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The Emerald Isle -
15 Day Extended Tour - (Tour No. IRE)
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Highlights:
A traveller's tales are incomplete
until you've added an Irish story or two to your repertoire! This
is a land of infinite charm and wonderful people. There is a relaxed
air, a timelessness and a tranquillity that somehow suggest the
country is not quite part of the twentieth century. Yet, in the
major cities and cultural centres like Dublin and Cork you feel
very much a part of modern Europe.
This is a tour to delight, showing you
the very best of the 'Emerald Isle,’ including the breathtaking
scenic west coast, the quaint villages of the interior and the
picturesque harbours of the coastline, the great historic castles
and religious houses, illustrations, old and new, of the strong
Celtic culture and identity, the mind boggling pre-history, only
now being discovered, and the glories of Dublin's fair city.
As always on a Back-Roads Touring Co.
Ltd tour, we'll have entertaining evenings with local Irish colour.
As with all Back Roads Touring Co. LTD tours, those with mobility
problems may wish to consider whether this tour is suitable for
them.
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DAY ONE - FRIDAY
You arrive in Dublin where you're met at the international airport by
your Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd representative. Your day is free to
recover from the arduous of travel and to begin your explorations of
this atmospheric city. Our accommodation is conveniently situated close
to the small city centre which makes it an ideal base for some gentle,
first day explorations. Tonight you're free to dine as you please.
www.visitdublin.com
DAY TWO - SATURDAY
We drive south from Dublin, visiting both Sandy Cove and James Joyce's
famous Martello tower (his writing workshop) and some delightful harbours.
The coastal drive is lovely and just a taste of the many scenic delights
to come. From the coast we drive inland to the Wicklow hills, visiting
en route Powerscourt House and Gardens, which provide a fine view of
the Sugarloaf Mountain. Then we move on to the Vale of Glendalough (glen
of the two lakes). Here we'll find the remains of a Celtic village,
the 6th Century church of St Kevin, the 9th Century cathedral ruin and
amazing 33 metre high Round Tower. This is a stop that will suit both
the historically minded and those who enjoy walking because there'll
be time to take a stroll by the lake. 
DAY THREE - SUNDAY
First on our itinerary is Kilkenny, one of the oldest and most interesting
towns of Ireland. It has been called 'the marble city' from the fine
and long-quarried limestone in the area. Two of the most impressive
local buildings are the ancient castle, dating back to 1192 and having
connections with the Norman conqueror, Strongbow, and the magnificent
Cathedral of St. Candice which, despite the damage done by Cromwell's
troops, is one of the finest unruined churches in the country. Continuing
our journey we next reach the awe inspiring Cashel. This was the ancient
capital of the Kings of Munster and long famous ecclesiastical centre.
The Rock of Cashel, rising above the town, is crowned by the ruins of
a cathedral, beside which shelters Cormac's Chapel, an outstanding example
of Irish Romanesque architecture. Our guided tour here will be a particular
highlight of your memories of Ireland. Leaving Cashel behind us we travel
through the county of Tipperary as we make our way to our base for the
next two nights in Cork.
DAY FOUR - MONDAY
We slow the pace down today and begin with a visit to the famous Blarney
Castle. And yes, you’ll have the opportunity of kissing the Blarney
Stone that endows you with the great gift of communication enjoyed by
so many of the Irish! We’ll end our day's explorations at the extravagantly
beautiful town of Kinsale, overlooking the Bandon estuary. Kinsale has
a strong Spanish flavour. Its narrow, winding streets have been compared
to those of Toledo and in 1601-2 a Spanish force took the town and held
it against the English armies. Recaptured and anglicised, Kinsale became
one of the chief ports of the British navy. It was also off Kinsale
that the Lusitania was torpedoed, an action which brought the USA into
the world war. There’ll be time to explore at leisure.
DAY FIVE - TUESDAY
Leaving Cork behind us we take the scenic route through West Cork county
to Bantry Bay. We'll spend time in this lovely harbour town. One highlight
may be our lunch at a fish restaurant where local catch is beautifully
prepared. Another option will be a visit to Bantry House, with its Armada
exhibition. This afternoon's drive is the first of many unbelievable
and unforgettable scenic drives through the West Coast of the country.
We pass through the town of Kenmare on our way to Killarney, our base
for the next three nights.
DAY SIX - WEDNESDAY
A magical day on the Dingle Peninsular. Our route (subject to weather)
takes us through some stunning scenery including single track roads
that'll take your breath away and be impressed with your driver-guide's
skills! An archaeological survey on this peninsular has identified more
than 2,000 prehistoric sites – an amazing number for such a small
area. We’ll explore at length before returning to Killarney. Alternatively,
you can opt for a free day in Killarney with perhaps time for a visit
to nearby Muckross House.
DAY SEVEN - THURSDAY
We explore some of the lesser known parts of the Ring of Kerry, following
the breathtaking roads that are squeezed between the wild Atlantic and
the mountains of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Highlights of the day will
include the somewhat mysterious Ogham stone writing and the Kerry Bog
Village museum. If you've not yet had the chance of exploring Killarney
itself and the local rural museum at Muckross House then there'll be
an opportunity today.
Dinner is not included on one evening while in Killarney to allow you
to enjoy some 'organised independence'.
DAY EIGHT - FRIDAY
As we head north, we cross the River Shannon by ferry and drive to the
Cliffs of Moher via the coastal route through Kilkee and Spanish Point,
where so many ships of the great Spanish Armada came to grief. The Cliffs
of Moher are one of the most impressive stretches of the western coast.
Inland, we tour through the curious scenery of 'the Burren' and visit
the peaceful Corcomroe Abbey, burial place of King Conor O'Brien. If we
have time, we’ll also fit in a visit to the Aillwee Cave, formed
2 million years ago. Our overnight stop is in the pretty Galway Bay harbour
of Kinvara.
DAY NINE - SATURDAY
A very special day with a boat trip out to the Aran Isle of Inishmore
for half of it and the remainder spent exploring Galway City. The three
islands, which make up the Aran Isles, are renowned for a way of life
that has changed little for generations. Irish is the traditional language
and the islanders have a rich fund of stories and legends. Amongst today’s
highlights are the 2000 year old Celtic fort of Dun Aonghus, the early
Christian monastic remains of St. Enda, cliffs and sandy beaches and quiet
walks to discover local birds, wild flowers and plants. (Please note:
sailings can sometimes be disrupted by bad weather, in which case we spend
a full day in Galway City).
DAY TEN - SUNDAY
Galway City will be one choice for the focus of today's explorations.
Another would be the scenic beauty of Connemara. This will be a day for
the group, in consultation with your guide, to decide on how it should
be filled.
DAY ELEVEN- MONDAY
Today we head north through County Mayo. We’ll stop en route at the
Roman Catholic shrine at Knock. There’ll be time for contemplation
before we continue our journey. Carrowmore, home to the largest group
of megalithic remains in Ireland is a highlight on today’s itinerary.
We'll also view some of the many sites closely associated with the great
poet W B Yeats before we end our day’s explorations at our base for
the next two nights in the town of Mullaghmore, to the north of Sligo.
DAY TWELVE- TUESDAY
Donegal town will provide one of the day's highlights with visits to see
the impressive Donegal castle, and the Diamond Obelisk which commemorates
the prescient Four Master's, friars of the local monastery whose annals
predicted the decline of the Celtic culture. There will also be a dramatic
and awe-inspiring drive along the Donegal coast.
DAY THIRTEEN - WEDNESDAY
Today, as we drive Southeast across Ireland, we step back into the mists
of time, to the time almost at the very start of history. Undoubted highlights
of the day will be visits to the most remarkable prehistoric tomb in Europe
at Newgrange (entry to the tomb itself conditional on availability), and
to the Hills of Tara, the foremost spiritual and political centre of Ireland
for 1000 years and the seat of power until the coming of St Patrick. Other
of the day's options include visits the site of the Battle of the Boyne,
and if there's time the historic Norman coastal town of Drogheda.
DAY FOURTEEN - THURSDAY
We have a full day to discover the many delights that Dublin has to offer
with free time to explore at leisure. Options include Trinity College,
the Book of Kells, the Guinness Brewery (where you can take a tour and
enjoy a free sample!); St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Grafton Street, Halfpenny
Bridge and much, much more. Tonight we’ll enjoy our last dinner together
before perhaps enjoying an hour or two in a traditional Irish pub with
some of the locals.
DAY FIFTEEN - FRIDAY
Airport transfers or extend your stay for another day or two in this relaxed
and atmospheric city. We especially recommend that those who enjoy literature
stay awhile longer and take a city literary walking tour. (If you do stay
then airport transfers must be separately booked). |
