Hotels & Resort Deals
Select a destination...
View All Hotels & Resort Deals
Vacation Interests
Miscellaneous
Tours By Type
Tour Deals
Select a destination...
View All Tour Deals
Cruises From
Vacation Interests
Career Discounts
Featured Destinations
Select a destination for info and deals...
Destination Ports
Cruises sailing in each region...
- Transfer Your Booking To Us
- Book Shore Excursions
- Book Land Tours
- Save on Passport & Visa Services
-
![Arrow]()
View All Customer Service Resources
Saving Tools
- Access Reservation (web-made bookings only)
- Make a Payment
- Add Travel Insurance
- Pre-Cruise Registration
For Existing Reservations
- Land Vacation FAQs
- Cruise FAQs
- Cruise Port Directions
- Contact Us
Useful Links
Signature Ireland North
-
Length
8 Days
-
Quality
This indicates the overall quality of the tour operator's products. A low rating does not mean it is not good - it just means that it does not include as much, or perhaps is of a more standard quality than the higher quality tours. For example, a 3 star quality rating means that it is a more standard/economical tour, while 5 stars is a very luxurious tour that often includes a lot of amenities. -
Starts in
Ennis
-
Ends in
Belfast (Northern Ireland)
-
Available Tour Start Dates
APR 30, 2028 to SEP 17, 2028
-
Activity Level
Easy
-
Style
Fully-Guided
-
Guaranteed Date(s)
Yes means that there is at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur. No means that there is not at least one tour date that the vendor guarantees will occur, which usually means that the vendor wants a certain amount of reservations on each tour in order for each one to occur. Of course, the terms and conditions of the vendor do allow for the vendor to cancel guaranteed tour dates for certain reasons (for example, a natural disaster).Yes
-
Special Interest(s)
National Geographic Signature
Exceptional exploration led by renowned experts, offering rare, private access to the world's most storied sites - all defined by an unparalleled level of service and comfort., Small GroupGroup trips average 12 travellers per departure, depending on the adventure. The maximum is usually no more than 16, but some can be smaller or bigger, depending on the trip. Check individual trips for details.
Not Available
Overview
Stretching from the wild Atlantic cliffs of Donegal to the storied streets of Belfast, Northern Ireland is a land of poetic landscapes and layered history. Walk the ancient walls of Derry, stand among the geometric wonder of the Giant's Causeway, and retreat to lakeside castles, guided by local experts who reveal the resilient spirit behind every emerald shoreline.
Visited During Tour
Belfast (Northern Ireland) | Donegal | Ennis | Westport (New Zealand)
Dates, Offers & Prices
Tour Itinerary
More Details
Dates, Offers & Prices
There are not currently any Signature Ireland North tour dates available from G Adventures, for the selected year.
There is at least one departure that the vendor is advising is Not Available for the selected year. Click here if you would like to view details regarding such tours.
Tour Itinerary
G Adventures Tour Code EQEBNS-11556
-
Day
1Ennis
Welcome to the Emerald Isle. Your expedition begins in the Ennis area, where the air is often thick with the scent of woodsmoke and the promise of Atlantic mist. You will be met and transferred to your hotel to settle into the rhythmic pace of Irish life. Later, gather with your National Geographic Expedition Leader, National Geographic Expedition Expert and fellow travellers for a welcome presentation that sets the stage for the heritage and history ahead. Share stories over a dinner of traditional fare, raising a glass to the start of your exploration through a region defined by its rugged beauty and enduring heritage before resting for the adventures that lie ahead on the western coast.
- Meals Included:
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Arrival Transfer
You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel to start your adventure.
Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group
Your opportunity to meet your Expedition Leader and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group. There will be an included group welcome dinner after the meeting.
-
Day
2Ennis/Westport
The jagged Atlantic coastline leads to Doolin, where you board a ferry for a crisp crossing to Inis Oirr. Feel the salt spray on your face as you arrive at this soul-stirring island. Explore the island with a local guide, wandering a labyrinth of dry-stone walls and coastal heritage that has barely changed in centuries. After a relaxed lunch overlooking the sea, a local guide leads you through Galway's vibrant Latin Quarter, where the echoes of maritime history meet a modern hub of art and music. The day concludes on arrival at your majestic manor house-style hotel where a gourmet dinner awaits, surrounded by the quiet grandeur of the estate.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Guided Tour of Inisheer
A day trip to Inisheer involves trading your coach for a ferry a short ride to the smallest Aran Island, just enough time to feel the salt air and watch the Cliffs of Moher loom in the distance. You'll pass endless networks of hand-built stone walls, a shipwreck rusting on the shore, and a 10th-century church that has slowly sunk into the sand over the centuries. Everything is quiet. You'll hear the local Gaelic language being spoken in the shops and the distant sound of the sea against the rocks. After lunch on the island, board the ferry back to the mainland to continue your journey.
Ferry
Get to the next spot on your route aboard a convenient and efficient ferry boat.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Guided Walking Tour of Galway
Explore the vibrant streets of Galway, a city celebrated as the primary center for Irish art, music, and theater. This guided walking tour takes you through the lively Latin Quarter and Eyre Square, stopping at the historic Spanish Arch and the scenic banks of the River Corrib. It is a perfect way to experience the "City of Tribes" and its unique blend of medieval history and modern creativity.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
-
Day
3Westport
Take in the dramatic glacial corridor of the Inagh Valley, including the Twelve Bens and Maumturks mountains rising like stone sentinels over the moorlands. Today you explore Westport, a Georgian gem where stone bridges frame the Carrowbeg River, and explore the harbour's independent galleries. Board a cruise to navigate the 365 islands of Clew Bay, the holy peak of Croagh Patrick watching from a distance. Enjoy free time to enjoy Westport or the grounds of your hotel. In the evening experience a local style dinner in town.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Orientation Walk in Westport
This short walk takes you from your hotel into the heart of Westport, which is often called one of Ireland's most beautiful towns. You will start by walking toward the center of town along The Mall. This is a scenic, tree-lined road that runs parallel to the Carrowbeg River. As you leave the river behind, you will walk into The Octagon, the main square of Westport. In the center of the square, you'll see a large stone pedestal with a statue. This is the traditional meeting point for the town.
Clew Bay Cruise
The cruise offers a relaxing tour of Clew Bay's famous drumlin islands and local seal colonies. Enjoy unique views of the Holy Mountain: Croagh Patrick, the historic Inishgort Lighthouse and John Lennon's Island, all from a comfortable, all-weather vessel.
Traditional Pub Dinner
Enjoy dinner in a local pub style establishment tonight. The experience is as much about the "craic" (social atmosphere) as it is about the food. It represents the very best of West Ireland hospitality.
-
Day
4Westport/Donegal
Head toward the wild northwest, pausing in coastal Sligo before reaching Drumcliffe - where W.B. Yeats rests beneath a simple headstone in a quiet churchyard, the outline of Ben Bulben visible on the horizon. The landscape shifts as you cross into Northern Ireland and arrive at a magnificent lakeside castle tucked deep into ancient forest. A private tour of the estate reveals the architecture and ambitions of the families who once called these halls home. As twilight settles over the water, dinner in the castle is followed by a quiet evening in the library or beside a roaring fire.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Orientation Walk in Sligo
Sligo, famously known as "Yeats Country," is a journey into a landscape where ancient mythology meets wild Atlantic beauty. Nestled between the iconic, flat-topped Benbulben mountain and the rolling waves of the ocean, Sligo offers a blend of literary history, Neolithic wonders, and a thriving modern food scene.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Drumcliff Church and Yeats' Tomb Visit
Take a walk around Drumcliff , known for its early Christian architecture like the ruins of a typical Irish round tower (bell tower), a monastery, and a high cross with intricate carvings. Visit the graveyard of Duncliffe Church to see the humble grave of the famous poet WB Yeats.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Tour of Lough Eske Castle
A tour of Lough Eske Castle offers a blend of tragic history and triumphant restoration. From the 19th-century sandstone exterior to the world-class photography collection inside, it provides a luxurious but grounded look at Donegal's aristocratic past and its vibrant, five-star present.
-
Day
5Donegal
The Slieve League Cliffs tower nearly 2,000 feet above the crashing Atlantic and are among the most dramatic seascapes in all of Europe. Walk the clifftop trails before traveling to a working hand-weaving mill for a glimpse into Irish heritage as you wander past century-old wooden looms and watch master weavers rhythmically "throw the shuttle" to transform vibrant local wool into world-class tweed. Afterwards, continue to Donegal Town, where the imposing Donegal Castle sits at the banks of the River Eske - a striking blend of Gaelic and English stonecraft that has weathered centuries of history. Browse the local shops before returning to your lakeside retreat for a rare-access whiskey cellar tasting led by a specialist, exploring the nuanced flavours of local spirits. Dinner follows, celebrating the culinary traditions of the rugged northwest.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit to Slieve League
Standing on the viewing platform at Slieve League (Sliabh Liag) is a humbling encounter with the raw edge of Europe. Nearly three times taller than the Cliffs of Moher, a visit to here offers one of the most dramatic coastal vistas in the world. One of the most striking things about the platform is the sound. Because you are so high up, the roar of the massive Atlantic waves hitting the base of the cliff reaches you as a soft, rhythmic hiss.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit to Genuine Working Mill
Explore behind the scenes of the genuine working mill, where all the cloths are hand woven, and all the garments are artisan made. View each step of the process involved in creating our throws, garments and accessories. The traditional craft of hand weaving is an integral part of the intangible cultural heritage of the area. To lose an indigenous craft is to lose a part of our history, our culture, our link to our past. See the passionate people behind preserving the skill of hand weaving, the only method used in producing all these local tweeds.
Visit to Donegal Town
Enjoy an orientation walk Donegal Town starting at The Diamond, the heart of the town and ending with a view of the historic Donegal Castle. A stroll along the Bank Walk offers a peaceful riverside with lovely views of the Old Abbey ruins across the water and the local fishing boats bobbing in the tide. Enjoy free time to settl into a traditional pub or a cozy cafe for a hearty lunch before returning to the hotel.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time to Enjoy Lough Eske
A stay at Lough Eske Castle is defined by "unapologetic relaxation." From exploring the Father Browne photo galleries and walking the lakeside trails to unwinding in the infinity pool, the estate provides a perfect balance of historic discovery and five-star wellness in the heart of Donegal. Perhaps join your Expedition Leader for a short walk to the restaurant at Harvey's Point, it's a local tradition to "castle hop" for a drink on their pier-side terrace.
Private Whiskey Cellar Tasting
Hosted in the atmospheric Father Browne Bar, the experience features curated flights of premium Irish spirits, including the legendary local Silkie Whiskey, paired with expert storytelling by the castle's passionate bartenders.
-
Day
6Donegal/Belfast
A day of powerful contrasts begins in Derry at the Museum of Free Derry, where a member of the Derry Trust shares a deeply personal account of the city's most defining events - a story told with a candour and humanity that no guidebook can replicate. Walk the 17th-century walls before the landscape opens dramatically at the UNESCO-listed Giant's Causeway. Stand among 40,000 interlocking basalt columns that rise like a geometric installation from the sea, as your National Geographic Expedition Expert weaves local folklore into the geology beneath your feet. As evening approaches, Belfast emerges on the horizon - a revitalised maritime city that wears its complex history with remarkable openness.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
Exclusive Inclusions:
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Expert Discussion at the Museum of Free Derry
A poignant morning begins with pre-opening visit for a solemn and academic deep dive into the story of Free Derry. Guided by an expert from the Bloody Sunday Trust, you will receive a private lecture that weaves together historical facts with powerful personal narratives, all within the silent, sacred space of the Free Derry museum before it opens to the world.
Guided Tour of Derry
A walking tour of Derry starts on the 17th-century walls for a panoramic view of the city's colonial history before descending into the Bogside. In the Bogside, you move through the "People's Gallery" of political murals and visit Free Derry Corner, ending with a message of modern reconciliation at the Peace Bridge.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Visit to Giant's Causeway
A visit to the Giant's Causeway is a surreal encounter with 60 million years of history. Whether you're there for the volcanic geology or the tales of Irish giants, the sight of thousands of geometric pillars marching into the ocean is a bucket-list experience that feels truly otherworldly.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
-
Day
7Belfast
Belfast reveals its layered identity this morning on a classic Black Cab tour with a local. - traversing the Falls and Shankill roads where vivid murals and Peace Walls tell a story of division, resilience, and hard-won progress. For lunch, Clifton House offers a catered meal at a heritage centre-your visit directly supports community care and philanthropy across the city. The afternoon immerses you in maritime history at the Titanic Museum, where the story of the world's most famous vessel unfolds in the very shipyard where it was born. This evening enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner, toasting the landscapes, stories, and connections forged across the emerald coasts.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Exclusive Inclusions:
Black Cab Tour of Belfast
A Black Cab tour is an immersive masterclass in conflict and reconciliation. It takes you beyond the tourist trail into the Falls and Shankill roads to see the iconic political murals and the Peace Wall. With a local driver as your storyteller, you'll gain a balanced, personal perspective on the city's complex history and its remarkable journey toward the vibrant Belfast of today.
Clifton House Visit and Lunch
A visit to the Heritage Center of Clifton House, an historic community enterprise combines a high-level meeting on their local impact with a curated, historic tour of the former Poor House. By pairing this with a lunch from provided by a local social enterprise initiative, you experience a "full circle" of social value: your morning supports elderly care and heritage preservation, while your lunch directly funds employment training for the neurodiverse community in Belfast.
Titanic Belfast
Witness the spot where the iconic Titanic was built and launched. Within the ship liner shaped building, you can find a museum dedicated to the ship's construction, replicas of the passengers accommodation, rare footage documenting the ship's existence, and the history of Belfast.
-
Day
8Belfast
Your expedition to Northern Ireland concludes this morning. Enjoy a final breakfast before a private transfer takes you to the airport. As you depart, carry with you the echoes of castle fires, the salt-spray of the Atlantic, and the enduring spirit of the people who call this storied corner of the world home.
- Meals Included:
- Breakfast
Exclusive Inclusions:
Departure Transfer
You will be met at your hotel and transferred to the airport at the end of your adventure.
More Details
G Adventures is informing us of the following additional details regarding their Signature Ireland North tour:
Group Size
Max. 22, Avg. 16
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your Expedition Leader and Group, EnnisYour Foodie Moment: Traditional Pub Dinner, WestportYour Foodie Moment: Private Whiskey Cellar Tasting, Lough Eske CastleSignature Moment: Expert Discussion at the Museum of Free Derry, Derry. Arrival and departure transfers. Guided Tour of Inisheer. Guided Walking Tour of Galway. Orientation Walk in Westport. Clew Bay Cruise. Orientation Walk in Sligo. Drumcliff Church and Yeats' Tomb Visit. Private Tour of Lough Eske Castle. Visit to Slieve League. Visit to Donegal Town. Free Time to Enjoy Lough Eske Castle grounds. Guided Tour of Derry. Visit to Giant's Causeway. Black Cab Tour of Belfast. Clifton House Visit and Lunch. Titanic Museum Visit. Engaging Discussions with the National Geographic Expedition Expert Throughout. Porterage at hotels and when getting on and off of vehicles. Tips are included for all activities, meals and porterage, except for your Expedition Leader. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Highlights
Hear a local account of historic events during a private talk at the poignant Museum of Free Derry, Savour the complex notes of Irish spirits during a private whiskey cellar tasting at Lough Eske Castle, Enjoy a catered lunch at Clifton House Lunch heritage centre that supports local communities.
Message from G Adventures About Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Accommodation Summary
Hotel (7 nights).
Meals Included
7 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 6 dinners
Group Leader
National Geographic Expedition Leader and National Geographic Expedition Expert throughout
What is the group leader like?
All National Geographic Signature group trips are accompanied by one of our National Geographic Expedition Leaders throughout. The aim of the Expedition Leaders is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds.
International Flights
No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Transportation
Private Vehicle, Ferry, Walking
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Checklist
Documents:o Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)o Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)o Passport (required) (With photocopies)o Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)o Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)Essentials:o Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)o Binoculars (optional)o Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)o Cash, credit and debit cardso Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)o Ear plugso First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)o Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)o Fleece top/sweatero Footwearo Hato Headphones (Noise-cancelling recommended)o Locks for bagso Long pants/jeanso Moneybelto Outlet adaptero Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)o Reusable water bottleo Shirts/t-shirtso Sleepwearo Small travel towelo Sunglasseso Swimwearo Watch and alarm clocko Waterproof backpack covero Windproof rain jacketHealth & Safety:o Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)o Hand sanitizero Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)Smart Dress:o Smart outfit (For evenings out)Warm Weather:o Sandals/flip-flopso Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)o Sturdy water shoes/sandalso Sun hat/bandanao Swimwear
Service Level
Luxury: Five-star hospitality and meticulously curated inclusions, featuring iconic properties, fine dining, and private door-to-door service.
Pricing and availability are subject to change and must be confirmed by one of our travel advisors, who can contact the vendor to do so. Intra-vacation air (also referred to as internal air) is usually based on economy class seating (do not assume otherwise, unless explicity noted otherwise) and may be 100% non-refundable at time of final payment. Air quotes (including intra-vacation airfare) may be subject to change until final payment has been received by the vendor. Flight confirmation may be based on availability. Air reservations may not be able to be confirmed until a passport copy is received by the vendor. The following charges are not included in the vacation price unless otherwise noted: airfare to and from the start of your vacation; airline baggage fees including checked and/or excess baggage fees; Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities; airport taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security fee, passenger facility charges, Federal domestic flight segment fees, and U.S. and international arrival and departure and other government-imposed fees added by the airline and applicable at time of booking; port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ship's crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant or onboard your vessel (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; optional excursions; additional activities and excursions purchased online; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection; and all other items of a personal nature. Itinerary details are provided by the vendor. Vendors may reserve the right to change itineraries, even on existing reservations. There may be instances where the name of a tour contains a tour length in it, but where there is a version of the tour that is a different number of days in length. You can check the true length of a tour by referring to the length value listed in association with that tour. Destination images displayed on this web page, some which are supplied by the related vendor and some which are not, are intended to simply give a general representation of the region of the world being visited during the tour. Such images are not necessarily of the exact areas being visited during the tour. Hotel details (including, but not limited to: rating/class, descriptions, images, amenities and addresses) are provided by G Adventures. Hotel amenities may be communicated in shorthand by G Adventures (for example, if "Laundry" is listed that may only mean that the hotel has an optional fee-based service that would allow for your laundry to be done by their staff). We reserve the right to correct errors.