Ireland's North Coast Explorer from £435pp for 5nts

This self-drive touring holiday focuses on the beautiful north coast of Ireland, and includes the world famous Antrim Coast, including the Giants Causeway, and a day trip to the special island of Rathlin, and then crosses into Ireland's second largest county, Donegal, which is full of ancient historical sites, peaceful villages and even more beaches.

Day One - The Antrim Coast

You start on the world-famous Causeway Coast, within a short distance of the Giants Causeway and the numerous other attractions of this, one of our favourite parts of Ireland.

Your Hotel in Bushmills

Centuries of history exude from the old timber beams and rough plaster walls of this landmark inn. At its heart is the gaslit sixteenth century snug, with soot-stained walls and ceilings and a pulley suspended above the fireplace. You could spend hours here over a Guinness or a dram, dreaming up romantic notions of encounters goneby. The snug is encased by a mere two-hundred year old inn, with an even more modern, yet sympathetically designed, outer shell. Guest rooms are spacious and atmospheric, with individual character and attention to detail to keep design in-keeping with the building's charm. This place is a genuine meeting point for travellers and locals alike, buzzing with conviviality and conversation throughout a jigsaw puzzle of interconnecting public rooms and cosy corners. The outdoor courtyard and terrace come into their own in the summer months, while open peat fires provide the perfect ambience in other seasons. Service is attentive and friendly, many staff being young, local and very proud of the area. The menu offered throughout the restaurant and conservatory fuses local produce with a touch of creativity to make this one of the most renowned dining destinations in the North of Ireland.

Day Two - Exploring the North Coast

The famous sights of this, including the geological phenomenon of the Giants' Causeway, and the much-photographed clifftop ruins of haunting Dunluce Castle, are just a short drive away. For the more adventurous, test your nerve and head for heights by venturing across the suspended rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede. Why not end the day with a visit to the famous Bushmills distillery? The city of Derry/Londonderry with its famous “walls” is a short drive away.

Day Three - Rathlin Island

To add contrast to your coastal experience, we have included a day trip to the peaceful wildlife haven of Rathlin Island, which despite being six miles off shore is still home to a vibrant community of around seventy people. In the harbour is the Boathouse, where visitors can discover some of the exciting history, learn about present day island life and see some artefacts from shipwrecks around the island. A short walk around to Mill Bay there is a colony of seals, who are fun to just sit and watch! At the other side of the harbour are two churches where visitors can sit quietly or just admire the architecture. At the west of the island is the renowned RSPB Seabird Centre, where puffins, guillemots, razorbills and kittiwakes can be viewed during the summer months. It is also home to some magnificent views, on clear days Donegal, the North Antrim coastline, the island of Islay and the Mull of Kintyre can be seen. There are many tales of myth and mystery surrounding Rathlin, the most famous tells of Robert the Bruce.

Day Four - Donegal

For the final leg of your self-drive tour of Ireland you will travel to the northwest county of Donegal, by way of a short ferry across Lough Foyle.

Your Hotel in Donegal

Close your eyes and imagine the perfect Irish pub/hotel: brightly painted, in a small village surrounded by beautiful countryside and glorious beaches, where you will be welcomed as one of the family, treated to home-cooked food and the perfect pint of Guinness while you chat to passers-by. There will be live music too – perhaps a local jamming session in the bar, an evening of traditional music on another day and a concert by some famous Irish names in the atmospheric venue just through the back. Well you don’t need to imagine, as we have found it. Whether you stop here as part of an Irish music tour, or fit it in to a tailor-made itinerary, this Donegal destination leaves a lasting impression – we can’t wait to go back ourselves!

Day Five- exploring Donegal

Donegal is a delight to explore, with many kilometres of scenic driving and some of the best beaches in Ireland. Malin Head, at the tip of the Inishowen peninsula, is the most Northerly point on mainland Ireland (yet it is in the “South” rather than Northern Ireland...). On a clear day, the views stretch across to the Scottish Hebrides and Kintyre peninsula. It can be a wild and windy place, but fantastic refreshments are available from Cafe Banba – a family-run cafe on wheels that serves delicious coffee and home-baking where you least expect to find it! There are many Neolithic and ancient sites – ruined chapels, standing stones and cairns – if you are interested in pre-history, and a must-visit is the Doagh Famine Village, which tells the story of Ireland from 1845 to the present day in a very different style from any other tourist attraction.

Day Six - Return home

You are less than three hours from the main ferry routes, or from Belfast's airports, and just over four from Dublin.

Prices & Dates for this tailormade holiday in Ireland

This holiday can be arranged from April to October 2012, and can be booked in either direction, to suit your other travel plans.

The price is £435 per person for holidays in April & October, £475 per person for May, June & September and £485 per person for July & August. Prices are based on two adults sharing a double or twin room for 5 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, and also include a day trip as foot passengers to Rathlin Island.

Travel to Ireland

We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland for this holiday.

The most convenient ferry routes are those from Scotland to Belfast & Larne, though Dublin is also a practical starting point.

There are direct flight connections to both Belfast airports from many parts of Britain, and a few options direct to Derry Airport.

All our Irish holidays include a map of Ireland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.

 

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