Explore the heart of Ireland on a fascinating tour that combines the best-known icons of the ‘Emerald Isle’ and local lesser known gems. Take a journey through this charismatic country, steeped in history, offering wild open vistas, spectacular coastlines of towering cliffs, pristine sandy beaches and picturesque local villages. Enjoy a Guinness or two off the beaten track and get a taste of the true Irish way of life.
Back-Roads Experiences
Meet local characters in a traditional Irish pub, private guided tour in Derry, stay in an Irish castle hotel, enjoy traditional Irish evenings, explore the stunning Dingle Peninsular, visit Patrick Pearce’s Cottage, taste fresh bread, visit a private stately home.
Tour Inclusions
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11 nights in charming accommodation
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Driver/guide companion
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Mercedes mini-coach transportation throughout
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Full Irish breakfast daily
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5 x evening meals
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Irish whiskey tasting and tour
Entrance Fees Included
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Newgrange
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Battle of the Boyne site
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Hill of Tara
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Ulster-American Folk Park
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Parkes Castle
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Cottage of Patrick Pearce
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Bantry House
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Rock of Cashel
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Glendalough
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Powerscourt Estate
Countries Visited
Itinerary coming soon
Ireland - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Lois Rightmyer, email June 2006My sister and I recently went on the Ireland tour, escorted by Jay Cook. We had a great time; Jay was very knowledgeable about the history of Ireland and took us to many places off the beaten track. My personal favourite was Connemara National Park and the Dan O'Hara famine cottage. We were also able to pursue some personal interests, such as the Connemara Pony show in Roundstone and looking for a deserted famine village in Westmeath. The accommodation was great (Imperial Hotel in Galway) and we especially appreciated being picked up and dropped off at our hotels at the beginning and end of the tour. This was my sister's first trip out of North America and it was as special for her as I had hoped it would be. Thanks a million for running the tour in spite of the low participation. I will definitely recommend your company to friends and look forward to doing another tour with you in the future.
- Ireland - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
John Hawck, A Satisfied Customer, email August 2006 Although we've been home for a couple of weeks, I want to take a moment to tell you how much my daughter, Marie, and I enjoyed our 11 day Ireland Trip. It was terrific. My daughter especially loved how beautiful and green Ireland is. Her favorite day was our visit to the Aran Islands (Inishmore). We had spectacular weather. The food was great and the accommodations. We both especially like the Farmhouse in Northern Ireland and The Garnish House B and B in Cork. What a breakfast! Our guide, Jay Cook, made the trip memorable. He is a compendium of information and Irish humour. Our group got along perfectly. The small size truly proved to be fantastic. We definitely got a panoramic view of Ireland. Thanks again for offering a trip that turned out as described.
- Ireland - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Bill Greenaway and Anne Bawden Anne and I just returned from our Ireland tour. Back-Roads Tours was everything that was promised. The guide, Jay Cook, was exceptional and the group - max of 10 at any time - was delightful. We would not hesitate to recommend it to our friends.
- Ireland - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Pat Iguchi I just received some photos from a fellow backroader and they reminded me that I hadn't written to tell you that we had a marvellous time on our tour of Ireland. Our accommodations were very good and all of our hosts did their best to make us comfortable. But the best part was surely our guides. Dennis took such good care of us with such a spirit of fun and Jay knew all the most beautiful routes, especially the one to the lakes of Killarney, and was so good about seeing that we got to our train in Cork. And Michael was special. His discourse on the history and culture of Ireland really helped us get the whole picture. He even recommended books and movies that I have been enjoying. And all this while taking us down tiny little lanes to see the likes of "St. Brendan' tree" or to an out of the way pub with a connection to Dylan Thomas. I know we could never have done this on our own and certainly not on a large group tour and we are confirmed backroaders from here on.
