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From north to south, this is one Irish journey that delves into the Emerald Isle’s fascinating history, rich traditions and cultural heritage like no other. 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.
This is one Irish journey that delves into the Emerald Isle’s fascinating history, rich traditions and cultural heritage like no other. Starting with the legendary Giant’s Causeway, our road will lead us to Ireland’s rugged peninsulas, quaint villages & ancient landmarks.
Touring with Backroads
Take the opportunity to explore each unique destination in depth. And be guided by passionate Tour Leaders. You’ll be filled with new discoveries, breathtaking scenery and genuine local experiences. With a maximum of 18 guests per tour, hand-picked boutique accommodation, sightseeing, meals and premium mini-coach transport – these tours are a cut above the rest.
Highlights
Discover Northern Ireland's history on a tour showcasing Belfast’s street art & political murals
Set foot on the basalt columns of the legendary Giant’s Causeway
Uncover Cliffs of Moher's natural beauty
*Advertised pricing is based on per person twin share on 1 October 2025/26 departures and is subject to change and availability at time of booking. Surcharges may apply for different departures. Price freeze offer valid until 30 June 2025, unless sold out prior.
Inclusions
12 nights in hand-picked accommodation
12 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
Experienced Tour Leader and Driver
Premium mini-coach transportation
Itinerary
Day 1 - Dublin (Republic of Ireland)
Historic and full of character, Dublin is where we’ll meet the group and begin our adventure. This evening is an opportunity to get to know one another over a delicious welcome dinner.
Meals - Dinner
Day 2 - Dublin – Belfast (Northern Ireland)
After breakfast, we’ll make tracks to the fascinating Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre. Then, a visit to the Titanic Museum to discover the personal stories surrounding the infamous ship’s fateful journey. After a history-filled day (a taste of what’s to come), the evening will be yours to explore Belfast at your leisure.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 3 - Belfast – North Irish Coast (Republic of Ireland)
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. After lunch, it’s time to explore Ireland’s natural geological wonder – the Giant’s Causeway. Next, you'll settle into your hotel on the North Irish Coast and tuck into a delicious dinner. .
Meals - Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 - North Irish Coast – Derry- North Irish Coast
After a morning spent exploring Londonderry’s old city walls with a local guide, we’ll board the mini-coach and head to the North Irish Coast for the day. At the Isle of Doagh, we’ll pay a visit to the Famine Village and Visitor Centre to gain an insight into Irish life during the time of the Great Famine. We’ll round off the day with some free time to relax back at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 - North Irish Coast – County Roscommon
More fascinating history is on the cards today! 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. A visit to the Belleek Pottery Centre (the home of Ireland’s oldest working fine china pottery) is on this afternoon’s agenda, before moving on to County Roscommon, where we’ll regroup for an included dinner.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 6 - County Roscommon – Galway
After breakfast, we’ll pay a visit to the homestead of Dan O’Hara (he of the famous ballad), where we’ll gain a unique insight into prefamine life and culture. Then, it’s time to turn our attention to the harbour city of Galway where we’ll enjoy an evening of leisure.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 7 - Galway
Today we’ll see the likes of the Spanish Arch, Galway Cathedral and Eyre Square on an orientation 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 assembly of tuneful street performers. Buzzing, bohemian and utterly charismatic, you’re sure to fall for Galway’s many charms!
Meals - Breakfast
Day 8 - Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Dingle Peninsula
Out of Galway and onwards to the karst landscapes of the Burren. 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 that is bound to take your breath away. Tonight, share stories with your travel companions over an included dinner.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 9 - 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. Upon our return to Dingle, we’ll have plenty of free time to explore the quaint fishing port and dine at one of the many local restaurants at our leisure.
Meals - Breakfast
Day 10 - Dingle Peninsula – Kenmare – Cork
Peaks and lakes are on the menu today! First, we’ll take in the views across the stunning Lakes of Killarney. 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.
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 11 - Cork – Kinsale – Cork
After boarding the mini-coach in Cork, the port town of Kinsale will be our first stop of the day where we’ll have some time to soak up fishing town’s laid-back atmosphere. Then, it’s time to turn our attention toward the world-renowned Jameson Distillery. After an afternoon tour and whiskey tasting, we’ll return to Cork to enjoy the evening at our leisure. Accommodation: Vienna Woods (or similar)
Meals - Breakfast
Day 12 - Cork – Kilkenny
As we approach the final few chapters of the tour, we’ll stop in to admire the delicate detailing of a traditional cottage orné. After that, it’s time to spend the afternoon acquainting ourselves with Kilkenny – Ireland’s ‘most perfect’ medieval city. Our Tour Leader will take us for a leisurely walk around town before we come together for our last hurrah: a delicious farewell dinner. What an adventure it’s been!
Meals - Breakfast, Dinner
Day 13 - Kilkenny – Dublin
After breakfast, we’ll return to cosmopolitan Dublin – where our tour will come to a close.
Meals - Breakfast
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
