Ireland The Emerald Isle

From north to south – step into Ireland’s colourful past, starting with the legendary Giant’s Causeway and Belfast’s Titanic history. Rugged peninsulas, village gems and sweeping views of the Wicklow Mountains create a dramatic setting for your Emerald Isle adventure.

THE BACK-ROADS DIFFERENCE

Discover Northern Ireland’s dramatic history in an escorted Black Cab tour of Belfast’s unique street art and political murals
Drive along Ireland’s back roads through extraordinary natural scenery, including the lunar-like landscape of the Burren
Marvel at the mysterious Giant’s Causeway

Tour Inclusions

11 nights in boutique accommodation
Experienced Back-Roads Driver & Tour Leader
Premium mini-coach transportation
Full Irish breakfast daily (B), 1 lunch (L), 5 evening meals (D)
Black Cab tour of Belfast
Entrance included to: Newgrange, Battle of the Boyne site, Titanic Museum, Giant’s Causeway, Doagh Famine Village, Ulster American Folk Park, Parke’s Castle, Cliffs of Moher, Blasket Islands Centre, Charles Fort, Connemara Heritage Centre, Swiss Cottage, Huntington Castle

Day 1

DAY 1 DUBLIN – BELFAST

From Dublin, we venture to the prehistoric site of Newgrange and visit the Battle of Boyne for an exciting preview of what to expect over the days to come. Tonight, we arrive in Belfast and enjoy a delicious meal together. (D)

Accommodation: Malone Lodge Hotel

Day 2

DAY 2 BELFAST – LONDONDERRY

You don’t have to delve deep into Northern Ireland’s past to see the influences on contemporary culture. This morning begins with an escorted Black Cab tour of Belfast’s unique street art – its political murals, followed by a visit to the Titanic Museum where we discover the personal stories that surround this fateful ship. We continue to Ballyscullion Park, a historic private country house, where lunch will be waiting for us. Later, we explore Ireland’s natural geological wonder – the Giant’s Causeway – before arriving in Londonderry. (B,L)

Accommodation: Beech Hill Country House

Day 3

DAY 3 LONDONDERRY – NORTH IRISH COAST – LONDONDERRY

Today, stroll along the old city walls of Londonderry and then continue the journey to the Isle of Doagh where we’ll learn of the local population’s experience of the devastating Irish Famine. (B)

Accommodation: Beech Hill Country House

Day 4

DAY 4 LONDONDERRY – BALLYFARNON

More fascinating history is on the cards today at the Ulster-American Folk Park, where we learn why two million people sailed from Ulster to embark on a fresh life in the New World and make time for a pottery demonstration. The day ends in Ballyfarnon where we regroup for an evening meal together. (B,D)

Accommodation: Kilronan Castle

Day 5

DAY 5 BALLYFARNON – CONNEMARA – GALWAY

The morning sees us in Westport before visiting the award-winning Connemara Heritage Centre to gain a unique insight into Ireland’s past. As the day draws to a close, we’ll complete our journey with a walking tour through the harbour city of Galway. (B)

Accommodation: Park House Hotel

Day 6

DAY 6 GALWAY

Today is yours to enjoy as you wish in buzzing, bohemian Galway. (B)

Accommodation: Park House Hotel

Day 7

DAY 7 GALWAY – THE BURREN – DINGLE

We meet with the picturesque area of Caherconnell and witness local sheepdog trials in action. We continue across the Burren and round off the day with a visit to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, rising high above the Atlantic. (B,D)

Accommodation: Dingle Skellig Hotel

Day 8

DAY 8 DINGLE PENINSULA

We’ll begin in south-west Ireland’s jewel in the crown – the Dingle Peninsula before stopping off at the Blasket Islands Centre. The afternoon gives us plenty of free time to delve deeper and explore DIngle. (B)

Accommodation: Dingle Skellig Hotel

Day 9

DAY 9 DINGLE – KENMARE – BLARNEY

Peaks and lakes are on the cards today. Time to take in the views across the stunning Killarney Lakes and onwards to Kenmare before the adventure continues with a visit to the iconic Blarney Castle. Legend has it, if you kiss the Blarney Stone you will be blessed with the gift of eloquence. Tonight, make the most of your new found eloquence over dinner at the hotel. (B,D)

Accommodation: Blarney Castle Hotel

Day 10

DAY 10 BLARNEY – KINSALE – BLARNEY

The port and fishing town of Kinsale is where we’ll start our walking tour through history and a stop at Charles Fort before returning to Blarney for the evening. (B)