Silversea Expedition Cruises To KILLYBEGS

Explore the rugged natural beauty and landmarks of historic Donegal during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Donegal Town and Franciscan Abbey

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to Donegal Town, located at the mouth of Donegal Bay in northwest Ireland and surrounded by the Blue Stack Mountains. Upon arrival in the town centre, begin your guided walking tour with a visit to the Franciscan Abbey. Situated at the mouth of the bay are the ruins of the ancient monastery. Founded in 1474, it is now the centre of activity for South County Donegal. The attractive centrepiece of the town is known as the Diamond, which features a tall obelisk dedicated to the memory of the Four Masters.

Donegal Castle

Next, proceed to Donegal Castle. Built by the O'Donnell chieftain in the 15th century beside the River Eske, the castle underwent extensive additions in the 17th century. During your guided tour, learn about the history of the castle and its owners, and view splendid furnishings that include Persian rugs and French tapestries.

Free Time in Donegal Town

Your tour concludes with some free time at your leisure in Donegal Town, where you can explore the renowned Donegal Tweed clothing store and other shops before re-boarding your coach for the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 200 yards (about 183 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 60 steps at Donegal Castle. Walking in Donegal Town is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair.Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Experience historic Donegal in a unique new way during this half-day waterbus excursion along its picturesque coast.

Scenic Drive to Donegal

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive east to historic Donegal, Gaelic for the 'Fort of the Foreigners'. Located at the mouth of Donegal Bay in northwest Ireland, Donegal is surrounded by the Blue Stack Mountains. Situated at the mouth of the bay are the ruins of an ancient monastery, the Franciscan Abbey. Founded in 1474, it is now the centre of activity for South County Donegal.

Donegal Sightseeing and Coastal Cruise

Upon arrival in Donegal Town, proceed to the nearby pier and embark a modern waterbus for a delightful, 75-minute cruise on Donegal Bay. Along the way, your captain offers lively commentary and points out sights of interest. Pass by St. Ernan's and Belles islands, traverse the inner bay and see a colony of native seals frolicking in the water.

Free Time in Donegal Town

Upon returning to the pier, disembark the waterbus and walk to the town centre. A brief stop is made to view the Diamond. The attractive centrepiece of the town, it features a tall obelisk dedicated to the memory of the Four Masters. After a brief stop here some free time is made available to browse the renowned Donegal Tweed clothing store and other shops before re-boarding your coach for the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, at times over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the waterbus, and 20 steps to negotiate at the pier. Walking in Donegal Town is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions.

The boat used during this excursion is not exclusive to Silversea guests.

Explore the beauty, culture and local history of Donegal and Glencolmcille during this half-day sightseeing excursion.

Scenic Drive to Glencolmcille

Depart the pier with your guide for the scenic, approximately 60-minute drive to Glencolmcille. This Irish-speaking, or Gaeltacht area is rich in folklore, traditional music and archaeological sites that feature some of Ireland's finest examples of Portal Dolmens. En route, drive through some of the most spectacular, picturesque and ruggedly beautiful areas of Donegal, Ireland's most remote county.

Glencolmcille Folk Village

Upon arrival in Glencolmcille, proceed to the Glencolmcille Folk Village, which is steeped in the culture, tradition, language and lifestyle of southwest Donegal. During a visit of the folk village, participate in a host of traditional activities that include a selection from the following: a visit to an interpretative centre, craft shop, teahouse, schoolhouse, sheeben, and thatched cottages dating from the mid-18th century.

Folk Village Walking Tour

First, proceed to the teahouse for refreshments accompanied by a performance of traditional Irish music. Next, stops are made at the Glencolmcille Folk Museum and an old schoolhouse.Stop here to learn about the Irish language before continuing on to another house to learn about old Irish cures. Since Donegal is also renowned for its tweed, take in a spinning and weaving demonstration. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: Not all activities will be available as these vary on the day. This tour involves a minimal amount of walking and standing, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 10 steps at the venues. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary.

Indulge your senses with the pristine natural splendour of Glenveagh National Park during this scenic, half-day sightseeing excursion via electric bike.

Scenic Drive, County Donegal, Derryveagh Mountains and Glenveagh National Park

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.75-hour drive to Glenveagh National Park, nestled in the Derryveagh Mountains. En route, pass through charming towns, the lovely countryside and northwest County Donegal. Upon arrival at Glenveagh National Park, proceed to the Visitor's Centre. Here, receive your electric bike and safety instructions and equipment, then spend the next two hours exploring the park at your leisure. Vehicles are not allowed beyond the car park, which makes your outing safe and pleasant.

Self-Guided Electric Bike-Ride, Mountains, Lakes, Glens, Woodlands, and Waterfall

There is much to see-and-do during your leisurely, self-guided, electric bike-ride. The park spans over 40,000 acres (about 16,187 hectares) of mountains, lakes, glens and woods, and is a wonderland of natural beauty. Trails are clearly marked, and your bike makes it easy to manoeuvre through the woodlands. Feel free to ride to the waterfall that sits at the head of the glen, and gently cascades down a hillside of rock and scrub. The park also features approximately 247 acres (about 100 hectares) of natural and semi-natural woodland. As you continue your travels, pass by oak, birch, hazel, yew and aspen trees towering over lush green carpets of mosses and ferns.

Deer, Falcons, Eagles and Bird Species

Be sure to have your camera handy for an opportunity to photograph red deer, peregrine falcons and the occasional golden eagle that reside in this park. Bird lovers should listen for the wood warbler, a rare bird in Ireland, but an annual visitor to Glenveagh. The best way to locate one is to listen for its unique call, which sounds like a coin spinning on a plate. At the conclusion of your visit, return your electric bike to the Visitor's Centre, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 1.5-hour drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity, at times over inclines and in windy conditions, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and motorised bicycle. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition, and can ride a standard and/or motorised bicycle. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip sport shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 18 years old to participate on this tour, and ride the electric bikes. Safety equipment is provided, and must be worn at all times whilst bicycling. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal and bird sightings are not guaranteed. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover the pristine natural beauty and charm of the spectacular Slieve League Cliffs during this panoramic, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Killybegs, Kilcar, Carrick and the Slieve League Cliffs Centre

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive through the charming Donegal countryside, and small villages of Kilcar and Carrick, en route to the Tí Linn Café & Craft Shop. This award-winning Slieve League Cliffs Centre is a family affair run by the husband-and-wife team of Paddy and Siobhán Clarke. Paddy was a deep sea fisherman for 20 years, but now has a Master's Degree in Archaeology. Artist and chef Siobhán is an artisan baker.

Tí Linn Café & Craft Shop, Slieve League Cliffs, and Coastal and Atlantic Ocean Views

Upon arrival at the Tí Linn Café & Craft Shop, transfer from the centre to a mini-bus and drive to the Slieve League Cliffs. At a height of approximately 1,968 feet (about 600 metres) above sea level, the Slieve League Cliffs are believed to be Europe's highest sea cliffs. Due to its remote setting, Slieve League boasts an unspoilt natural landscape. A photo stop is made at the Slieve League Cliffs Viewpoint for spectacular panoramic views overlooking the coast and Atlantic Ocean.

Tí Linn Visitor's Centre, Tea/Coffee with Scones, Craft Shop, and Art Gallery

Following your visit, re-board your mini-bus for the drive back to the Tí Linn Café & Craft Shop. Upon arrival, proceed for tea/coffee and delicious scones, freshly-made by Siobhán Clarke, at the Tí Linn Visitor's Centre. Afterward, some free time is made to browse the craft shop, which offers a large selection of local and national crafts, from photographic works and knitwear to jewellery and rustic furniture. The Tí Linn Art Gallery also has works on display by resident artists. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking, at times over rough, uneven surfaces, inclines and hills, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and mini-bus. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and non-slip walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Guests must be at least 10 years old to participate on this tour. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Discover the abundant natural beauty and local lifestyles of Donegal during a panoramic, half-day sightseeing tour through this scenic county.

Donegal, Scenic Drive and 'The Rosses'

Depart the pier in Killybegs for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive north through sleepy towns to an area known as 'The Rosses', or 'Na Rosa' in Gaelic, meaning 'the headlands'. Here, fishing villages are scattered along the rocky and barren coast, and aspects of traditional Irish life that have largely vanished elsewhere are still preserved. The tiny capital of 'The Rosses' is Dungloe, home of the annual 'Mary from Dungloe International Festival'.

Annagry, Crolly, Traditional Irish Pub and Irish Coffee

Your drive continues towards the villages of Annagry and Crolly, home of internationally-acclaimed singer Enya and her siblings, who form the traditional Irish group, Clannad. Upon arrival in Crolly, a stop is made in the traditional pub owned by this famous family for an Irish coffee accompanied by traditional Irish music. Afterward, re-board your coach for the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier. En route, photo stops are made to marvel at the wonderful, breath-taking scenery, including long valleys that drop down from the mountains to a coast of rocky headlands, fishing villages and sweeping sandy beaches.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, layered clothing, a waterproof jacket or coat, flat, closed-toe walking shoes, an umbrella, and sun protection are recommended. Due to the local climate, most of the coaches are air-cooled. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages.

Experience the natural splendour of Donegal in a unique new way during this memorable, half-day nature walk in the Bluestack Mountains.

Depart the pier with your mountain guide for the approximately 45-minute drive to the Bluestack Mountains. The Bluestack Mountains of Southwest Donegal run from the Pettigo Plateau westward to Binbane. Upon arrival, begin your two-hour, 2.2-mile (3.5-kilometre) easy nature walk through the foothills of the Bluestacks.

The stunning, isolated landscape of the Bluestacks abounds with foxgloves, thistles, bracken, wild strawberries, various ferns and other abundant flora covering the hillside. Take in the fresh mountain air and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding Bluestack Mountains and Donegal Bay whilst traversing the foothills along a circular route that utilises existing roads and tracks.

Stops include a visit to the ancient Disert Graveyard, which is highlighted by standing stones, or 'dolmen', a holy well dating from the times of St Colmcille, and other religious and folkloric artefacts. Flowing through the site is the Eany Beg Water, and a small tributary of this river that has cut a gorge into the hillside and created a fine waterfall. At the conclusion of your nature walk, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 2.2 miles (about 3.5 kilometres), over natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 10 steps at the Bluestacks. The road leading to the start of the walking tour is narrow and winding. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, a sweater or jacket, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.