Dublin to Belfast Hiking & Walking Tour
Legendary Landscapes in Ireland & Northern Ireland
Myths and legends. Fairy-tale footpaths. Jolly pubs. Hike trails through emerald Ireland, where ancient ruins whisper tales of yore, and woodlands and green hills feel as though they’ve always been this quiet and lush.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
From $5,699 - $5,799/person
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Experience Irish hiking culture and get to know the wild and remote Mourne Mountains with their rugged coastal cliffs, placid meadows and silent forests
- Listen to a local friend and guide bring the landscape to life and delight in the infectious rhythms of traditional Irish music
- Savor the rich flavors of Irish cuisine, from rustic pub lunches to fresh-caught seafood elegantly prepared
- Rest your head and enjoy the warm hospitality and state-of-the-art spas of our elegant country hotels
- Explore a 15th-century castle and discover the history, charming streets and vibrant nightlife of Belfast
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Dublin Airport & Travel Details
- Welcome to Dublin, whose historic Georgian streets and architecture hearken to another era
- Walk from the picturesque harbor village of Howth, passing windswept beaches and cliffs blooming with wildflowers
- Drink in wide coastal views of the North Atlantic
- Explore a 19th-century castle and meander through the back-to-back ruins of Killeavy Old Churches, which date to 517
- Discover the Ring of Gullion, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Follow a peaceful path to a small mountain tarn and a 5,000-year-old passage tomb
- Revel in sweeping views—on a clear day, you can see Dublin Bay and Wicklow from the majestic slopes of Slieve Gullion
- Lounge by the pool or at the spa at our luxurious mountainside retreat.
Nights 1-2
Deluxe Hotel
This contemporary castle hotel is the centerpiece of 365 acres of fields and woodland in stunning Slieve Gullion, a secluded space to escape and unwind. (pool, spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Visit Carlingford, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Ireland
- The towering mountain of Slieve Foye makes for a spectacular backdrop for a hike—it’s said that this is the resting place of the giant Fionn McCool!
- Climb the highest pass in the dramatic Mountains of Mourne and experience spectacular scenery at every turn
- Stroll up the Trassey Track and walk along the Mourne Wall to Bloody Bridge, admiring castles and the stunning views of Slieve Commedagh, the second-highest mountain in the range
- Take in awe-inspiring vistas of lakes and peaks
- Visit our hotel’s state-of-the-art spa
- Experience a private tasting of Irish spirits.
Nights 3-4
Luxury Hotel
Channeling its original splendor from 125 years ago, this landmark of grand Victorian style hotel invites guests to step into a stylish new era and rejuvenate in its luxurious common spaces and elegant guest rooms. (spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Set out on a castle-studded walk along the peaceful shore of Strangford Lough
- Stroll a scenic coastal path, passing ruins from World War II
- Look out over the inlet of Belfast Lough, from where the Titanic launched
- Explore the North Down Coastal trail past sandy beaches, grey seals and the rugged coastline of the North Atlantic
- Pause at Grey Point Fort, a battery used during World War I
- Hear from a local piper how bagpipes found their place in Northern Irish culture
- Savor the homegrown flavors of the region: local cheese, seafood, pies, barmbrack (a traditional cake) and white pudding
- Stretch your legs on a guided walking tour of Belfast and learn about the city’s fascinating history and architecture
- Wake up to wonderful views over the hotel gardens and Belfast Lough.
Night 5
Luxury Hotel
This upscale palace on the slopes of Holywood hills was originally built for a bishop and offers exquisite rooms and warm hospitality for a tranquil stay. (spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Belfast Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
