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Northern Ireland: ULSTER & DONEGAL
Make your way beyond the typical tourist traps for a firsthand look at the real Ireland, steeped in history and surrounded by pristine scenic wilderness. The northern part of the Emerald Isle has a fantastic array of places to visit, and experiences to enjoy. There's incredible history from the earliest man, as at Newgrange, through to numerous reminders of the Celtic period and partial Norman conquest. Then there's the great Christian religious heritage centred on Saint Patrick. Add to this geographical splendour of Antrim, Mourne, the Sperrins and coastal wonders such as the Giants Causeway. Last but not least, there's the social side - the drink, the poetry, the music, the “craic!”
If you have more time, combine this Ireland’s Classic South with our Ulster & Donegal tour itinerary for a full 12-day Ireland: '100,00 Welcomes' experience!
2011 Tour Departure Dates:
Mon 11 Apr, 2011 - Sat 16 Apr, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 25 Apr, 2011 - Sat 30 Apr, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 9 May, 2011 - Sat 14 May, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 23 May, 2011 - Sat 28 May, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 6 Jun, 2011 - Sat 11 Jun, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 20 Jun, 2011 - Sat 25 Jun, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 4 Jul, 2011 - Sat 9 Jul, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 18 Jul, 2011 - Sat 23 Jul, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 25 Jul, 2011 - Sat 30 Jul, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 1 Aug, 2011 - Sat 6 Aug, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 8 Aug, 2011 - Sat 13 Aug, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 15 Aug, 2011 - Sat 20 Aug, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 22 Aug, 2011 - Sat 27 Aug, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 29 Aug, 2011 - Sat 3 Sep, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 5 Sep, 2011 - Sat 10 Sep, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 12 Sep, 2011 - Sat 17 Sep, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 19 Sep, 2011 - Sat 24 Sep, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 26 Sep, 2011 - Sat 1 Oct, 2011 (5 nights)
Mon 10 Oct, 2011 - Sat 15 Oct, 2011 (5 nights)
Tour Inclusions:
■5 nights accommodation in unique & traditional accommodation
■All mini-coach transportation
■Service of driver/guide
■Irish cooked breakfast daily
■Evening three course meal x 2
■Entrance fees as listed here:
■Newgrange prehistoric site
■Battle of the Boyne visitor centre
■Hill of Tara
■Ulster-American Folk Park, Omagh
■Parkes Castle, Sligo
■Cottage of Patrick Pearce
Price:
Twin/Double $2395 USD per person; Single $3050 USD
Pick-up/Drop-off Information:
Tour departs at 08.30am from Dublin tour hotel and finishes (approx) 6.00pm in Galway
Itinerary:
Day 1 Newcastle area
Our tour departs from Dublin as we begin our journey to the amazing prehistoric site at Newgrange (entry to tomb itself conditional on availability). Here we step back into the mists of time, to almost the very beginning of history, the New Stone Age passage grave being regarded as among the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Europe. Next, we stop at the site of the Battle of the Boyne, one of the defining events in the history of Ireland, where the Protestant William of Orange defeated James II’s troops. Ultimately, this battle lead to the continuation of Protestant supremacy in Ireland. Even now, celebrations of this battle are an important and controversial event in the North of Ireland. From here we travel a short distance to the Hill of Tara, historically the foremost spiritual and political centre of Ireland before arriving at our Irish accommodation.
(D)
Day 2 North Irish Coast
We enjoy a fascinating morning tour of Belfast, a Victorian city currently experiencing a cultural and economic resurgence. Highlights of central Belfast include the Titanic Quarter, as well as a drive through both sides of this divided city with a trip up the Falls Road and down the Shankill Road. We learn more about the history of the area as we pass the famed political wall murals, which are fast disappearing as the communities learn to live side by side. This afternoon we visit the intriguing Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage Site and jewel in the crown of the fabulous coast of Antrim. The sheer strangeness of the place and the bizarre regularity of the 37,000 basalt columns have made it the subject of many legends. Finally, we head to our friendly Irish accommodation along the beautiful Northern Ireland coastline.
(B)
Day 3 North Irish Coast
This morning we enjoy a historical guided walk along the ancient city walls of Derry and hear how the shutting of the city gates, prohibiting entry to an English king, led to over 300 years of hostility. Our coastal drive will take us to the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, a lesser known, but one of the most enchanting and beautiful parts of Ireland. The day continues with a visit to an Iron Age fort, Grianan Aileach, offering stunning views of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly. From there, we travel to the home of the last Gaelic chieftain at Buncrana, then through the breathtaking mountain pass of the Mamore Gap. At the Isle of Doagh Visitor Centre we will hear an alternative view of the devastating Irish Famine and look at the social customs of the area. We end our touring day with a scenic drive through the northernmost parts of Ireland towards tonight’s accommodation.
(B)
Day 4 Sligo
Our day commences at the Ulster-American Folk Park. Arguably one of the best of its kind, it examines why two million people left Ulster for the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries. The park has more than thirty historic buildings, including a variety of thatched Irish cottages a Pennsylvanian farmstead, a reconstructed shopping street and a full size replica emigrant ship. In addition, costumed guides and demonstrators re-enact this bygone era, bringing it back to life. We then traverse through County Fermanagh, along the shores of Lough Erne, to the Sligo area and into W.B.Yeats country. For those already familiar with the great 20th century poet, a visit to sites associated with him will be a real highlight and for those as yet unfamiliar with his work and times, it will be a fascinating introduction. These sites include Drumcliffe Church, located at the foot of magnificent Ben Bulben and the location of Yeat’s grave, as well as Parkes Castle, a well preserved 17th century fortified Plantation manor house on the shore of lovely Lough Gill.
(B/D)
Day 5 Galway
It is a relaxing drive to the picturesque 18th century town of Westport, in County Mayo, where we will enjoy a break before heading westward towards Connemara. The west of Ireland is one of the principal motivations for visiting the country and the Connemara region is considered by many to be ‘the best of the west’. Connemara is much visited, but there are many scenic back roads we travel down, such as the spectacular Sky Road overlooking Clifden Bay. There are also other less frequented attractions in the area. Roundstone, a picturesque fishing village where Ireland’s championship bodhran (traditional Irish drum) maker has a workshop, is just one example. If we have time, we will visit the modest traditional cottage of Patrick Pearce, father of independent Ireland and leader of the 1916 uprising. We complete today’s tour in the wonderful city of Galway.
(B)
Day 6 Galway
After a hearty breakfast we say farewell. Your guide will offer advice on how to make the most of this small jewel in Ireland’s crown. Galway is a ‘walking city’ so you may enjoy wandering its shopping alleyways, cathedral, waterfront areas and local pubs at your own pace. Those who like an adventure, you may choose to take an excursion to the Aran Islands, considered the foothold of Irish culture and area of outstanding beauty.
(B)
If you wish to stay on to enjoy some independent time in Galway, perhaps taking a tour out to the Arran Islands, we'd be happy to assist with booking this for you.
Accommodation and onward travel arrangements are not included in your tour package but are available for a supplemental fee. We are happy to assist you with making these arrangements on your behalf, if you wish.
Tour participants joining us on the full 12-day Ireland: '100,000 Welcomes' tour continue onward today.
This tour is operated by Back-Roads Touring Co Ltd
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