Tour The Northern Way 7-Day Self-Drive Tour

Meals

We are advised to breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper! Every morning you will be treated to hearty breakfast to set you up for a day of adventures. All accommodation providers are delighted to cater for any special dietary requirements. Please let us know in advance. Lunch and dinner are not included.

Transport

A wide range of cars available for our self-drive tours.

Accommodation

Top class accommodation in locally run guesthouses. We also have options of hotels and castle experiences. After a day of sightseeing, road tripping, cycling or even challenging the Atlantic waves you need to get a good night’s sleep. The famous Irish welcome awaits you at our tried and loved accommodation the length and breadth of the Emerald Isle.

Others

Paddy the Pocket Pilot App – This is your virtual tour guide and 24/7 concierge service during your self-drive tour of Ireland. You can chat with Paddy anytime and get some tips from our expert team at the Overland headquarters. Detailed and easy to follow daily itineraries Simple maps and instructions on how to navigate your way around our beautiful country. All entrance fees to all national parks on your itinerary. Newgrange Titanic experience Crumlin Gaol Giants Causeway Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge Glenveagh National Park Galway Walking Tour Tour support throughout your journey. We are always available for a chat should you need us. Daily hidden gem locations revealed by our expert guides. Daily food and entertainment recommendations.

Guide

For our self-drive tours a driver guide is not included. Check out our fully guided small group tour options to avail of a guide.

Not included:

Others

The self-control to leave stunning locations and be brave enough to discover all the other wonderful places on your itinerary. Parking and motorway toll fees Black Taxi tour Belfast bike hire Stormont Parliament Dunluce Castle Derry Walking tour Donegal Castle Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery Fuel – for your car and of course your body! Petrol, lunch and dinner are on your own! Tips and gratuities

Flights

International flights are not included.

Optional

Some suggested activities and experiences. We can arrange these for you but you may be making payment directly to the activity/experience provider eg Horseriding, jaunting (horse drawn carriage).

Insurance

Fully comprehensive car insurance included. Travel insurance is not included. We advise all guests to take out travel insurance before coming on tour.

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Newgrange To The Titanic Belfast
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Newgrange To The Titanic Belfast

Tour starts at Dublin Airport

Leave Dublin behind and make your way north to the most celebrated megalithic tomb in the country – Newgrange. The tomb predates the Pyramids in Egypt by 600 years! Spend some time learning from your guide about the archaeology, mythology and astronomy of this extraordinary attraction.

Your virtual tourguide Paddy the Pocket Pilot App will treat you to some hidden gems and off the beaten track locations to add excitement to your day!

It’s time to break the border and enter Northern Ireland and the city of Belfast. Your first port of call is the Titanic Experience – awarded the world’s leading tourist attraction in 2016. Learn about the facinating construction, passengers and the fate of this doomed luxury liner during your experience.

Enjoy Belfast’s fine eateries and lively pubs by night.

Total driving distance & time: 180km – 2 hours 10 minutes, excluding stops
Day 2 Day 2: Belfast City
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Belfast City

Begin your morning with a Black Cab or Bike tour of Belfast City. Our local guides will pick you up at your hotel and bring you on tour. The very best way to see the real Belfast and get a thought provoking insight into the history and modern times in the capital of Northern Ireland. Our local friends will be your guides.

We have squeezed lots more into your second day. Take yourself on a tour of Stormont Parliament, Crumlin Gael and if you are a Game of Thrones fan take a spin around the film locations. St. George’s Market is a must if your tour falls from Friday to Sunday.

Relax after another exciting day. You won’t have to pack your bags today as you will spend another night in bustling Belfast and have a great sleep in one of our tried and loved accommodation.

Total driving distance & time: 45 minutes, depending on your afternoon options!
Day 3 Day 3: Giants Causeway To Derry
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Giants Causeway To Derry

Today will be both a test of mental endurance and a true celebration for the soul. The Giant’s Causeway is one of the most anticipated features on your self-drive tour of the Emerald Isle and will not disappoint. The Causeway Coastal Route is breath-taking and while crossing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge you will feel exhilerated. Hike between the bridge and the Giant’s Causeway. Enjoy the entertaining Finn McCool (our famous giant) stories and legends.

A stones throw away is your next stop at the ruins of the home of the Earl of Antrim at Dunluce Castle. Next up is Londonderry, Northern Ireland’s second largest city, steeped in rich Irish history.

Paddy the Pocket Pilot has lots of evening recommendations for you in Derry.

Total driving distance & time: 175km – 2 hours 20 minutes, excluding stops
Day 4 Day 4: Glenveagh National Park To Ardara
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Glenveagh National Park To Ardara

Before travelling deep into the wilds of Donegal, let one of our favorite tour guides lead you through the streets of Derry to help you understand the struggles of our past and the long road it has taken to current peaceful times we now enjoy in Northern Ireland.

On route to Glenveagh National Park, treat yourself to a pitstop at Grianan of Alleach, a 6th century hillfort built on top of the 244-meter-high Greenan Mountain at Inishowen, County Donegal.

Perched in the Donegal mountains, Glenveagh castle, gardens and park has so much to offer. The 16,000 hectares of the park includes the Derryveagh mountains, the Poisoned Glen which boasts hills and trails to follow for the afternoon. There are challenging routes for you to enjoy and more relaxed trails to take at your leisure. Why not try the cycle route?

An hour away you will settle in for the evening in the picturesque village of Ardara.

Total driving distance & time: 130km – 2 hours, excluding stops
Day 5 Day 5: Slieve League & Donegal Castle
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Slieve League & Donegal Castle

As you make your way south towards Donegal Town, Paddy will highly recommend you drive over the Glengesh Pass, stop at Assaranca Waterfall and the fabulous Maghera Beach and Caves.

Expore the breath-taking 600m cliffs of Slieve League. Even though these are not as well known as The Cliffs of Moher, they stand three times as high and arguably more magnificent. Take a hike along the cliffs or choose your favorite view for some jealousy inducing photos.

We have organised a guided tour of the restored Donegal Castle – home of the powerful Clan - The O’Donnells. Tonight let your hair down and enjoy the craic and colorful locals in Donegal Town.

Total driving distance & time: 80km – 1 hour 45 minutes, excluding stops
Day 6 Day 6: Sligo To Westport
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Sligo To Westport

Fire up your engine and leave Northern Ireland to discover the beautiful west coast.

Paddy will be by your side to guide you on your road trip along the coast through Mullaghmore, Sligo and on to Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery.

Your stop at Glencar Waterfall lies beneath the Benbulbin Mountain and was the inspiration for a lot of W.B. Yeats‘ poetry. You can make a quick stop at his grave on route to Sligo.

Today’s itinerary will take you to Ireland’s favourite town of Westport. Step up to the challenge of climbing Ireland’s holiest mountain. Standing at over 700m Croagh Patrick is a rewarding hike for novices and experienced alike taken at your own pace. Learn about the man responsible for St. Patrick’s Day. At the top you will be treated to a panoramic view of the 365 islands of Clew Bay.

Tonight unwind with some local craft beers and delicious locally sourced food in Westport Town. Don’t miss a great night out with plenty of ’Craic’ and traditional Irish music at Matt Molloy’s Bar.

Total driving distance & time: 175km – 2 hours 20 minutes, excluding stops
Day 7 Day 7: Westport To Dublin
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Westport To Dublin

Tour ends at Dublin Airport

Today you will take a guided walking tour of The City of the Tribes -Galway City. Take your time to soak up the bustling atmosphere of the city and wander in and out of the enticing brightly coloured shops and cafes. Try on a Claddagh Ring or a Galway Shawl! Warning - you might never leave! Stranger things have happened!

It is time now to dry your tears and look forward to your journey back to Dublin. If you cannot bear to leave why not extend your road trip and link up with another itinerary heading south!

Paddy the Pocket Pilot promises to arm you with plenty of great recommendations of things to do and see in Dublin’s fair city if you have time left in on your vacation to Ireland.

Total driving distance & time: 280km – 3 hours 40 minutes, excluding stops

7 days tour

The Northern Way 7-Day Self-Drive Tour

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip The Northern Way 7-Day Self-Drive Tour

Day 1: Newgrange To The Titanic Belfast

Day 2: Belfast City

Day 3: Giants Causeway To Derry

Day 4: Glenveagh National Park To Ardara

Day 5: Slieve League & Donegal Castle

Day 6: Sligo To Westport

Day 7: Westport To Dublin

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