Magheroarty Beach, County Donegal

Wild Atlantic Way North – Sligo & Donegal

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Overview

Suggested Itinerary

What's Included?

Accommodation & Prices

Car Hire

Overview

Self-Drive Holidays

6 Nights

Fully customisable itinerary
Prices from: £750 per person
Best time to go: April - October
Transport: Rental car included (optional)

Highlights

Historic Sligo

Explore Sligo Abbey, a historic gem with beautiful stone carvings and a tranquil atmosphere. Immerse yourself in the world of poet W.B. Yeats, who was inspired by the landscapes of Sligo, or take a leisurely walk through the centre, exploring its shops, boutiques, and thriving culinary scene.

Slieve League Cliffs

Stunning Slieve League is home to Ireland’s tallest sea cliffs, towering over 600 metres (1,972 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy the dramatic, sheer cliffs, which create a stunning backdrop and offer panoramic views of the surrounding coastal landscape.

Delightful Donegal

Unwind in the small and picturesque town of Donegal. Explore the beautifully preserved Donegal Castle, dating from the 15th century, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture. The town is known for its lively atmosphere and traditional Irish music, which can be heard in many pubs nestled throughout the heart of the town.

Glenveagh National Park

The stunning Glenveagh National Park is set amidst the Derryveagh Mountains in Co. Donegal. Explore the beautiful Glenveagh Castle and wander through the formal gardens surrounding the castle. Beyond the gardens, the park offers a network of well-maintained hiking and walking trails, including the Viewpoint Trail and Lough Inshagh Trail.

Fanad Head Lighthouse

Visit the iconic Fanad Head Lighthouse, a stunning 19th-century structure perched on the cliffs. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and the Atlantic Ocean. The lighthouse is often open to visitors, providing insights into its history and significance.

Malin Head

Hike along the cliffs in Malin Head, the most northerly point of the Irish mainland. Admire the wonderful landscape of rocky headlands, green hills, and crashing waves. This is also one of the best places in Ireland to see the northern lights.

An Epic Road Trip in Ireland’s Rugged North

This dramatic section of the Wild Atlantic Way offers a mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and historic gems. Discover towering sea cliffs, stunning beaches, ancient castles, and iconic lighthouses.

Soak up Irish culture in charming villages and relax in cosy pubs, all while experiencing the region’s rich heritage and dramatic coastal landscapes.

Your journey begins in Sligo, where you’ll be captivated by the town’s warm hospitality and rich cultural heritage. Stroll through the town centre, explore the Yeats Society, and visit Sligo Abbey to delve into the town’s history.

Next, the road leads to Donegal town, a charming and historic destination where you can explore Donegal Castle, stroll along the quays, and enjoy traditional Irish cuisine in local restaurants and pubs. From here, your Wild Atlantic Way adventure continues west as you make your way to the Slieve League Cliffs, where you’ll witness the sheer majesty of some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Hike the rugged terrain or simply soak in the awe-inspiring views.

Your journey then takes you through the stunning and expansive natural preserve of Glenveagh National Park, before heading west toward Fanad Head Lighthouse, where you can bask in the beauty of the rugged coastal scenery and visit the iconic lighthouse. Don’t forget to explore the nearby beaches and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere – Portsalon Beach is a must-see.

Lough Swilly is your next stop, a delightful area in County Donegal offering a range of activities. Explore Swan Park, enjoy the beaches, and savour traditional Irish food and the lively atmosphere of local pubs. Finally, you’ll arrive at Malin Head, Ireland’s northernmost point and the official end of the Wild Atlantic Way. Discover the captivating landscapes, dramatic cliffs, and the iconic lighthouse that marks this unique location.

Suggested Itinerary

The holiday ideas on our website are just examples of the amazing trips we offer. Think of this itinerary as a starting point which can be tailored into something completely unique to you by our award-winning specialists.

We love the opportunity to use our first-hand knowledge and experience to design and deliver the perfect, bespoke holiday experience for you.

Day 1: Arrive in Sligo

Welcome to Sligo, a charming town known for its rich culture and thriving food scene. The town is surrounded by impressive natural landscapes, with the coast to the west and lush lakelands to the east.
Overnight – Sligo area

Day 2: County Sligo Sightseeing

Visit the Yeats Society and the Yeats Memorial Building to learn about the life and work of the renowned Irish poet, W.B. Yeats. Discover the historic and well-preserved Sligo Abbey. Outside the town, there are plenty of wilder places to visit, such as the trails around Benbulben hill, and the many sweeping beaches in the area.
Overnight – Sligo area

Day 3: Sligo to Donegal

From Sligo, it is a short drive through County Leitrim into County Donegal, where your destination is the town of Donegal. You may also opt for a scenic detour via Glencar Waterfall, or explore Mullaghmore Head which is home to Classiebawn Castle, multiple white sandy beaches, and sweeping ocean panoramas.
Overnight – Donegal town

Day 4: Slieve League Coast Sightseeing

Enjoy a scenic drive along the coast past sweeping Fintragh Bay and dramatic Muckross Head. Discover the awe-inspiring Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) Cliffs, the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe. The surrounding area offers a diverse range of experiences, including spectacular hikes, exciting boat trips, and guided bus and walking tours, all offering panoramic views across Donegal Bay.
Overnight – Donegal town

Day 5: Donegal to Lough Swilly

Today you will head further north through County Donegal to your destination of Lough Swilly, located west of the Inishowen Peninsula and the last stop of your journey on the Wild Atlantic Way.
Overnight – Lough Swilly area

Day 6: North County Donegal Sightseeing

On the Inishowen Peninsula, you can hike along the cliffs in Malin Head, the most northerly point of the Irish mainland. Or head west towards the Fanad and Rosguill Peninsulas, where there are spectacular views of Ballymastocker Bay and the lighthouse at Fanad Head.

Further inland is wonderful Glenveagh National Park, where you can explore beautiful Glenveagh Castle on the shores of Lough Veagh and walk around its idyllic gardens.
Overnight – Lough Swilly area

Day 7: Depart Lough Swilly

This morning you may wish to explore County Donegal and the surrounding area further before your Irish escape comes to an end.

What's Included?

Your holiday includes:

Carefully selected en-suite accommodation for 6 nights including traditional Irish breakfast
Comprehensive information pack and local visitor information
Personalised itinerary with our recommendations for the best places to eat and drink and sightseeing suggestions
Map of Ireland with our recommended driving route
7 days rental of an Economy car (other vehicle categories available) including comprehensive insurance
24-hour emergency contact number
Full financial protection

Your holiday doesn't include:

Travel insurance
Flights
Lunches and evening meals

Accommodation & Prices

Special Places to Stay

Premium

Standard

We know that after a busy day of sightseeing, an exceptional place to stay makes all the difference. That’s why all of the accommodation we select is hand-picked using our first-hand knowledge of the best places to stay.

Our discerning team has a wealth of experience, and we extensively research and regularly review all of the accommodation we select for our clients.

Please choose from one of our accommodation categories below. If you wish to combine these categories or perhaps upgrade for a special occasion let us know in your enquiry.

Car Hire

Our packages include car rental and comprehensive insurance for the duration of your holiday. Absolute Escapes has an excellent relationship with a number of car hire operators and we are able to offer quality vehicles and great value for money.

If you plan to bring your own vehicle, we are also able to offer this itinerary without a rental car.

All our packages include:

Collision Damage Waiver
Super Damage Excess Waiver
Third Party Insurance
Theft Waiver
Tax

Economy

Vauxhall Corsa or similar

Good for 2 people
Maximum of 4 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Compact

Ford Focus or similar

Good for 2 – 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
2 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Intermediate

Volkswagen Passat or similar

Good for up to 4 people
Maximum of 5 passengers
3 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

Fullsize

VW Sharan or similar

Good for 5 people
Maximum of 7 passengers
3 – 4 large suitcases
Manual or automatic transmission

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