Belfast to Donegal and Back, Ireland – A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip
A 5 Day Whisky Road Trip in Scotland’s Lowland Whisky Region
Region and Route Overview
This 5-day whisky road trip through Northern Ireland and Donegal starts and ends in Belfast, winding through the rugged north coast and into the Republic of Ireland. The route highlights Ireland’s rebounding whisky scene — from historic names like Bushmills to new innovators like Ardara. You’ll visit 6 distilleries, enjoy authentic Irish cuisine, and explore coastal cliffs, castles, and countryside.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Belfast to Bushmills (via Antrim Coast)
Distillery to Visit
- Bushmills Distillery
Overview: Founded 1608, the oldest licensed distillery in the world.
Known for: Bushmills 10-Year-Old, Black Bush.
Tour: Classic Tour (£15 / €17).
Website: www.bushmills.com
Contact: +44 28 2073 3218
Accommodation
Causeway Hotel (£90/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
The Bushmills Inn Restaurant
Dish: Whiskey-cured pork belly with champ (£17).
Website
Scenic Stops
Giant’s Causeway — UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge — dramatic sea crossing (£8.50 entry).
Driving Details
Belfast → Bushmills: ~1.5 hrs (60 mi).
Day 2: Bushmills to Ardara (via Derry)
Distilleries to Visit
- The Walled City Brewery
Overview: Founded 2015, creative small-batch spirits and beers.
Experience: Spirit & Tapas Tasting (£12).
Website: www.walledcitybrewery.com
Contact: +44 28 7134 3336 - The Ardara Distillery
Overview: Founded 2020, producers of The Silkie peated whiskies.
Tour: Peated Perfection Tour (€18).
Website: www.sliabhliagdistillers.com
Contact: +353 74 954 4034
Accommodation
Nesbitt Arms Boutique Hotel (€85/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
Nancy’s Bar, Ardara
Dish: Mussels in Irish whiskey cream sauce (€16).
Website
Scenic Stops
Glengesh Pass — twisting mountain pass with epic views.
Assaranca Waterfall — picturesque roadside stop.
Driving Details
Bushmills → Derry: 1.5 hrs (50 mi).
Derry → Ardara: 1.5 hrs (55 mi).
Day 3: Ardara to Sligo (via Donegal)
Distillery to Visit
- Donegal Distillery
Overview: Independent distillery crafting pot still Irish whiskey.
Tour: Heritage Tour (€12).
Website: www.donegalwhiskey.ie
Accommodation
The Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo (€90/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
Hooked, Sligo
Dish: Whiskey-glazed salmon (€18).
Website
Scenic Stops
Slieve League Cliffs — towering sea cliffs.
Drumcliffe Churchyard — resting place of poet W.B. Yeats.
Driving Details
Ardara → Donegal Distillery (Carrick): ~30 mins (12 mi).
Carrick → Sligo: ~1.5 hrs (65 mi).
Day 4: Sligo to Belfast (via Dundalk & Newry)
Distilleries to Visit
- Great Northern Distillery
Overview: Founded 2015, large-scale distillery producing for multiple brands.
Tour: Private Tasting Tour (~€15, by request).
Website: www.gndireland.com - Killowen Distillery
Overview: Ireland’s smallest distillery, Mourne Mountains.
Tour: Tour + Tasting (£15 / €17).
Website: www.killowendistillery.com
Contact: +44 28 4176 4045
Accommodation
Bullitt Hotel, Belfast (£85/night)
Website
Dinner Recommendation
Mourne Seafood Bar, Belfast
Dish: Irish whiskey seafood chowder (£14).
Website
Scenic Stops
Carlingford Lough — coastal medieval town.
Mourne Coastal Route — sea-meets-mountains drive.
Driving Details
Sligo → Dundalk: ~2 hrs (90 mi).
Dundalk → Killowen: ~45 mins (30 mi).
Killowen → Belfast: ~1 hr (40 mi).
Day 5: Explore Belfast
Distillery to Visit
- Titanic Distillers at Thompson Dock
Overview: Opened 2023, innovative experience blending heritage and modernity.
Tour: Signature Tour (£18).
Website: www.titanicdistillers.com
Other Activities
Titanic Belfast — museum experience (£24 entry).
St. George’s Market — local crafts, food & music.
Farewell Meal
The Dirty Onion, Belfast
Dish: Irish whiskey BBQ ribs (£16).
Website
Driving Details
Local Belfast travel only (<15 mi).
Cost Breakdown (Per Person)
- Distillery Tours (6): ~£90 / €105
- Accommodation (5 nights): ~£425 / €490
- Meals (2/day): ~£120 / €135
- Fuel (420 mi): ~£95
- Miscellaneous (scenic sites, snacks): ~£20
Tips and Notes
- Best Time: April–September (mild weather & long days).
- Driving: Donegal roads are narrow; expect slower speeds.
- Currency: £ in Northern Ireland, € in Republic of Ireland.
- Responsible Tasting: Nominate a driver or use spittoons.
- Booking: Ardara, Killowen, and Bushmills tours fill fast.
This 5-day loop blends the old and new of Ireland’s whisky scene, capturing both heritage and innovation. From clifftop views to fireside tastings, it’s the ideal balance of scenic beauty, spirited stories, and good value. Sláinte!
These travel guides are designed to give you a start point or framework to create your own trip, allowing you to use as much or as little as you wish. We recommend doing your own research, particularly checking opening times and costs, as well as personalising your visits to best suit your tastes.
Our UK Whisky Bars Map & List may come in useful!
