Dive into your Irish adventure!

Sample itinerary: Wild Atlantic Way to Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands7 Days | 6 nights: Saturday morning - Friday evening

What’s included:
● 6 nights luxury accommodation, bed and breakfast included (3 locations)● Private vehicle & driver guide services daily (a local expert)● Daily gentle hikes, tailored to your group & led by your professional guide● Thermal suite experience in Westport ● Entrance to Belvedere Lakeside estate (lakeside forest trails, fairy garden, unique Irish follies)● Twilight Spa evening in an award winning peaceful forest spa in the heart of Ireland – with 21 spa experiences to immerse yourself in, from forest rain walks to volcanic mists, a Nordic sauna and forest glades, the perfect way to unwind in the heartlands of Ireland.
Not included:● Lunches, dinners, snacks, beverages● Entrance fees to optional suggested activities (allowing flexibility daily)● Flights & insurance

With space to breathe and choose, this private tour offers luxury, lore, and landscape at a pace that feels like your own. Enjoy daily wellness walks and hikes led by your expert guide, complemented by restorative wellness experiences, as well as the freedom to choose additional activities each day—with expert local knowledge from your experienced driver guide.

Start and finish: Dublin Group size: 4-6 guests Daily tour timings: 9.30am - 5.30pm

Sligo town & Garavogue River © Fáilte Ireland

Day 1: Dublin to Sligo - Arrival & Immersion

Ease into your Irish journey with a peaceful day of connection and calm. Today is about slowing down, arriving gently, and immersing in the Irish countryside.
Your driver guide will meet you at your agreed meeting point in Dublin on Saturday morning to begin the journey to Sligo town. An approx 3 hour drive from the city to the west coast, relax and enjoy travelling through the rolling hills of the Irish midlands before arriving in Sligo in time for lunch. Choose from plenty of artisan cafés – from the freshest seafood to vibrant vegan cafés and bakeries, Sligo’s culinary scene is so renowned it even has it’s own Sligo Food Trail! A lively cultural town with strong literary ties to W.B. Yeats, a rich music scene, and a coastal setting that mixes wild nature with urban energy. In the afternoon, your guide will take you on the stunning Benbulbin Forest Loop Walk, a serene trail with gentle elevation and breathtaking views of Benbulbin Mountain and the surrounding countryside. An ideal way to connect with nature while enjoying a moderate, rejuvenating walk, before checking in to your boutique accommodation and planning out your evening’s activities.
- Hike: Benbulben Forest Loop Walk (5.5km (3.4 miles) / 200m / 640 ft elevation)
- Optional Wellness: If time allows, your guide can bring you to a scenic sauna and sea swimming experience for a rejuvenating Atlantic dip (advance booking required)- Optional Culture: The Model, Sligo – A leading Irish arts centre hosting the Niland Collection, including works by Jack B. Yeats, and exhibitions from top contemporary artists.
- Accommodation: The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo – a contemporary, centrally located 4-star hotel offering bright, modern rooms and views over the Garavogue River

View of Knocknarea, Co. Sligo © Fáilte Ireland

Day 2: Knocknarea Morning Hike & Strandhill Seaside Afternoon – Nature, Adventure & Relaxation

Start your day by connecting with the wild beauty of Sligo’s landscape. Breathe in the fresh sea air, feel the ground beneath your feet, and journey through the stories of ancient landscapes, moving to the rhythm of nature. This day is designed to invigorate both body and spirit, giving you space to explore, breathe, and unwind by the sparkling Atlantic.
Hike: Queen Maeve Trail, Knocknarea (5 km / 3 miles | 300 m / 985 ft elevation)Ascend the storied slopes of Knocknarea, where the legendary Queen Maeve, the fierce warrior queen of Connacht, is said to rest in a monumental cairn. At the summit, enjoy panoramic vistas of Sligo Bay, the lush green countryside, and the ever-changing Atlantic horizon.
Visit: Strandhill Village – A charming surf town known for its windswept beaches, eclectic boutiques, and a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere. Take your time strolling through the seaside village, popping into artisan cafés or perhaps watching surfers ride the waves, capturing the unique energy of this coastal community.
Optional Wellness: Voya Seaweed Baths – Unwind with a traditional Irish therapy at the renowned Voya Seaweed Baths. Soak in hand-harvested seaweed in warm waters, offering a deeply rejuvenating experience that detoxifies and nourishes your body, leaving you refreshed and at peace.
Optional Adventure: Why not book a surf or stand up paddling lesson and enjoy the magic and thrill of immersing yourself in the Atlantic ocean and maybe catching a few waves!
- Accommodation: The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo

Westport town, Co. Mayo © Fáilte Ireland

Day 3: Forest Calm & Heritage Charm – Croaghmoyle Hike, Westport Walk & Thermal Healing

Let the trees speak and your breath lengthen. Today blends a quiet forest and hillside trail with stunning vistas of remote Mayo, before arriving in the charming heritage town of Westport on Clew Bay, known for its colorful Georgian streets, vibrant pubs, and lively music scene. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of this lively town on arrival, before enjoying your one hour complementary session in Spa Sula’s thermal suite to relax and unwind.
Hike: Croaghmoyle Loop, Mayo ( 8km / 5 miles / 260m / 835 ft elevation) A peaceful forest and hillside trail in Mayo, this loop combines woodland serenity with open moorland sections, offering panoramic vistas over the iconic 365 Clew Bay islands, Ireland's holy mountain (Croagh Patrick), and the rugged and remote Nephin Beg mountains.
Westport tour: Explore Westport's colorful Georgian streets, tree-lined riverbanks, and lively Market Square with your guide. Westport is known for its live traditional music, cosy pubs and excellent eateries. Your guide will share stories of the town’s heritage, vibrant music scene, and its connection to Croagh Patrick and Clew Bay.
Spa Sula: enjoy a complementary hour immersed in the thermal suite of Spa Sula, featuring a rock sauna, tropical experience showers, hydrotherapy pool. (over 18s only)
Optional wellness: Why not add on a treatment with a menu of massage, facials, and body rituals available
Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel, 4-star hotel with full Spa Sula wellness centre

Murrisk Loop, Croagh Patrick, Co. Mayo

Day 4: Shores of Spirit & Story – Sacred Croagh Patrick and the Legacy of the Pirate Queen

Your guide will take you along a gentle trail at the foot of Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s revered holy mountain, This day weaves together spiritual landscapes, coastal beauty, and tales of defiance and seafaring adventure, offering a journey that is both soulful and scenic. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Westport's abundance of boutiques, cafés and pubs, explore Westport House or visit the local art galleries.
Hike: Murrisk Loop (5.5 km / 3.4 miles | 110 m / 360 ft elevation) This gentle shoreline loop unfolds at the foot of sacred Croagh Patrick, Ireland’s holiest mountain, where St. Patrick is said to have fasted for 40 days. The trail leads past the evocative ruins of Murrisk Abbey, an Augustinian friary dating to the 15th century, with sweeping views of Clew Bay and its scattered islands. Learn about the pirate queen, Grace O'Malley's exploits in the area as you traverse coastal paths with mountain backdrops. This is a soulful and scenic walk rich in history and natural beauty. where pilgrims have walked for over 1,500 years.
 Optional Culture: Westport House – An elegant Georgian estate once home to the descendants of Grace O’Malley (Granuaile), the 16th-century pirate queen. The house blends grandeur with fascinating stories of rebellion, diplomacy, and the sea.
Optional Creativity: Custom House Studios & Gallery – A waterfront arts hub showcasing fine craft, photography, and Westport’s thriving creative scene.
Optional Wellness: Return to Spa Sula for hydrotherapy or a deep-tissue massage.
Accommodation: Westport Plaza Hotel

The Lake of Kings - Wood Carving at Belvedere Estate © Fáilte Ireland

Day 5: Fairytales, Forts & Lakeside Gardens - Dún na Sí Trails and Belvedere Lakeside Estate

Step into Ireland’s folklore and heritage with a gentle walk through Dún na Sí’s fairy-inspired trails and parklands, then explore the historic grandeur of Belvedere House, with its elegant walled gardens and sweeping lakeside views. End the day with wellness and relaxation on the tranquil shores of Lough Ennell.
Hike: Dún na Sí Trails & Greenway (3.2 km / 2 miles | minimal elevation) Enjoy a gentle morning walk through the Amenity Park at Dún na Sí, where wildflower meadows, a seasonal turlough lake, and tree-lined paths create a peaceful retreat in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.
Belvedere House Lakeside Trail (4 km / 2.5 miles | minimal elevation) – Wander through landscaped Victorian gardens, woodland paths, and the lakeshore estate of Belvedere House, soaking up views across Lough Ennell and its idyllic grounds. An elegant 18th-century lakeside estate, Belvedere House combines graceful historic architecture with enchanting walled gardens, sweeping parklands, and scenic trails that wind along the shores of Lough Ennell.
Optional Wellness: Book an afternoon outdoor sauna session in the area - sweat, splash and smile! Embrace Ireland’s growing hot/cold wellness ritual with a wood-fired outdoor sauna experience, alternating soothing heat with invigorating cold plunges in the fresh air. (Book in advance to ensure availability)
Accommodation: Bloomfield House Hotel – A 4-star spa retreat nestled on the shores of Lough Ennell, offering serene views, an indoor pool, and rejuvenating spa facilities.

Newcastle Forest, Co. Longford

Day 6: Forest Trails & Twilight Wellness

Enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Mullingar, a lively market town known for its musical heritage, boutique cafés, and charming streets. Then, step into the woodland quiet of an 800 acre forest to explore some peaceful nature trails before a spectacular evening of deep relaxation in one of Ireland’s most serene thermal spa experiences.
Mullingar TownThis vibrant midlands town is renowned for its musical heritage, with artists like Joe Dolan and Niall Horan haling from Mullingar..also home of Ireland's most famous Dubai Chocolate! Start your morning exploring its tree-lined canal paths, boutique cafés and shops, and the majestic Cathedral of Christ the King.
Walk: Newcastle Woods (various trails, minimal elevation gain)Walk the forested trails of Newcastle Woods, an 800-acre sanctuary of oak and ash where birdsong and the scent of pine create a perfect setting for forest bathing—a calming, sensory-rich practice that invites mindfulness and clarity. Additional loops offer longer routes through the forest and along the River Inny, ideal for those who want more time to wander, reflect, and recharge in nature’s rhythm.
Wellness Experience: Twilight Thermal JourneyAs the light fades, unwind in a forest-inspired wellness retreat recognized as one of Ireland’s top spa escapes. Move between herbal steam rooms, outdoor hydrotherapy pools, Nordic saunas, wellness experiences and quiet rest areas—all designed to soothe the body and calm the mind. This twilight ritual is the perfect end to a restorative day spent walking, breathing, and reconnecting with the natural world.
Accommodation: Bloomfield House Hotel

Fore Abbey, Co. Westmeath

Day 7: Ancient Wonders, Gothic Estates & Gentle Return

As we begin the journey back toward Dublin, today is left more open and unhurried—with a flexible mix of nature walks, heritage stops, and peaceful countryside views. Choose how you’d like to close the journey: with a walk through ancient woodland, a visit to a historic castle estate, or a taste of local spirits in a family-run distillery.
Walk: Fore Abbey Loop (3.2 km / 2 miles | minimal elevation)Step into legend on the tranquil Fore Abbey Loop, where the ruins of a 7th-century monastic site are scattered across a scenic valley. Discover the “Seven Wonders of Fore”, including the monastery built on a bog, a tree that won’t burn, and a spring that flows uphill. This short, reflective loop is a peaceful blend of history, spirituality, and soft countryside walking.
Optional Walk: Mullaghmeen Forest Trail (up to 7 km / 4.3 miles | moderate elevation)Explore Mullaghmeen, the largest planted beech forest in Ireland, with well-marked trails through mossy glades, limestone outcrops, and panoramic viewpoints. This is a quiet, lesser-known forest perfect for one last mindful walk in nature.
Optional Heritage Visit: Tullynally Castle & GardensWander the grounds of Tullynally Castle, a grand Gothic estate surrounded by lakes, ornamental gardens, and woodland follies. The 800-year-old Pakenham family home offers over 20 acres of landscaped walks and peaceful spaces to reflect, with a charming tearoom on-site.
Optional Tasting: Fore Valley DistilleryEnd your journey with a relaxed visit to the Fore Valley Distillery, a boutique craft distillery near the abbey. Sample their small-batch Irish whiskey or gin, infused with botanicals inspired by the surrounding hills and springs.