Donegal Coast & Castles
Day Tour Details
Tour Start
Your Location
Tour End
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€595
7.5
Hours
Private
Tour
Ireland’s Hidden Gem
Visitors that come to Ireland but that don’t experience the Northern Headlands and the Wild Atlantic Way guided by the inside knowledge of locals have largely missed out on the real jewel.
It is this that inspired Chieftain tours to create day tour options for visitors who want a mere taste of all that is to offer in the North West region. Embark and explore those secrets on the road less traveled by Private Luxury Car or Minibus chauffeured by a knowledgeable and experienced driver guide.
Each tour is designed to reveal the authentic beauty, history, and culture of Ireland’s North West, from rugged coastlines and hidden beaches to charming villages and historic landmarks. With the flexibility to tailor each journey to your interests, Chieftain Tours ensures you experience the region at your own pace, uncovering stories and sights that most visitors never see. Let us turn a day trip into a memorable adventure filled with discovery, local insight, and unforgettable scenery.
WHATS INCLUDED
- Attraction Entry Fees Included
- Air-Conditioned Vehicle
- Bottled Water
- Private transportation
- Tours commence at 9.15am and finish at 5pm
- This chauffeured private day tour is delivered by a Fáilte Ireland accredited driver guide.
- This day tour is flexible and tailored for clients on the day to stop, go and explore.
- Money Back Guarantee
BOOKING
TOUR VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
Some of our older videos do not currently have captions or audio descriptions. These videos provide valuable content for our visitors, and due to the significant cost of producing them, we have chosen to retain them while working toward accessibility improvements. If you would like an alternative version or summary of any video, please contact us and we will be happy to assist
TOUR ITINERARY
Enjoy a day tour of coastal and inland attractions incorporating those breathtaking views of the idyllic North West. Setting off in the morning by luxury minibus or car, your fully guided excursion will journey along Mulroy bay to the picturesque Fanad Lighthouse. A maritime marvel, this magnificent and current working lighthouse was an essential service to seafarers negotiating the wild and dangerous seas around the North West coast. We learn about the lights and aids to navigation past and present and we hear the stories of shipwrecked parrots and lost gold on the lighthouse tour.
Next we continue along the Wild Atlantic Way towards Doe Castle. Dating to the 1420’s, this castle nestled on the shores of Sheephaven Bay was the medieval home and bastion for the MacSweeney chiefs for over 200 years. Know as “gallowglass” these fearless warriors fought and were rewarded by one of Ireland’s last Gaelic chieftain – Red Hugh O Donnell.
Leaving Doe castle we travel through the vast boglands of mid Donegal as we descend on the sweeping glens of Glenveagh National Park and Castle. Situated in the heart of the Derryveagh mountains, you will learn and become immersed in the chequered history of this unspoiled Special Area of Conservation which is Ireland’s second largest national park
On the final leg of the tour we travel to Grianan an Aileach. Said to have been built by the Tuatha De Danann, this ancient stone ringfort dates its origins to 3000 BC. Located 250m above sea level, this spectacular hilltop site was visited by St Patrick who baptized the local chieftain Eoghan.
TOUR IMAGE HIGHLIGHTS
Places You Will Explore
Fanad Lighthouse stands on a dramatic headland overlooking the Atlantic, offering sweeping views of rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and distant coastal villages. Visitors can explore the historic tower, walk the surrounding coastal paths, and experience one of Ireland’s most iconic maritime landmarks in its natural, unspoiled setting.
Doe Castle rises beside the calm waters of Sheephaven Bay, its 15th-century tower house framed by mountains and forest. Guests can wander the castle grounds, learn about its storied clan history, and enjoy the peaceful coastal scenery that surrounds this well-preserved stronghold.
Glenveagh National Park offers a landscape of sweeping valleys, pristine lakes, and rugged mountains at the heart of Donegal. Visitors can explore its tranquil walking trails, admire the elegance of Glenveagh Castle, and experience the rich wildlife and untouched natural beauty that define this remarkable wilderness.
Grianan an Aileach, an ancient stone ringfort perched high above Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle, provides one of the most striking panoramic viewpoints in Donegal. Visitors can explore its impressive circular walls, learn about its significance in early Irish history, and take in the sweeping landscapes that stretch across counties and coastlines.
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