Hiking the Mountains of Mourne and the Causeway Coast

8 days from £2825 per person

Discover the dramatic beauty of Northern Ireland on this eight-day hiking holiday. Starting in Belfast, travel to the wild peaks and hidden valleys of the Mourne Mountains which you can explore on numerous walks. Continue your journey to the Causeway Coast which is noted for its emerald hills, fishing villages, dramatic sea views and of course, the Giant’s Causeway – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to huge black basalt stones protruding out of the sea. You will also visit Rathlin Island by boat. Rathlin is one of the country’s best bird sanctuaries and the island is a haven for a variety of sea birds including puffins. Your private guide will be on hand to explain the landscape and share with you the local history and folklore of Northern Ireland. Please note this walking tour is suitable for active travellers who are reasonably fit and enjoy moderate hikes.

Belfast – Mountains of Mourne – Causeway Coast – Rathlin Island – Belfast

Itinerary Highlights

The Mournes are home to picturesque valleys, mirror-like lakes and jagged peaks – explore this beautiful mountain range on two separate hikes.

Enjoy a coastal walk along the Causeway Coast where you can explore hidden coves and crumbling fortresses before arriving at the iconic Giant’s Causeway.

Take a boat trip to Rathlin Island which is steeped in legend and history. It also houses one of Ireland’s best sea bird sanctuaries home to puffin, guillemots and razorbills.

Itinerary: Hiking the Mountains of Mourne and the Causeway Coast

Day 1 Belfast to the Mountains of Mourne – 46 miles

Meet your guide this morning at Belfast Airport and travel south by road to the Mountains of Mourne. The highest and most dramatic mountain range in Northern Ireland, these mountains and hills are criss-crossed by a network of paths and tracks that were once smuggler’s routes in the 18th century and its peaks are topped with dramatic granite tors. The Mournes are divided into two distinct sections, the Eastern or ‘High’ Mournes and the Western or ‘Low’ Mournes. Your afternoon walk starts near the coast and takes in some of the spectacular sea views as well as panoramic views across the central Mourne peaks. (L)
Hike details: 6 km/4 miles – approximately 3 hours

Accommodation in Newcastle: The Briers Country House (or similar)

Day 2 The High Mournes

Today you will explore the beautiful High Mournes and you and your guide will plan the day’s walk together. While many visitors converge to the highest point of this mountain range, your guide instead will share some of the less familiar areas and hidden gems of the Mournes. Expect quiet gentle slopes and picturesque valleys dotted with lakes all against a backdrop of jagged silhouettes. Your route will likely intersect with the Mourne Wall, a 22-mile dry-stone wall that traverses the whole mountain range. Completed in 1922 it took 18 years to build, it was originally built to keep cattle and sheep away from the Silent valley reservoir, but today the desolate Mourne Wall is as much an iconic part of the Mournes as the soaring granite peaks. (B/L)
Hike details: 11-16 kms/7-10 miles (depending on the route) – approximately 5-6 hours
Accommodation in Newcastle: The Briers Country House (or similar)

Day 3 The Mournes to the Causeway Coast – 95 miles

This morning head north with your driver-guide to Ballycastle and the Causeway Coast in North Antrim. This protected National Trust coastline offers outstanding natural beauty and stunning panoramic views. After picking up a packed lunch in Ballycastle, commence the first part of the Causeway Coast Way on a lesser-walked section of the trail where the landscape inspired CS Lewis’s Narnia. The trail is full of hidden gems isolated coves, ruined fortresses and crumbling fishing cottages. (B/L)
Hike details: 10 km/6.5 miles – approximately 3-4 hours
Accommodation near Bushmills: The Causeway Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Rathlin Island

This morning board the ferry from Ballycastle and enjoy the fresh sea air for 6 miles as you cross the Sea of Moyle to Rathlin Island. Steeped in history there are many tales surrounding Rathlin, the most famous tells of Robert the Bruce who in 1306 was driven from Scotland by Edward I. Whilst seeking refuge on Rathlin he watched a spider attempting to bridge a gap with its web. Taking heart from the spider’s efforts, he returned to Scotland and eventually regained his crown in 1314. On arrival in Rathlin enjoy a circular walk taking in the RSPB bird sanctuary, which is important for breeding seabirds, including seasonal puffins, guillemots, kittiwakes, razorbills, and fulmars. You will also have time to enjoy the stunning coastal views, sea stacks and the picturesque west lighthouse. (B/L)
Hike Details: 8 km/5 miles – approximately 3 hours
Accommodation near Bushmills: The Causeway Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 The Giant’s Causeway

Start your day at the pretty harbour of Ballintoy as you explore a further section of the Causeway Coast Way. Walk across one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches and along dramatic cliffs where on a clear day you can enjoy breathtaking views of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides. Your walk ends at the fascinating Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is steeped in myths and legends. Spend time at this wonderous landmark which features over 40,000 interlocking basalt columns. Enjoy your final night on the Causeway Coast where you may wish to visit a local pub or restaurant to experience local and traditional Irish fare. (B/L)
Hike details: 15 km/9 miles – approximately 4 hours
Accommodation near Bushmills: The Causeway Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 The Causeway Coast to Belfast – 60 miles

After a relaxing morning head back to Belfast with your driver/guide where you will stay for the next two nights. As the services of your driver /guide will end on your arrival in Belfast, you will have the next couple of days at leisure to explore this vibrant city. You may wish to spend the afternoon meandering through Belfast’s bustling streets visiting the various galleries and craft shops and stopping for a refreshment at a local pub. (B)
Accommodation in Belfast: Titanic Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Belfast

Today is a self- guided day to get to know this fascinating city. Places of interest include the St George’s Market – the last surviving Victorian market in Belfast noted for its fresh produce, the Ulster Museum situated in the Botanic Gardens and the Titanic Experience, the world’s largest exhibit dedicated to RMS Titanic. Paddy Campbells Black Cab Tours is another great way to see the city – jump in a London-style black cab and visit the political murals that adorn the city walls whilst learning the of the history of the troubles in Belfast and Northern Island. (B)
Accommodation in Belfast: Titanic Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Depart Belfast

Make your own way to the airport or alternatively, why not extend your stay in Ireland? You could combine this itinerary with southern or western Ireland, one of our Travel Specialists will be happy to advise. (B)

**KEY: N = No meals, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

What's included

Private car with English speaking driver-guide
Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
Hotel accommodation and taxes

What's not included

Any International flights
Any Domestic flights
Cost of visas
Travel Insurance
Expenses of a personal nature
Meals unless specified

Guide to Price

The above price is based on two people travelling together and sharing accommodation in low season. The price is only a guide and can vary according to selected airlines, hotels and date of travel. If you wish to travel with your family, friends or on your own we will be very happy to assist you with your arrangements.

For flexibility, international or domestic flights are not included in the price of this itinerary. However, we will be delighted to talk through the different options available to you and, should you wish, also make the neccessary flight bookings.

On this itinerary you will have your own private vehicle and driver throughout. Your driver will also be your guide. Masks are required to be worn when in the vehicle and to maintain social distancing the vehicle. The vehicle will be cleaned every day.

This tour is suited to those who enjoy hiking and have reasonable fitness. The walking pace will be comfortable with hikes lasting up to 6 hours. Hikes on this tour vary from 4 to 13km in length with ascents and descents. Most paths and trails are good but may be muddy and rough in places. Please also note that the weather in Ireland can be unpredictable and at times this can make activities more challenging so it is worth being prepared for all eventualities. Your guide may need to alter your itinerary on the day due to local conditions.

It is also possible, should you wish, to undertake this journey on a self-drive basis using your own vehicle or a hire car. Please contact us for further details.