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Day 1 Galway
Make your own way to Galway. Tour commences upon check-in to the Galway hotel. Tonight, enjoy a group dinner where you meet your fellow travel companions. Afterwards, why not get into the mood and visit one of Galway’s many pubs that offer traditional Irish music? (D)
Day 2 Killarney
We have a wonderful day planned ahead, with a typical Back-Roads Touring mix of must-see icons and sights, as well as a range of additional attractions that are not always visited by the tourist masses. Following the coastal road we visit some traditional Galway Bay harbours such as the charming Kinvara and then tour through the lunar-like landscape of the Burren including a stop at the prehistoric burial site of the Poulnabrone Portal Tomb. As well as taking you behind the tourist facade our day will include a visit to the world-famed Cliffs of Moher. Tonight we enjoy a delicious local Irish meal in the vibrant little town of Killarney. (B)
Day 3 Killarney
This part of Ireland is a magnet for visitors attracted by the incredible scenery of the area. We spend most of our time on the less crowded Dingle Peninsula. We uncover ancient churches, forts, local arts and craft centres and beautiful beaches. Highlights will include a visit to the Blasket Islands Centre, which offers a wealth of information on island life, language and literature and the Louis Mulcahy pottery studio. Closer to Killarney, the views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks from the Aghadoe Heights and the famous ‘Ladies View’ of the Killarney Lakes are sure to impress. (B)
Day 4 Blarney & Cork
Just when you thought that the scenery you’ve seen couldn’t be bettered, we make a good attempt at doing so. We take the mountain road from Killarney to the enchanting town of Kenmare where you will have time to explore at your leisure; perhaps visit the lace museum, which exhibits exquisite examples of traditional Irish lace made locally, or investigate the ancient Druidic stone circle. Leaving Kenmare we journey over the breathtaking Healey Pass, a spectacular drive to Bantry Bay where you there an optional visit Bantry House, renowned for its magnificent setting among formal gardens overlooking the bay. Finally, no Irish tour would be complete without at least a cursory visit to Blarney Castle. Yes of course every coach tour goes there, but we join the herd for once! We arrive after the others have left, so we enjoy the Castle in a relaxed environment. (B,D)
Day 5 Kinsale & Cobh
The harbour of Kinsale, considered by some to be the prettiest in Ireland, is our first stop of the day. The town is renowned as the gourmet centre of Ireland but it also has a fascinating history with two forts as well as a tower house standing as testament to its former strategic importance. In the afternoon we travel through the city of Cork to nearby Cobh, a naval base during the Napoleonic wars and a major emigration port. Many of the Irish who emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950 left from this port and many more men, women and children were deported from here to the penal colonies in Australia. On April 11, 1912 (Queenstown as it was then known) was the final port of call for the RMS Titanic as she set out across the Atlantic on her ill-fated maiden voyage. (B)
Day 6 Kilkenny
We start today’s tour at one of Ireland’s popular icons, The Rock of Cashel, located on a high rocky outcrop overlooking the plains of Tipperary. You may explore the site which incorporates the ruins of a medieval cathedral, a beautiful Romanesque church and a striking round tower. Next, we travel through rural Tipperary to Kilkenny, Ireland’s ‘most perfect medieval city’ and our resting place for this evening. There is plenty of time to relax and explore the many sites here, including the castle, restored to it’s 19th century grandeur, the 13th century St. Canice’s Cathedral ,where it is possible to climb its ancient round tower, Rothe House, a 16th century merchant’s home and Black Abbey, a fully restored 13th Dominican establishment. The Kilkenny Design Centre, offering the best of Irish crafts and the adjacent National Craft Gallery is also well worth a visit. (B,D)
Day 7 Dublin
Before returning to Dublin, we will cross the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, one of the best preserved and most beautiful monastic sites in Ireland where we partake in an informative guided tour. The monastery was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and much survives despite many raids by both Vikings and the English before its final dissolution during the reformation. Leaving Glendalough, we drive via the Military Road, traversing some of the wilder terrain of the Wicklows, to the Sally Gap. From there we descend to the Powerscourt Estate with its beautiful formal gardens in a superb setting within view of Sugar Loaf Mountain. From here it is only a short journey to Dublin, where we shall complete our gratifying Irish tour. The tour ends back in Dublin late afternoon at our tour hotel. (B)
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