8-Night Northern Ireland Tour – A Private 9-Day Irish Journey
Discover Northern Ireland and Ireland Your Way with a Private, Bespoke Tour
Discover the dramatic landscapes, fascinating history and rich culture of Northern Ireland and Ireland on a private 8-night tour with Glenbeg Tours.
Travelling with your own experienced Irish driver-guide, you’ll explore historic cities, spectacular coastal scenery, ancient monuments and beautiful countryside, with the flexibility to enjoy the places and experiences that interest you most.
From the historic streets of Belfast and the world-famous Giant’s Causeway to the walled city of Derry, the wild beauty of Donegal and the breathtaking landscapes of Connemara, this journey reveals a remarkable variety of experiences in just over a week.
Along the way, discover the story of the Titanic in Belfast, explore Ireland’s ancient past at Newgrange, experience the spectacular North Antrim Coast and travel through some of the country’s most beautiful and unspoilt landscapes.
At Glenbeg Tours, we believe your Irish holiday should be as individual as you are. Your private tour offers a more personal way to experience Ireland, combining its best-known attractions with opportunities to discover hidden gems and places beyond the usual tourist routes.
Whether you’re visiting Ireland for the first time, exploring your Irish ancestry or planning a special holiday with family or friends, we’ll help you create a memorable journey tailored to your interests and preferred pace.
Your tour, your interests, your pace — discover Ireland with Glenbeg Tours.
Your 8-Night Northern Ireland Tour at a Glance
- Duration: 9 days and 8 nights
- Tour type: Private, tailor-made Irish tour
- Travel style: Scenic drives, historic cities, coastal landscapes and cultural experiences
- Starting point: Dublin
- Main destinations: Belfast, Derry, Donegal and Galway
- Key experiences: Newgrange, Titanic Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway, the North Antrim Coast, Malin Head, Glenveagh National Park, Slieve League, Drumcliffe and Connemara
- Your driver-guide: Travel with your own experienced Irish driver-guide
- Customisation: Discuss your preferred stops, interests and pace with Glenbeg Tours
This private journey combines Northern Ireland’s historic landmarks and spectacular coastline with the wild beauty of Donegal and the landscapes of Ireland’s west coast.
Highlights of Your Northern Ireland Journey
Discover Belfast’s History and Culture
Explore Belfast’s complex and fascinating history, experience a traditional Black Cab tour and discover the story of the Titanic at Titanic Belfast.
Experience the Spectacular Giant’s Causeway
Visit one of Ireland’s most extraordinary natural landmarks, with its distinctive basalt columns, dramatic coastal views and remarkable geological history.
Explore the Historic Walled City of Derry
Walk through centuries of Irish history in Derry, a city renowned for its intact historic walls, cultural heritage and important role in Northern Ireland’s story.
Discover the Wild Beauty of Donegal
Travel through some of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes, from the remote beauty of Malin Head to the mountains, lakes and rugged coastline of Donegal.
Visit the Magnificent Slieve League Cliffs
Experience the spectacular scenery of Slieve League, where towering Atlantic cliffs provide some of the most memorable coastal views in Ireland.
Explore Ireland’s Ancient Past at Newgrange
Discover one of Ireland’s most remarkable prehistoric monuments and learn about the people who built these extraordinary structures thousands of years ago.
Experience Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
Enjoy the distinctive landscapes of Connemara, with its mountains, lakes and open countryside, and visit the beautiful setting of Kylemore Abbey.
Discover the Stories Behind the Scenery
From Irish literary heritage at Drumcliffe to the history, traditions and local stories of the towns and villages along your route, your driver-guide will help bring Ireland to life.
Follow Your Private Northern Ireland Tour Route
Your journey begins in Dublin before travelling north to Belfast and along the spectacular North Antrim Coast. Continue to historic Derry and discover the remote landscapes of Donegal before travelling south through Ireland’s beautiful western countryside to Galway. From Galway, return to Dublin, with opportunities to explore Ireland’s ancient heritage along the way.
Your route: Dublin → Belfast → North Antrim Coast and Giant’s Causeway → Derry → Donegal → Galway → Dublin.
The route combines Northern Ireland’s best-known attractions with some of the most beautiful and less-visited parts of Ireland, giving you a varied and memorable private touring experience.
Day 1 – Arrive in Dublin and Discover Ireland’s Ancient Heritage
Your Irish journey begins in Dublin, where you will meet your private driver-guide and begin exploring the remarkable history and landscapes of Ireland.
Depending on your arrival time and tour arrangements, travel towards the Boyne Valley to discover Newgrange, one of Ireland’s most extraordinary prehistoric monuments. Built thousands of years ago, this ancient site offers a fascinating insight into the lives, beliefs and achievements of Ireland’s earliest communities.
Continue towards Belfast, Northern Ireland’s vibrant capital, where history, culture and modern city life come together.
Overnight in Belfast.
Day 2 – Discover Belfast: History, Culture and the Titanic
Spend time discovering Belfast, a city shaped by its industrial heritage, maritime history and complex political past.
A traditional Belfast Black Cab tour offers a valuable introduction to the city’s recent history, including the murals and neighbourhoods associated with the Troubles. Your local guide can explain the stories and perspectives behind these important landmarks.
You can also visit Titanic Belfast, an award-winning visitor attraction exploring the construction, launch and legacy of the famous ship, built in the city’s historic shipyards.
Depending on your interests, there may also be time to explore Belfast’s architecture, markets, museums or lively city centre.
Overnight in Belfast.
Day 3 – The Spectacular North Antrim Coast and Giant’s Causeway
Today, experience one of the most beautiful coastal journeys in Ireland as you travel along the North Antrim Coast.
Enjoy dramatic sea views, rugged cliffs, charming coastal villages and opportunities to stop for photographs along the way. Depending on your preferences and available time, you may wish to explore additional coastal viewpoints or historic sites.
The highlight is the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its remarkable interlocking basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago and have inspired legends about the giant Finn McCool.
This is a day of spectacular scenery, fascinating geology and some of Northern Ireland’s most memorable landscapes.
Overnight in Derry.
Day 4 – Discover Historic Derry and Its Famous City Walls
Continue west to Derry, also known as Londonderry, a city with a rich history and a distinctive character.
Explore the historic city walls, among the finest-preserved examples of their kind in Ireland. Walking along the ramparts provides views across the city and an opportunity to appreciate its centuries of history.
Derry also offers important insights into more recent Irish history. Depending on your interests, you may wish to explore the Bogside murals and learn more about the events that shaped the city and Northern Ireland.
Beyond its history, Derry has a lively cultural scene, welcoming cafés and attractive historic streets.
Overnight in Derry.
Day 5 – Explore Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Landscapes
Today, discover Donegal, a region renowned for its rugged Atlantic coastline, beautiful beaches, traditional communities and spectacular mountain scenery.
Travel through landscapes that feel wonderfully unspoilt, with opportunities to appreciate the changing scenery and stop in places that catch your eye.
Depending on the agreed route, explore Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point on the mainland, where dramatic coastal scenery and sweeping ocean views create a memorable experience.
Donegal is an excellent place to appreciate another side of Ireland, away from its larger cities and busiest tourist destinations.
Overnight in Donegal.
Day 6 – Glenveagh National Park and the Magnificent Slieve League Cliffs
Continue exploring Donegal’s extraordinary landscapes, with opportunities to discover Glenveagh National Park and the spectacular Slieve League Cliffs.
Glenveagh is known for its remote mountain scenery, lakes, woodland and beautiful estate. If time and your preferred route allow, visit Glenveagh Castle and its gardens.
Later, experience the dramatic scenery of Slieve League, whose immense Atlantic cliffs rise high above the ocean. The views are breathtaking, and the surrounding landscape provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the scale and beauty of Ireland’s west coast.
The exact combination of stops will depend on driving times, weather and how much time you wish to spend at each location.
Overnight in Donegal.
Day 7 – From Donegal to Galway via Glencar and Drumcliffe
Travel south through the changing landscapes of Ireland’s northwest towards Galway.
Depending on your route, stop at Glencar Waterfall, set in attractive countryside near the Sligo-Leitrim border. The surrounding landscape inspired the Irish poet W. B. Yeats and remains a lovely place to pause and enjoy the scenery.
You may also visit Drumcliffe, where Yeats is buried beneath the shadow of Benbulben, one of Ireland’s most recognisable mountains.
These stops combine natural beauty with Ireland’s literary heritage, adding another dimension to your journey.
Continue towards Galway, a lively city known for its traditional music, colourful streets, independent shops and welcoming atmosphere.
Overnight in Galway.
Day 8 – Discover Connemara and Kylemore Abbey
Explore Connemara, one of Ireland’s most distinctive and beautiful regions.
Its mountains, lakes, stone walls and open countryside create a landscape that feels very different from the historic cities and coastal scenery experienced earlier in your journey.
Visit Kylemore Abbey, set beside a lake and framed by the surrounding mountains. The abbey and its Victorian walled garden offer an opportunity to explore an important historic estate in a beautiful setting.
There may also be opportunities to discover traditional villages, scenic viewpoints and quieter stretches of countryside, depending on your interests and the time available.
Return to Galway, where you can enjoy the city’s restaurants, traditional music and lively evening atmosphere.
Overnight in Galway.
Day 9 – Return to Dublin and Conclude Your Irish Journey
After breakfast, begin your return journey to Dublin.
Depending on your departure arrangements and available time, there may be opportunities for additional sightseeing along the way. If your flight departs from Dublin Airport, the day’s timing should be planned carefully to allow for the journey, airport check-in and any agreed stops.
Your private tour concludes with memories of Northern Ireland’s fascinating history, the dramatic Atlantic coastline, the wild beauty of Donegal and the distinctive character of Ireland’s western countryside.
Thank you for travelling with Glenbeg Tours. We hope your journey has given you a lasting appreciation of Ireland and its people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our 8-Night Northern Ireland Tour
Is this a private Northern Ireland tour?
Yes. Glenbeg Tours specialises in private Irish tours with your own driver-guide. Your journey is planned for you and your travelling party rather than as part of a large group coach tour.
Does the tour include both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland?
Yes. This itinerary combines Northern Ireland’s historic cities and coastline with destinations in the Republic of Ireland, including Donegal and Galway.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Yes. Your itinerary can be discussed and adapted to your interests, preferred pace and travel dates, subject to driving times, availability and the overall length of the tour.
Will I visit the Giant’s Causeway?
The Giant’s Causeway is one of the principal highlights of this itinerary. Confirm the planned visit and any admission arrangements when finalising your quotation.
Can I explore places connected to my Irish ancestry?
You can discuss your family-history interests with Glenbeg when planning your tour. If you know a family name, county or ancestral town, share those details so relevant stops can be considered.
Is eight nights enough to see Northern Ireland and Donegal?
Eight nights allows you to experience many important highlights, including Belfast, the North Antrim Coast, Derry and Donegal, while also exploring Galway and Connemara. Careful planning is important, particularly if you want to visit Malin Head, Glenveagh and Slieve League.
Can accommodation be included?
Accommodation requirements can be discussed during the planning process. Your personalised quotation should specify whether accommodation is included and clarify the arrangements and costs.
Where does the tour start and finish?
The proposed route starts and finishes in Dublin. Airport collection, return arrangements and departure timings should be agreed when booking, especially if you are flying on the final day.
How do I book a private tour with Glenbeg?
Contact Glenbeg Tours with your preferred dates, group size and the places you want to visit. We can then discuss your requirements and prepare a personalised quotation.
Start Planning Your Private Northern Ireland Tour
Discover the history, scenery and culture of Northern Ireland and Ireland on a private journey designed around you.
From the famous Giant’s Causeway and historic streets of Belfast to the wild Atlantic coastline of Donegal and the beautiful landscapes of Connemara, this 8-night tour offers a memorable introduction to some of Ireland’s most remarkable destinations.
With your own experienced Irish driver-guide, you can enjoy a more personal way of travelling, with the flexibility to explore the places that interest you most.
Whether you’re visiting Ireland for the first time, exploring your Irish roots or planning a special holiday with family or friends, Glenbeg Tours would be delighted to help you plan your journey.
Tell us about your plans, and let’s start creating your private Irish tour.
Request Your Private Tour Quote
Contact Glenbeg Tours to discuss your preferred travel dates, group size and the experiences you would most like to enjoy.
Explore More Private Ireland Tours
Looking for a different Irish experience? Discover our other private touring options:
- 8-Night Southern Ireland Tour – Explore Southern Ireland’s beautiful coastline, historic towns and spectacular scenery.
- 14-Night Private Ireland Tour – Enjoy a more extensive journey through Ireland, combining its celebrated landmarks with beautiful countryside and coastal destinations.
WILD ATLANTIC WAY
FAILTE IRELAND
GLENBEG TOURS
