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The Emerald Isle

4.7/5 Based on 10 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Small Group Scenic
Our Price From 6,438 Per Person
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 Trip Length
13 Days
 Trip Starts
Dublin
 Trip Finishes
Dublin
13 Day The Emerald Isle Itinerary (Back-Roads)
Countries Explored: Ireland, Northern Ireland
Trip Style
Small Group
Departures
Accommodation
Boutique
Max. Group Size
18
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
BEIDD4

Overview

Read 10 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on Back-Roads 13 Day The Emerald Isle. From north to south, this is one Irish journey that delves into the Emerald Isle’s fascinating history, rich traditions and cultural heritage like no other. Starting with the legendary Giant’s Causeway, our road will lead us to Ireland’s rugged peninsulas, quaint villages and ancient landmarks – all while drawing on local knowledge to transport you to the heart of this captivating country.

Itinerary

Historic and full of character, Dublin is where we'll meet the group and begin our adventure. This evening is an opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner. Stay: Ashling Hotel (or similar) (D)

After breakfast, we'll make tracks to the fascinating Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre. Then, a visit to the Titanic Museum to discover the personal stories surrounding the infamous ship's fateful journey. After a history-filled day (a taste of what's to come), the evening will be yours to explore Belfast at your leisure. Stay: Malone Lodge (or similar) (B)

You don't have to delve deep into Northern Ireland's past to see its influences on contemporary culture – and this morning's Black Cab tour of Belfast's street art and political murals will serve as proof. After an included lunch, it's time to explore Ireland's natural geological wonder – the Giant's Causeway, before arriving on the North Irish Coast. Stay: Redcastle Hotel (or similar) (B/L)

After a morning spent exploring Londonderry's old city walls with a local guide, we'll board the mini-coach and head to the North Irish Coast for the day. At the Isle of Doagh, we'll pay a visit to the Famine Village and Visitor Centre to gain an insight into Irish life during the time of the Great Famine. We'll round off the day with some free time to relax back at the hotel. Stay: Redcastle Hotel (or similar) (B)

More fascinating history is on the cards today! Kick things off with a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park, where we'll learn why two million Irish people sailed away to start a life in the New World. A visit to the Belleek Pottery Centre (the home of Ireland's oldest working fine china pottery) is on this afternoon's agenda, before moving on to County Roscommon, where we'll regroup for an included dinner. Stay: Kilronan Castle (or similar) (B/D)

After breakfast, we'll pay a visit to the homestead of Dan O'Hara (he of the famous ballad), where we'll gain a unique insight into prefamine life and culture. Then, it's time to turn our attention to the harbour city of Galway where we'll enjoy an evening of leisure. Stay: The Dean (or similar) (B)

Today we'll see the likes of the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square on an orientation tour of the city. Then: the afternoon will be yours to spend exploring brightly coloured pubs, tasting local seafood and listening to the ever-present assembly of tuneful street performers. Buzzing, bohemian and utterly charismatic, you're sure to fall for Galway's many charms! Stay: The Dean (or similar) (B)

Out of Galway and onwards to the karst landscapes of the Burren. Before we reach our accommodation in the Dingle Peninsula, we'll round off the day with a visit to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is bound to take your breath away. Tonight, share stories with your travel companions over an included dinner. Stay: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar) (B/D)

Today will begin at one of the Dingle Peninsula's most famous landmarks: the Gallarus Oratory, a unique stone chapel that resembles an upturned boat. After that, there's one more stop in store – the fascinating Blasket Centre, which celebrates the history of the beautiful Great Blasket Island. Upon our return to Dingle, we'll have plenty of free time to explore the quaint fishing port and dine at one of the many local restaurants at our leisure. Stay: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar) (B)

Peaks and lakes are on the menu today! First, we'll take in the views across the stunning Lakes of Killarney as we travel to pretty Kenmare, the ‘head of the sea'. Then, we have an appointment to keep with a true Irish icon: Blarney Castle. Legend has it that you'll be blessed with the ‘gift of the gab' if you kiss the famous Blarney Stone – a block of limestone built into the castle's battlements. Tonight, we'll make the most of our new-found eloquence over dinner in Cork. Stay: Vienna Woods (or similar) (B/D)

After boarding the mini-coach in Cork, the port town of Kinsale will be our first stop of the day where we'll have some time to soak up fishing town's laid-back atmosphere. Then, it's time to turn our attention toward the world-renowned Jameson Distillery. After an afternoon tour and whiskey tasting, we'll return to Cork to enjoy the evening at our leisure. Stay: Vienna Woods (or similar) (B)

As we approach the final few chapters of the tour, we'll stop in to admire the delicate detailing of a traditional cottage orné. After that, it's time to spend the afternoon acquainting ourselves with Kilkenny – Ireland's ‘most perfect' medieval city. Our Tour Leader will take us for a leisurely walk around town before we come together for our last hurrah: a delicious farewell dinner. What an adventure it's been! Stay: The Hibernian (or similar) (B/D)

After breakfast, we'll return to cosmopolitan Dublin – where our tour will come to a close. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Discover Northern Ireland's history on a Black Cab Tour of Belfast's street art and political murals
  • Set foot on the basalt columns of the legendary Giant's Causeway
  • Be blessed with the ‘gift of the gab' while visiting the iconic Blarney Castle
  • Uncover the magnificent Cliffs of Moher – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

  • 12 nights in hand-picked accommodation
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver

  • 12 Breakfasts, 1 Lunches, 5 Dinners

  • Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Prices are for land/cruise only. International flights not included.

Trip Reviews (10) View All Most Recent 'The Emerald Isle' Reviews

4.7
AVG. RATING 4.7 / 5
10 Reviews
5 Star
70%
4 Star
30%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Emerald Isle 0 , NSW, Australia, Sep 2023
What a fabulous 13 days! We covered so much of Ireland from top to bottom. What a great bunch of people to travel with from the tour leader, driver and fellow passengers. We learnt so much of the Irish History & Culture and many on board were able to connect with their ancestral heritage. Accomodation and meals provided were excellent. Would highly ...read more recommend Back Roads Tours.
Around Ireland 3 , Canterbury, New Zealand, May 2023
Overall the tour anticlockwise around Ireland from Dublin was worthwhile. I enjoyed learning about the history, especially in Belfast. The Derry tour was shortened because we linked late with the local guide. The scenery down the west coast was nice, especially Galway, Derry and the Dingle peninsula.

Things deteriorated a bit from there. We didn't ...read more see the vaunted "lakes of Killarney", which was a disappointment. The last couple of days felt like they were being padded out and everyone was winding down. I think it would be much better to finish the tour after breakfast in Dublin instead of Kilkenny. The current arrangement and communications around timing of drop off in Dublin are varied and imprecise, and can mess up travel arrangements for people flying out of Dublin. Global Journeys information did not coincide with what actually transpired when we got to Kilkenny. I had to book a bus from Kilkenny to Dublin Airport. The tour guide was nicely understated for a Irish person :-). ie she didn't talk too much but told us what she felt we needed to know.
Excellent tour of Emerald Isle with Back-Roads 5 , QLD, Australia, Jul 2019
Ireland surely is "40 shades of green", absolutely stunning and beautiful. Back-Roads was able to take us to out of the way places that larger coaches would not be able to do. The Titanic Museum was very impressive; we loved the walled city of Derry and the day excursion to Malin Head, County Donegal. Sadly we missed the beautiful south-west because ...read more of an unscheduled "excursion" to the Galway University Hospital but caught up again with the tour in Cork. The day trip to the beautiful port village of Kinsale was a highlight of the tour. Overall an excellent tour. Our tour leader, Bree, was outstanding and as always, Yvonne, from Global Journeys organised everything beautifully for us. Perfect!
Fabulous Holiday with Back Roads Touring in Ireland 5 , QLD, Australia, Apr 2019
From start to finish our holiday to Ireland with Back Roads Touring was perfect. From Peter our wonderful Guide, his assistant Guide Gearoid (hope that's spelled right) and our very experienced and wonderful Driver Brent. We wouldn't change a thing, we went everywhere on the itinerary and had some surprise places added too. There were many laughs, ...read more some hilarious times, yes talking about you Gearoid...

The accommodation, the meals, the pre dinner get togethers, some after dinner get togethers, everything went smoothly, nothing was too much trouble and we were cared for by these 3 highly experienced and warm friendly people. Each day our destinations and plans were shared so at no time were we wondering the whys and hows, it was relaxed but organised and a well thought out itinerary.

By the end we felt as if we had gone on holidays with friends, and a few of us got a little tearful when saying goodbye back in Dublin.

We think perhaps we have been spoiled and will have trouble going on holidays with any other Touring Company. We have been on a few but this Company and the combination of people will be very hard to beat if at all possible.
Back Roads Tour of Ireland 9 , QLD, Australia, Jun 2018
Excellent Tour director and driver. Hotels were good to excellent. They need thicker black out curtains with day being so long. Enjoyed the tour.
Excellent tour hitting all the highlights of Ireland   6 , QLD, Australia, Jun 2018
The tour was amazing taking us right around Ireland mostly via backroads - the scenery was breathtaking. The coach was great and there were 18 passengers in total. The driver and tour director were the best and went out of their way to make sure everything was perfect. The accommodation was of a high standard and we had a number of 2 night stays which ...read more is always a bonus. I have no hesitation recommending this tour, it gives you a good sample of the Irish scenery, history and culture. This is the fourth trip I have booked through Yvonne at Global Journeys who is extremely helpful and thorough and as usually everything went perfectly to plan! Thank you Yvonne another great holiday!
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Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you enquire. Additional savings may apply. We guarantee the lowest price in Australia. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Back-Roads. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Back-Roads. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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