Northern discovery for the culturally curious

 

Morning

Westport House

Location: Westport, Co. Mayo
Duration: 60 mins – 1.5hours

Regarded by many as one of Ireland’s most beautiful homes Westport House is one of the few still privately-owned historic houses left in Ireland. Its history dates as far back as to the 1500s and to the trail-blazing pirate queen, Grace O’Malley. Framed by Croagh Patrick and set on 430 acres of estate, a guided tour and visit to Westport House is one to remember.

Lunch

Creel on the Quays

Location: The Quays, Westport, Co. Mayo.

Afternoon 

Old Irish Goat Centre & Sanctuary

Location: Mulranny, Co. Mayo
Duration: 40 mins – 1 hour

Newly opened in 2020 it tells the story of a unique, charismatic Irish animal that a small community along the Wild Atlantic Way is working hard to protect and preserve for future generations: the Old Irish Goat. There is a cosy interpretive centre, craft shop showcasing all local talent and a paddock where visitors can meet some of the goat kids, which makes a this a really special, worthwhile and local experience.

 

Morning

The Céide Fields

Location: Ballycastle, Co. Mayo
Duration: 1.5 hours

The Céide Fields are the oldest known field systems in the world, nearly six millenia old, preserved beneath a blanket of peat on the Wild Atlantic Way. The visitor centre is re-opening with a totally re-imagined interpretive experience in the summer of 2021 with exhibitions, a 45-minute outdoor guided walking tour and tearoom. The tours explore the excavated Neolithic walls and allow visitors to probe for a buried wall 2m beneath their feet.

Lunch

Mary’s Cottage Kitchen

Location: Ballycastle, Co. Mayo

Afternoon 

Wild Food Foraging Tour at The Horseshoe

Location: Ballintrillick, Horseshoe Valley, Co. Sligo.
Duration: 1.5 hours

Come on a walk with herbalist and chef Gaby Wieland, find and identify many wild foods that grow along Irish hedgerows. From dandelion to nettles and meadowsweet to hawthorn, from leaves and flowers to berries and roots. Learn how nutritious these foraged foods are and how to use them. There will be tastings and recipes at the end of the walk. Inspiring and a lot of fun.

 

Morning

Electric biking at Glenveagh National Park

Location: Church Hill, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal
Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours

A relatively effortless way to enjoy Glenveagh’s gardens, nature, and fantastic surroundings. Glenveagh National Park is a remote and hauntingly beautiful wilderness of rugged mountains, pristine lakes, tumbling waterfalls and enchanted native oak woodland in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains in the north west of County Donegal. At the centre of the park on the edge of Lough Veagh is Glenveagh Castle, a late 19th century castellated mansion, built as a hunting lodge. Look out for the two golden eagles’ resident at the park.

Lunch

Glenveagh Castle Tearooms

Location: Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal

Afternoon 

Ballymastocker Bay and guided tour of Fanad Head Lighthouse

Location: Fanad Head, Co. Donegal
Duration: 1 hour

Head north via Harry Blaney Bridge to Fanad Head, admire pretty Portsalon and Ballymastocker Bay, (voted the second most beautiful beach in the world) enroute and take a guided tour of Fanad Head Lighthouse and climb the 76 steep steps to the summit. Hear stories of the lighthouse keepers and their families and learn about the light and aids to navigation. Your tour will culminate with a climb to the top of the tower, where you will be treated to spectacular 360-degree views of north Donegal.

 

Morning

Fort Dunree

Location: Dunree, Linsfort, Buncrana, Co. Donegal
Duration: 2 hours

Take the ferry from Rathmullan to Buncrana and visit Fort Dunree. Choose from a series of walks around Dunree Head, taking in amazing panoramas as well as wonderful views of Dunree Beach and over Lough Swilly all the way to the Fanad Peninsula. For the more adventurous consider kayaking off the rocks at Fort Dunree with Inish Adventures. A trip that takes in the sights of this important historical fort from the sea, exploring the caves, archways, wildlife, and coastal heritage of the adjoining coastline. Comfort stop at the onsite Coffee Cup Café at Fort Dunree.

Lunch

Nancy’s Barn

Location: Ballyliffin, Co. Donegal

Afternoon 

Malin Head

Location: Malin Head, Co. Donegal
Duration: 1 hour

Head north to Malin Head – Ireland’s most northerly point. Feel the power of this romantic landscape, where wildlife flourishes and Star Wars fans can walk in the footsteps of Jedi masters. Check out the incredible views from Banba’s Crown and take pictures at the Devil’s Bridge. If the Northern Lights are forecast, there’s a good chance you’ll see the spectacular aurora borealis from Malin Head.

Dinner

Morning

Stroll Pollan Beach and depart