Arrive Dublin

Depart Shannon

your choice

your choice

Price depends on number travelling and time of year.
Indicative price based on a minimum of six travelling is GB£

TENTATIVE ITINERARY

DAY ONE

You'll be met at Dublin airport on arrival by your Back-Roads Touring Co. Ltd representative and transferred to our central Dublin hotel.

Once you're settled in (check in time is usually around noon) you're free to discover the charms of this 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.

Dinner is not included in your tour price to allow for some flexibility of choice during your day in the city. If you think that you'd like to enjoy a night at the theatre then we'll be very happy to book tickets in advance on your behalf.

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 of the day's options include visits to 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.

Our touring programme today takes us from Armagh first through the Mourne Montains 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 into both sides of this divided sectarian divided city. The trip up the Falls Road and down the Shankill, seeing the famed political wall murals (which are fast disappearing as the communities learn to live side-by-side), is just one of the memorable and unique experiences we'll have.

This afternoon we depart Belfast for the scenic Glens of Antrim and return to Armagh via the 'Orchard of Ireland' countryside.

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 Derrycity 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.

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.

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 where 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 Connemara. It may be a cliché but the scenery is 'breathtaking'. We'll be stopping at suitable vantage points to discover this western region.

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.

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 (see appropriate web page).

© As we publish full tour descriptions, you may find others offering our unique itineraries.  But, just as you find when others sing the songs of Paul McCartney, they're often not quite as good as when sung by the original composer!