The Best of The Northwest Tour, 24th – 27th March 2024
Golden Ireland is delighted to present the Best of the North West – Donegal and Derry Tour, exclusively for the Actively Retired.
Combine Donegal’s breathtaking scenery with Derry’s vibrant and historic charm, and enjoy three days of heritage, history, culture and craic!
For further information or to book this tour, please telephone Geraldine: 00 353 (0)64 6630267, or Email: tours@goldenireland.ie
Sunday, 24th March
Coach transfer from Dublin City Centre to Donegal, with your first adventure to the Ulster American Folk Park, just outside Omagh in Co Tyrone. The Ulster American Folk Park tells the story of Irish emigration to North America over two centuries. Comprising of over 30 original buildings lovingly moved and restored in situ from across Ulster and North America to create the journey through time and locations, including a full-size replica of a migrant ship marking the crossing between the Old and New Worlds. The Park was originally developed around the Mellon House, the birthplace of Thomas Mellon, the founding father of the Mellon banking dynasty. Experience live interpretation across the site including demonstrations of heritage crafts skills such as linen weaving, blacksmithing, candle-making, printing and open-hearth cooking.
Following your visit, it’s back to the present day and your onward journey to the beautiful Inishowen Peninsula.
Hotel Accommodation:
Inishowen Gateway Hotel, Buncrana, Co Donegal.
Stay in beautiful Buncrana, and enjoy an area of outstanding natural beauty, the hotel offers guests stunning views of Lough Swilly leading out to the Atlantic Ocean with the majestic mountains sitting imposingly in the background. The 3-star Inishowen Gateway Hotel is located approximately 1.4km from Buncrana and is within walking distance of the town. Hotel facilities include Seagrass Wellbeing Centre and Leisure Centre with a fully equipped gym, 20-meter pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi.
Three Nights Bed and Breakfast and Three Evening Meals.
The dinner Menu is a four-course menu with a vegetarian option.
Two Night’s Evening Entertainment is also included.
Monday, 25th March
Be met in the lobby of The Inishowen Gateway Hotel by your Guide for the day, Mr John McGroary who is an Approved Tourist Guide of Ireland and a font of local knowledge. Enjoy a day-long tour of beautiful Donegal with three scheduled stops:
Stop One: Malin Head Continuing as far north as one can go, you’ll reach the edge of Europe – otherwise known as the wild, rugged and romantic Malin Head. The start (or end, depending on your point of view) of the Wild Atlantic Way, Malin Head has long been renowned for its epic coastal scenery, thriving birdlife and historical curiosities. See some of the largest sand dunes in Europe when you approach Malin Head from the coastal road, along the north of Trawbreaga Bay at Lagg. Drive via Mamore Gap. This spectacular spot 14km north of Buncrana and 250m above sea level is a firm favourite for tourists with its spectacular views of Lough Swilly, the Fanad peninsula, Urris and North Inishowen.
Stop Two: Wild Ireland, Burnfoot, Co Donegal.
Step back in time into an ancient woodland inhabited by extinct creatures to experience some of Ireland’s ancient lost wildlife at Wild Ireland. Walk among the ancient trees and encounter Bears, Wolves, Lynx and Monkeys on your journey through the past. ‘Wild Ireland’ is located on the Wild Atlantic Way and is the newest and most exciting visitor attraction in the North West of Ireland. Just a few centuries ago, Ireland was clothed in a thick blanket of Temperate Celtic Rainforest. Due to destruction and deforestation, this woodland has all but disappeared, in a small pocket of remaining woodland on the Inishowen peninsula, the hands of time have been rolled back to an era where ferocious beasts ruled the Irish countryside. Discover Brown bears, European Wolves and Lynx back together in the Irish forest for the first time in thousands of years. Here they live in their natural habitat in the temperate rainforest. Enjoy a guided tour of this unique and special visitor experience.
Stop Three: Grianán of Aileach: Grianán of Aileach is probably the best-known monument in Inishowen, County Donegal. Situated on a hilltop 250m above sea level the view from the stone fort of Aileach is breathtaking. The origins of the Grianán of Aileach fort are dated back to 1700 BC. It is linked to the Tuatha de Danann who invaded Ireland before the Celts and built stone forts on top of strategic hills. It is thought that St Patrick visited the site in the 5th century and baptised the local chieftain, Eoghan (from whom Inis Eoghan gets its name.)
Tuesday, 26th March
Derry Tour
Your friendly Guide, John will once again meet you in the Inishowen Gateway Hotel to guide you on your next adventure to the nearby City of Derry.
Arrive in the historic City of Derry which is approximately 35 minutes from the hotel.
Enjoy a private walking tour of The Walled City with the famous Martin McCrossan Tours. This hour-long tour covers the full background of the city’s history – as you walk on the historic 400 year old walls your guide will cover everything from the 6th Century Christian Settlement to the Siege of 1689 and the modern-day troubles.
Enjoy Free Time in Derry before meeting your Guide for your next excursion to The Museum of Free Derry.
The award-winning Museum of Free Derry recently re-opened its doors in the Bogside following an extensive redevelopment and offers a full multi-media exhibition on the civil rights and early conflict era in the city, including Battle of the Bogside, Internment, Bloody Sunday and Operation Motorman. The museum was established by the Bloody Sunday Trust in 2006 to tell the story of the civil rights movement and the creation of Free Derry in the 1960s and 1970s.
Wednesday, 27th March
Return Coach to Dublin
Tour Costs
€450 pps
€540 Single Occupancy
(Limited Availability)
Includes:
– Private Coach Transfer To and From Dublin
– 3 Nights B&B and Three Dinners (4-Course) in Inishowen Gateway Hotel
– 2 Nights of Evening Entertainment
– Admission to Ulster American Folk Park Museum, Co. Tyrone.
– Day Tour of Donegal and The Inishowen Peninsula (includes admission and tour of Wild Ireland)
– Day Tour of The City of Derry which includes a private tour of the Walled City and Admission to the Museum of Free Derry.
– Approved Tourist Guide of Ireland for two day’s excursions.
For further information and to book this tour, please email Geraldine: tours@goldenireland.ie
Tel: 00 353 (0)64 6630267
Read our Reviews for This Tour:
“Loved the scenery and hotel. Nothing went amiss; everything was well organised; the guides were very knowledgeable.”
“Enjoyed the walking tour of Derry which I was looking forward to and the entertainment in the hotel.”
“The itinerary was well thought out, very comprehensive and covered the highlights of the area. The professionalism of John, the Guide and Brian, the Driver was much appreciated.”
“I really enjoyed the trip to Malin and the two tours in Derry. The hotel was very friendly and the food was very good.”
“It’s great to be spoilt. Well done on a well-put-together tour. Can’t wait for the next one. Excellent value. Thank You!”
