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Tour · Back-Roads Touring · 11 nights

The Emerald Isle - Small Group Tour

From
$4,724 pp twin share
11 nights
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You have missed the boat

This holiday is no longer available — but we can help you find something else.

Find me something similar or call 1300 414 198
Duration11 nights
OperatorBack-Roads Touring
StyleTour
HighlightSave up to $1,050 per couple!
Where will 2020 take you? With up to 10% off this small group tour it will be hard to go past this sensational deal. From north to south, this is one Irish…

Starting with the legendary Giant's Causeway, our road will lead us to Ireland's rugged peninsulas, quaint villages and ancient landmarks - all while drawing on local knowledge to transport you to the heart of this captivating country.

Cast thoughts of long journeys spent zipping up and down motorways from your mind. This journey offers a more leisurely touring style only taking up to 18 passengers - and with like-minded travellers at your side, you’ll find that a journey shared is a journey best enjoyed.

Travel by Mercedes mini-coaches equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning and large windows for enjoying the view. With the flexibility to go anywhere a car can, you are able to take the scenic route – winding through beautiful countryside to the heart of tiny villages and coastal towns.

Book this sensational holiday be 31 March and SAVE up to $1,050 per couple! Call our team on 1300 414 198 to secure you place today!

Day by day

Itinerary

  1. 1

    Dublin - Belfast

    Warm, welcoming and unmistakably charismatic, Dublin is where we’ll meet the group and begin our adventure. But we won’t stick around for long – the fascinating Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is calling. After a history-filled day (a taste of what’s to come), we’ll move on to Belfast – where we’ll get to know each other a little better over a welcome dinner.

    Accommodation: Malone Lodge Hotel (or similar)Meals – Dinner
  2. 2

    Belfast - Londonderry

    You don’t have to delve deep into Northern Ireland’s past to see its influences on contemporary culture - and this morning’s Black Cab tour of Belfast’s street art and political murals will serve as proof. We’ll make another stop at the Titanic Museum, where we’ll discover the personal stories surrounding the infamous ship’s fateful journey, before continuing to Ballyscullion Park (a private country house) for lunch. Then: we’ll take some time to explore Ireland’s natural geological wonder, the Giant’s Causeway, before arriving at our accommodation in Londonderry.

    Accommodation: Beech Hill Country House (or similar)Meals – Breakfast& Lunch
  3. 3

    Lndonderry - North Irish Coast - Londonderry

    After a morning spent strolling along Londonderry’s old city walls, we’ll board the mini-coach and head to the North Irish Coast for the day. At the Isle of Doagh, we’ll visit the Famine Village and Visitor Centre – where we’ll gain an insight into Irish life during the time of the Great Famine.

    Accommodation: Beech Hill Country House (or similar)Meals – Breakfast
  4. 4

    Londonderry - Roscommon

    More fascinating history is on the cards today! After breakfast, we’ll kick things off with a visit to the Ulster American Folk Park, where we’ll learn why two million Irish people sailed away to start a life in the New World. This afternoon we’ll visit the Belleek Pottery Centre (the home of Ireland’s oldest working fine china pottery) before moving on to Roscommon, where we’ll regroup for dinner.

    Accommodation: Kilronan Castle (or similar)Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
  5. 5

    Roscommon - Connemara - Galway

    The morning will see us taking a wander around the award-winning Connemara Heritage and History Centre – where we’ll learn a thing or two about the area’s culture and traditions from a local family. After visiting the homestead of Dan O’Hara (he of the famous ballad), we’ll hit the road to the harbour city of Galway for an evening of leisure.

    Accommodation: Park House Hotel (or similar)Meals – Breakfast
  6. 6

    Galway

    Today we’ll see the likes of the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square on a walking tour of the city. Then: the afternoon will be yours to spend exploring brightly coloured pubs, tasting local seafood and listening to the ever-present throng of tuneful street performers. Buzzing, bohemian and utterly charismatic, you’re sure to fall for Galway’s many charms!

    Accommodation: Park House Hotel (or similar)Meals – Breakfast
  7. 7

    Galway - The Burren - Dingle Peninsula

    Out of Galway and onwards to the karst landscapes of the Burren – where the exceptionally well-preserved Caherconnell Stone Fort awaits us. Here, we’ll be fortunate enough to witness the local sheepdogShop Street, Galway, Ireland trials in action. Before we reach our accommodation in the Dingle Peninsula, we’ll round off the day with a visit to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

    Accommodation: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar)Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
  8. 8

    Dingle Peninsula

    Today will begin at one of the Dingle Peninsula’s most famous landmarks: the Gallarus Oratory, a unique stone chapel that resembles an upturned boat. After that, there’s one more stop in store – the fascinating Blasket Centre, which celebrates the history of the beautiful Great Blasket Island – before we return to Dingle for the evening, where we’ll have plenty of free time to explore the quaint fishing port.

    Accommodation: Dingle Benners Hotel (or similar)Meals – Breakfast
  9. 9

    Dingle Peninsula - Kenmere - Cork

    Peaks and lakes are on the menu today! First, we’ll take in the views across the stunning Lakes of Killarney as we travel to pretty Kenmare, the ‘head of the sea’. Then, we have an appointment to keep with a true Irish icon: Blarney Castle. Legend has it that you’ll be blessed with the ‘gift of the gab’ if you kiss the famous Blarney Stone – a block of limestone built into the castle’s battlements. Tonight, we’ll make the most of our new-found eloquence over dinner in Cork.

    Accommodation: The Kingsley Hotel (or similar)Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
  10. 10

    Cork - Kinsale - Cork

    After boarding the mini-coach in Cork, the port and fishing town of Kinsale will be our first stop of the day. Here, we’ll get the lay of the land on a walking tour before turning our attention to Charles Fort, one of Europe’s best-preserved star-shaped forts. We’ll return to Cork this evening – but before that, there will be plenty of time to soak up Kinsale’s laid-back atmosphere in the local pubs and restaurants.

    Accommodation: The Kingsley Hotel (or similar)Meals – Breakfast
  11. 11

    Cork - Tipperary - Kilkenny

    As we approach the final few chapters of the tour, we’ll find ourselves travelling through rural Tipperary on the way to Kilkenny – Ireland’s ‘most perfect’ medieval city. A walking tour will help us to orient ourselves before we come together for our last hurrah: a delicious farewell dinner. What an adventure it’s been!

    Accommodation: Kilkenny River Court Hotel (or similar)Meals – Breakfast & Dinner
  12. 12

    Kilkenny - Avoca - Dublin

    After breakfast, we’ll have two more stops to make before we say goodbye: the imposing Huntington Castle, where we’ll be treated to a guided tour, and the famous copper mining town of Avoca. After that, we’ll return to cosmopolitan Dublin – where our tour will come to a close.

    Meals - Breakfast
What you get for the price

Inclusions & exclusions

What’s included

  • 11 nights in boutique accommodation
  • Premium mini-coach transportation
  • 11 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch & 5 Dinners
  • Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
  • Small group tour (max 18 passengers)
  • Discover Northern Ireland's history on a Black Cab Tour of Belfast's street art and political murals
  • Set foot on the basalt columns of the legendary Giant's Causeway
  • Discover the moon like landscape, of the Burren
Where you’ll stay

Accommodation

On your tour you will spend 11 nights in charming boutique accommodation with en-suite bathrooms of 3-star/4-star standard ranging from country inns to town centre hotels (and the odd castle!).

Spend a nigh at Kilronan Castle
Spend a nigh at Kilronan Castle
From the operator

Common questions about this voyage

How much luggage can I bring?
As we travel in mini-coaches, luggage space is limited. Each guest may bring one piece of main luggage of a standard size of no more than 158cm (when the length, width and height is added together) and weighing no more than 20kg. You may also bring one small carry-on bag per person. If you have more luggage, please make arrangements to store it prior to joining the tour. We are unable to carry extra luggage on the mini-coach.
What clothes should I bring?
A suggested packing list will be provided in your pre-departure information. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions. We also suggest a pair of good shoes for walking tours.
Top 10 items to bring:Chargers and adaptersA waterproof jacket or umbrellaTowelMedicationSunglassesCameraReusable water bottleLayersComfortable shoesPassportWhat level of mobility do I need?:
You need to be fit enough to get on and off the vehicle on a regular basis, and to walk both to attractions and around towns and villages. You also need to able to walk up and down stairs in the hotels and use a shower over the bath. We frequently use traditional style hotels and the majority will not have lifts or ground floor rooms. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate mobility scooter or wheelchair users. If you have any medical issues, please declare them to us in advance of your tour. If you are in any doubt as to whether our tours are suitable for you, please check with us.
Ready to lock in?

Book this tour

Send us an enquiry and a consultant will be in touch, or call 1300 414 198 for personal help choosing a departure.

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The fine print

Terms & conditions

Read the operator’s full booking conditions

Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

Discount valid on selected tours and departure dates only. Valid for bookings made between 15 January – 31 March 2020. Offer is combinable with multi-tour discount only and is not combinable with any other offer. Subject to availability at time of booking. Back-Roads Touring reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time. Discount applies to tour cost only. Subject to availability at time of booking. Back-Roads Touring reserves the right to amend or withdraw this offer at any time.

Travel at 60 Social Getaways

Travel further when you're not travelling alone

Our Social Getaways are small-group holidays designed especially for over-60s Australians who want the freedom of a great trip without the work of planning every detail. A Travel at 60 host travels with the group, the operator handles the logistics, and you get to focus on the bit that matters — the people, the places, and the stories you'll bring home.

Open to solo travellers too. Many of our travellers book on their own and find their feet quickly in a friendly group of like-minded Australians. Reduced single-supplement options are available on most departures — ask one of our consultants and we'll talk you through what's offered on this trip.

  • A friendly Travel at 60 host — an Australian face on the ground, looking out for the group from day one.
  • Curated local guides & boutique suppliers — the same operators we'd book for our own families.
  • Real itineraries, not whirlwind tours — comfortable transfers, breathing room, and the “off the beaten track” stops the big bus tours skip.

Want to talk it through? Call 1300 414 198 7 days a week, Queensland time, and one of our consultants will walk you through it.

— The team at Travel at 60

A Travel at 60 host with travellers on a Social Getaway
From (twin) $4,724 pp
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