Darling Donegal & The Wild Atlantic Way

Home to some of Ireland's most sublime scenery and gorgeous beaches, County Donegal's is a land of unspoilt splendour. Rugged, beautiful and charming, Donegal's jaw-dropping coastal views, towering cliffs and quaint country roads make it a dream destination for touring. A trip to Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way feels like journeying to the edge of the world. The Wild Atlantic Way is one of the world's longest defined coastal routes and a wonder of nature as it winds its way all along the whole of the Irish west coast. Your base is the lively seaside town of Bundoran, one of the epicentres of the Irish surf scene and from there you'll visit the jaw-dropping Slieve League Cliffs, take a Donegal Bay Cruise, tour Ireland's oldest pottery producer and experience Donegal's mix of epic landscapes with its cosy neighbourly feel. Come and escape to Darling Donegal!Towering cliffs and natural wonders
Day 1 - After joining your luxury coach head westwards to Wales. Ample stops for refreshments will be made before arriving at your overnight hotel, the popular 3* Celtic Royal Hotel in Caernarfon. Overnight with dinner.\n\nDay 2 - An early start today as you head to Holyhead for the morning crossing to Dublin with breakfast included on the ferry. Arrive in Ireland around midday and continue northwest across the island of Ireland to Bundoran on the West Coast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean for your 4-night stay at the 4* Great Northern Hotel. DBB\n\nDay 3 - 5 At leisure in Bundoran with THREE included excursions\n\nINCLUDED EXCURSIONS\nSlieve League Cliffs & Glencolmcille Folk Village\nA visit to the mighty Slieve League Cliffs which tower a staggering 609m above the Atlantic Ocean, is Ireland's ultimate sea cliff experience. From the Visitor Centre, complete with an interpretation of the local area as well as a small café and toilets, you will board a minibus for a guided tour of Europe's highest marine cliffs. Prepare to be dazzled by the wild and wonderful view across Donegal Bay which is simply breathtaking and experience the unique wonders of the natural biodiversity of marine flora and fauna found here. Later you will make your way to Glencolmcille Folk Village, designed, built and maintained by the local people, the Glencolmcille is one of Ireland's best living-history museums. The thatched-roof replica of a rural village in Ireland's most north westerly county offers a glimpse into the daily life as used to be. Each house is an exact replica of a dwelling used by the local people in each of the three successive centuries (18th, 19th 20th) and is equipped with the furniture, artifacts and utensils of its particular period. Enjoy time to explore the village (there is a tearoom, toilets and a craft shop) before heading back to the hotel later this afternoon.\n\nBelleek Pottery & Donegal Bay Cruise\nHead 'just across the border' to the village of Belleek on the banks of the River Erne for a tour of Ireland's oldest working producer of fine China, established in 1857. Housed in an imposing Georgian-style building, the world-famous Belleek Pottery invites you to discover more about its enduring success of Irish craftmanship with a 30-minute guided tour. Enjoy free time for lunch in Donegal, an attractive, bustling little town at the mouth of the River Eske. Perhaps a leisurely stroll around The Diamond Market Square, a local hub of music and culture, or up to Jacobean-period Donegal Castle (entrance not included - approx. €5 pp in 2024). You may like to visit Magee's of Donegal, a large retail outlet in the town, known for its hand-woven tweeds and natural fibre fabrics. Subject to tidal timings, an included scenic sightseeing boat trip will take you out onto Donegal Bay (75 minutes) with a full on-board commentary. The cruise travels around the seven Green Islands with many points of interest on the way. Relax in the air-conditioned lounge or sit on the open-topped upper deck for the ultimate viewing experience.\n\nWild Atlantic Way Drive, Rosses Point & Sligo (may operate with a local coach)\nHead south this morning to the beautiful County of Sligo, where the magnificent scenery captured the heart of the Irish poet and Nobel Laureate, WB Yeats. Travel south via Mullaghmore, the coastal village that lives in distant shadow of Ben Bulben Mountain. The name Mullaghmore will forever be associated with Lord Mountbatten, who was killed here in 1979. Continue to picturesque Rosses Point for a one-hour scenic walking tour with a local guide to discover the history of the area's coastal heritage, against the spectacular backdrop of the Wild Atlantic Way. NB Comfortable sturdy shoes and appropriate attire for the weather recommended. Onto Sligo town on the banks of the River Garavogue in a quiet haven protected from the Atlantic Ocean by a series of peninsulas. Sligo has a delightful foodie scene, a pretty riverside and its landmark ruined Abbey (entrance not included - approx. €5 pp in 2024). After some free time to explore and find some lunch return to the hotel to relax and make use of the excellent leisure facilities.\n\nDay 6 - Following a hearty Irish breakfast it's time to head back to Dublin for the mid- afternoon sailing back to Holyhead. Arrive back in Wales early evening for the short drive back to Caernarfon and the 3* Celtic Royal Hotel for your final dinner and overnight. DBB\n\nDay 7 - After a leisurely breakfast retrace your steps homeward, with ample stops for refreshments. Continue back to your local joining points arriving back mid/late evening.

Tour Highlights
- Hotel for 4 nights in Bundoran with breakfast & dinner- Tea / coffee on arrival at main hotel- Porterage at main hotel- Evening entertainment each night in Bundoran- 1 overnight hotel with dinner (& breakfast on the ferry)- 1 overnight hotel with breakfast & dinner- Visit & return shuttle bus to the Sieve League Cliff- Entrance to Glencolmcille Folk Village- Guided tour of Belleek Pottery- Donegal Bay Cruise (tides permitting)- One hour guided scenic walking tour at Rosses PointGreat Northern Hotel, Bundoran Overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way
The magnificent 4* Great Northern Hotel sits in a stunning location overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way. Offering amazing ocean views, the hotel is within walking distance of the popular seaside resort of Bundoran. All 102 spacious, fully equipped bedrooms are comfortable and well decorated, with views across the ocean or golf course. Facilities include flat screen TV, free WiFi and tea / coffee making facilities. The superb restaurant boasts fantastic ocean views and there is a great bar, terrace and lounge. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and spa bath. There is a lift and live musical entertainment each night in the Atlantic Ballroom\nNB Singles are doubles for sole use