An animated green map of Ireland with cartoon houses, round tower, pint of Guinness, Dolmen and castles dotted around the country

7 Day Magnetic North Adventure Tour

Our most immersive Northern Ireland Tour ever!

Head north on our most immersive Northern Ireland adventure holiday yet! Spend seven days on an unforgettable adventure holiday in Ireland, exploring its rugged northern coastline and learning about the north’s fascinating culture.

Combine Mayo, Donegal and Northern Ireland’s wild outdoors with the warmth of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. Hike the Giant’s Causeway, discover the beaches of Donegal, explore Mayo by bike and cross the Carrick a Rede Rope bridge. If you’re looking for a 7 day adventure in the south of Ireland, check out our 7 Day Vagabond World Tour of Ireland. As with all Vagabond Tours, this is an active adventure holiday through northwestern and Northern Ireland, ideal for travellers keen to experience the island's wilder side. If you want to experience Ireland at a slower pace, browse our slower-paced Driftwood tours.

🥇 We won Best Adventure Experience TWICE at the Irish Tourism Industry Awards in 2017 and 2015. If you have any questions about this Northern Ireland adventure tour, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

€1,525.50 pps*

*Single Supplement EURO €231.57
Estimated $ USD 2020 Price: $1,869 (based on $1 = €0.91)

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Dates+Availability

Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (4 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

2020

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Start:

Finish:

Price:

Spaces Status:

€1,525.50 Per person sharing

If the date you want is full please contact us and we will do our best to accomodate you.

A 15% deposit is all we need to secure your tour online. All our departure dates are guaranteed.

All tours are charged in EURO. Single Supplements apply to Single Room Occupancy.

As Featured In:

Mix adventure activities with culture and history

Go off-road in our legendary 4×4 tour vehicles

Hike, bike, kayak and explore castles & villages

Itinerary What's Included Reviews Photos Accommodation

What's Included

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.

Brexit Notice: Please note all tours travelling into Northern Ireland will continue to run as normal and scheduled. Please contact us with any direct concerns you may have.

What's included in your trip

An off the beaten track adventure in 4x4 VagaTron tour vehicle
The services of a highly-trained and professional VagaGuide tour guide
7 full days on tour
6 nights' accommodation
6 delicious and filling hot Irish breakfasts
Most daily activities and visits (see Tour Options below for extras)
Entrance into Doe Castle/ Donegal Castle
A guided walking tour of Derry/Londonderry
Entrance into the world famous Giant's Causeway

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.

Flexible and optional activities on tour

Black Cab Tour
£15.00
Guided tour of historic Belfast. Highly Recommended.
Titanic Experience
£18.50
Self-guided tour of the world's largest Titanic visitor experience.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
£9.00
Cross this scenic rope bridge, suspended over the Atlantic Ocean.
Bushmills Distillery Tour
£9.00
Guided walking tour of the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Dunluce Castle
£5.50
Self-guided tour of clifftop Dunluce Castle.
Boat Trip to Slieve League
€20.00
Guided boat trip to 2000ft high sea cliffs.
Horse Riding Sligo
€28.00
Ride a horse along a scenic Atlantic beach in Sligo
Surf Lesson Donegal
Up to 3: €45; 4+: €35
Surf lesson on Dunfanaghy beach. 1.5-2 hrs.
Sea Kayaking Donegal
€35.00
Guided ‘sit on top’ sea kayaking along the Donegal coast. 2 hrs.
Bike the Mayo Greenway
€30.00
Cycle along the Great Western Greenway.

Vagabond, Always going that extra mile

Our tour prices do not include flights, travel insurance or Dublin accommodation

Guaranteed Booking Price

Amazing VagaGuides! Read More

All Taxes & VAT

Responsible Tours Read More

Loads of Laughs

Reviews

Our Guests Feefo Reviews

Vagabond always delivers a great experience.

View on FeeFo

Our guide Edel was great! She worked hard to customize our trip to accommodate the weather the group’s abilities. This is our 2nd trip with Vagabond and they never disappoint. Love the level of activity, socializing, history and sightseeing.

Melinda Wasinger, 20th Oct 2019

Fantastic tour,fantastic tour guide, John. Love to do it all again tomorrow

View on FeeFo

The tour was absolutely fantastic. I was expecting it to be good but It exceeded my expectations by far. John our tour guide was terrific. He was enthusiastic and obviously loves Ireland and I can well understand why. He gave us hist…

Maree Huggett, 3rd Oct 2019

Unique Tour Experience

View on FeeFo

Vagabond provided an intimate, exciting, adventurous way to see Ireland that make our trip extremely enjoyable and memorable.
Product : A gorgeous part of the island to see, filled with fascinating history both ancient and contemporary.

Aileen Reynolds, 30th Sep 2019

Our Guests Trip Advisor Reviews

7 Day Magnetic North Adventure

We had a great, personalised tour of Northern Ireland and of Ireland. Our guide, Andrew Duggan, brought us to great places on the tour, and was able to change the tour when needed to meet the desires of the group. We explored beautiful areas, and received a deeper appreciation of the Troubles.

View on Trip Advisor

Second Trip- This time to see the Northern Half of Ireland

One of the risks you take when booking a small group tour for a second time is not having the adventure live up to your original experience and expectations. Our family had a tremendous time on our first trip with Vagabond a couple of years ago and Adan, our guide, was a huge part of that excellent experience. So I was concerned that this trip would simply not be able to live up to expectations. Thankfully, we had a fantastic trip that was a different experience altogether .

View on Trip Advisor

7 Day Magnetic North Tour

This is our second tour with the company, having done a Driftwood tour 3 years ago. This time we wanted to do something slightly more adventurous and booked the Magnetic North Vagabond tour. The Magnetic North tour is pretty off the beaten path but that was the slice of Irish culture we were looking for.

View on Trip Advisor

Photos

Couple look at Downpatrick Head sea stack from headland in Mayo

Explore stunning natural scenery in northwestern and Northern Ireland

Three Vagabond tour guests gallop on horseback along a beach in Ireland

Horse ride along a beach in Sligo

Couple cycling stop with their bikes at scenic spot on Great Western Greenway in Mayo

Bike the Great Western Greenway in Mayo

Explore deserted beaches in remote Donegal

Carrick-a-rede rope bridge panorama including sea

Dare to cross Carrick a Rede rope bridge on the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route

Hiking couple at Slieve League in Donegal

Hike to the summit of Slieve League sea cliffs

Titanic mural on a building in Belfast, Northern Ireland

Take a guided Black Cab Tour of Belfast's historic murals in Northern Ireland

Sunlight on Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland

Trek the stunning Antrim coast to the legendary Giant's Causeway

Dunluce Castle ruins on the Antrim coast

Visit stunning Dunluce Castle on the Antrim Coast

Accommodation

A 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!

Londonderry Arms, Co. Antrim

A warm welcome awaits you at the Londonderry Arms Hotel which was once owned by Sir Winston Churchill. Ideally situated about midway between Titanic Belfast the The Giant’s Causeway. It is an ideal base for exploring this beautiful region and viewing it’s breath-taking scenery. Sit back and relax in front of the open log fires which contribute to the hotel’s unique atmosphere of warmth and comfort.

"We welcome lovers of good food, whiskey connoisseurs and those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. "

Picturesque evening light hits the harbour in Carnlough

Beech Hill Country House Hotel, Co. Derry

Experience the rustic elegance and authentic Irish charm of the Beech Hill Country House - one of Ireland's finest manor house hotels run by Conor Donnelly and his team. During its 400-year history, Beech Hill played a role in a series of high profile international events, including the Plantation of Ulster, the 1641 Rebellion, the Siege of Derry in 1689 and World War II, during which the hotel grounds hosted one of the largest US Navy accommodation camps in Base One Europe.

"On behalf of our family and all the team at Beech Hill Country House, we would like to welcome you to this wonderful hotel."

The exterior of Beech Hill with a guest horse riding through the gardens

A picnic on the grass in front of Beech Hill with two horses in the background

Arnolds Hotel, Co. Donegal

Directly opposite the beach with stunning views of Horn Head and Sheephaven Bay, Arnolds Hotel, a fourth generation family owned hotel is situated in the lively seaside village of Dunfanaghy on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way. At Arnolds you can do as little or as much as you might like – curl up by the open fires and relax with a creamy pint of Guinness or enjoy the many craft shops, bars, cafes.

"From a warm and friendly welcome on arrival, our attentive team will go above and beyond to ensure every element of your stay is an experience you wish to repeat again and again."

A stunning view of Arnolds hotel and Sheephaven Bay

Cosy chairs in front of a fireplace in the living room of Arnolds hotel

The Nesbitt Arms, Co. Donegal

The Nesbitt Arms Hotel was established in 1838 and has been providing people with a home away from home experience since. Snuggled between the Wild Atlantic Coast line and the Bluestack mountains, Ardara, is a warm, welcoming, friendly & musical village with The Nesbitt Arms at the centre of it. Warm tweeds, traditional music, roaring fires and friendly local staff await you in the Nesbitt Arms where modern comfort is interwoven with historic soul.

Exterior of the Nesbitt Arms Hotel in Ardara, Donegal, Ireland

Bed and soft furnishings in a deluxe room at the Nesbitt Arms Hotel in Ardara, Donegal, Ireland

Mount Falcon Estate and Hotel, Co. Mayo

Situated in the heart of the Moy Valley on the banks of the River Moy, the 4 star Mount Falcon Estate and Hotel offers 100 acres of magical woodlands. The Estate is perfectly located for exploring The Wild Atlantic Way. Originally constructed as a wedding gift, this Victorian Gothic manor house exudes understated elegance and is widely recognised as the most romantic house in Ireland.

Exterior view of Mount Falcon House and Estate

Interior design of main bedroom in Mount Falcon House

The Wyatt, Co. Mayo

The Wyatt is a charming 3* boutique hotel located in the heart of glorious Westport town boasting a renowned welcoming atmosphere popular with visitors and locals alike. Westport has it all; magnificent landscape, beautiful scenery, shopping, nightlife, leisure activities, blue flag beaches, a world famous mountain, gourmet dining and much much more!

The exterior of the Wyatt Hotel on a sunny day with a waiter walking inside

The interior of the bar and restaurant in the Wyatt hotel

Itinerary

Download Full Itinerary

NORTHERN IRELAND TOUR INTRO & HIGHLIGHTS

Experience the staggering beauty of Donegal, the Antrim Coast, the Giant’s Causeway, and the wealth of history and culture in Northern Ireland’s greatest cities. This is an in-depth north-western and Northern Ireland tour with plenty of adventure activities thrown in for good measure!

Kickstart your tour, exploring an ancient passage tomb on top of Slieve Gullion mountain in Armagh on Day 1.
Visit Belfast and Derry/Londonderry, the twin cities located at opposite ends of Northern Ireland. Learn their history and meet their warm, friendly people.
Drive the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route. This route through Antrim cuts into the ragged cliffs on the north of Ireland. It’s equally as impressive as Italy’s Amalfi Coast!
Walk on the Giant’s Causeway - hear the geological story of this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tales of Finn McCool, the legendary Irish giant, who folk tales say formed it.
Sea kayak around the Inishowen peninsula or hike across the impressive Horn Head, both in wildest Donegal.
A multitude of adventure options: horse-ride on an Irish beach in Sligo or bike the Great Western Greenway trail in Mayo.
Stand in awe at the unforgettable views at Slieve League, the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe.

⬇️ SCROLL DOWN TO DISCOVER WHAT HAPPENS EACH DAY ⬇️

A couple walking on Maghera beach in Donegal holding hands leaving footprints behind them — Visit a golden Irish strand

Three people sitting on top of a mountain overlooking Slieve league — Stand in awe at the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe, Slieve League, Donegal

DAY 1: NORTHERN IRELAND’S CAUSEWAY COASTAL ROUTE

Begin your Northern Ireland cultural and adventure tour in Dublin, on our Vagabond 4x4 Mercedes minivan, bound for Belfast and Northern Ireland.

Hike Slieve Gullion mountain to Ireland's highest passage tomb.
Explore the vibrant history of Belfast on a Black Cab Tour (Tour Option - £15 per person).
Drive one of the world’s most spectacular coastal roads, the Causeway Coastal Route.
Your accommodation and dining for the evening is at the Londonderry Arms.

The average driving time today is 4 hours.

A group of Vagabond guests posing in Killarney National Park in front of a Vagabond vehicle — Begin your cultural adventure with Vagabond

Female tour guest sitting on top of the summit of Slieve Gullion mountain summit in Ireland — Hike Slieve Gullion to Ireland's highest passage tomb

Day 2: THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY AND DERRY/LONDONDERRY

On this second day of your Northern Ireland adventure tour, you will follow the Causeway Coastal Route from majestic Antrim to historic Derry/Londonderry.

Dare to cross Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, suspended high above the waves (Tour Option - £9 per person).
Hike Dunseverick to the Giant's Causeway with stunning coastal scenery and ocean views.
Take a guided Irish whiskey tour at Bushmills Distillery (Tour Option - £7 per person).
Visit Dunluce Castle – one of Ireland’s most epic castles. You’ll find it perched on a cliff along the Antrim coast.
This elegant Beech Hill Country House Hotel is your home for the evening.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway wtih a mountain in the background — Trek the stunning Antrim coast to the legendary Giant's Causeway

Three distant figures cross Carrick a rede rope bridge in Northern Ireland — Dare to cross Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge

DAY 3: SEA KAYAKING IN DONEGAL & WALKING TOUR OF Derry/Londonderry

Spend some time in Derry/Londonderry, exploring the city’s famous walls and learning its history before entering the wilds of Donegal.

Guided walking tour of Derry/Londonderry, Ireland’s historic walled city (Tour Option - £4 per person).
Panoramic vistas await you from the top of Grianán of Aileach, a Celtic stone ringfort.
Go sea kayaking to caves, cliffs and beaches off the Inishowen peninsula (Tour Option - £50 per person).
This evening’s accommodation, the locally owned Arnold’s Hotel of Dunfanaghy.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

A close up picture of a native red deer in Killarney National Park — Watch for wild deer and golden eagles in Glenveagh National Park

Vagabond Tours group standing at different levels of a stone wall on the interior of Grianán of Aileach fort in Donegal — Panoramic 360° vistas from the Celtic stone ringfort, Grianán of Aileach

DAY 4: ADVENTURES IN DONEGAL: HIKING, BEACHES, CASTLES, & SURFING

Explore Donegal with flexible activity options in of Ireland's most beautiful regions.

Surf session on Dunfanaghy beach (Tour Option - €35/45 per person).
Option to visit the dramatic 19th-century castle in Glenveagh National Park.
Enjoy a guided tour of Doe Castle on the shores of Sheephaven Bay.
Traditional Irish music and crafts in the quaint town of Ardara.
This evening’s accommodation is at the family-owned Nesbitt Arms in Ardara.

The average driving time today is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Tour vehicle at HOrn Head, Donegal, ireland — Surf or sea kayak the Donegal coast

Group on beach in Ireland — Explore the breathtaking and deserted Donegal coast

DAY 5: DONEGAL CLIFF HIKE & IRISH HORSE-RIDING EXPERIENCE

Starting with wild beaches and sea cliffs in Donegal, the tour moves into Sligo and Mayo.

Wander wild Maghera beach and drive the rugged Granny Pass.
Hike or take a boat trip (Tour Option - €20 per person). to admire the towering Slieve League sea cliffs.
Ride a horse along a beach in Sligo (Tour Option - €28 per person).
Hike Knocknarea to the tomb of mythical Queen Maebh.
Accommodation tonight is at Mount Falcon Estate.

The average driving time today is 3 hours.

Slieve League sea cliffs in Donegal — Hike the towering sea cliffs of Slieve League

Two horse-riders cantering on the beach in Ventry — Ride a horse along an Atlantic beach in Sligo

DAY 6: ADVENTURING IN IRELAND’S COUNTY MAYO: BIKE TRAIL & FALCONRY

On the 6th day of your epic North of Ireland adventure, you will move along northwest Mayo, experiencing Ireland’s true wild areas – from the national parks to the rugged sea.

Take a short hike to Downpatrick Head to look down at sea stacks and blowholes.
Pass through Ballycroy National Park to bike the Great Western Greenway cycle trail (Tour Option - €30 per person).
Dip into the colourful pubs of Westport for great food and traditional Irish music.
Meet owls, eagles and other raptors on an optional Irish falconry experience.
Your accommodation tonight is at the Wyatt Hotel in Westport.

The average driving time today is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Couple look down on sea stack at Downpatrick Head, Mayo — Northwest Mayo feels like the edge of the world!

Couple talking while stopped with mountain bikes in scenic location on Western Greenway — Hike or bike the Great Western Greenway

DAY 7: HIKING CROAGH PATRICK – IRELAND’S HOLY MOUNTAIN

There are still shenanigans to be had on the last day of your Northern Ireland Adventure tour as we take the [very] scenic route to Dublin from Mayo via Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Wake up in Westport for a stroll around one of Ireland's most atmospheric towns, soaking in the culture before the hike.
Lose a sin with every step as you hike up the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick. This is part of a famous Irish pilgrimage and the views are breathtaking.
Unearth the largest prehistoric roadway in Europe at Corlea trackway, over 2100 years old.
Disembark your Vagabond tour vehicle back at the Grand Canal Hotel in Dublin between 5-6pm.
High fives all round for your new Vagabond friends!

The average driving time today is 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Bridge over Carrowbeg river in Westport town centre — Wake up in Westport - one of Ireland's most atmospheric towns

Vagabond group hiking Croagh Patrick in Ireland with a scenic view of Clew Bay in the background — Soak up the beautiful vistas from the holy mountain of Croagh Patrick

Dates+Availability

Lots of Space! Limited Spaces (4 or Less) Sorry, Fully Booked!

2020