Dublin to Belfast Luxury Walk (Legendary Landscapes in Northern Ireland) 6D5N, Fully Guided

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 152m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)

On the first day of the trip, meet your tour leaders at 9 a.m. at The Merrion Hotel in Dublin, Ireland. Please ensure you arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack containing your rain gear and anything else you may want for today’s hike (your luggage will be transported to our first night’s accommodations).

Hello, Ireland! The majestic natural settings, incredible history, and bustling village culture combine to make a terrific week of walking, hiking, and exploring. Following our meeting in the iconic Dublin, we take a quick shuttle to Howth, a seaside neighbourhood situated on a peninsula east of the city. Dubliners come here for a stroll and to relish the brisk sea air. Savour expansive views of the Irish Sea as we navigate the cliffs. From here, you can see Ireland’s Eye, an area of conservation that houses seabirds and seals. Watch the busy kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, and cormorants and pause for a view of the Baily Lighthouse. The lighthouse is still in operation and is the subject of Letitia Elizabeth Landon’s 1834 poem, “Howth Lighthouse.”

We take a break to savour a hearty pub lunch in town. Explore the lively seaside town and walk to the pier for sweeping sea views.

Our shuttle takes us into Northern Ireland to the luxurious Killeavy Castle Estate. Nestled in the serene beauty of Slieve Gullion, this elegant castle hotel is surrounded by 365 acres of lush fields and woodlands, offering a perfect retreat. Unwind by the pool or indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments, all while basking in the tranquility of this enchanting setting. We convene for a welcome reception tonight and dine on delectable farm-fresh specialties in the hotel’s dining room.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 427 m (1,400 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 335 m (1,100 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 14 km (9 miles)*, 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 488 m (1,600 ft)

Begin your day with a traditional Irish breakfast, or keep it simple and opt for a local favourite: porridge. After breakfast, we set out from our hotel and hike a section of the Ring of Gullion, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We aim for the tomb Slieve Gullion, which means “steep slope” and is the heart of the area. In ancient Irish mythology, this is the place where the giant Fionn McCool received his name and spent his childhood.

Navigate a grassy trail through fields to a small mountain tarn. The lake separates two ancient burial cairns, which are 5,000 years old. Their entrances were meticulously built to align with the sunset during the winter solstice. The passage tomb is the highest in Northern Ireland, and at the peak, it rewards you with stunning 360-degree views. If it’s a clear day, you can see Dublin Bay and Scotland, as well as Wicklow and the Mourne Mountains.

We enjoy a trailside lunch and keep hiking, passing old churches and rustic farmland. You have the afternoon to explore the lovely grounds at our hotel or make the most of the amenities. (Spa treatments are at own expense) Tonight, savour dinner at your leisure at the hotel’s restaurant—we recommend the fresh fish caught daily.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 5 km (3 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 183 m (600 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 335 m (1,100 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 11 km (7 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 610 m (2,000 ft)

After breakfast, we cross the border into the Republic of Ireland again and visit the historic Carlingford, which is located on the banks of Carlingford Lough. This naturally secure bay was taken advantage of by the Vikings in the 9th century, and its city has been a key point of contention in the Irish and British conflict of rule. Climb Barnavave, a verdant mountain with expansive views at the top (and often wild horses!)

Take your time to visit the shops and artisan eateries in Carlingford and enjoy lunch on your own. This may be the best spot to shop for treasures. The Mint, a mediaeval, fortified three-story townhouse, is a must-see, and you can also explore Carlingford Castle on your own.

Keep walking, crossing the border, and soaking in the gorgeous views of Carlingford Lough. Our shuttle takes us again across the border into Northern Ireland, where we arrive at the picturesque Newcastle. We continue to our stylish abode and one of Ireland’s most majestic spa hotels for the next two nights, Slieve Donard. Unwind in the spa and wellness centre or relax with a refreshing dip in the pool. Later tonight, we convene for dinner, featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients and an impressive cocktail and wine list.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 213 m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 610 m (2,000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 14 km (9 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 488 m (1,600 ft)

Lace up your hiking boots for a thrilling hike today through the Mourne Mountains, which we’ve already seen glimpses of on our earlier hikes. Accompanied by a local guide, we take a shuttle passing through a rough, jagged boulder field and cross into Hare’s Gap and over Mourne Wall. Take in the breathtaking vistas from the heart of the Mourne mountain range. The wall took twenty years to build and was constructed implementing dry stone walling techniques. Its purpose was to keep livestock from contaminating waterways, but it was also used by smugglers carrying contraband across the gap. Traverse the ridge path down to Brandy Pad and into Newcastle. If you prefer a shorter and less challenging hike today with fewer rocky sections, stay closer to town and walk the granite loop, which takes you into the harbour through the Donard Wood and a historic granite quarry where you can learn about old dry stone walling techniques.

Our hike takes us back to the hotel, where you can choose to relax your muscles by visiting the spa. Later, you can enjoy dinner at your leisure in the hotel’s dining room. Afterward, if you’re up for it, go into town and discover Newcastle’s nightlife. The pubs may even have live music.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 122 m (400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 13 km (8 miles) 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)

Wake up to a delectable buffet breakfast before we embark on a peaceful coastal walk on the North Downs Way. You should pack a swimsuit today if you’d like a dip in the Irish Sea at one of the many beaches on our path!

We head out from Bangor on a paved pedestrian walkway that transforms into a trail of sand and gravel. Drink in scenic views over Belfast Lough, perhaps even glimpses of southwest Scotland. This water body was the point where the Titanic sailed from Belfast to Southampton, and it was also one of the targets during the Belfast Blitz of WWII. Here, William III also took shelter before his victory over the Jacobites at the Battle of the Boyne.

We refresh ourselves with a delightful picnic lunch before continuing, passing several old forts built before WWI, including Grey Pointe Fort. the gravel and dirt path takes us through the outskirts of Belfast and eventually to our hotel, the Culloden Estate & Spa. This luxury 5-star hotel offers expansive vistas overlooking Belfast Lough and County Antrim’s coastline.

On our last night together, a local piper visits us and shares about the bagpipe and its place in Irish culture before playing melodious tunes. Then, we gather for a celebratory dinner. Raise your glass and wish your neighbour sláinte! (good health!). Dinner in the hotel’s renowned restaurant is sure to be a treat.

Relish the morning light on a guided walking tour of historic Belfast. Our local guide paints the city’s industrial history to us in vivid colours and shares stories about the Titanic and the Peace Wall, architecture, and iconic murals. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and hear an accurate Belfast account from someone there!

Following that, we enjoy some refreshments at a favourite local cafe. Then, we say our goodbyes and our trip ends.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.