Our touring programme today takes us first to the site of the Battle of the Boyne. This marks one of defining events in Ireland history. Next, to the Hills of Tara, the foremost spiritual and political centre of Ireland for 1000 years. 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. These New Stone Age Passage Graves are regarded as among the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Europe.

An early start today, with our touring programme taking us alongside Lough Neagh to Belfast to tour this tremendous Victorian city, currently enjoying a cultural and economic resurgence thanks to the end of the 'Troubles'. Our Belfast discovery will take you into both sides of this divided, sectarian 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. Next, we’ll enjoy the first of many breathtaking scenic drives on this tour, taking us beside the Mountains of Mourne,

First, to Londonderry and a fascinating walk of the 'walls' hearing the story of how the shutting of this walled town's gates to a King of England led to over 300 years of 'Troubles'. In the afternoon we see the Northern Island coastline and iconic sites such as Bushmills, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and, our major highlight, the famed Giant's Causeway. The sheer strangeness of this place, and the bizarre regularity of its 37,000 basalt columns, has made it the subject of numerous legends. Finally, we’ll tour back to base through the Sperrin Mountains. Another perfect day!

Our first visit will be to the Ulster-American Folk Park. The Folk Park,probably the best of its kind in the world, examines why two million people left Ulster for America and Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries. It has more than 30 historic buildings, including  a reconstructed emigrant ship and Pennsylvania farmstead brought alive by costumed guides.

We next tour west to the Sligo area. Here we’ll find pretty coastal harbours such as Mullaghmore before continuing to W B Yeates country. For those who are already familiar with the great 20th century poet, a visit to sites associated with him will be a real highlight, and will be an ideal introduction for those as yet unfamiliar with his work and times.

Our day once again see us taking the back-roads, this time through Ireland's midlands firstly to Strokestown. Though noted for its wide streets, it is probably best-known for Strokestown Park House, the home of the Famine Museum. It commemorates the Great Famine of the 1840s when approximately one fifth of the population of Ireland either died or emigrated when blight devastated the potato crop.

Next, Shannonbridge and a pint-sized train ride across the bogs for a fascinating insight into the history and development of the bogs and peat gathering. It’s a paradise for wetland birds and distinctive flora.  Then, Clonmacnoise, to explore a 6th century monastery burial place of Kings of Tara and Connaught with reputedly a direct chariot route to Tara!

Our last major stop will be at Birr. Set in Ely O'Carrol country (ancestral home of any who bear the O'Carrol name), the town of Birr is not one normally found on tour itineraries which tend to neglect this region, yet it is one of Ireland's gems. With approaching 2000 years of inhabitation, an authentic Georgian street layout, and the 'Steffin Stone', supposedly marking the centre of Ireland and Birr Castle where, in magnificently landscaped gardens and famed Birr telescope, we cannot understand why it isn’t swamped with tour coaches.

Time to slow down and to enjoy the freedom of Galway city on a day of ‘organised independence’. Your guide will have briefed you thoroughly about how to make the most of this small jewel in Ireland’s crown. It is a ‘walking city’ and you’ll enjoy exploring the shopping alleyways, cathedral, literary sites and pubs at your own pace.  Those who might like to, can take an optional excursion by boat to the unchanged Arran Islands and then explore Galway itself tonight. Dinner is not included this evening to allow for freedom of choice, perhaps a theatre visit or just a relaxed evening in one of the city’s many pubs that offer traditional music

Those taking only the northern section of this tour leave us today, making their own way back to Dublin or Shannon (by train or flight).

Those wanting the short five-day tour from Galway to Dublin, join us today.

We have a wonderful day planned today with a typical Back-Roads Touring Co. mix of 'must-see' icons and sights, and a range of additional attractions that are not always visited by the tourist masses. Following the coast road, we'll visit some Galway Bay harbours such as Kinvarra.  As ever, we'll be taking you behind the tourist façade but we'll begin our day with a visit to the world-famed Cliffs of Moher. En route, you'll probably see some turf-cutters and perhaps a stop at the commemorative Great Famine site will prove interesting. Then we tour through the lunar-landscape of the Burren with stops at the Aillwee Cave and some incredible prehistoric burial sites.

This part of Ireland is a magnet for tourists, attracted by incredibly scenic the Dingle Peninsular and the Ring of Kerry. Though ‘must sees’, despite the occasionally coach-crowded roads, we’ll be following the back-roads and will spend more time at the less crowded Dingle, exploring  the northern parts of the Ring and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks.

Just when you thought that the scenery you've seen already could not be bettered, we have a good attempt at doing so! We take the hair-raising mountain road from Killarney to Kenmare and onward to the very pretty harbour of Bantry Bay. From here we drive through the lush west Cork countryside to another harbour, Kinsale, considered the most attractive in the south by many who visit.  Finally, no Irish tour could be complete without at least a cursory visit to Blarney Castle. Yes, of course every coach tour goes there, but let’s join the herd for once! At least we’ll be there after the main tour parties have left and we’ll have the place much to ourselves.

A brief tour of Cork begins our day. Next, to nearby Cobh, a naval base during the Napoleonic wars when much of the present day buildings were built. It was one of the major departure points for 2.5 million of the six million Irish people who emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950, and also for the men, women and children who were deported to penal colonies such as Australia. On 11 April 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.

Day Twelve - Thursday

Departing Cork we have a full and memorable final day seeing a selection of Ireland's major icons (how many we manage will depend on time, weather and group interests as ever on a Back-Roads Touring Co. tour). First, through the awe inspiring Cashel, the ancient capital of the Kings of Munster. The Rock of Cashel, rising above the town, is crowned by the ruins of a cathedral, beside which shelters Cormac's Chapel. Next, to the medieval town of Kilkenny. This is one of the oldest and most interesting towns of Ireland with the magnificent Cathedral of St. Candice one of the finest unruined churches in the country. Our final site is the Vale of Glendalough (glen of the two lakes). Here we'll find the remains of a Celtic village, the 6th Century church of St Kevin, the 9th Century cathedral ruin and amazing 33 metre high Round Tower.

We’ll reach Dublin at approximately 18.00 and tour participants will be dropped at our central Dublin base at St Stephen’s Green. Make your own way to your hotel or to the airport.

Handpicked Holidays will be delighted to help you with pre/post tour accommodation, local sightseeing tours and transfers.