The Emerald Isle 2025
The Emerald Isle 2025
The Emerald Isle 2025
13 Days Starting and ending in Dublin
Visiting: Dublin, Belfast, Londonderry, Roscommon, Galway, Dingle Peninsula, Cork, Kilkenny
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEIDD5
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 18
Age range:
18-99
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
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: Ashling Hotel (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: Belfast
Accommodation: 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 – North Irish Coast (Republic Of Ireland)
Location: Belfast
Accommodation: Redcastle Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Day 4: North Irish Coast – Derry – North Irish Coast
Location: Londonderry
Accommodation: Redcastle Hotel (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 at the hotel.
Day 5: North Irish Coast – County Roscommon
Location: Roscommon
Accommodation: 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: Galway
Accommodation: The Dean (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: The Dean (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: Dingle Peninsula
Accommodation: Dingle Benners Hotel (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: Dingle Benners Hotel (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 – County Cork
Location: Cork
Accommodation: 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. 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.
Day 11: County Cork – Kinsale – County Cork
Location: Cork
Accommodation: Vienna Woods (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Day 12: County Cork – Kilkenny
Location: Kilkenny
Accommodation: 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: 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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Transport
Premium mini-coach transportation
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Guide
Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
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Accommodation
12 nights in hand-picked accommodation
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Meals
12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Check out our Q&As
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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.
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Book 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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