Head north on our most active adventure tour yet!
Spend 7 days on an unforgettable adventure vacation in Ireland. Go cliff hiking, trail biking, horseback-riding and sea kayaking on your way around the rugged countryside of Northern Ireland and the northwest.
You’re about to uncover the wonders of the Giant’s Causeway, the wild beaches of Donegal, the craic in Westport and the fascinating history of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Perfect small group tour of Northern Ireland. The tour we chose, Magnetic North, had a great mix of sightseeing, cultural experiences and outdoor activities. Definitely would use Vagabond Tours again." Guest Review APRIL 2024
Find answers to questions about the 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure Tour itinerary.
We do our utmost to ensure that the tour style you choose matches your needs. Our team offer honest and professional customer service from the moment you first get in touch.
Read the following physical requirements to understand if your tour choice matches your abilities.
Read MoreYou'll need basic mobility to enjoy any of our small group tours of Ireland. Standing and walking for extended periods is required on both tour styles.
For Vagabond Cultural Adventures, the fitness requirement is considerably higher than on a Driftwood Journey of Discovery.
Read MoreAll of our tours leave from our pick-up/drop-off point at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin.
Our pick-up times from the Grand Canal Hotel vary by tour:
Read MoreYou don't have to pre-book activities until you join your tour. While on tour, your VagaGuide will advise you when you need to book an optional extra.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: The only exception is the Skellig Michael Island landing option. This optional extra is only available on the 12 Day Vagabond Giant Irish Adventure Tour. It requires prior booking at least 45 days before you arrive in Ireland.
Read MoreWe love introducing our guests to the wonderful cities and surprisingly wild coastline of Northern Ireland.
The following four small-group tour itineraries visit Northern Ireland:
Read MoreThere are two currencies used on the island of Ireland. Which one you need, depends on which part of Ireland you're visiting.
You'll use Euro (€) while visiting the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland's currency is the Pound sterling (£).
Read MoreWe recommend bringing a small amount of cash in euros to Ireland with you.
Around €300 euro should be more than enough to get you through your first days in Dublin.
Read MoreThe industry standard in Ireland is €15 per person, per day. But this is, of course, at your discretion.
Our team of VagaGuide tour guides really appreciate any tips that come their way after leading a Vagabond or Driftwood small-group tour.
Read MoreTo make everyone's tour run smoothly, we operate strict limits on baggage size. Plan to bring 1x compact suitcase as well as 1x daypack or backpack, per guest booking.
Your single large piece of luggage should weigh no more than 51lb (23kg) and measure no longer than 31” (79cm) along its longest side. This 31 inch (79cm) limit includes any wheels that may protrude from the suitcase or bag.
Read MoreTravel light.
That's the one travel tip that we hear again and again from guests who have experienced our tours.
Read MoreServiced laundry facilities are available on tours that stay 2 nights in the following towns:
Lunches and dinners are not included on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours. You are free to choose your own lunches and dinners.
Your VagaGuide tour guide will recommend their favourite cafes, restaurants and shops. We find that this flexible approach to included meals allows us to cater for diverse tastes, budgets and diets.
All hotel breakfasts are included in your tour price.
Similar QuestionsMost hotels in Ireland do not have air conditioning.
The climate in Ireland usually isn't hot enough to warrant air conditioning.
In periods of prolonged warm weather, hotels that don’t have air conditioning will normally install fans in the bedrooms.
Find out more about Irish weather and the best time to visit Ireland
Similar QuestionsAll of your hotel rooms on tour provide hairdryers.
Please note that, in some cases, Irish hotel hairdryers may not be the most powerful models.
Similar QuestionsAll of our hotels offer double, twin and single room types. Doubles have 1x bed, twins have 2x separate beds and singles have 1x bed.
When booking with us, please select a room requirement for each passenger listed. Choose your room type based on each person sharing.
Read MoreThe standard bed size in Ireland equates to a US Queen (60" x 80"). This may vary with hotel or room type.
Similar QuestionsWhile travel insurance is not a requirement for our tours, we strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance cover before your trip to Ireland.
Your policy should cover all medical costs associated with travel.
Read MoreYes, there are regular comfort stops along the tour route where you can avail of restroom facilities.
Simply ask your VagaGuide if you're unsure when the next stop is coming
Similar QuestionsThere are no wifi or charging points available on Vagabond & Driftwood tour vehicles.
We recommend bringing a cellphone with you on tour in Ireland to take pictures and to stay in touch with loved ones back home.
Talk to your cellphone provider about international data roaming before you depart. Alternatively, purchase a sim card on arrival in Ireland to help you get online.
If you think you'll need it, pack a lightweight power bank in your daypack or backpack.
Even better, take a digital detox while exploring Ireland with us!
Similar QuestionsDonegal is one of our favourite places to visit in Ireland. We know you'll love it too!
The following tour itineraries explore Donegal.
Read MoreWe always put guest safety first on Vagabond Cultural Adventures.
For this reason, when engaging in kayaking and horseback-riding activities, the following personal weight limits apply:
🐴 Horseback-Riding
Male weight limit: 238lbs / 17 stone / 108kg
Female weight limit: 225lbs / 16 stone / 102kg
🛶 Kayaking
Per person Double Kayak weight limit: 110kg / 17.5 stone / 245lbs
Total Double Kayak weight limit for 2 guests: 190kg / 30 stone / 420lbs
Per person Single Kayak weight limit: 92kg / 14.5 stone / 200lbs.
Similar Questions
All of our tours are fully guided by our team of expert driver guides.
We call them VagaGuides.
Read MoreTo help you plan your return flights, here are the days and times that our tours return to Dublin.
The return point for all tours is Dublin's Grand Canal Hotel
Read MoreIt's difficult to access your main luggage or suitcase while on tour. Luggage is securely packed in our tour vehicles. As a result, it's not easy for your driver guide to access individual items of baggage during the day.
However, you can easily access your luggage at each hotel. So that you have your travel essentials close at hand, we recommend bringing a daypack, or backpack, that you can keep beside you in the tour vehicle.
Read MoreAll of our tours pick-up and drop-off from the same point in Dublin - the Grand Canal Hotel.
The Grand Canal Hotel is located just south of Dublin city centre.
Read MoreThe Wild Atlantic Way is one of our favourite routes to tour.
Here are all of the small-group tour itineraries that explore the Wild Atlantic Way.
Read MoreYes, all hotel rooms on Vagabond and Driftwood Tours of Ireland are ensuite.
Expect your own separate bathroom with toilet, sink and shower unit and/or combined shower and bath.
Similar QuestionsA hot shower after a mountain hike. A real fire. A pint. We assure you that wherever you stay with us, you’ll love it.
We put great effort into selecting accommodation on Vagabond tours. Your tour will overnight in locally-owned establishments (in some cases for generations). Receive a heartfelt welcome, often from the hoteliers themselves. No hotel chains here!
A warm welcome awaits you at the Londonderry Arms Hotel, once owned by none other than Winston Churchill.
Ideally situated midway between Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway, the Londonderry Arms is an ideal base for exploring this beautiful region.
Sit back and relax in front of an open log fire, bask in breathtaking scenery and a unique atmosphere of warmth and comfort.
Originally built in 1899, Bishop's Gate occupies an historic building in the centre of Derry/Londonderry.
Our lucky Vagabond and Driftwood guests who stay here tend to love the blend of stunning Edwardian architecture with stylish rooms.
Historical Derry/Londonderry is a fully walled city in Northern Ireland.
It is famous for its intact walls, featuring 7 gates; hence the name Bishop's Gate!
If you’re a beach lover, you’re in for a treat at Arnolds Hotel.
Here on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way, you can do as little — or as much — as you like.
Curl up by an open fire, then relax with a drink in the hotel bar.
Alternatively enjoy the many craft shops, bars, cafes and watersport opportunities on your doorstep..
Nestled amid the enchanting landscapes of Donegal, the Gateway Lodge Hotel is a beacon of hospitality and tranquility.
The welcoming atmosphere will immediately put you at ease, with a warm Donegal welcome from the moment you arrive.
Located just a two minute walk from the centre of Donegal Town, it's perfectly situated to give you easy access to the local pubs and live music.
Situated in the heart of the Moy Valley, the 4 star Mount Falcon Estate offers 100 acres of magical woodlands to add to the adventure of the day.
If you have time, make sure you experience the hotel's spa and a falconry experience
This Victorian Gothic manor house was originally built as a wedding gift.
It's widely recognised as one of the the most romantic historic hotels in Ireland; perfect if you have an anniversary while on tour.
The Wyatt is a charming hotel located at the heart of Westport town.
Grab a snack in the upmarket brasserie, enjoy live music in a traditional Irish bar or dine in the hotel's award winning restaurant.
All Vagabond tours are flexible. Your 7 Day Vagabond Magnetic North Adventure is no different.
Unmissable activities are included. Where there are great options, we’ve left the final decision up to you. Feel free to choose your evening meals and lunches. All additional tour options are marked clearly below. Please read the Activities & Fitness FAQs for further information.
All details of prices and suppliers listed here are correct at time of publication. Our suppliers occasionally increase prices for optional tour activities during the touring season. This is a rare occurence. In the unlikely event of a major price increase, we will do our utmost to update you.
Begin your Northern Ireland cultural and adventure tour in Dublin, bound for Belfast and Northern Ireland.
It's Day 1, so let's hike! Slieve Gullion mountain features Ireland's highest passage tomb at the summit.
In Belfast, choose from the following activities:
OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Choose A, B, C)
Accommodation tonight is at The Londonderry Arms.
The average driving time today is 4 hours.
Experience one of the world’s most spectacular coastal drives: the Causeway Coastal Route.
Hike the stunning Causeway Coast Way to the Giant's Causeway World Heritage Site (Fee Included).
Raise a glass of Irish whiskey at Bushmills, the oldest licensed distillery in the world (Optional Extra).
Travel back in time with a stop at the clifftop ruins of Dunluce Castle (Fee Included).
Accommodation tonight is at The Bishop's Gate Hotel.
The average driving time today is 3 hours.
Guided walking tour of Derry/Londonderry (Fee Included).
A panorama awaits from Grianán of Aileach, a Celtic stone ringfort.
Hike along a scenic lake in Glenveagh National Park with the choice of a self-guided castle tour (Optional Extra). Rent regular bikes or e-bikes to explore Glenveagh (Optional Extra). Minimum numbers apply.
This evening — weather permitting — choose from these options:
OPTIONAL EXTRAS (Choose A or B)
Accommodation tonight is at Arnolds Hotel Dunfanaghy.
The average driving time today is 2 hours.
Enjoy flexible activity options in of Ireland's most beautiful regions.
Accommodation tonight is at Gateway Lodge.
The average driving time today is 2 hours 30 minutes.
Starting in Donegal, your adventure tour moves into Sligo and Mayo.
Accommodation tonight is at The Mount Falcon Estate & Spa.
The average driving time today is 3 hours 30 minutes.
On Day 6, you'll experience northwest Mayo, finishing in Westport, for foodie delights and live Irish music in an array of traditional pubs.
Accommodation tonight is at The Wyatt Hotel.
The average driving time today is 2 hours.
There are still shenanigans to be had on the last day of your Northern Ireland adventure tour...
The average driving time today is 4 hours 30 minutes.