s Nose, which nature has sculpted to resemble the French emperor. Along the top of this ridge, there are also the remains of an Iron Age fortification called McArts Fort.

Girls relaxing on Cave Hill, Belfast

Man walking Cave Hill, Belfast

From here, the panoramic views stretch out to take in the Titanic Quarter , Belfast Lough and the Mourne Mountains . But from below, the craggy silhouette of Cave Hill looks imposing and monumental. In her poem, Mountain Shapes, 19th century poet Alice Milligan immortalised its connection to Belfast:

“Look up from the streets of the city,

Look high beyond tower and mast,

What hand of what Titan sculptor

Smoke the crags on the mountains vast”

These crags are said to have inspired author Jonathan Swift to create Gulliver’s Travels, resembling, as they do, a sleeping giant. And while there is no evidence to this story, it’s a romantic tale that certainly captures the imagination.

But Cave Hill doesn’t need tall tales – it has history, it has geology, it has drama. And a walk around it is the way to get to know it best.

Belfast Castle, Cave Hill Country Park

We started today’s Belfast Cave Hill Walking Tour down the hill at 19th century Scottish baronial-style Belfast Castle , set within elegant formal gardens which are filled, strangely enough, with cats.

“There are nine cats hidden in the garden, some are quite obvious,” explains guide Nicky as we look at a topiary cat, resplendent in green, “but I still haven’t found them all.”

Built in the late 19th century, the Belfast Castle estate is today largely used as a wedding venue, and while the interior is a little spartan, the views across Belfast Lough that tumble down from the drawing rooms are spectacular. It’s what the Shaftesbury family, who lived here in the 19th and 20th centuries, would surely have prized most about the place. In 1934, the family donated the castle to Belfast city and the Cave Hill Country Park was established in 1994.

Interior of Belfast Castle

Emerging into a fine drizzle that is typical of a “soft” Irish day, Nicky, Rodney and I set off. Heading up through the woods, we’re enveloped in a brilliant canopy of green with pockets of pale light spilling through the trees. We walk under beech and horse chestnuts, weaving along trails fringed with cow parsley, elderflower and nettle. “During the Famine years, nettles were used a lot,” Rodney tells me as we walk. “They’re a rich source of iron, but you have to get them young – the older leaves are full of toxins.”

This wilderness that sits above Belfast has unsurprisingly attracted diverse groups of people at different times through the ages from Iron Age Celts to 19th century workers looking for some downtime.

“Belfast is built on a limestone base with an overlay of basalt,” Rodney explains. “In the middle of that, there was a lot of flint – that’s what the earliest settlers would have made their tools from. And you can still find original axe heads and things scattered around the hills. In the Early Christian era, from around 400-800AD, there were actually a lot of people who lived here… hundreds of families.”

Walking guide, Rodney Ferguson, drinks from a spring

Wild garlic, sorrel and herbs are plentiful in the summer, Rodney explains as we head onward under the trees. We stop close to an earthy mound as he points out what he describes as a “volunteer’s well”. It was named after the Irish Volunteers of the late 18th century – a militia set up in response to the threat of a French or American invasion at the time.

“The water that’s springing up here is very pure,” says Rodney as he steps into the spring to take a sip. I learn that it takes an astonishing 1,000 years from when it falls as rain to get to the well through the limestone and the basalt. “Wells like this would have allowed anyone hiding out in these hills to survive,” Rodney tells me. This one was also used as a pit-stop by visitors who visited Cave Hill on their Easter break in the 19th century.

Landscapes of Cave Hill

On we go, hiking steeply up rough paths through the remainder of the forest. As we emerge out into open space, the sight of the famous caves come into view – large man-made craters that puncture the sheer cliff face. The caves were said to have been used in olden times as prison cells and hiding places and for storage. Today, it’s advised to stay away as the rock around here can be unstable.

Sights of Belfast and Northern Ireland on Cave Hill walking tour

More interestingly is the large semi-circle underneath the lowest cave, known as the “Devil’s Punchbowl”. “There was probably some mining activity here at one time,” Rodney says. “We don’t really know, but it was used in the early days by farmers who were bringing their cattle to market. They would have kept them down here for a couple of days to feed them up.”

Doesn’t explain the name though… Rodney smiles wryly. “It got its name from being somewhere people came to party. There were some notorious people back in the day who made poitín, which was called the ‘devil’s buttermilk’. This is where parties would have been held at Easter and in summer.”

Walking guide, Rodney Ferguson

As we head on up towards the summit of Cave Hill, Rodney points out ravens’ nests, swifts and swallows. “When you get to the top of the hill here, you might get a blast of wind coming from the other side,” he warns, and he’s not wrong. We’re out onto open pasture – a completely different landscape from what we’ve been walking in. The wind whips around as we look at a small cairn site, which possibly dates back to Neolithic times and Rodney explains about the continuing interest in excavations in this incredibly rich historical area.

As we walk to Napoleon’s Nose, it feels like we are a million miles away from Belfast city centre we’re looking out over. Under racing skies and in a wind that sweeps in soft mist one minute and blue skies the next, we look out onto sea, mountain and Belfast’s neighbourhoods.

We’ve a descent to do yet, which will take about 40 minutes, but for right now, at right this moment… it's a perfect place to be.

Where do you want to go?

Do you feel like tasting wild Atlantic sea spray on your lips? Strolling through vibrant city streets? Exploring ancient ruins? Right this way…

6 Day Northern Island Tour

The perfect way to tour northern ireland.

Tour Northern Ireland and the northwest coast on this relaxed journey of discovery, featuring excellent hotels, unforgettable sights and fun activities.

Explore the wild backroads of Mayo, medieval castles in Donegal and the epic Giant’s Causeway in Antrim. Overnight in a charming Irish castle hotel and visit the world’s biggest Titanic attraction.

Shop for authentic crafts and meet local people in friendly Irish villages, before visiting Northern Ireland’s cities: Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "We had an amazing driver (Danny). He was entertaining and fun. He also was flexible and took folks to places their ancestry was from when it was on the route. Small tours can get to places the big coaches cannot plus with a smaller group, you get to know people better and it takes less time getting on/off." Guest Review - Sept 2023

August 2024

September 2024, october 2024, august 2025, september 2025, october 2025.

*Price displayed is the discounted price for Mar, Apr and Oct.

If the date you want is full please contact us  and we will do our best to accommodate you.

A €250 deposit per person is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed .

**All tours are charged in EURO. Exchange rates quoted are online rates and may differ to the rate our payment partner Flywire and banks offer.

Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

Genuine Guest Reviews

Driftwood chose great hotel stays, a good variety of stops along the way and the vans were super comfortable to travel in.

We saw so much of Ireland that we probably wouldn't have experienced if we had tried to do this on our own. Driftwood had little surprises around every corner and the guides were open to some flexibility with the itinerary.

We would highly recommend travelling with Driftwood or Vagabond and would love to come back one day for more adventures.

We enjoyed every minute of this tour!

We enjoyed every site and location that we visited - and I learned so much about Ireland from our knowledgeable tour guides.

The level of activity was excellent - the tour was very well paced.

Accommodations and food were excellent ... I highly recommend Vagabond Tours!

We had an amazing driver (Danny)... He was entertaining and fun.

Small tours can get to places the big coaches cannot plus with a smaller group, you get to know people better and it takes less time getting on/off.

Danny set us up with an app where we could share photos with others in the group and message when we find something in the evening — like when we found good traditional Irish music in a pub that evening, we messaged and some folks joined us.

Find answers to questions about the 6 Day Driftwood Northern Island Tour itinerary.

What Currency Will I Need On Tour?

Euro is the main currency you'll use while touring in the Republic of Ireland.

If your tour visits Northern Ireland, you'll also use Pound sterling (£).

Which Small Group Tours of Ireland Visit Donegal?

Donegal is one of our favourite places to visit in Ireland. We know you'll love it too!

The following tour itineraries explore Donegal.

When & Where Do Vagabond/Driftwood Tours Depart From?

All of our tours leave from our pick-up/drop-off point at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin .

Our pick-up times from the Grand Canal Hotel vary by tour:

Who Guides The Tours?

All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.

We call them VagaGuides .

What Activities Have Weight Limits?

We always put guest safety first on Vagabond Cultural Adventures.

For this reason, when engaging in kayaking and horseback-riding activities, the following personal weight limits apply:

🐴 Horseback-Riding

Male weight limit: 238lbs / 17 stone / 108kg

Female weight limit: 225lbs / 16 stone / 102kg

Per person Double Kayak weight limit: 110kg / 17.5 stone / 245lbs

Total Double Kayak weight limit for 2 guests: 190kg / 30 stone / 420lbs

Per person Single Kayak weight limit: 92kg / 14.5 stone / 200lbs.

Are There Any Luggage Restrictions?

Yes, we do operate a limit on luggage.

Owing to the compact nature of our small-group tour vehicles , your luggage limit is one suitcase per person (no bigger than 30” or 75cm along their longest side).

Which Small-Group Tours Visit Northern Ireland?

We love introducing our guests to the wonderful cities and surprisingly wild coastline of Northern Ireland.

The following four small-group tour itineraries visit Northern Ireland:

What Day Do Tours Return To Dublin?

To help you plan your return flights, here are the days and times that our tours return to Dublin.

The return point for all tours is Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel

Where Can I Do Laundry On Tour?

Serviced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:

• 🧺 Dingle - Check which tours visit Dingle

Do All Hotels Provide Separate Bathrooms?

Yes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.

Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower and/or bath.

Where Is My Luggage Stored On Tour Vehicles?

The answer depends on which tour style you have chosen.

Driftwood vehicles have space for luggage onboard. Vagabond vehicles tow a trailer.

Which Small Group Tours Visit The Wild Atlantic Way?

The Wild Atlantic Way is one of our favourite routes to tour.

Here are all of the small-group tour itineraries that explore the Wild Atlantic Way.

A hot shower after a woodland stroll. A real fire. A pint. We assure you that wherever you stay with us, you’ll love it.

We put great effort into selecting accommodation on Driftwood tours. Your tour will overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations). Receive a heartfelt welcome, often from the hoteliers themselves. No hotel chains here!

Mount Falcon Estate Hotel

Situated in the heart of the Moy Valley, the 4 star Mount Falcon Estate offers 100 acres of magical woodlands to add to the adventure of the day.

If you have time, make sure you experience the hotel's spa and a falconry experience

This Victorian Gothic manor house was originally built as a wedding gift.

It's widely recognised as one of the the most romantic historic hotels in Ireland; perfect if you have an anniversary while on tour.

Abbey Hotel Donegal

Enjoy the charms of Donegal town at the comfortable Abbey Hotel.

Relax in superbly appointed bedrooms before savouring delicious food and lively traditional Irish music performances.

You're guaranteed a warm Irish welcome at the Abbey!

Ebrington Hotel

A contemporary spa hotel located just a stone's throw from the Guildhall Square in Derry/Londonderry.

The original building dates to 1842. However the Ebrington Hotel has been fully refurbished in 21st century style.

Make sure you pack your swimwear and make use of the hotel's luxurious spa facilities, including a pool.

Ballygally Castle Hotel

Ever stayed the night in a haunted castle? Now you can.

Sitting proudly on the scenic Northern Ireland coast, Ballygally Castle Hotel features a 400 year old tower house which is home to a friendly ghost. Spooky!

Ballygally is the only 17th century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today.

This elegant and welcoming hotel has become a firm guest favourite on our small-group tours of Northern Ireland.

The boutique Cuan has been in the heart of Strangford village since the early 1800s.

This is a unique hotel destination in a stunning setting.

The immediate area is a delight to explore. Strangford is home to beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for a relaxing stroll at the end of the day.

All Driftwood tours are flexible. Your 6 Day Driftwood Northern Island Tour is no different.

Unmissable activities are included. Where there are great options, we’ve left the final decision up to you. Feel free to choose your evening meals and lunches. All additional tour options are marked clearly below.

Brexit Notice: Please note all tours travelling into Northern Ireland will continue to run as normal and scheduled. Please contact us with any direct concerns you may have .

• A journey of discovery in a super-comfy, slick Mercedes mini-coach
• The services of a highly-trained and professional VagaGuide tour guide
• 6 full days on tour
• 5 nights' accommodation
• 5 delicious and filling hot Irish breakfasts
• Most daily activities and essential attractions
• A one night stay in a castle hotel
• Entrance into the world famous Giant's Causeway, Donegal Castle, Dunluce Castle and Hillsborough Castle
• A guided walking tour of Derry/Londonderry
• A guided sheepdog demo in Sligo
• Shuttle bus in Glenveagh National Park

All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at time of publication. Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season. This is a rare occurence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.

** Cash is required for this activity. No card payment available.

• Boat Trip at Slieve League Cliffs** €25.00 Guided boat trip in the shadow of 2000ft high sea cliffs. Cash required.
• Entrance to Donegal Castle €5.00 Self-guided tour of 15th century Donegal Castle.
• Glenveagh Castle Tour €7.00 Guided historic tour of Glenveagh Castle Tour in Donegal
• Bushmills Whiskey Tasting £10.00 Tasting at the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
• Giant's Causeway Shuttle Bus £1/€1.20 Shuttle bus from Giant's Causeway visitor centre to the stone formation.
• Black Cab Tour** £20.00 Guided Belfast tour. Recommended. Cash Required (£GBP Sterling).
• Titanic Experience £24.95 Self-guided tour of the world's largest Titanic visitor experience.

6 Day Driftwood Northern Island Tour Intro & Highlights

• Experience the historic cities and spectacular natural scenery of Northern Ireland and the rugged northwest region.
• Visit the geological wonder that is the Giant's Causeway , Northern Ireland's World Heritage site.
• Board a boat trip to Slieve League , the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe.
• Traverse mountain passes and pristine beaches in Donegal , one of Ireland’s most beautiful but undiscovered counties.
• Take a history tour with a local guide to see street murals and learn about the 'Troubles' in Belfast , capital of Northern Ireland.
• Relive epic battles on a historic walking tour of Ireland’s only fully intact walled city; Derry/Londonderry .
• Overnight in high quality guesthouses and locally-owned hotels .
• Take a guided tour of the castle where the British Royal Family stay in Northern Ireland.
• Meet master craftspeople and skilled artisans in working craft studios.
• Encounter authentic culture and local experiences in off the beaten track destinations.

Day 1: Let’s Hit The Prehistoric Road!

Begin your Driftwood Journey of Discovery from Dublin , bound for Mayo in Ireland's northwest .

• Discover an Iron Age trackway at Corlea . Europe's oldest oak road was constructed nearly 2200 years ago.
• Explore Ireland’s rich rural heritage at the Museum of Country Life ; a modern exhibition space set amid landscaped gardens.

Accommodation tonight is at The Mount Falcon Estate & Spa.

The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.

Day 2: Donegal Boat Trip & Sheepdog Demo

Travel from Mayo to Donegal in Ireland's remote northwestern corner.

• Watch shepherd and dog working perfectly in tandem during a sheepdog demo (Fee Included).
• Scenic coastal drive to Slieve League  with the option to take a boat trip under these towering sea cliffs (Optional Extra).
• Alternatively, shop for crafts in Donegal town with the option of a self-guided tour of Donegal Castle (Optional Extra).

Accommodation tonight is at The Abbey Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Day 3: National Park & Walking History Tour

Northward, ever northward! We travel today from Donegal to Derry/Londonderr y in Northern Ireland .

• Watch for wild deer in Glenveagh National Park  with the choice of an historic castle tour (Optional Extra).
• Enjoy panoramic 360° vistas from the Celtic stone ringfort, Grianán of Aileach .
• Take a guided walking tour of Ireland’s only walled city, Derry/Londonderry .

Accommodation tonight is at Ebrington Hotel.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Day 4: Castle Hotel Stay & Giant’s Causeway

Touring Northern Ireland, we move from Derry/Londonderry along the Antrim coast .

• Walk in the footsteps of Finn McCool at the legendary Giant's Causeway (Fee Included). Shuttle bus available (Optional Extra).
• Game of Thrones fan Alert! Look out for Theon Greyjoy stepping ashore at tiny Ballintoy Harbour.
• Whiskey tasting at Bushmills, the world's oldest licensed Irish whiskey distillery (Optional Extra).

Accommodation tonight is at Ballygally Castle Hotel.

Day 5: Belfast History Tour & Royal Castle

• Sea cliffs and a welcome spa hotel, travelling from Antrim to Newcastle via Belfast city.
• Explore the vibrant history of Belfast on a historical Black Cab Tour (Optional Extra).
• Visit the Titanic Centre , the world's largest Titanic visitor experience (Optional Extra).
• Guided tour of Hillsborough Castle & Gardens , the British Royal Family's residence in Northern Ireland (Fee Included).

Accommodation tonight is at The Cuan Hotel.

The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.

Day 6: Mountains, Castles & Celtic Crosses

Headed south from Down to Dublin, there’s still time for some of Ireland’s top highlights on your final day

• Step back in time to imagine kings, earls and lords battling over Dundrum Castle .
• Revel at the Celtic high crosses of Monasterboice .
• Farewell hugs all round for your new Driftwooder friends in Dublin between 5-6pm.

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Guided Walking Tours LP (Ireland)

Guided walking tours of ireland.

Our guided walking holidays in Ireland are designed for your convenience and enjoyment. You’ll enjoy a relaxed pace so you can appreciate the stunning scenery along Ireland’s most iconic walking routes.

Prefer hiking on your own at your own pace? You might like our self guided walking tours in Ireland instead. Choose from a variety of routes and lengths of hikes with a plan that’s completely organised for you, from accommodations to luggage transfers and more!

About Our Guided Hiking Tours in Ireland

Ireland boasts a variety of routes and regions where you can enjoy diverse landscapes and beautiful scenery. From mesmerising coastal routes to ancient ruins, from easy woodland trails to challenging ascents, you can find whatever you enjoy right here on a hiking tour in Ireland.

At Footfalls Walking Holidays, we cater to each unique group, ensuring everyone is comfortable and safe as we walk together each day. With lots of single travellers, as well as some couples and families, we like to give everyone space and time to get to know each other and to find a comfortable cadence as we walk together.

Our daily walks range between 10 and 15 kilometres per day and we cap our groups at 14 total to keep things fun and easy to manage.

From your arrival at the airport, we take care of everything along the way: luggage transfers, transportation, food, accommodation, and showing you daily trails and landmarks.

We choose accommodations in local family-run bed and breakfasts, small hotels or guesthouses, where you will enjoy a friendly welcome and all the comforts of home.

You can join us as an individual, couple, or as part of a group of friends or family. Our hope is for you to return home revitalised and refreshed after your guided walking tour of Ireland and its stunning natural beauty!

Below, you’ll find our recommended routes around Ireland that we know and love. If you have any questions at all, feel free to contact us and we’d be delighted to help.

Guided Walking Routes in Ireland

Ireland north.

8-Day Guided Walking Tour: Donegal & Antrim (Ireland North)

Grade: Easy to Moderate

7-Day Guided Walking Holiday in Belfast & The Mourne Mountains

Ireland north west.

Our guided walking tours of Ireland takes in the quaint island of Achill, Ballycroy National Park and the magnificent wild Atlantic seacliffs of Carrowteige. 

8-Day Guided Wild Atlantic Way Walking Tour: North-West (Ireland North-West)

Grade: Easy

Ireland West

8-Day Guided Walking Tour: Connemara, The Burren & Aran Islands (Ireland West)

Ireland south-west.

8-Day Guided Walking Tour: Cork & Kerry (Ireland Southwest)

8-Day Guided Walking Tour: Wild Atlantic Way South-West (Ireland South-West)

Ireland east.

8-Day Guided Walking Tour in Wales & Wicklow

6-Day Guided Walking Tour: Wicklow Mountains Deluxe (Ireland East)

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Emerald Isle of Ireland

July 4 – 11, 2024 • 8 days • $3890.

Optional Aran Islands Pre-tour July 2 – 4, 2024 • 3 Days • $1490

Optional Northern Ireland & Giant’s Causeway Extension July 11 – 13, 2024 • 3 Days • $1590

As travelers, we’re always looking for pots of gold at the end of the wanderer’s rainbow, that postcard-perfect vista, a priceless interaction with a local, or that magical musical experience that delights us anew with the gifts of mankind on this one-of-a-kind planet!

We’ve found many such opportunities in Ireland—it’s a country rich in cultural experiences and “pots of gold” for adventurous travelers. Check out the full itinerary below and consider joining us for things highlights and many others.

• Cliffs of Moher  – where we contemplate the diminutive state of man as we walk along windswept sandstone cliffs, 600 feet above the crashing waves of the Atlantic (Pre-tour)
• Dun Aengus fortress  – an ancient seaside patchwork of remote stone walls on the rugged Aran Island of Inishmore (Pre-tour);
• Gallarus Oratory  – marveling at the simple, enduring architectural genius of medieval monks during our walk through the emerald-green landscapes of Dingle Peninsula, western-most point of Europe
• Gap of Dunloe  – a winding gorge path that courses beside quiet mountain lakes and crosses babbling brooks on ageless, arched stone bridges
• Glendalough  – gazing down from our walking trail in the enchanting Wicklow Mountains onto the monastery’s centuries-old Round Tower on our trail along the verdant “valley between the lakes”
• Dublin  – imbibing the spirit of Ireland’s capital and a quintessential walking city, on an all-day walk that captures points of historical import and cultural connections
• Giant’s Causeway  – situated on the northern coast of Northern Ireland (Extension), one of our most spectacular sea cliff walks winds through one of only 3 UNESCO sites in the island of Ireland

EMERALD ISLE OF IRELAND

• All land travel by motorcoach as outlined
• Superior tourist-class or better hotel accommodations
• 12 meals: All breakfasts and 5 dinners as listed (BD)
• 4 walk routes
• Walking fees for those collecting IVV credit (pending sanction approval)
• Cultural and historical expertise of national and local guides throughout
• WAI guide service throughout (2 guides)
• All tipping for national and local guides, coach drivers and group meals
• Pricing is based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms is available for a supplement of $625. We also provide a roommate matching service.

Activities/Visits to:

• Slea Head Drive – Dingle Peninsula
• Gallarus Oratory – Dingle Peninsula
• Killarney National Park
• Upper Lake boat ride
• Rock of Cashel visit
• Glendalough Visitor Centre
• Dublin on an all-day walk
• Riverdance stage show
• More fun stops than we can list!

OPTIONAL ARAN ISLANDS, GALWAY, & CLIFFS OF MOHER PRE-TOUR

• Round-trip ferry transportation to Inishmore, one of the Aran Islands
• Minibus transportation on Inishmore
• Tourist-class or better hotel accommodations
• 4 meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners as listed (BD)
• 3 walk routes
• Fees for 1 walk for those collecting IVV credit (pending sanction approval)
• Pricing is based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms are available for a supplement of $200 per person. We also provide a roommate matching service.
• Cliffs of Moher visit and walk
• Guided walk on Inishmore
• Dun Aengus fortress on Inishmore
• Guided walking tour of Galway

OPTIONAL NORTHERN IRELAND & GIANT’S CAUSEWAY EXTENSION

• Superior tourist-class hotel accommodations
• 5 meals: All breakfasts and 2 dinners as listed (BD)
• 1 walk route at Giant’s Causeway
• Pricing is based on double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms is available for a supplement of $290. We also provide a roommate matching service.
• Guided bus & walking tour of Belfast
• Giant’s Causeway National Trust Visitor Centre and walk
• Antrim Coast scenic drive

Click on each day to reveal more details. (BLD) refers to meals included – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Travelers arrive throughout the day into Shannon International Airport on the west side of Ireland, about a 30-minute taxi ride to our hotel in Limerick. The day is free in Limerick until a Welcome Dinner this evening to rendezvous with the group coming back from the Pre-tour in the Aran Islands.

Our coach takes us towards the southwest corner of Ireland this morning, through counties Kerry and Tralee, bound for the lovely Dingle peninsula.

Tralee is known for roses and its renowned Rose of Tralee International Festival and beauty contest held later in August. The original Rose of Tralee was a beautiful young woman from 19 th  century Tralee named Mary O’Conner who was at the center of a tragic story of love denied and premature death. Tralee is a good place for a stroll through the rose garden and lunch on your own.

The Dingle area is a  Gaeltacht , meaning one of the few remaining enclaves where the Irish language, Gaelige, is still the mother tongue and the language of the street. After checking into the hotel, join us for a drive around Dingle Peninsula on the spectacular Slea Head Drive. Several stops are planned to enjoy dramatic coastal panoramas.

We spend two nights in Dingle enjoying one of the most traditionally Irish corners of the Emerald Isle!

Dingle Pilgrim Way – 5/9 km, rated 2B/4C

This morning’s Dingle Peninsula trail combines fuchsia-lined country lanes, pastoral rural landscapes, and early Christian stone monuments like Gallarus Oratory (6th to 9th century) and Kilmalkedar Church (12th century).

After the 5 km route, travelers have the option of heading back to town by bus for a free afternoon and evening in Dingle, or participation in a “challenge” walk. Your WAI guides will brief you on what to expect, but a “challenge” walk is simply one that encompasses more difficult trail than our typical route. In this case, it is an additional 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and rated 4C.

The evening is free to experience the charms of small-town Ireland. Enjoy taking in the waterfront atmosphere on the Dingle Harbor with its photogenic fishing fleet and relax with a pub dinner–the many pubs of Dingle offer an opportunity to enjoy a traditional Irish musical jam session!

Gap of Dunloe Walk – 12 km, rated 2A

Glacier-carved Gap of Dunloe, in Killarney National Park, provides the setting for today’s memorable nature walk, a perennial WAI favorite. The plethora of panoramas in this dramatic gorge is accentuated by its babbling brook, crossed at intervals by picturesque stone bridges as it courses between remote mountain lakes.

Following a boat ride through the lovely vistas of Upper Lake, a short drive delivers us to our hotel in the town of Killarney.

A scenic drive across counties Tipperary and Cork takes us to today’s highlight, a visit to magnificent, medieval Rock of Cashel. This craggy stronghold rises dramatically from the Tipperary Plains and boasts a heritage of both royal and religious power dating back to the 5th century. We’ll hear the story from a local guide, imagining Celtic pathos, passion, and feats of derring-do going back over 1500 years!

The Great Famine, also known as The Great Hunger, was sparked by the 1845 potato crop failure caused by a potato blight. This was the first of four consecutive crop failures and the beginning of mass starvation and disease that prompted mass emigration.

From a starting population of 8 million, over a million people died of famine or disease and an additional 2 million forever said “goodbye” to Ireland. Built in 1845, the first year of the famine, the Dunbrody ship carried thousands of emigrants to North America between 1845 and 1851.

Upon arrival in New Ross, we visit a replica of the Dunbrody on a guided tour with costumed performers. This living history experience vividly connects us with the single greatest disaster in Irish history.

Glendalough Between the Lakes Walk – 5/9 km, rated 1A/2B

Our Adventure on the Emerald Isle continues this morning at the 6th century monastic city of Glendalough in the enchanting green Wicklow Mountains. The film in the visitor center and our nature walk in this “valley between the lakes” offer an intriguing glimpse into ancient Irish Catholicism, in a breathtaking setting.

Later this afternoon, we arrive in Dublin, capital of Ireland, founded, surprisingly, by Vikings in the 9th century.

Dinner is on your own this evening, but be sure to finish in time for an unforgettable taste of Ireland’s fast-paced music and dance. Riverdance is an internationally acclaimed team of singers, dancers, and musicians that epitomizes the Celtic energy of this uniquely Irish form of entertainment (The Riverdance show is contingent upon scheduling and availability of tickets).

Story of Dublin Walk – 11 km, rated 1A

A walk from our hotel passes Grafton Street, the National Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College, housing the Book of Kells (admissions not included).

Walkers are free to “peel off” from the group at any time during the walk. This is a walk that could easily take a full day, and more; it’s the perfect way to experience this charming and very walkable Irish capital. Our plan, however, is to arrive at Trinity College around lunch time. This is the most obvious place leave the group because of the chance to see the famous Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is an “illuminated” (highly decorated) manuscript of the four gospels of the New Testament created in the 9 th  century by monks of the St. Columba order.

The balance of the afternoon is free to enjoy Dublin on your own, do some final shopping, or pack up for tomorrow’s departure.

Join us this evening to share a light-hearted Farewell Dinner and reminisce about our experiences together in this blessed  Emerald Isle of Ireland .

You are free to depart at your leisure this morning. WAI guides will help batch travelers who share a similar departure schedule and would like to share a taxi to Dublin International Airport. It’s time to return to our North American reality. We won’t soon forget our Walking Adventure through the history, culture, and scenery of enchanting Ireland!

ARAN ISLANDS, GALWAY, & THE CLIFFS OF MOHER PRE-TOUR

Travelers arrive throughout the day into Shannon International Airport on the west side of Ireland, about a 30 minute taxi ride to our hotel in Limerick.

The only group activity is our Welcome Orientation and dinner this evening in anticipation of an unforgettable Emerald Isle of Ireland pre-tour to explore the Aran Islands, Galway, & the stunning Cliffs of Moher!

Cliffs of Moher Walk – 2 km, rated 1A

Our coach takes us into County Clare this morning to marvel at vistas along the stupendous Cliffs of Moher, 600-foot tall sandstone cliffs rising boldly out of the North Atlantic Ocean.

In addition to clifftop panoramas over Galway Bay, a bonus walk is available here to bring you even closer to this geological wonder! Lunch is also available at the visitor centre café. What a spectacular place to have a sandwich!

From Doolin, we board a ferry crossing Galway Bay to visit the largest of the remote and rugged Aran Islands. Up arrival, we’ll take advantage of minibus transportation for a guided tour to the highest point of the island on one of Ireland’s less visited corners.

From here, we see the Bronze Age Dun Aengus Fortress we visit on tomorrow’s walk. We also gain a sense of the barren nature of the island—gray sandstone dominates the landscape in all directions.

After exploring Inishmore’s austere beauty, we check into our hotel following a unique day on Galway Bay. Join us this evening for a scrumptious dinner in our hotel in Kilronan, the main settlement on an island of less than 900 souls.

Inishmore Dun Aengus Fortress Walk – 5 km rated 2B Galway Walking Tour – 2 km, unrated

We start early this morning, anticipating a memorable experience on an ancient trail that winds between a patchwork of picturesque stone walls to Dun Aengus Fortress.

This prehistoric fortress (over 3000 years old) perched atop 300-foot tall sea cliffs presides over one of Ireland’s most remote and starkly ageless corners. This island of bare limestone forced early settlers to manufacture soil by hand, mixing sand and seaweed on the barren plateau.

The ferry returns us to the mainland where we rejoin our coach on the northern side of the bay and drive to the storied city of Galway, named European Capital of Culture for 2020.

After time for lunch, an afternoon walking tour with our national guide introduces us to this charming town of pedestrianized lanes offering stories of the “tribes”, Anglo-Norman merchant families who dominated the city beginning in the 15th century.

Later, we motor south to our hotel in Limerick to rendezvous for dinner with travelers arriving for the Main tour.

NORTHERN IRELAND & GIANT’S CAUSEWAY EXTENSION

Travelers who opt for the optional extension into Northern Ireland are in for 2 busy days of exploring this beautiful and oft-contentious corner of the island. We head across the border bound for Belfast, where we connect with this historic city on a 3-hour bus and walking tour.

Our objective is to gain understanding of The Troubles, a period of conflict between Irish nationalist (loyal to Ireland) Catholics and Protestant unionist (loyal to the UK) immigrants from Scotland and northern England. The Troubles rose to a crescendo during 30 years of fighting from the 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998.

Later this afternoon, we check into our hotel for dinner and a 2-night stay.

Giant’s Causeway Sea Cliff Walk – 10 km, rated 2B

The scenic wonders of Northern Ireland are our focus today.

Giant’s Causeway is the venue for one of our favorite nature walks (WAI guide Tim lists it in his top 3)—a stretch of stunning sea cliff scenery on the north coast of the island. Non-stop clifftop vistas climax at Giant’s Causeway, visually stunning, honeycomb-shaped basaltic rock formations that comprise Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Our route back to Belfast introduces us to the stunning seascapes of the Antrim Coast. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1988, this 20 mile stretch of craggy coastline contains some of the island’s most jaw-dropping coastal panoramas.

We finish two rich days of exploring Northern Ireland with a Farewell Dinner this evening back in Belfast.

The Emerald Isle of Ireland has so much to offer. We’ve seen a good portion of it together, returning home with renewed appreciation for the history, culture, and natural wonders of this blessed corner of our planet.

Before You Book

Click on each heading for more details.

To register, a non-refundable $300 deposit is required to hold your spot. A final payment is due 90 days before departure and is non-refundable after the due date. You will receive a prompt email from us 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

Soon after registration, an “Adventure Advice” email will be sent with critical information on flight arrangements as well as important steps to take in the months before your trip.  Please do not buy your airline tickets  until you review this Adventure Advice email.

Please follow this link to read our full  General Tour Conditions .

With help from local experts and walking guides, Classic Curated itineraries are crafted with extensive on-site planning by WAI tour planners.

When designing Classic Curated Tours, our objective is to capture the essence of a destination—the history, culture, and natural wonders unique to that part of the world. We then build activities and walks that take us  inside  these characteristics.

Yes, these tours are educational, but they are also interactive and immersive; walking gets us off the bus and penetrates local cultures to not only see, but also touch, smell, and feel these special spaces.

Along the way, interactions with locals amplify the experience by sharing insights into the magic of that particular location.

Part of the WAI travel philosophy is a continual fine-tuning of tours we already know well. In the case of Ireland, we’ve been visiting the Emerald Isle since the early 90s as part of longer, wider-ranging British Isles itineraries.

In 2003 we conducted an in-depth, on-site scouting trip to build our first tour dedicated solely to Ireland and Northern Ireland. Nine tours and innumerable adjustments and tweaks later, the 2024 edition of this Adventure is the outcome of these many years of experience on the Emerald Isle.

We generally walk at a pace of 2 to 3 miles per hour. Several walks on this trip are oriented more towards education, and therefore take longer due to stops for guide commentary. Nature walks, on the other hand, generally continue at a steadier pace because we’re stopping less to talk.

In most cases, we are not “strolling.” We are walking at a relaxed but steady pace. Your experience will be significantly affected by your level of physical fitness. If not walking regularly at home, we strongly recommend that you make a priority of “training” beforehand in order to both enjoy the trip and avoid medical issues due to overexertion. If you have questions about your ability to participate, please call our office at 1.360.260.9393.

We have adopted a walk difficulty rating system which contains a numeric indicator for trail incline and an alpha indicator for trail terrain. The explanation for this system is presented on the table below:

1. Minimal hills or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: <200 feet. 2. Some moderate hills and stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 200-1000 feet. 3. Some significant hill or stair climbing. Cumulative elevation gain: 1000-2000 feet.

A. Almost entirely on pavement. B. A significant part of the route is on well-groomed trails with very few obstacles. C. A significant part of the route is on somewhat difficult terrain (rocky / rooted paths or soft sand).

Both the  Emerald Isle of Ireland  and the  Aran Islands, Galway, & the Cliffs of Moher Pre-tour start in Limerick and finish in Dublin. The official starting point is our hotel in Limerick, best served by Shannon Airport, (airport code SNN). The official finishing point of the tour is our hotel in Dublin, best served by Dublin Airport (airport code DUB).

The Northern Ireland & Giant’s Causeway Extension finishes at our hotel in Belfast, which is best served by Belfast International Airport (airport code BFS).

Transfers are not included in the tour price but taxi service is easily arranged upon arrival at the Shannon airport. WAI guides will help batch travelers who share a similar departure schedule and would like to share a taxi to Dublin Airport and Belfast International Airport.

We recommend that you contact Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. In this age of airfare complications and airport uncertainty, using a travel agent is a good investment! More details about flight arrangements and travel agent contact information will be provided in an Adventure Advice PDF by email after you register for the Adventure.   Please do not book your airfare prior to receiving these flight details from us !

• Laura Pfahler: 503.434.6401 or  [email protected]

WAI believes strongly in the importance of travel insurance for financial and medical protection from any number of unforeseen circumstances that can arise before departure or during your Adventure. Many travel insurance providers are available for you to consider. Laura Pfahler and Sharon Mitchell of World Travel Inc. are travel agents who provides air travel and insurance services to many WAI travelers.

Laura Pfahler: 503-434-6401 or  [email protected] Sharon Mitchell: 971-261-2091 or  [email protected]

Check out  Insurance Tips   from World Travel for a short introduction to travel insurance. (NOTE: WAI receives no commission or financial remuneration from World Travel Inc.).

Be aware that some travel insurance policies contain time-sensitive provisions (i.e. some benefits, such as coverage of pre-existing conditions, are available only if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of the purchase of the travel package). In addition, remember that airfare is not covered by any travel insurance policy you may have purchased for the tour.

As always, do some shopping to ensure you are getting the best value. Using the  SquareMouth.com  website can be a good way to compare pricing.

Other options include:

• Travel Guard
• Travel Insured International

WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by various credit card companies. If you are relying on this type of benefit for insurance, we advise you to verify coverage types and limits and that your purchase does in fact qualify you for this insurance.

NOTE: We suggest purchasing from a reputable, well-established insurance company (avoid buying insurance from an unknown company found only online). Travelers interested in purchasing “cancel for any reason” insurance coverage should be careful to check pricing and terms BEFORE they register for a tour. Recent changes in the international travel landscape has caused changes in the policies of some insurance companies, and made the purchase of this particular type of policy even more time-sensitive.

Walking Adventures International reserves the right to cancel this tour departure with fewer than 15 participants, in which case registered participants will receive a 100% refund of payments received.

This refund policy contains one exclusion. Many suppliers require non-refundable deposits as a condition of booking services. Though it is rare, unforeseen circumstances can force us to cancel a tour. In cases where supplier’s non-refundable policies are imposed, WAI attempts to retrieve as much of these deposits as possible but cannot guarantee a 100% refund. In cases where full refunds cannot be obtained for a cancelled tour, we will do our best to transfer unrefunded money as traveler credits to be applied to a future tour to that destination.

Our approach to wellness on tour has traditionally been to encourage travelers to:

• Focus on health before the tour so you start healthy.
• Pace yourself while on tour; travel is inherently stimulating and can produce adrenalin boosts that mask energy drain. Guard your energy reserves and consider the length of the trip and whether to opt out of some activities and/or walks.
• Be self-aware. If you feel yourself tiring or feel a bug coming on, take precautions to block it (e.g. extra rest, extra doses of vitamin C, etc).
• If you feel a bug coming on or if you take ill, distance yourself from others when possible.
• If you feel ill, isolate yourself towards the back of the bus and away from others

Click  WAI Wellness on Tour Policy  to view the WAI policy on Wellness on Tour.

Soon after registration, an “Adventure Advice” email will be sent with critical information on flight arrangements as well as important steps to take in the months before your trip. Please do not buy your airline tickets until you review this Adventure Advice email.

A final payment is due 90 days before departure (April 5, 2024) and is non-refundable after the due date. You will receive a prompt email from us a week or two in advance. Please see our General Tour Conditions  for the full terms and conditions for participation in this Adventure.

Around 2 weeks before departure, you will receive a final email packet with details of the program, including hotel names and contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule.

Take a few minutes to peruse the  Emerald Isle of Ireland itinerary. This Adventure adds more evidence that walking is still and always the best way to experience our world!

Adventure Pace

Tour Pace: 1 2 3 4 5 Walk Challenge: 1 2 3 4 5

How much Adventure do you want? Here are a few features to help gauge the following factors on each tour.

Tour Pace: On a scale of 1 (slowest pace) to 5 (fastest pace), we’ve rated the following factors: number of 1-night hotels; driving miles per day; fullness of schedule; mid-tour airline flights; high elevation setting; and average amount of walking per day.

Walk Challenge: This number represents an average walk difficulty rating for the tour using a scale of 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest).

Important Info

Accommodations

Transportation

Traveler Age

Your guides.

Tim Friesen has explored the charming towns and verdant countryside of Ireland since 2004, leading 9 departures of our Ireland tour thus far!

Tim leads a range of walking adventures for WAI, both in Europe and the USA. He recently retired from a long and happy career as a high school choir teacher in Molalla, Oregon, which explains why he is sometime known to burst into song on the trail.

Tim is particularly eager to be returning to lovely Ireland to share its unique charms with a group of happy, inquisitive walkers. Tim is joined by his son, Christopher, and our excellent local guide, Gerard Mangan. Together, this trio looks forward to sharing the delights of the Emerald Isle with you!

Christopher Friesen brings a blend of musical artistry and cultural curiosity to Walking Adventures.

Christopher’s lifelong dedication to music as an entertainer and private educator has taken him abroad to destinations such as Indonesia, China, Japan, Estonia, and Scandinavia, broadening his perspective and respect for historical context and diverse worldviews.

Beyond musical pursuits, Chris is an outdoor enthusiast, engaging in mountaineering, backpacking, biking, and skiing. He is excited to assist his dad, Tim, in sharing new destinations with WAI travelers.

Gerard Mangan  has been our local guide on several past trips to Ireland and is a perennial favorite with travelers!

Gerard makes his home in Galway City, and is a qualified Fáilte Ireland National Tour Guide with a Diploma in Archaeology from the National University of Ireland Galway. Gerard has been guiding groups for the past 20+ years and enjoys hiking in his free time as well – to date, he has hiked in all of the mountain ranges of Ireland and walked extensively in Scotland and other parts of Europe. Gerard looks forwarding to sharing the trails of Ireland with you!

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