DONEGAL DAY TOUR: Coast and Castles
- 7–8 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Private tour
Highlights
Visitors that come to Ireland but that don’t experience the Northern Headlands and the Wild Atlantic Way guided by the inside knowledge of locals have largely missed out on the real jewel. It is this that inspired Chieftain tours to create day tour options for visitors who want a mere taste of all that is to offer in the North West region. Embark and explore those secrets on the road less traveled by Private Luxury Car or Minibus chauffeured by a knowledgeable and experienced driver guide. ➡️ This chauffeured private day tour is delivered by a Fáilte Ireland accredited driver guide. ➡️ This day tour is flexible and tailored for clients on the day to stop, go and explore. ➡️ Tours commences at 9.15am and finishes at 5pm. Times are approximate and may be subject to change.
Inclusions
What's included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Air-conditioned vehicle
Itinerary
Enjoy a day tour of coastal and inland attractions incorporating those breathtaking views of the idyllic North West. Setting off in the morning by luxury minibus or car, your fully guided excursion will journey along Mulroy bay to the picturesque Fanad Lighthouse. A maritime marvel, this magnificent and current working lighthouse was an essential service to seafarers negotiating the wild and dangerous seas around the North West coast. We learn about the lights and aids to navigation past and present and we hear the stories of shipwrecked parrots and lost gold on the lighthouse tour.
Next we continue along the Wild Atlantic Way towards Doe Castle. Dating to the 1420’s, this castle nestled on the shores of Sheephaven Bay was the medieval home and bastion for the MacSweeney chiefs for over 200 years. Know as "gallowglass" these fearless warriors fought and were rewarded by one of Ireland's last Gaelic chieftain - Red Hugh O Donnell.
Leaving Doe castle we travel through the vast boglands of mid Donegal as we descend on the sweeping glens of Glenveagh National Park and Castle. Situated in the heart of the Derryveagh mountains, you will learn and become immersed in the chequered history of this unspoiled Special Area of Conservation which is Ireland’s second largest national park.
On the final leg of the tour we travel to Grianan an Aileach. Said to have been built by the Tuatha De Danann, this ancient stone ringfort dates its origins to 3000 BC. Located 250m above sea level, this spectacular hilltop site was visited by St Patrick who baptized the local chieftain Eoghan.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 58
- 40
- 30
- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 8 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Start & finish points vary depending on location pickup.
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Chieftain Tours
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- We can customise the day to suit any needs and a wheel chair accessible vehicle is available on request.
How it compares in Donegal
- Its from-price is 52% below the median of the 10 day trips we list in Donegal.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 7 of 10.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Donegal
Donegal is a harbour town at the head of Donegal Bay in north-west Ireland, with a fifteenth-century castle and wild Atlantic coast around it.
Donegal town stands where the River Eske meets Donegal Bay, in the far north-west of Ireland. The Diamond, a triangular market square with an obelisk, is the centre, and Donegal Castle, a fifteenth-century O'Donnell stronghold with a seventeenth-century wing, stands beside the river. Nearby, the ruins of a Franciscan friary recall the Four Masters, who compiled Irish annals in the 1630s.
