The Emerald Isle 2023
The Emerald Isle 2023
The Emerald Isle 2023
13 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, Belfast, Derry, North Coast Ireland Golf Tours, Roscommon, Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula, Kenmare, Cork, Kinsale, Kilkenny
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEIDD3
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
7 - 13
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
18-90
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Private Available:
Request A Private Tour
From:
$4424
$4203 (USD)
The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$221
Tour Overview
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.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Dublin (Republic Of Ireland)
Location: Dublin
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Iveagh Garden (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
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.
Day 2 : Dublin – Belfast (Northern Ireland)
Location: Dublin, Belfast
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Malone Lodge (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 3 : Belfast – Londonderry
Location: Belfast, Derry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bishopsgate (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
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 in Londonderry for the night.
Day 4 : : Londonderry – North Irish Coast – Londonderry
Location: Derry, North Coast Ireland Golf Tours, Derry
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Bishopsgate (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 in Londonderry.
Day 5 : Londonderry – County Roscommon (Republic Of Ireland)
Location: Derry, Roscommon
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Kilronan Castle (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 6 : County Roscommon – Galway
Location: Roscommon, Galway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Hardiman (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 7 : Galway
Location: Galway
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Hardiman (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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!
Day 8 : Galway – Cliffs Of Moher – Dingle Peninsula
Location: Galway, Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Peninsula
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dingle Benners (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 9 : Dingle Peninsula
Location: Dingle Peninsula
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Dingle Benners (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 10 : Dingle Peninsula – Kenmare – Cork
Location: Dingle Peninsula, Kenmare, Cork
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vienna Woods (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 11 : Cork – Kinsale – Cork
Location: Cork, Kinsale, Cork
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Vienna Woods (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 12 : Cork – Kilkenny
Location: Cork, Kilkenny
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: The Hibernian (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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!
Day 13 : Kilkenny – Dublin
Location: Kilkenny, Dublin
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we’ll return to cosmopolitan Dublin – where our tour will come to a close.
What's Included
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Accommodation
As detailed in the itinerary
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Fully Guided
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Entrance Fees
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Meals
As detailed in the itinerary
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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International Travel
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Drinks with Meals
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
18 is the maximum on any tour
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
Guests from all over the world could be joining you
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Ample free time due to low drive days
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes, All guides are English speaking
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
A Small supplement, but dedicated allocation on every tour
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
Yes the Coach is air-conditioned
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
Please see your local governments for rulings on destination Visa's
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
From the Age of 13
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Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?
A Tour Leader and separate driver will take you on your journey
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Are flights included in this tour?
No they are not.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
Yes there is - 20kg and a max dimension of 158cm (W+D+L)
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Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?
Yes, please request at time of booking
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What is the tipping policy?
At the discretion of the guest
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What currencies are required for this tour?
Euro
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Hand Picked and Boutique
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
This will be provided on final documentation
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
All Entrance fees listed are included
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
We have solo capacity, however no single share.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Upon final payments, we will distribute E-Documentation to all of our guests. Dont forget we also have our App to download as an added feature.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Like-minded travellers awaiting the opportunity to explore the less explored regions. Interests in food, wine, history, art as well as wartimes there will be a great mix of people to connect with on tour.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have our COVID Assurance Policy, Book now and relax knowing you are covered under our new COVID-19 Assurance Policy. At no additional cost to you, new bookings are now 100% refundable in the unfortunate event you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or unable to travel due to government-enforced lock downs prior to your scheduled departure date.
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What level of mobility do I need?
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to be able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms.
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Who goes on Back-Roads tours?
The majority of our guests come from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. All tour commentaries are in English. Our tours appeal to those looking for a more relaxing style of travel, and who enjoy culture, good food, meeting like-minded people and exploring destinations in depth.
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What is the minimum age for any Back-Roads Touring trip?
The minimum age on all of our trips is 18 years.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
All Hotels in line with protocols following the World Health Organisation meet and exceed requirements for all Touring with us.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Back-Roads Touring has been operating from the UK for over 30 years.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
Inline with our booking flexibility policy, you are able to make as many changes as required up to 60 days from departue - with 1 last included up until 30 days out.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Generally no, but in extraordinary circumstances it can be looked at.
Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
Want a private tour?
Please note, this tour is not available for booking in your country.
Dates & Availability
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Sunday - Friday
Mar 31, 2024 - Apr 12, 2024Sunday - Friday
Apr 14, 2024 - Apr 26, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Apr 24, 2024 - May 06, 2024Sunday - Friday
May 12, 2024 - May 24, 2024Wednesday - Monday
May 15, 2024 - May 27, 2024Sunday - Friday
May 26, 2024 - Jun 07, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Jun 12, 2024 - Jun 24, 2024Sunday - Friday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 22, 2024Sunday - Friday
Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Jul 31, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Sunday - Friday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024Sunday - Friday
Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 23, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Sunday - Friday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024Sunday - Friday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Sunday - Friday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Sunday - Friday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024Wednesday - Monday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 28, 2024Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Back-Roads Touring allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Back-Roads Touring allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform back-roads touring, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Back-Roads Touring requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of back-roads touring charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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