escorted tour of ireland by mini-van

TENTATIVE ITINERARY	Nightstop

DAY ONE
You arrive into Shannon airport on the western side of Ireland and are transferred to our first tour hotel base at Limerick. We've two nights stationed here so there's time to relax and recover from your international travel. There are direct trans-atlantic flights to Shannon and inexpensive 'no-frills' airline connections to London. It is also an interesting rail trip if you want to gateway through Dublin and make your way to meet the tour by rail. Your first day is free to explore Limerick, the setting of the popular book and film 'Angela's Ashes'. We will be supplying various maps and other materials to assist you in getting the best from your 'organised independence' days. Alternative: stay at Ennis and organise an afternoon at Bunratty Folk Park.	Limerick
DAY TWO
We've a wonderful day planned today with a typical Back-Roads Touring Co. mix of 'must-see' icons and sights and a range of additional attractions that are not always visited by the tourist masses. As ever, we'll be taking you behind the tourist façade but we'll begin our day with a visit to the world-famed Cliffs of Moher but, in addition, well away from the tour buses, we'll visit Loop Head an altogether more impressive, if lesser-known, seascape. En route, you'll probably see some turf-cutters and perhaps a stop at the commemorative Great Famine site will prove interesting. Then we tour through the lunar-landscape of the Burren with stops at the Aillwee Cave and some incredible prehistoric burial sites. Following the coast road we'll visit some Galway Bay harbours before having a quick look at Galway itself. This last visit is to ensure that those tour participants who are taking only the first eight days of this tour at least 'touch base' with this small yet memorable city. Those of you participating in the whole tour will be returning here later for a more extended view.	Limerick
DAY THREE
Leaving Limerick we tour through the pretty Adare to the Dingle Peninsular. This is one of the 'fingers' that reach out from the west coast into the Atlantic. You're in for some memorable scenic views both on the coast and as we climb into the mountains. Tonight we'll enjoy an evening at the Siamsa Tire cultural centre in Tralee. Stay in Castle Upgrade: you may upgrade the accommodation in Tralee to stay at the Ballyseede Castle Hotel. If you decide to treat yourself to this there is a supplement of GBP 100 per person for the two nights payable on the tour price. At one overnight stop we stay at local high-standard B&Bs. It's your chance to meet with Irish locals and really experience the culture and friendliness of Ireland.	Tralee
DAY FOUR
Another 'finger' to explore today - the Ring of Kerry. This is perhaps Western Ireland's most renowned tourist route. It's a must see despite the occasionally coach-crowded roads. We'll be taking one or two turns off the main roads and following the back-roads through the Macgillycuddy's Reeks. Also on today's itinerary will be time at Muckross House and a look at the fast-developing Killarney.	Tralee
DAY FIVE
Just when you thought that the scenery you've seen already could not be bettered, we have a good attempt at doing so! We take the mountain road from Killarney to Kenmare and onward to the very pretty harbour of Bantry Bay. A lunch here may well consist of a seafood plate as the harbour is renowned for its sea harvest. There are other attractions to include here so we'll enjoy a fruitful and leisurely stop. One of the day's options while at Bantry wil be a short trip to Garnish Island. Tropical mini-climate with Italianate gardens and beautiful House. From Bantry we drive through the lush west Cork countryside through another harbour, Kinsale, to Cork city and our nightstop.	Cork
DAY SIX
We'll start our day with a visit to Blarney Castle and the traditional 'kissing of the Blarney Stone'. Those with Irish blood will be hard to shut up for the rest of the tour! Then there'll be a choice of things to do. Some tour participants may wish to discover Cork itself so we'll provide relevant materials to enable you to enjoy 'organised independence'. Other participants will perhaps prefer to take the hour's drive to Waterford where our highlight will be a tour of the crystal factory. Please do note that the factory is a modern facility with inevitable 'factory shop'. We'll combine this 'touristy' visit with time spent at the harbour of Dunmore East - perhaps more in keeping with Back-Roads philosophy of getting you behind the tourist façade.	Cork
DAY SEVEN
Departing Cork we have a full and memorable day seeing up to three of Ireland's major icons. The final choice on what we see will depend on time, weather, traffic and group interests as ever on a Back-Roads tour. First, to 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 an outstanding example of Irish Romanesque architecture, Cormac's Chapel. Next stop, the medieval town of Kilkenny. This is 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. Our final sight of the day is 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. We make our way to Dublin where, if you've the stamina, we'll spend tonight at a unique cultural centre where you'll be up dancing with the locals!	Dublin
DAY EIGHT
'In Dublin's fair city…'. This is a 'walking city' best discovered on foot (though for those who would prefer a bus tour there are city tours and the new tram network). It's compact, easy to get around and full of interesting alleys and nooks and crannies. There are museums including the famed 'Book of Kells' at Trinity University and the Writers Museum. There are pubs galore (and with Ireland's non-smoking policy they are now somewhat less choking!) where the music is non-stop and all are welcome. There are theatres including the famed Abbey and the intimate 'fringe' theatre in Bewley's coffee shop. And there's shopping. Lots of it. This is a great day which you'll enjoy both in the company of your guide/companion and in organised independence. Dinner is not included in your tour price this evening to allow for some freedom of choice and theatre visits. Participants joining for the second half of our Ireland tour arrive today.	Dublin
DAY NINE
Those only taking the first part of our tour will depart today or extend with an optional extension package. We depart Dublin, touring north first 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. Thence to the amazing prehistoric site at Newgrange (entry to the tomb itself conditional on availability). Here we step back into the mists of time, to the time almost at the very start of history. Other day's options include visits the site of the Battle of the Boyne. Our nightstop for the following three nights is Armagh, a city steeped in history. Tradition has it that St Patrick chose Armagh as the centre of his mission in Ireland. It is certainly regarded as the spiritual capital of Ireland and with a range of interesting secular and religious sites make the perfect base for Back-Roads Ulster experience.	Armagh
DAY TEN
Our touring programme today takes us from Armagh first through the Mourne Mountains to Belfast. Here we'll enjoy a tour of this tremendous Victorian city, currently enjoying a cultural and economic resurgence thanks to the end of the 'troubles'. Our Belfast discovery will include a panoramic tour taking you to both sides of this sectarian and partially divided city. The trip up the Falls Road and down the Shankil, seeing the famed political wall murals (which are fast disappearing as the communities learn to live side-by-side) is a memorable and unique experience. This afternoon we depart Belfast for the scenic Glens of Antrim and return to Armagh via the 'Orchard of Ireland' countryside.	Armagh
DAY ELEVEN
We follow Lough Neagh to the Ulster coastline and one of the world's top geological attractions - the Giant's Causeway. Next, to the famed Bushmills Distillery where they've been producing whiskey since 1608. Then touring through the seaside resort of Portrush before arriving at the historic walled city of Derry. An undoubted highlight will be our guided walk along the Derry city walls. If we've time later this afternoon, we'll stop at one of the many excellent local themed museums such as the Ulster Folk Park or Ulster Plantation Centre.	Armagh
DAY TWELVE
We'll enjoy a morning at leisure discovering Armagh itself. There's truly something to interest everyone with visit options including two cathedrals, the nearby Dan Winter's Cottage (the longest thatched cottage in Ireland!), the Genealogical Centre, Armagh County Museum, the museum of the Royal Irish Fusiliers and, of course, local shopping. This afternoon we'll enjoy a scenic drive through the counties of Cavan and Roscommon to Galway.	Galway
DAY THIRTEEN
We have an early start today as we've a full day's touring ahead of us with many memorable stops. The first is the shrine at Knock; from here we turn west and drive through magnificent scenery to Westport. This town is officially designated as one of Ireland's main 'Heritage Towns'. It sits in the shadow of the pilgrimage hill of Croagh Patrick, overlooking Clew Bay. Westport was designed in the 18th Century by James Wyatt and has become one of Ireland's established tourism centres, with many outstanding features, such as the beautiful tree lined boulevard known as The Mall, running parallel to the Carrowbeg River. Turning south, we now turn our attention to the Atlantic coast line of Connemara. It may be a cliché but the scenery is 'breathtaking'. We'll be stopping at suitable vantage points and at smaller harbour to discover this western region.	Galway
DAY FOURTEEN
Today we'll finish on a high note. A very special day with a boat trip out to the Aran Isle of Inishmore, and this evening 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 Aengus, the early Christian monastic remains of St. Enda, cliffs and sandy beaches and quiet walks to discover local birds, wild flowers and plants.	Galway
DAY FIFTEEN
It's time to leave the Emerald Isle. Those flying from Shannon will be transferred to the airport. There are also low cost, 'no-frills' flights available to Dublin or to London. Anybody wishing to extend their time here may do so. Those who joined the tour in Dublin and now wish to continue with the southern section are transferred to Limerick today where they enjoy a day at leisure exploring the city.