legends-landscapes-and-hidden-places-in-sligo-and-north-west-ireland

Legends, Landscapes and Hidden Places in Sligo and North West Ireland

Discover the wild beauty, ancient legends and hidden treasures of Ireland’s spectacular North West on this nine-day journey through County Sligo and beyond. Explore prehistoric monuments, historic abbeys, dramatic mountain landscapes, rugged Atlantic coastlines and charming Irish towns. Experience the region’s rich heritage through its history, folklore, traditional Irish music and local culture.

Highlights include a boat trip from Rosses Point in search of whales and dolphins, the spectacular Slieve League Cliffs, the Gleniff Horseshoe scenic drive, a working sheepdog demonstration and a visit to an alpaca farm. Explore historic estates, spiritual sites and the medieval monastic settlement of Glendalough, with time to enjoy Galway and Sligo. The journey concludes with visits to beautiful castles and gardens around Dublin and a farewell dinner at Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel.

Your tour includes eight nights in three- and four-star hotels, including two nights at Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel, airport transfers, eight full Irish breakfasts, transportation by coach, a tour guide, scheduled venue fees, bus snacks and drinks, and a farewell dinner. International flights, lunches, other evening meals, travel insurance, personal expenses and optional activities outside the itinerary are not included. Some itinerary details and accommodation remain subject to availability and change.

Sligo, North West Ireland

Location: County Sligo and North West Ireland, including Donegal, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway, County Wicklow and Dublin.

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights, July 23–31, 2027.

Activity Type: Sightseeing, scenic drives, historic houses and castles, ancient monuments, coastal exploration, wildlife watching, folklore and cultural experiences. The general activity level is low to moderate, but some locations involve walking on uneven surfaces, hills or longer paths. Guests who cannot manage particular walks may be able to remain on the bus with the driver. Free time in Galway, Sligo and Dublin allows for independent exploration. Optional activities not included in the itinerary are at guests’ own expense.

Accommodation: Three hotels, or similar properties, are planned: Riverside Hotel, Sligo (2 nights); Cawley’s Hotel, Tubbercurry (4 nights); and Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel (2 nights). All rooms are en-suite. The tour includes eight breakfasts and a farewell dinner at Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel.

Room/package options:

- Double occupancy: $2,945 per person, sharing one double bed. Deposit: $300 per person.

- Twin-room occupancy: $2,945 per person, sharing a room with two beds. Deposit: $300 per person.

- Single occupancy: $3,345. Deposit: $300.

All packages are listed as available for booking until January 23, 2027. Deposits are non-refundable. The final balance is due 60 days before departure, and installment plans are available. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Day 1 — Historic Estates and Woodland Landscapes

Visit Belvedere House, Gardens & Park near Mullingar to explore its historic grounds, gardens and lakeside scenery. Continue to Lough Key Forest Park in County Roscommon for woodland trails, lake views and remnants of the historic Rockingham Estate. Activity level: low to moderate.

Day 2 — Atlantic Wildlife and Ancient Sligo

Take a boat trip from Rosses Point to look for whales, dolphins and other Atlantic wildlife, with views of Benbulben and Knocknarea. Enjoy a coastal drive around Mullaghmore to see Classiebawn Castle, visit the prehistoric Creevykeel Court Tomb and take in the dramatic scenery of the Gleniff Horseshoe.

Day 3 — Slieve League and Donegal Town

Discover the magnificent Slieve League Cliffs, rising dramatically above the Atlantic Ocean. On the return journey, enjoy free time in Donegal Town to explore the castle, browse the shops and purchase lunch.

Day 4 — WB Yeats and Bram Stoker Day

Today you will go on a journey in the footsteps of some legends associated with Sligo, WB Yeats, a world-famous poet who spent much of his time in Sligo and surrounding areas. We will visit Lissadell House where he stayed and his last resting place in Drumcliff, we will visit places he wrote about like Glencar Waterfall and Hazelwood. You will also go for a Bram Stoker walk around Sligo town and learn about his family who lived in Sligo. You will hear about the events that inspired him to write Dracula. 

Day 5 — Knock Shrine and Galway City

Visit Knock Shrine, an important Irish pilgrimage destination with a remarkable history dating to 1879. Continue to Galway for an afternoon exploring its cobbled streets, independent shops, street musicians, restaurants and traditional Irish pubs.

Day 5 — Sheepdogs, Alpacas and Slig o

Visit a working sheep farm to watch skilled sheepdogs work alongside their handler. Continue to a local alpaca farm to meet the animals, walk the alpacas and feed the rabbits, then enjoy the afternoon shopping in Sligo.

Day 6 — Strokestown Park and Castle Hotel Stay

Explore Strokestown Park House, a magnificent historic mansion with period interiors, gardens and important connections to Ireland’s Great Famine. Continue to Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel, where you can relax, enjoy the hotel facilities or explore the nearby villages of Dalkey and Killiney. Dublin city is also accessible by bus for those wishing to explore independently.

Day 7 — Wicklow Gardens and Monastic Heritage

Visit Powerscourt House and Gardens, renowned for its formal gardens, ornamental lakes and mountain views. Continue to Glendalough to explore its early Christian monastic settlement, ancient churches and iconic round tower. Return to Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel for the included farewell dinner.

Day 8 —  Castles and Historic Dublin

Discover Ardgillan Castle and its beautiful coastal estate overlooking the Irish Sea. Continue to Malahide Castle to explore its long history, historic interiors and botanical gardens, followed by a visit to Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin to discover its medieval architecture and historic crypt.

Day 9 — Departure from Dublin

Transfer to Dublin Airport in time for your return flight home. Say farewell to Ireland after a memorable journey through its landscapes, heritage and hidden places.

What's Included

Airport Transfers

We pick you up at the airport on the first morning of the tour and leave you back the last day.

Accommodation

You will stay in 3/4 star hotels and will also have 2 nights in an Irish Castle.

8 Breakfasts

8 full Irish breakfasts. Real hearty meals that would keep you going all day long.

Bus

We work with a very well established, reputable bus company who supply a very comfortable 27 seater bus.

Driver

Our drivers are amazing and will look after you very well. They know the highways and byways like the back of their hands.

Tour Guide

We are blessed to have great tour guides and we will have a great guide looking after you from the beginning of the tour until you return to the airport on the last day

Venus

Venue fees are included to all venues on the itinerary

Snacks/drinks

We have snacks and drinks on the bus for long journeys

Taxes and Charges

All hotel, bus and venue taxes and charges are covered

Farewell Meal

We cover a farewell evening meal in Fitzpatrick's Castle the night before you leave Ireland.

• Flights
• We do not deal with flights.
• Venues
• Any venue you want to visit that is not on the itinerary, we do not cover.
• Meals
• We do not cover lunch or evening meals except the farewell meal
• Laundry
• We can arrange laundry but it is at your expense.
• Travel Insurance
• We strongly suggest that you purchase travel Insurance. It can be purchased here. When you are booking your spot you can see where the insurance is available to buy.
• Charges by hotel
• If you use the hotel room phone to make outside calls, or use the room bar, it will be at your own expense.