Overview
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 lunch, it's time to explore Ireland's natural geological wonder – the Giant's Causeway. Next, you'll settle into your hotel on the North Irish Coast and tuck into a delicious included dinner. Stay: Redcastle Hotel (or similar) (B/D)
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. 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. Stay: Vienna Woods (or similar) (B/D)
After boarding the mini-coach in County 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 the hotel 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, 6 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
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.
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.
Brochure
Back-Roads Europe & UK (2024-25)
Availability
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.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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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