Choose Your Hike

We offer different tour grading levels depending on the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require

Gentle Hikes

Our Gentle Hiking Tours are designed with the part-time hiker in mind.

People for whom taking photos, meeting the locals and enjoying a long lunch are as important as the hike itself.

Average Hiking Distance: 13-16km (8-10 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 3-5 hours per day

5-Day / 4-Night Gentle Ballintoy - Portstewart from €559 per person View Itinerary
6-Day / 5-Night Gentle Ballycastle - Portstewart from €669 per person View Itinerary
7-Day / 6-Night Gentle Rathlin Island - Portstewart from €769 per person View Itinerary
8-Day / 7-Night Gentle Murlough Bay - Portstewart from €879 per person View Itinerary

Moderate Hikes

Our Moderate Hiking Tours will suit people who are used to regular exercise.

Hikers will appreciate the chance to cover plenty of ground each day without going beyond their limits.

Look out for the 👣 symbol: this itinerary covers the entire Antrim Glens & Coastline trail from Glenariff to Portstewart

Average Hiking Distance: 16-20km (10-12.5 miles) Average Hiking Time: 5-7 hours per day

5-Day / 4-Night Moderate Ballycastle - Portstewart from €559 per person View Itinerary
6-Day / 5-Night Moderate Rathlin Island - Portstewart from €669 per person View Itinerary
7-Day / 6-Night Moderate Torr Head - Portstewart from €769 per person View Itinerary
8-Day / 7-Night Moderate Orra Beg - Portstewart from €879 per person View Itinerary
9-Day / 8-Night Moderate Glenariff Forest Park - Portstewart from €979 per person View Itinerary
10-Day / 9-Night Moderate 👣 Waterfoot - Portstewart from €1099 per person View Itinerary

Trail Info

The Route

For the most part our Antrim itineraries follow parts of the ‘Ulster Way’, a 1,000km/625 mile long circular official long distance walking route around Northern Ireland, but they also include some additional non-waymarked sections that offer great views or easier walking.

From Cushendall to Ballycastle the trail follows the ‘Moyle Way’ section of the Ulster Way. The trail goes through the scenic woodlands and rivers of Glenariff Forest Park before heading north through the Glens of Antrim over remote upland and then through forestry towards the town of Ballycastle.

Next, you take the stunning cliff walk from Torr Head/Murlough Bay around Fair Head, with views towards Scotland, back to Ballycastle along an unofficial trail. On a day-trip to Rathlin Island, we suggest some unofficial walks to explore the island and its varied history and wildlife.

From Ballycastle, farm and forestry tracks and minor roads lead to the small village of Ballintoy and the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Continuing west from Ballintoy, the trail follows the ‘Causeway Coast Way’ section of the Ulster Way along the most celebrated stretch of coastline in Northern Ireland.

The route leads to Dunseverick Castle and then on to the world-famous Giant’s Causeway. The world’s oldest Whiskey distillery, located at Bushmills, is just a short detour from the trail at this point. From here, the trail follows the coastline, passing through the coastal villages of Portballintrae and Portrush, past the impressive ruins of Dunluce Castle, to the Victorian seaside town of Portstewart.

Terrain Overview

There is a wide range of terrain to experience along this trail. There are forest trails, upland moorland paths, cliff sections, beach walks, promenade strolls and on some days sections of regular asphalt hiking.

Only the Moderate tour itineraries cover the more challenging Moyle Way mountain sections in the Antrim Glens, i.e. the hikes from Waterfoot/Orra Beg to Glenariff Forest Park and from Orra Beg to Ballycastle. Those sections cover more remote countryside and reach the highest elevation of the walk (500m) at Sleaveanorra (Orra More). Those sections can be wet and rough underfoot, and navigation can become a little more challenging in bad weather.

Our Gentle itineraries focus on the Antrim Coast and can be enjoyed by the novice walker as well as the more accomplished hiker. The highest point on the coastal section of the trail is approximately 180m above sea-level and none of the off-road sections are very remote.

The total aggregate ascent is approximately 1,200m for the Antrim Glens section and 740m for the Antrim Coast section and it includes only a few short but steep climbs, specifically on the moderate tours.

ELEVATION PROFILES (not including Rathlin Island)

  Antrim Glens (Waterfoot to Ballycastle – 42km)

Elevation Profile Antrim Glens

  Causeway Coast (Torr Head to Portstewart – 62km)

Elevation Profile Antrim Coast

Terrain by Stages

Waterfoot – Glenariff Forest Park: Flat, grassy riverside paths and quiet rural lanes at the beginning, followed by a climb to 250m on woodland trails in the forest park. Along this route are waterfalls, forest trails and riverside walks.

Orra Beg – Glenariff Forest Park: A gravel track climbs through forest towards open mountainside. Descent along a faint footpath over moorland, then a climb up the slopes of Trostan (550m). The route enters more sheltered forest tracks to the forest park. Can be very wet in places, often with fallen trees and many streams.

Orra Beg – Ballycastle: Secluded forest tracks and riverside paths (can be wet under foot). Climb up to a forest and nature reserve. Quiet country roads along slopes lead to tracks through Ballycastle Forest and on to Ballycastle town. A few short, sharp ascents in the forests.

Torr Head – Ballycastle: A steep climb along quiet roads, followed by a walk on deserted roads or along the coastline on a cross-country route. Clifftop trails lead around Fairhead. The route then descends to sea-level and follows a path which can be overgrown and is rugged in places. An alternative route follows minor roads.

Rathlin Island: A choice of three routes to the east, west and south lighthouses. The walks follow quiet island roads, tracks and paths. The east and south routes are gently sloping without any significant elevation change. The west route climbs steadily from sea level to the cliffs and seabird colony at the West Lighthouse.

Ballycastle – Ballintoy: Minor roads out of Ballycastle lead onto farm and forest trails. These can be wet and/or overgrown. A gentle slope keeps climbing along minor roads before the route drops down to join the coastal path to the Carrick-a-Rede rope-bridge.

Ballintoy – Giant’s Causeway: A small road followed by a trail that heads along the bottom of cliffs to a long beach walk. This beach walk ends with a climb over boulders. From here, the trail leads along the foot of some cliffs to a path which frequently climbs and descends along the cliffs. Finishes with a walk along a cliff-top path.

Giant’s Causeway – Portstewart: A mixture of beaches, urban paths and roads. From Portballintrae, a section of road walking, followed by a gravel path and then a stretch of strand. After this, urban footpaths and trails lead to a promenade walk. The trail finishes with a section of cliff-top and coastal paths.

Antrim Glens & Coastline: where Game of Thrones was filmed

The hit HBO series Game of Thrones was filmed in Northern Ireland with the Antrim Glens & Coastline region boasting many of the iconic set locations for the blockbuster series.

For fans of Game of Thrones who want to explore The Seven Kingdoms of Westeros by foot, our 10-day Moderate Walking Tour is the best choice for your Antrim Glens & Coastline hike as it covers all the locations shown in the map below. It starts in Glenariff (Dothraki Sea) and finishes at Portstewart Strand, or the Dorne Coast as it is known in Game of Thrones. Many of the below filming locations can also be visited on our gentle and shorter, moderate tours.

Here’s our map of the route, showing which filming locations you’ll pass on your walk:

Game Of Thrones Map Filming Locations Northern Ireland

Iconic Game of Thrones Filming Locations on the Antrim Glens & Coastline Trail

1 – Glenariff (Dothraki Sea) Where Sansa Stark, together with Littlefinger, viewed Robin Arryn’s efforts at duelling.
2 – Fair Head (Dragonstone) Fair Head is where Jon Snow finally meets Daenerys and her dragons at Dragonstone in Season 7, Episode 3.
3 – Murlough Bay (Slaver’s Bay) Murlough Bay was used to film Slaver’s Bay where Ser Jorah and Tyrion are captured after being discovered by a slave ship.
4 – Larrybane Quarry (The Stormlands) Larrybane Quarry was used to depict the Stormlands and borders the Sea of Dorne in Westeros.
5 – Ballintoy Harbour (Lordsport Harbour) This is the location of Lordsport Harbour in Season 2 when Theon Greyjoy returns home.
6 – Dunluce Castle (Pyke Castle) Dunluce Castle was home to the House of Greyjoy.
7 – Portstewart Strand (Dorne Coast) In Season 2 of Game of Thrones, Portstewart Strand was filmed for the scene in which Stannis Baratheon rejects the 7 gods of Westeros and in Season 5 this long stretch of beach was used to depict the coast of Dorne when Jaime Lannister was required by his sister Cersei to return her daughter Myrcella to King’s Landing

 

There are other Game of Thrones filming locations located off our Antrim Glens & Coastline tour that you can visit by taking a taxi or public transport.

Other Game of Thrones Filming Locations that can be visited

8 – The Dark Hedges (Road from King’s Landing) The avenue features in Season 2, episode 1: On the King’s Road, where Arya Stark has escaped from King’s Landing. She joins the Night’s Watch, in a cart, and travels north on the King’s Road. The Dark Hedges are 13km from Ballycastle and can be accessed by car or by taking a bus followed by a short walk.
9 – Cushendun Caves (The Stormlands / Shadow Creature Scene) Made famous by Game of Thrones in Season 2 Episode 4 where they were used as the Shadow creature’s birth site. Cushendun is just 10 minutes by car from Cushendall.

Prices / What's Included

Length of Tour Price Per Person ( € ) Single Supplement ( € ) :¹
5 days / 4 nights 559 320 BOOK NOW
6 days / 5 nights 669 360 BOOK NOW
7 days / 6 nights 769 410 BOOK NOW
8 days / 7 nights 879 450 BOOK NOW
9 days / 8 nights 979 500 BOOK NOW
10 days / 9 nights 1099 550 BOOK NOW
¹A single supplement is an additional charge for walkers booking single accommodation (a room for one person). The total tour price per person requesting a single room is the price per person plus the single supplement.

What’s Included in the Price?

  • Stay in our friendly, family-run guesthouses
  • Relax in comfortable en-suite bedrooms*
  • Big breakfasts will keep you going all day long
  • Luggage? Don’t worry, we’ll move it for you!
  • Detailed maps, route notes and GPS tracks mean you’ll never get lost
  • Walking directions written and updated by the Hillwalk Tours team
  • Local alternative/supplementary route options based on local knowledge
  • Our waterproof map-case keeps your maps and documents dry
  • If you need to contact us, we’re here 24/7 to help
  • Insider tips on the best places to eat and drink**
  • Explore the local history and culture in our fascinating guides
  • Discover the most interesting attractions on the trail
  • Need info on transport? We’re happy to help

* Unless already booked out in which case we’ll try to secure a private bathroom

** You will have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches and evening meals each day. If you are staying in a remote location, the B&B owner will prepare a tasty surprise for you upon request.

Please Note:

We occasionally charge additional supplements on the Antrim Glens & Coastline for tours starting during the high season. This is due to higher costs involved in booking our upgrade option or in cases where our normal accommodation suppliers do not have availability, and an alternative, more expensive, supplier is sourced with your approval.

Attention USA Walkers: Book Now & Save $$$! With the US Dollar to Euro exchange rate the highest it’s been in 20 years, NOW is the time to book your Antrim Glens & Coastline walking holiday!

Extra Days/Activities

Antrim is full of charming people and places for you to meet and discover. It’d be a shame not to stop a while!

Bushmills / Portballintrae: Visit the Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s premier tourist attraction, or learn the 400-year old secrets of Ireland’s finest whiskey at the Bushmills distillery.

Portstewart: The North Coast of Antrim is home to some of the finest links golf courses in the world. Test your game at Royal Portrush, home to 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell.

Belfast*: There’s always lots to do in Northern Ireland’s capital. We recommend the Titanic Walking Tour (the Titanic was made in Belfast) and visits to City Hall and the Ulster Museum.

Booking Extra Days

  1. Choose WHERE you wish to stay.
  2. Decide HOW MANY NIGHTS you need.
  3. Go to the BOOKING FORM and fill in the ‘Extra Nights Required/Other Requests’ section.

The costs of extra nights during your Antrim Way hiking tour start from €65 per person per night and from €120 for single hikers who will have their own private room. 

You can also add extra nights in some other popular locations in Ireland: Dublin (Dún Laoghaire), Belfast, etc. Please enquire when booking. The costs of these extra nights vary by location and date booked.

Please note that if you book any extra nights in a location not included in your tour itinerary, you will have to make your own arrangements to transfer your bags to this location.

Accommodation

As keen hikers ourselves we know you’ll want somewhere relaxing to put your feet up in the evening.

A place where a warm smile from your hosts makes you feel welcome as soon as you step through the door.

If your hiking gear gets wet, it’s nice to know that it will be taken from you and returned nice and dry the next morning.

Comfy beds, en-suite bathrooms, an interesting breakfast menu – these are all things that we like so you can rest assured that we’ll do our best to find them for you as well.

If you’d like to stay an extra night at any location during your hiking tour, just let us know.

Please Note:

Due to limited accommodation options in some locations on your tour, we may need to book you into an accommodation which will require transfers to/from your hike start/end point or where you will have private bathroom facilities instead of an ensuite. We may also need to book you into the same accommodation for more than one night to cover multiple locations. The cost of this is covered in your basic tour price and will not affect your tour itinerary.

In general, we try to book accommodation which is as close to the local amenities as possible. If you are staying in a remote location (where access to local pubs/restaurants is not feasible), the owner of the B&B that you are staying at will ensure that you are well fed.

Travel Info

Please note: Antrim is located in Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom (UK). The currency used in Northern Ireland is Pound Sterling (£) and not Euros (€).

If you are entering Northern Ireland directly by ferry or plane, a passport is required. If you are an EU Citizen, a national identity card will not suffice, as the UK is no longer in the EU.

Travelling to Northern Ireland from the Republic of Ireland: Under the Northern Ireland Protocol, the island of Ireland will continue to have no land border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This means that people can travel freely between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland without any land border check.

Getting to and from your Antrim hiking tour is easy… when you know how!

In your hiking pack, you will receive all the necessary public transport information you need to make your journey as convenient as possible.

In the meantime, if you’d like to do some advance planning yourself, here are our tips:

Most Convenient Airports

Sustainable Travel (from Europe)

Public Transport

How to Get to the Start-point of your Hiking Tour within Ireland:

Departing from Portstewart:

Use the ‘Journey Planner’ option on the Translink website.

Travelling by car?

If you would like to leave your car at the first or last accommodation on your tour, for the duration of the tour, then you can directly contact the accommodation owners before the start of your tour to check that this is possible. We will provide contact details for the accommodation provider.

FAQ

About our Ireland Hiking Tours

What is a self-guided hiking tour?

A self-guided hiking tour gives you the freedom to enjoy the wonderful Irish countryside at your own pace. Hiking without a guide, we will provide you with all the resources you need to successfully complete the trail alone or in the company of good friends.

We’ll plan your route, transfer your bags and show you all the best places to visit but you decide whether you want that extra hour in bed in the morning!

Do you offer guided hiking tours?

Guided hiking tours are not available from Hillwalk Tours.

When can we start our Hillwalk Tours hiking holiday?

Generally, our tours can take place between March and October but there are some exceptions. Please see the individual tour pages for information on possible start and end dates of tours.

Does a 7-Day tour include 7 days of hiking?

Our 7-Day tours include 5 days of hiking. The first and last days of all our hiking tours are travel days used to transfer to/from the town where your hike will begin/end. If you would like to hike for 7 days, simply select one of our 9-Day tours.

Does a 7-Day tour include 7 nights of accommodation?

Our 7-Day tours include 6 nights of accommodation – specifically the first 6 nights on your hiking tour. Your tour finishes on the seventh day when you check out of your last B&B.

What is a single supplement?

A single supplement is an additional charge for walkers booking single accommodation (a room for one person). The total tour price per person requesting a single room is the price per person plus the single supplement. The supplement covers the extra costs associated with accommodating a single person in their own room.

Can we bring our dog?

It is not possible to bring your dog on Hillwalk Tours hiking holidays. Unfortunately, the majority of our accommodation providers do not accept pets of any kind.

Can we buy bus/train tickets in advance of our trip?

Yes, most bus and train tickets can be purchased online in advance of your trip. Specific transport information is available on the tour pages of each hiking region. See the Travel Info section for each tour for more information.

If we arrive by car, where can we park while we are on our hiking tour?

If you would like to leave your car at the first or last accommodation on your tour, for the duration of the tour, then you can directly contact the accommodation owners before the start of your tour to check that this is possible. We will provide contact details for the accommodation provider.

About Luggage Transfers and Accommodation

Will we have to carry our own bags during our hiking tour?

No, on all our Ireland hiking tours, your luggage will be transported to your next accommodation each day as you walk and will arrive before 4pm. A maximum weight limit of 15 kg per person applies to this luggage transfer service.

What type of accommodation will we be staying in?

You will be staying in traditional Irish Bed & Breakfasts (B&B’s) during your hiking trip. To ensure your comfort, each B&B you will stay in has been personally checked by a member of the Hillwalk Tours team. You can expect a warm welcome, en-suite facilities (where available) and a hearty breakfast each morning. For more details on the accommodation you will be staying in, see the Accommodation section for each tour.

Can we get a list of our accommodation before we leave?

Yes, we normally post out your hiking pack (which includes details of where you will be staying) to your home address one month in advance of the start date of your tour. This can be sent sooner upon request.

Will our B&B be close to the local town/village?

In general, we try to book accommodation which is as close to the local amenities as possible. If you are staying in a remote location (where access to local pubs/restaurants is not feasible), the owner of the B&B that you are staying at will ensure that you are well fed.

Please be aware that occasionally, due to the limited supply of accommodation, we may have to make reservations for you at a nearby B&B and arrange transfers to and from the walking trail accordingly. In most locations, this is not a concern but in certain places, availability can be an issue. For more information, just have a chat with the person who is booking your tour.

What is the difference between a ‘twin’ and a ‘double’ room?

A ‘twin’ room is a room for two people with two separate beds. A ‘double’ room has just one large bed (for two people).

About Your Hiking Pack

What’s included in my hiking pack?

– Route notes (prepared by a member the Hillwalk Tours team who has walked every step of your tour)
– Detailed hiking map(s)
– Waterproof map-case
– A sneak-peak at where you will be staying
– Our tips on the most interesting attractions to visit along the trail
– A look at fascinating local history
– A guide to the best places to eat and drink
– Mountain safety information, emergency contact details & the country code

Do you provide GPS data?

You will find GPS coordinates for each overnight accommodation on your tour in your personalised itinerary, which you will receive upon booking. GPS tracks for your walking route will be provided and available to download prior to your tour. Please note that while we are reasonably confident that the tracks are correct and up-to-date, we recommend that they are not used as the only tool for navigation. The most important means for navigation should be the way markers along the trail, our route notes and the maps we provide in the walking pack.

How many hiking packs are provided?

One hiking pack will be provided per four people. Therefore, for a group of 1 – 4 people, one hiking pack will be sent. For 5 – 8 people, two hiking packs will be sent, etc.

What language will my hiking pack be in?

The contents of your hiking pack (route notes, accommodation information, history, etc.) will all be in English.

About Fitness Levels

How fit do we need to be to take a hiking tour?

We believe that the beauty of the Irish countryside should be enjoyed by everyone. With this in mind, we designed our hiking tours to cater for practically all levels of fitness. Our range of ‘Gentle’, ‘Moderate’ and ‘Challenging’ hikes in all regions allows you to decide how far you wish to walk each day. So, whether you are a novice walker or an experienced hiker, we have the tour to suit you.

What is the difference between Gentle, Moderate and Challenging Hiking Tours?

The difference between these tours is the distance that you will hike each day:

  • Gentle tours cover an average of 12-18 km (8-11 miles) per day
  • Moderate tours cover an average of 16-23 km (10-14 miles) per day
  • Challenging Tours cover an average of 22-30 km (14-19 miles) per day

For a more detailed breakdown of how we grade our hiking tours, see the green ‘Tour Grading’ tab at the top of the FAQs section.

Can we take a rest day?

Yes, we are more than happy to organise an additional night for you anywhere you please. Suggestions on interesting places to take a rest day are available on the tour pages of each hiking region. See the Extra Days/Activities section for each tour for more information.

About Money, Flights and Insurance

Will there be ATM/Credit Card facilities along the hiking route?

ATM facilities are available in many of the towns along the route. Credit cards are also accepted by many bar and restaurants. However, we suggest that you also bring a reasonable sum of cash as a back-up.

Do they use the Euro in Ireland?

The currency used in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro (€). The currency used in Northern Ireland is the Pound Sterling (£). Therefore, if you are taking an Antrim hiking tour, you will need Pound Sterling and for all of our other regions, you will need Euro.

Are flights and transport to the start of our hiking tour included?

Flights and transport to the start of your hiking tour are not included in our prices. However, we do provide detailed timetables on how to make it to the start of your hike by public transport on our tour pages. See the Travel Info section for each tour for more information.

Do I need to buy insurance?

Hillwalk Tours strongly encourages you to take out adequate insurance cover prior to travel.

Tour Grading

Which Ireland Hiking Tour Should You Choose?

Choosing the right hiking tour can be tricky. It’s important to consider the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require. To make your decision easier, we have drawn up a menu of Gentle, Moderate and Challenging hiking tours.

Before we explain the difference between the various grades, it is important to note that each hiking tour within a specific region follows the same official hiking trail. For example, if you choose to go walking in Kerry, it doesn’t matter whether you pick a ‘Gentle’ tour or a ‘Challenging’ tour – you will still be walking along the official ‘Kerry Way’ trail. To make these walking trails more accessible to all walkers, we have either 1) picked out the sections of the walking trails that are less demanding or 2) shortened the average daily hike between accommodations.

  1. Same Trail, Easier Sections: In Kerry, our ‘Gentle’ tours are restricted to the less demanding sections of the Kerry Way while our ‘Challenging’ tours cover the entire trail including the most difficult sections.
  2. Same Trail, Shorter Distances: In Wicklow, you can walk the entire trail on a 7-Day Challenging Tour or a 10-Day Gentle Tour. However, while the Challenging tour requires you to keep up a brisk pace of 27km (17 miles) per day, the Gentle tour has a more leisurely average of just over 16km (10 miles) per day.

Below is a general overview of each tour grading level. Note that the figures for ‘Average Daily Hike’ and ‘Hiking Time’ may vary between regions. Poor weather conditions can affect the average hiking time which is based on a person of normal fitness walking at a moderate speed of around 4km/h (2.5 mph). The hiking time takes into account the terrain covered but not the time required for lunch stops, photos, etc. For more details on daily distances, the level of ascent and the terrain the trail crosses; refer to the itinerary page of each individual tour.

Gentle

12-18km (8-11 miles) 3-6 hours
Our Gentle Hiking Tours are designed with the part-time hiker in mind. While you can still expect some climbs, these tours offer the shortest average daily hikes, which in turn means less ups and downs. This will give you plenty time to enjoy the sights and scenery, take photos, have a long lunch and, if necessary, negotiate the more tricky sections of a walk.

Moderate

16-23km (10-14 miles) 4-7 hours
Our Moderate Hiking Tours will suit people who are used to some regular exercise or who have done some previous hiking. They offer longer but still manageable daily hikes and should give you a little more of a challenge without going beyond your limits. There will be more climbs in a day but harder days are generally followed by easier ones. Of course, you will also still have time for a relaxed lunch and to take photos.

Challenging

22-30km (14-19 miles) 5-9 hours
Our Challenging Hiking Tours are designed for the experienced hiker or those walkers who love a good challenge. They offer the longest daily hikes with more elevation gain and will often test your endurance by having you walk all day. Of course, as with all of our tours there will be a hot shower and the finest local hospitality waiting at the end of your walk to re-charge your batteries each evening.

How To Book

How do I book my hiking holiday?

1. Simply select your preferred hiking region in Ireland

2. Choose the type of hiking tour you want to take: ‘Gentle’, ‘Moderate’ or ‘Challenging’

3. Next, identify the number of days you want to spend on your hiking tour

4. Click the ‘Make a Booking’ button on the top right of our webpage

5. Finally, fill out our booking form and make a €100 deposit per person

What happens after I make a booking?

1. If you paid by credit card, you will receive an e-mail within 24 hours verifying receipt of your booking form and deposit payment. In this email, you will be asked to confirm your tour details. If you paid by bank transfer, payment will take a few days to reach us. Therefore you will receive your email confirmation and request to confirm your tour details shortly after we have assigned the bank payment to your booking form. In this case, you may receive an automatic email outlining that a booking form has been received, but no deposit has been received – you can disregard this email.

2. Once your confirmation is received that all details on your booking form are correct, we will begin making the arrangements for your tour. Therefore, the sooner you send us this confirmation, the sooner we can start to book your tour.

3. After all the arrangements for your tour have been confirmed (this process normally takes seven to ten working days) you will be sent a breakdown of the balance outstanding for your tour and a due date for payment.

4. Once your final payment has been received, we will send you an e-mail confirming receipt.

5. Your walking pack will be posted to your home address at least one month in advance of the start date of your tour (arrangements can be made to post this sooner if necessary). If the tour start date is less than one month away, your walking pack will be posted to your first B&B for you to collect upon arrival. If this is the case, you will also be sent soft copies of your walking pack documents by email.

What are the payment options?

Deposits and Final Payments can be made using:

1. Credit Card – through PayPal, used by 180 million people worldwide to make secure online credit card payments. Please note if you have opened a PayPal account at any stage in the past, you must log in to your account in order to make the payment.

2. Bank Transfer – please contact us for the required account details.

Don't Forget..

ESSENTIALS:

Please note: A detailed ‘Recommended Equipment List’ will be included in your walking pack

◻ WATERPROOF JACKET AND OVER-TROUSERS – You never know when you will need protection from wind and rain – so prepare for unpredictable weather by packing a waterproof, breathable jacket and over-trousers.

◻ BASE LAYER – This is what you wear against your skin and the best options are breathable and wicking fabrics instead of cotton. They will move moisture away from the skin so that you feel more comfortable when you are walking.

◻ FLEECE – It keeps you warm in ethe cooler months and on top of the hills, and will allow you to shed layers when you are working hard in the summer.

◻ LIGHT AND COMFORTABLE TROUSERS – Make sure you choose trousers that are stretchy or allow enough space to move your legs freely. Denims are not suitable for hill walking and dry very slowly once they get wet.

◻ WICKING SOCKS – Choose non-cotton socks that fit well and will move moisture away from your feet to stop them feeling sweaty. This will help to reduce the likelihood of blisters and ‘hot spots’.

◻ FOOTWEAR – We recommend that you bring comfortable, waterproof, lightweight shoes or boots, that provide good ankle support and offer good grip on rock, grass and mud. Remember that the trails in many of our regions, but especially along the west coast of Ireland, can become quite wet and muddy, after periods of rain. Additionally, if you are taking a walking tour in the Burren, the West of Ireland or Dingle, we recommend you choose your footwear carefully and bring something suitable to prolonged sections of asphalt hiking. Our tip: If you buy new boots for your holiday make sure to try them out on one or two longer walks before your tour!

◻ BACKPACK / RUCKSACK (with Waterproof Cover or liner) – To store all your essentials and keep them dry – including extra layers of clothing, your waterproofs, first aid kit, camera and your lunch, snacks and drinks. Don’t forget how important it is to stay hydrated and bring at least 1 – 2 litres of water per person each day, depending on the weather!

◻ WARM HAT & GLOVES – They can be essential in many regions, even in the summer, at higher altitudes and on exposed places.

◻ CASH – Bring enough for the duration of your tour/hike as ATM/cash machine & credit card services may be limited.

◻ FIRST AID KIT & FOIL BLANKET– It’s a good idea to have a small, basic first aid kit to deal with little injuries such as sprains, scrapes, cuts and blisters. Good things to bring are plasters & wound dressings, sterile cleansing wipes, pain killers, tweezers (for splinters & ticks), bandages, zinc oxide tape or elastoplast tape (for blisters or sprains) and a foil rescue blanket to keep you warm (or cool) in case of an accident.

◻ WHISTLE & TORCH – In the very unlikely event you need to signal for help (whistle) or if your walk takes longer than expected and you end up walking in the dark (torch).

◻ MOBILE PHONE – We recommend that you bring or purchase a mobile/cell phone. It will allow you to contact your accommodation and transfer providers from the trail and call for help in an emergency.

  • Visitors from other European Countries: Most European billpay and prepay customers can use ‘roaming’ in Ireland and Northern Ireland, but check with your operator for the best rates before you travel.
  • Visitors from the United States, Canada and elsewhere: Make sure that you have a GSM/UMTS phone compatible with European networks and a roaming service / suitable phone plan for the country you are travelling to (Ireland, or the UK for our Antrim Walks). If your phone is unlocked and GSM/UMTS compatible, you can also purchase an Irish or UK SIM card from a variety of mobile phone stores and supermarkets and use it in your own phone.
  • Alternatively, you can purchase a cheap pre-pay phone when you arrive. It is possible to buy a basic pre-pay phone for as little as €20 or £15. You can then top-up with vouchers or a credit/debit card.
  • Make sure your phone is fully charged before you start your walk. You might not always have a phone signal on the trail but, in general, the level of coverage is quite good.

◻ PLUG ADAPTER (/CONVERTER) – Three square pin plugs are used in Ireland and the UK – voltage is 230V.

 

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS:

◻ SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES AND SUNHAT (April to Sept) – Let’s hope you’ll need those!

◻ MIDGE/INSECT REPELLENT & MIDGE NET (May to September only) – More important for Scotland, but can also be useful for other regions. Our tip: Avon ‘Skin So Soft’ moisturising cream – it’s not made specifically for midges but we find it works better and is also cheaper.

◻ CAMERA – Vital for capturing photos of the stunning scenery along your trip, which help you brag to your friends about your holiday.

◻ COMPASS – A compass (and the ability to use it) is a good idea but not a requirement for our Irish tours.

◻ WALKING POLES – Assist forward movement, reduce impact on your knees, and help with balance in difficult terrain. A pair is best but many hikers also just use one.

◻ GAITERS – By covering your upper boot and lower leg these help to keep your feet and trousers dry in wet grass and boggy terrain.

◻ EARPLUGS – We know how important it is to get a good night’s rest. However, as there may be other guests in the guesthouse with different plans for their night, we recommend bringing a pair of earplugs to ensure sweet dreams!

During Your Tour

When will my room be available?

Your room will be ready each day from 4pm at the latest and sometimes sooner.

What time will my luggage arrive at?

Your luggage will arrive by 4pm each day.

What types of breakfasts are available?

Both continental breakfast and hot breakfasts are available every morning.

Where can I get a packed lunch? Can I pick this up along the trail?

Packed lunches should be purchased each morning from your accommodation hosts or a nearby shop before you start your walk as you may not pass any shops/cafes during the day.

Where can I get an evening meal?

You can generally buy an evening meal in one of the local restaurants, cafes or pubs close to your accommodation. If there aren’t any restaurants/cafes/pubs in the local area, evening meals can be obtained from your host.

Will there be drying facilities at my accommodation?

The majority of accommodation hosts will be able to assist you in drying your clothes and boots.

What is the difference between kilometres and miles?

1 kilometre = 0.62 mile
1 mile = 1.61 kilometres

How do I deal with animals on my hike?

In Ireland, many hiking trails are on private land. This means that farmers still have their cattle grazing in the same fields. Some cattle may look intimidating. However, don’t worry, you will find these animals are actually quite timid. Continue walking in a normal fashion (do not run) and you should have no problems.

Here are a few other tips to avoid any issues when dealing with cattle on your hike:
– Don’t walk between cows and their calves if possible
– Walk around cattle not through the middle of them
– Calves and young bullocks are very curious and may even run towards you. Don’t worry, jump up and shout and they will run away again.

Will I have cell phone reception?

Most areas have cell phone reception, even while you are hiking. However, you may pass through some remote areas where reception will be either limited or unavailable entirely.

Will our accommodation have Wi-Fi connection?

Yes, in most Bed and Breakfast’s Wi-Fi is available.

Are the trails clearly way-marked?

Yes, most routes are very clearly way-marked with a marker directly before and after each turn. Sections of the Antrim Glens & Coastline are poorly way-marked.

Climate

Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, enjoys a mild, maritime climate, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream. The warmest months are July and August with temperature averages between 16 and 20°C. Rain falls throughout the year and the weather in Ireland can change very quickly. Annual rainfall in the mountains and the west can be more than 2,000mm, but many other areas receive an average of less than 1,000mm. The driest months are April, May and June.