Pre-BEX Tours
TBEX Europe 2025 Pre-BEX Tours
Pre-BEX Tours are now closed for sign ups. There are still a few select tours available, please come to the Pre-BEX Tour desk the morning of the 9th or 10th to see what is available to walk on.
- Only ONE Pre-BEX Tour sign up per registered attendee
- Only registered conference attendees can sign up for a Pre-BEX Tour.
- Pre-BEX Tours are open to both Content Creators and Industry Professionals and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. No guests, companions, or plus-ones are permitted unless they, too, are registered. There are no waitlists once a tour becomes full.
- Please sign up with the same email address used when you registered for TBEX Europe 2025. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in TBEX activities.
- Occasionally a Pre-BEX tour has to be cancelled, re-scheduled, or altered. You will be advised if this happens, and we appreciate your understanding.
Pre-BEX Tour #2
TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE – Wild Alpaca Way and Fort Dunree
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
20
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 9:45 AM – bus leaves ATU Letterkenny at 10:00 AM, returns at approximately 4:30pm
Highlight
Walk with our Alpacas along the Knockamany Bens overlooking Malin Head (the most northerly point in Ireland) and the Atlantic Ocean and create memories that last a lifetime. Nestled amidst the breathtaking scenery of Malin Head, County Donegal, lies our unique community – a herd of 37 playful alpacas thriving in their Irish haven. More than just adorable fluff balls, these intelligent and social creatures live a life rich in connection, hierarchy, and adaptation, perfectly attuned to their environment. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of these Malin Head alpacas and discover how they live and thrive in this windswept paradise.
Fort Dunree, Dun Fhraoigh in Irish means, “Fort of the Heather” and indicates that this site has been an important defensive site down through history. Today however, its stunning natural beauty and abundant wildlife are drawing increasing numbers of visitors to one of Inishowen’s most beautiful and peaceful locations. Fort Dunree was first opened to the public in 1986 and has attracted tourists from all over the world ever since.
Additional Details
Notes
Register Now
Lunch is included, this tour is NOT ADA accessible. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.
Pre-BEX Tour #3
TOUR OF DONEGAL TOWN – HISTORIAL TOWN – 9th
Date
Tuesday September 9th
Number of Participants
20
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 9:45 AM – bus leaves ATU Letterkenny at 10:00 AM, returns at approximately 4:00pm
Highlight
Donegal Town is an attractive vibrant town overlooking Donegal Bay with a backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains on the Wild Atlantic Way. Traditionally a Market Town with a Diamond at its centre it is easily accessible for visitors and locals to explore the abundance of shops, dining, cultural and heritage attractions, bars, and entertainment suitable for all tastes and ages. Originally built in the 15th century, Donegal Castle has later additions from the Jacobean period. The Four Masters Memorial obelisk honours 4 scribes from the nearby Franciscan friary, now in ruins. The town is renowned for its hand-woven tweed industry including the world-famous Magee’s of Donegal, Triona Design and Hannah Hats.
Additional Details
Guide – Mary McGettigan, Donegal Community Chamber
Lunch is included, this tour IS ADA accessible, there is walking including some hills. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Itinerary and details subject to change.
September 9th REGISTER HERE, September 10th REGISTER HERE
Arrive Discover Ireland Centre Donegal Town
Meet & Greet Donegal Bay Waterbus
Commerce walking tour of Donegal Town
Coffee Break Simple Simons Restaurant & Wholefoods Store
Magee of Donegal Weaving in the Years
Donegal Castle Historical Tour
Olde Castle Bar & Restaurant Lunch Seafood & Guiness
Hanna Hats Tour
Railway Heritage Museum
Little Mammas & Sliabh Liag Distillers Whiskey & Ice- Cream
Depart Discover Ireland Centre
Pre-BEX Tour #4
TOUR OF DONEGAL TOWN – HISTORIAL TOWN – 10th
Date
Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
20
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 9:45 AM – bus leaves ATU Letterkenny at 10:00 AM, returns at approximately 4:00pm
Highlight
Donegal Town is an attractive vibrant town overlooking Donegal Bay with a backdrop of the Bluestack Mountains on the Wild Atlantic Way. Traditionally a Market Town with a Diamond at its centre it is easily accessible for visitors and locals to explore the abundance of shops, dining, cultural and heritage attractions, bars, and entertainment suitable for all tastes and ages. Originally built in the 15th century, Donegal Castle has later additions from the Jacobean period. The Four Masters Memorial obelisk honours 4 scribes from the nearby Franciscan friary, now in ruins. The town is renowned for its hand-woven tweed industry including the world-famous Magee’s of Donegal, Triona Design and Hannah Hats.
Additional Details
Guide – Mary McGettigan, Donegal Community Chamber
Lunch is included, this tour IS ADA accessible, there is walking including some hills. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Itinerary and details subject to change.
September 9th REGISTER HERE, September 10th REGISTER HERE
Arrive Discover Ireland Centre Donegal Town
Meet & Greet Donegal Bay Waterbus
Commerce walking tour of Donegal Town
Coffee Break Simple Simons Restaurant & Wholefoods Store
Magee of Donegal Weaving in the Years
Donegal Castle Historical Tour
Olde Castle Bar & Restaurant Lunch Seafood & Guinness
Hanna Hats Tour
Railway Heritage Museum
Little Mammas & Sliabh Liag Distillers Whiskey & Ice- Cream
Depart Discover Ireland Centre
Pre-BEX Tour #5
TAKE TO THE SEAS
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
15
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 8:45 AM – bus leaves ATU Letterkenny at 9:00 AM, returns at approximately 4:00pm
Highlight
Paddy Byrne Boat Trip and Music around Europe’s Highest Accessible Sea Cliffs. Hear stories of this iconic area, which is steeped in history and legends, including the Napoleonic tower. You can even enjoy a swim in the crystal-clear waters of Sliabh Liag.
Additional Details
Guide – Paddy Byrne
Notes
Register Now
Lunch is included, this tour is not ADA accessible. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle and a jacket. Itinerary and details subject to change.
Pre-BEX Tour #6
SLIABH LIAG EXPERIENCE
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
15
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 8:45 AM – bus leaves ATU Letterkenny at 9:00 AM, returns at approximately 4:00pm
Highlight
Sliabh Liag is Ireland’s ultimate sea cliff experience and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way coastal touring route.
Sliabh Liag is a place of sacred Christian pilgrimage and a rich Irish heritage and culture. Located in the Gaeltacht region of County Donegal, Sliabh Liag are the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe where the cliff face of Bunglas rises over 600m above the ocean below.
Additional Details
Guide – Sliabh Liag Visitor Centre. If you wish to take a dip, bring a swimsuit!
Notes
Register Now
Lunch included – this tour is not ADA accessible. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. .
Pre-BEX Tour #7
Water Adventures – Rossnowlagh
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
15
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 9:45 AM – bus leaves ATU Letterkenny at 9:00 AM, returns at approximately 4:30pm
Highlight
Your class is 2 hours long, 90 minutes of which is spent in the water. Wetsuits and Surfboards are provided along with a fully qualified Irish Surfing Association Surf Coach who will patiently take you through the complete surf experience.
You will learn about water safety, ocean awareness and wave conditions. On arriving at the beach, a 10 minute land drill takes place. This includes some safety as well as a land tutorial on how to catch waves and stand up on a wave. Once the land drill is done, together with the instructor, everybody enters the water where the fun begins. The water part of each lesson lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, during which your instructor will aim to initially get you standing on your surfboard and then gradually improve all aspects of your surfing.
Additional Details
Bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes. Wet suits are provided.
Notes
Register Now
Lunch included – this tour is not ADA accessible. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, swimwear and a change of clothes. Itinerary and details subject to change.
Pre-BEX Tour #8
WALKING TOUR OF LETTERKENNY
Date
Tuesday September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
20
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 3:45 pm to depart at 4:00, returns to ATU at approximately 5:15pm
Highlight
Letterkenny is known for the Gothic-style St. Eunan’s Cathedral, with its towering spire. The town’s Main Street is said to be the longest in Ireland. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the town, hear about the history of the pubs and enjoy a drink in Blakes Bar.
Additional Details
Guide Kieran Kelly, Letterkenny Historical Society
Notes
Register Now
1 hour walking tour. Bring a water bottle, and wear comfortable shoes.
Pre-BEX Tour #9
HISTORICAL TOUR OF BALLYSHANNON, IRELAND’S OLDEST TOWN
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
20
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 9:45 am bus leaves at 10am, returns at approximately 4:30
Highlight
Enjoy a tour of Donegal Blonde Micro Brewery, enjoy whiskey tasting of Donegal’s Silkie Whiskey (Sliabh Liag Distrillery) in Dicey Reilly’s pub.
Take a short walk and hear about the world famous legendary rock guitarist, Rory Gallagher – who was born in Ballyshannon, and hear about the town’s links to one of the world’s most famous gothic writers – Bram Stoker, whose mother was Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornley from the town itself. Another monster, Frankenstein has also got Ballyshannon connections. That’s due to the town’s connection with its author, Mary Shelley. Her grandmother was Elizabeth Dixon of Main Street, Ballyshannon. Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in 1818!
Additional Details
Notes
Register Now
Lunch included – this tour is ADA accessible, walking with some hills. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Itinerary and details subject to change.
Pre-BEX Tour #11
STEP BACK IN TIME and LEARN A CUPLA FOCAL
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
30 (two groups of 15)
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 8:45 am bis leaves at 9am, returns at approximately 4:30
Highlight
Glencolmcille Folk Village and Learn a Cupla Focal (a few words of Irish) in Oideas Gael (Language Centre)
Glencolmcille Folk Village is a thatched-roof replica of a rural village in Ireland’s most north westerly county offers a glimpse into daily life as it was during past centuries.
The Folk Village Museum is a cluster of several small cottages, called a ‘clachan’, perched on a hillside overlooking the sandy curve of Glen Bay Beach in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area) of Southwest Donegal. Designed, built, and maintained by the local people, the Folk Village is one of Ireland’s best living-history museums.
Each cottage is an exact replica of a dwelling used by the local people in each of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries and is equipped with the furniture, artifacts, and utensils of its period. A reconstructed schoolhouse, fisherman’s dwelling and tiny pub-grocer offer additional insights into rural Irish life in one of the most remote corners of the country.
Additional Details
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY AT SILVER STRAND BEACH, MALIN BEG
Notes
Register Now
Lunch included – Glencolmcille Folk Village. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle, this tour is ADA accessible. Itinerary and details subject to change.
Pre-BEX Tour #12
KING OF THE CASTLE!
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
20
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 9:45 am bis leaves at 10am, returns at approximately 3:00
Highlight
Visit Glenveagh National Park and Castle which is the second-largest national park in all of Ireland. Located in County Donegal, it includes: Glenveagh Castle and its grounds; Lough Veagh; and much of the Derryveagh Mountains.
Additional Details
OPTIONAL – Enjoy a bike ride around the park, bikes included. (Grassroutes Bike Hire)
Notes
Register Now
Lunch included in Castle Cafe. This tour is ADA accessible with exception of the bike portion. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. Itinerary and details subject to change.
Pre-BEX Tour #13
TOUR DONEGAL’S DISTILLERY’S – The ‘heart’ of Donegal Gaeltacht Tour
Date
Tuesday, September 9th
Number of Participants
30
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 8:45 am bus leaves at 9am, returns at approximately 4:30
Highlight
Includes Crolly Distillery Tour with Coco Milis Chocolate Tasting, Irish Coffees in Leo’s Travern and Talk and Tastings in Danny Minnies and Brewery Tour in Errigal Brewing Company
Additional Details
Notes
Register Now
10.00am – Leo’s Tavern, Meenaleck
Tábhairne Leo or Leo’s Tavern is situated in the beautiful and picturesque County Donegal, in the village of Meenaleck. Situated along the Wild Atlantic Way, between the popular tourist destination of Errigal Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean, Leo’s Tavern is renowned for its music being the family home of world-famous musical talents Enya, Clannad and Moya Brennan. Your host, Barley Brennan on the day will serve up Irish Coffee’s with a backdrop of great music and of course the story of the Brennan family.
11.30am – Crolly Distillery
Located in the west Donegal Gaeltacht village of Croithlí, County Donegal, set between the Wild Atlantic Coast and the stunning Errigal mountain. Our distillery home is a restored historic stone cut building constructed in 1901. We want to connect this part of Ireland with the world through our craft whiskeys, double distilled in Donegal’s first functioning licensed whiskey distillery in 180 years.
Enjoy the rich moments inspired through stories with family and friends, making new connections while having a ‘timlín’ of Croithlí whiskey.
Indulge in chocolate the way it was meant to be! With Donegal’s Coco Milis
Coco Milis artisanal chocolate is carefully crafted using traditional methods and high-quality ingredients. From smooth and creamy milk chocolate to rich and decadent dark chocolate, we offer a range of flavours to satisfy every craving. Every bite is a pure and delicious experience, free from artificial additives and flavours.
1pm – Danny Minnies Country House
Chef Brian McDermott (Restaurants of Ireland Association Local Food Hero) will take you through the story of the rich heritage of Danny Minnies 134-year existence. The restaurant, situated in the heart of the Gaeltacht, offers a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern Irish cuisine. Brian will serve up mouth watering tastings on the day with locally sourced produce.
2.30pm – Errigal Brewing Company
Errigal Brewing company was founded in 2021 at Caisleain Oir Hotel by Anita & James McDevitt. A COVID lockdown project. It has since gone from strength to strength and they invite you to share in their journey and to enjoy our expression of the craic in the hills. Everything happens for a reason. Sláinte from Errigal Brewing Company “Tá an Craic San Cnoic” This tour will also include a talk from Executive Chef, Caisleain Oir, Cathal Armstrong who is an eight-time James Beard Award-nominated chef and co-founder of nine Washington D.C. area restaurants and bars, including the celebrated Restaurant Eve in Alexandria. In 2011, he was honored as a “Champion of Change” by the Obama White House. Food & Wine named Armstrong one of our 50 Hall of Fame Best New Chefs in 2015.
Lunch included. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. This tour is ADA accessible.
Pre-BEX Tour #13
TOUR DONEGAL’S DISTILLERY’S – ARDARA DISTILLERY TOUR
Date
Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
30
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 8:45 am bus leaves at 9am, returns at approximately 4:00
Highlight
Sliabh Liag Distillery and Nancy’s Pub, Ardara
The first legal distilling company in 175 years, Sliabh Liag Distillers is an international drinks business based in Donegal. Established by two ‘scatterlings’, James & Moira Doherty, who returned to the Sliabh Liag peninsula (pronounced “sleeve league”, meaning Mountain of Flagstones) to build a legacy. They have assembled a meitheal (work-gang) and set about creating a statement that our whole community can be proud of.
They are driven by a passion for soft-drinking hard spirits and take authentic inspiration from the rugged landscape, tough climate and rich regional traditions – our terroir. By allying that with the international view of a returning emigrant we are producing a series of carefully crafted super-premium brands that are sold across the world.
Nancy’s Pub, Ardara
The Mc Hugh family have owned Nancy’s for over seven generations, and it has managed to retain the traditional feel and family atmosphere that makes people want to come back again and again.
Additional Details
Notes
Register Now
Lunch included. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. This tour is ADA accessible.
Pre-BEX Tour #14
FANAD LIGHTHOUSE AND OLDE GLEN BAR
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
25
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 9:45 AM – bus leaves ATU Letterkenny at 10:00 AM, returns at approximately 4:30pm.
Highlight
The Fanad Lighthouse tour is a unique experience on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. You will learn about the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families who were stationed here. And, for an exhilarating moment to remember, climb to the top of the tower for spectacular 360 views of North Donegal, the Atlantic and Lough Swilly. With the addition of audio guides, our tour is now available Italian, French, German, Spanish as well as Irish and English.
Additional Details
Lunch – included in Fanad Lighthouse Cafe
Notes
Register Now
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle. This tour is part ADA accessible, – some elements (not the tower experience, however the tower experience can be viewed digitally). Itinerary and details subject to change.
September 9th REGISTER HERE, September 10th REGISTER HERE
Fanad Lighthouse is an iconic working lighthouse at the mouth of Lough Swilly. It has been voted one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world and it’s easy to see why. This stunning heritage building is the flagship visitor attraction of the Fanad peninsula, an area of outstanding natural beauty which has much to offer the visitor.
The Fanad Lighthouse tour is a unique experience on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. You will learn about the lives of the lighthouse keepers and their families who were stationed here.
There are stories of love and loss, hardship and resilience. Discover how the light itself has changed over the centuries, and how the latest technology has transformed lighthouses.
And, for an exhilarating moment to remember, climb to the top of the tower for spectacular 360 views of North Donegal, the Atlantic and Lough Swilly. With the addition of audio guides, our tour is now available Italian, French, German, Spanish as well as Irish and English.
For an Exhilarating Adventure, your group can go on board the Saldanha for our Virtual Reality Experience ‘The Storm, The Sea, The Saldanha’
Take time to appreciate the coastal spectacle that unfolds in Éist, a space to sit and absorb the stories and sounds of generations of life in a Gaeltacht lighthouse in a unique location.
Keeping with the multi-sensory experience, visit AMHARC to watch the sea-life and the birdlife on our coast, learn about their habits, their sounds, you might see some dolphins or even a whale!
Accessible – some elements (not the tower experience, however the tower experience can be viewed digitally)
On return trip, you will stop off and enjoy Donegal’s Kinnegar Beer (their brewery’s roots are deeply embedded in the hilly fields and farms of northeast Donegal) in at The Olde Glen Bar, which is one of Donegal’s Oldest (Circa 1768) and most famous Bar & Restaurant. Full of old-world charm and character.
Pre-BEX Tour #15
Ireland by Bike
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
15
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 9:15 am bus leaves at 10am, returns at approximately 5:00
Highlight
Ireland by Bike is a Donegal based, family owned and operated company offering self-guided bike tours in Ireland’s Northwest and Northern Ireland. Founded in 2010 our tours are carefully planned to allow you to discover Ireland’s most stunning and interesting locations.
Additional Details
Approx. 30 km on an Electric Bike
Notes
Register Now
Lunch is included. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring a water bottle. This tour is not ADA accessible. Itinerary and details subject to change.
Pre-BEX Tour #16
Emerald Guitars 9th
Date
Tuesday September 9th
Number of Participants
25
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 10:45 am bus leaves at 11am, returns at approximately 2:30 PM.
Highlight
Emerald Guitars, celebrating 25 years of craftsmanship, proudly presents its exclusive new Guitar Gallery and Factory Tour. This guided tour offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of their world-renowned guitars. You will explore the entire collection, witness the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each instrument, and see cutting-edge materials used alongside traditional handcrafting. The tour includes access to “The Players Room,” where guests can try the guitars, making it an unforgettable and immersive experience for all.
Additional Details
Bring a water bottle
Notes
Register Now
Tea/Coffee and Light Refreshments included . This tour is accessible. Itinerary and details subject to change.
Pre-BEX Tour #17
Emerald Guitars 10th
Date
Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
25
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 9:15 am bus leaves at 9:30am, returns at approximately 2:30 PM.
Highlight
Emerald Guitars, celebrating 25 years of craftsmanship, proudly presents its exclusive new Guitar Gallery and Factory Tour. This guided tour offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of their world-renowned guitars. You will explore the entire collection, witness the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each instrument, and see cutting-edge materials used alongside traditional handcrafting. The tour includes access to “The Players Room,” where guests can try the guitars, making it an unforgettable and immersive experience for all.
Additional Details
Bring a water bottle
Notes
Register Now
Tea/Coffee and Light Refreshments included . Itinerary and details subject to change.
Pre-BEX Tour #16
DONEGAL SEA STACK CLIMBING
Date
Tuesday, September 9th and Wednesday, September 10th
Number of Participants
6
Meeting Location & Time
Meet at ATU at 8:45 am bus leaves at 10am, returns at approximately 4:00
Highlight
Unique will take you safely to the summits of the most outstanding Sea Stacks in Donegal. This activity is open to everyone and does not require any previous climbing experience, just a sense of adventure and humor. Experience places that have been visited fewer times than the moon and see firsthand the true beauty of these little-known places in Ireland.
Additional Details
See Sea Stack Footage from the one which will be climbed HERE. This is a physically demanding tour; a good level of fitness is required.
Notes
Register Now
Lunch included – Not ADA accessible, wear comfortable active clothing. Bring a water bottle. Itinerary and details subject to change.
