Northern Ireland and Donegal are some of the most scenic areas of the island with coastline, green hills, and welcoming towns that perfectly capture the charm of the region. Here, you’ll find the Giant’s Causeway, a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way, and traditional pubs just waiting to greet you with the famous Irish hospitality. Our Operations Director, Jacqui, recently spent a long weekend exploring the region, and she’s come back with plenty of highlights to share – the perfect inspiration for anyone considering a short break across the water from the mainland. Continue reading to see what she got up to spending 3 days in Northern Ireland and Donegal.
Day One: co. Antrim and co. Derry
The first day was packed with stunning sights and making unforgettable memories. The morning began with a visit to the atmospheric Dark Hedges, an avenue of gnarly and twisted beech trees on the Causeway Coast, made famous as the setting for the King’s Road in Game of Thrones. From there, it was on to one of Ireland’s most famous landmarks, the Giant’s Causeway. Here, Jacqui visited the interactive Visitor Centre to set the scene before joining an informative guided tour of the unique basalt columns – it’s truly like nothing you’ll have ever seen before!
The journey then continued along the Antrim Coast to Portrush, home of the 153rd Open Championship. Here, Jacqui had a look around the newly opened 5-star Dunluce Lodge, a fantastic new addition to the area’s luxury accommodation options. A visit to Bushmills was next, the word’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. As a driver, Jacqui didn’t sample a dram, but she still enjoyed learning about the heritage and craft behind the famous spirit.
The scenic drive continued towards Magilligan Point where a short ferry crossing to Greencastle followed, marking the arrival into co. Donegal. The day ended at the welcoming 4-star Redcastle Hotel on the Inishowen Peninsula, where Jacqui rounded off her first day with a three-course dinner overlooking Lough Foyle – the perfect end to an action-filled start to the trip!
Day Two: Derry~Londonderry
The second day took Jacqui back across the border to the vibrant city of Derry~Londonderry. The morning began with a visit to the Tower Museum, set within the city’s historic walls, where the “Story of Derry” comes to life alongside the popular Derry Girls Experience, complete with recreated sets from the much-loved TV show. From there, she explored the Museum of Free Derry, a small but moving museum telling the story of the civil rights movement, the Troubles, and Bloody Sunday from the perspective of the local community who lived through it all. Just outside, the People’s Gallery of Murals is home to a powerful visual account of the city’s struggles and resilience.
To gain a deeper understanding of Derry’s history, Jacqui joined an excellent guided walking tour with Sorcha from City Tours Derry, covering everything from the early settlers to modern-day life, before passing important landmarks such as the Guildhall and the Peace Bridge. She then enjoyed lunch at the Walled City Brewery, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour and tastings of three of their beers – an IPA, a lager, and a stout – all of which went down a treat.
The afternoon and evening were dedicated to soaking up another Irish tradition: lively pubs and local music. After sampling a couple of spots in the city, Jacqui returned across the border to co. Donegal and enjoyed the warm hospitality of McGowan’s in Redcastle, where good conversation with the locals rounded off another busy day!
Day Three: co. Donegal and Inishowen Peninsula
Day three was all about exploring the beauty of the Inishowen Peninsula in co. Donegal, the most northerly point of Ireland along the Wild Atlantic Way. The morning began at Malin Head, where Jacqui got to stretch her legs by taking a walk along one of the well-marked trails, taking in the coastal scenery. Next came one of the highlights of the entire weekend: the Wild Alpaca Way. With her alpaca companion Ted (and Benjy alongside), Jacqui enjoyed a breezy trek over the Knockamany Bens with stunning views across Malin Head and the Atlantic Ocean. The hosts John and Francis made the experience fun and memorable, even capturing photos and videos along the way.
The afternoon brought a visit to Doagh Famine Village in Ballyliffin in co. Donegal, where guide Pat – who grew up in the community – shared moving stories of life during and after the famine, along with tales of traditional food and even a taste of poitín, Ireland’s famous moonshine. A tea and scone in the café rounded off the visit perfectly. With the All-Ireland Gaelic Football Final taking place that day, the region was buzzing with colour and excitement, but it also meant dinner plans on the road proved tricky. Instead, Jacqui returned to the Redcastle Hotel and discovered the neighbouring Boathouse restaurant, where she enjoyed a hearty Sunday roast. After a stroll around the grounds and a peek at the hotel’s Leisure Club and Spa, it was time to turn in for the night before an early departure to Belfast International the next morning.
Jacqui’s weekend in Northern Ireland and Donegal was the perfect mix of scenery, history, and enjoying the warm Irish hospitality. Visiting the iconic Giant’s Causeway, the streets of Derry~Londonderry, and the rugged Inishowen Peninsula has truly confirmed that this region of Ireland is a worthwhile destination, offering plenty of memorable moments. Whether you’re drawn by the culture, the coastline, or simply by good food and good company, this corner of Ireland has it all!
If Jacqui’s journey has inspired you to explore Northern Ireland and Donegal for yourself, the team at Best of Scotland Holidays can help you plan the perfect itinerary. Get in touch with us today to start creating your own unforgettable Irish adventure.
