County Donegal lies
in far north west of Ireland. It is a place of
rich Gaelic culture, incredible history, and ancient landscapes
of
ocean, mountain, beaches, fertile valleys, sea cliffs, bogs and
a
proud people. Things are different in Donegal, in a very beautiful
way and our week-long walking trip delves deep into the soul of
this hidden Ireland.
Itinerary in brief
Days 1 - 2 Inis Eoin
The far north of Ireland is a spectacular peninsula known as Inis
Eoin (Inishowen).
It
is a place of outstanding beauty with a distinct feeling of remoteness. Our base
in the area is at the magnificent Rathmullan House located on Lough Swilly and
our time here will be spent taking in the finest walks and cultural treasures
of the area, from sacred Malin Head in the north to the ancient sun-site of Grianán
of Aileach located at the seat of power of the great
Uí Néill (O'Neill).
Days 3 - 5 Gaoth Dobhair (Gweedore), Glen Veagh and Tory
The North West of county Donegal is a wilder place still and walking at Horn
Head along one thousand foot sea cliffs is one of Ireland’s great experiences.
Further south is an area of Gaeltachts, where the native population are Gaelic
speakers and here from our base at Gaoth Dobhair, we explore the western hinterlands
of this rugged county; incredible hikes over mountains and islands, sunsets
from huge remote beaches, the Glen Veagh National Park and the birthplace of
St. Colm Cille (Iona fame), Bloody Foreland and the remotest habitation in Ireland
on Tory Island.
Days 6 - 7 Southwest Donegal / Ardara and Glen Cholm Cille
Just an hour from Gaoth Dobhair…but a world away is a region in the remote
south western corner of this diverse region. Our final days in Donegal are based
at a great country house near the village of Ardara. It is a place of some of
Ireland’s most rugged mountain-folds
and of course is world-renowned as the source of Donegal Tweed. It is our considered
opinion that the hiking in this area is some of the most spectacular in western
Europe; lonely and breathtaking stretches of strands pounded by Atlantic rollers,
the
the highest sea cliffs in Europe, ancient pilgrim routes combine to leave indelibly,
the spirit of Donegal with those who take the time to visit this place.
Day 8 – Tour
transfer to Dublin.
Cost
US Dollars $3500.00 per person.
(US Dollars $500.00 single supplement).
The cost includes eight nights accommodation in country houses,
guesthouses and small hotels; breakfast and dinner daily; all ground transportation;
all sightseeing and full escort by qualified guides.
Suggested Reading
How the Irish Saved Civilisation by Thos. Cahill
Ireland - A History by Robert Kee
Anam Cara by John O'Donoghue
Useful links
www.donegal.ie
www.rathmullanhouse.com
www.inishowenonline.com
Tour Map
|
