Corners of Southern Ireland

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Dublin


Dublin

Tour summary

7 days

Republic of Ireland

9 meals

18 guests (max)

Driver

Trip leader

Luxury minicoach

Twin-share / double / double for single occupancy

6 nights in thoughtfully selected accommodation

6 nights

Weave your way through the rich tapestry of Ireland's southern corners on this unforgettable adventure. Gaze at the dramatic Cliffs of Moher, whose rugged rockface was formed over 300 million years ago. Transport yourself back to Viking times in Ireland's oldest city. Uncover the remarkable story of Molly Gallivan’s entrepreneurship. Where spellbinding scenery and rich history meet, Ireland invites you to craft your own story as you explore its many wonders.

Tour highlights

  • Visit Molly Gallivan's Cottage and learn the story of a widow who supported her children by brewing illicit whiskey
  • Discover a traditional Irish craft as you tour the famous House of Waterford Crystal
  • Uncover the magnificent Cliffs of Moher – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 

Tour 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.

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.

Included today

Accommodation

Ashling Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Dinner

Day 2 - Dublin – Kildare – Ennis

After breakfast, we’ll hit the road to our first stop: County Kildare, where we’ve an appointment with the Irish National Stud. After being treated to a private tour, we’ll move on to the award-winning gardens of Birr Castle Demesne. Take some time to wander around the grounds and admire the awe-inspiring science and engineering that has been invested in creating such a unique residence. This evening will see us checking into our hotel in Ennis, where we’ll enjoy some free time to spend at our leisure.

After breakfast, we’ll hit the road to our first stop: County Kildare, where we’ve an appointment with the Irish National Stud. After being treated to a private tour, we’ll move on to the award-winning gardens of Birr Castle Demesne. Take some time to wander around the grounds and admire the awe-inspiring science and engineering that has been invested in creating such a unique residence. This evening will see us checking into our hotel in Ennis, where we’ll enjoy some free time to spend at our leisure.

Included today

Accommodation

The Old Ground Hotel (or similar) 
 

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 3 - Ennis – Cliffs of Moher – Killarney

First today: an orientation tour through Ennis’ character-filled avenues, where we’ll hear enthralling myths, mysteries and tales of rebellions and riots. Then: prepare to be amazed by the rugged natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. The keen-eyed among us – or perhaps just those who packed binoculars – may even spot a resident puffin or two. After an invigorating afternoon, we’ll travel across the Shannon Estuary to Killarney: the gateway to the panoramic Ring of Kerry.

First today: an orientation tour through Ennis’ character-filled avenues, where we’ll hear enthralling myths, mysteries and tales of rebellions and riots. Then: prepare to be amazed by the rugged natural beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. The keen-eyed among us – or perhaps just those who packed binoculars – may even spot a resident puffin or two. After an invigorating afternoon, we’ll travel across the Shannon Estuary to Killarney: the gateway to the panoramic Ring of Kerry.

Included today

Accommodation

The Cahernane House Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 4 - Killarney – Ring of Kerry – Killarney

This morning will see us begin our journey around the awe-inspiring Ring of Kerry. Our first stop: the Skellig Experience, where we’ll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the early Christian monks that once broke bread at the Skellig Michael monastery. When we return to Killarney, the evening will be ours to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

This morning will see us begin our journey around the awe-inspiring Ring of Kerry. Our first stop: the Skellig Experience, where we’ll gain a fascinating insight into the lives of the early Christian monks that once broke bread at the Skellig Michael monastery. When we return to Killarney, the evening will be ours to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Included today

Accommodation

The Cahernane House Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 5 - Killarney – Releagh – Kinsale

This morning we’ll make our way to Molly Gallivan’s Cottage – which, at first glance, appears to be an unassuming farmhouse. But there’s more to it than first meets the eye! More than 200 years ago, Mrs Gallivan supported her seven children by brewing illicit whiskey – and her home was, in fact, a clandestine pub. We’ll learn stories of the enterprising Mrs Gallivan’s antics before travelling onwards to the medieval town of Kinsale, where coastal views, cosy pubs and brightly coloured houses await us. The cobbled streets that curve around the pretty bay are just begging to be explored, so we’ll enjoy a walking tour with a local guide. Bearings established, you’ll be free to seek out the town’s hidden treasures at your own pace before we head to our accommodation for the evening.

This morning we’ll make our way to Molly Gallivan’s Cottage – which, at first glance, appears to be an unassuming farmhouse. But there’s more to it than first meets the eye! More than 200 years ago, Mrs Gallivan supported her seven children by brewing illicit whiskey – and her home was, in fact, a clandestine pub. We’ll learn stories of the enterprising Mrs Gallivan’s antics before travelling onwards to the medieval town of Kinsale, where coastal views, cosy pubs and brightly coloured houses await us. The cobbled streets that curve around the pretty bay are just begging to be explored, so we’ll enjoy a walking tour with a local guide. Bearings established, you’ll be free to seek out the town’s hidden treasures at your own pace before we head to our accommodation for the evening.

Included today

Accommodation

Actons Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast

Day 6 - Kinsale – Cobh – Waterford

This morning we’ll move on to the charming waterfront town of Cobh. Interestingly, Cobh was the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic – and you’ll notice poignant markers of this as you make your way around. Later, we’ll continue to Waterford. Dating back to Viking times, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city – with over 1,000 years’ worth of history to explore. Gain a fascinating insight into how the city’s famed crystal is made before we travel on to our accommodation and savour tonight’s final meal with the group.

This morning we’ll move on to the charming waterfront town of Cobh. Interestingly, Cobh was the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic – and you’ll notice poignant markers of this as you make your way around. Later, we’ll continue to Waterford. Dating back to Viking times, Waterford is Ireland’s oldest city – with over 1,000 years’ worth of history to explore. Gain a fascinating insight into how the city’s famed crystal is made before we travel on to our accommodation and savour tonight’s final meal with the group.

Included today

Accommodation

Faithlegg House Hotel (or similar)

Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Day 7 - Waterford – Dublin

After breakfast, we’ll return to cosmopolitan Dublin – where we’ll say our goodbyes.

After breakfast, we’ll return to cosmopolitan Dublin – where we’ll say our goodbyes.

Included today

Meals
  • Breakfast

Things we think you'll love

A view of Molly Gallivan's Cottage in Ireland.
Signature moment

An illegal pub

Allow Molly Gallivan's ghost to welcome you into her home with open arms. We can't promise Miss Molly herself, but a local expert will guide you through the intimate rooms as they spill stories from the 19th century. As you listen, drink in various demonstrations, from turf cutting to traditional poitín (whiskey) brewing!

A tasting glass ready for sampling.

Irish crystal crafts

Venture to Ireland's oldest city where we'll saunter through the House of Waterford Crystal, home to traditional crystal making.

A landscape view of the grand Cliffs of Moher.

Magnificent Moher cliffs

Feel the breeze flutter around you as we stand atop the Cliffs of Moher, taking in verdent fields and crashing waves.

Read the reviews

Verified customer feedback powered byFeefo

5

Brian Ir April 2025

I found the whole experience excellent and the tour guide was very friendly and after the first day of the tour it felt almost like we were a family traveling together.

5

Anonymous April 2025

The professionalism and care of the tour guide and driver were above and beyond. The selection of accomodation and the meals were wonderful. The small group and the friendships made the tour a real...

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5

Pamela La October 2024

A great introduction to Ireland

5

Pamela October 2024

This tour was a great introduction to Ireland. We saw many places , heard great stories and history about this amazing country from our tour guide Liam and our driver Paddy. They both made our trip...

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5

Anonymous October 2024

A well planned trip with lots of information and history. We stayed in beautiful hotels.

5

Sandra Do October 2024

Great tour with excellent accommodation, included breakfasts and dinners were also of very good standard. Bernard was excellent tour guide/manager and Paddy was a very considerate coach driver with...

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4

Anonymous October 2024

Great look around interesting places in Ireland

4

Anonymous October 2024

Most enjoyable. Accommodations excellent. Guide snd driver most pleasant. Overall a great tour peppered with background history of Zirelsnd. Beautiful scenery.

5

Anonymous October 2024

Third trip with this company. All excellent.
Great driver and guide. Bernard built a lovely little community out of our group. Wonderful hotels, food and locales.

5

Anonymous October 2024

This was an amazing insightful tour with Kelli our guide and her enormous range of knowledge and fabulous accommodation in each town.

5

Philippa September 2024

Interesting, well paced, nice size group and great accomodation.

5

Anonymous September 2024

Please refer to my online review on the last night of our tour ??

5

Kerry Hu September 2024

And amazing journey on roads less travelled. So many cultural experiences and memories we will always cherish.
Excellent hotels and activities chosen for us. Thanks to our wonderful guide and driver...

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4

Phillip Ha August 2024

Great concept, small group touring and travelling away from the highways. You get to enjoy the real Ireland and able to stay in some boutique hotels. Also arrive at your destination in time to enjoy...

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3

Fiona Ma August 2024

This tour advertises itself as 6 nights and 7 days. That is not correct as it is really only 5 days and 6 nights which makes it even more expensive per day. I say this because Day 1 starts at 6pm with...

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5

Anonymous August 2024

The tour host Maura was wonderfull she couldn’t do enough for us & was so knowledgeable & fun throughout the tour. Paddy was an excellent driver, always a cheerful face when you got on the bus & a...

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5

Anonymous August 2024

Great tour guide great bus driver spectacular accommodations and superb food very informative now I know where my roots began

5

Bryce Be August 2024

Amazing tour. Maura and Paddy were amazing guides and driver. I would recommend to anyone.

5

Anonymous August 2024

I love blue roads tours. This has been my 3rd one and I’m not disappointed. It’s so well organized, the guides and drivers are amazing, and I love all the locations they take us. I also love the...

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5

Donna Sa August 2024

THE TOUR GUIDE AND DRIVER WERE AMAZING AND ALL THE HOTELS WERE LOVELY...WE HAD A GREAT TIME

5

Susan Cl July 2024

Thoroughly enjoyed the small group size of the tour. We got to know everyone. The flexibility of the tour allowed for some impromptu stops and extra time for places of interest. Our guide was very...

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5

Anonymous July 2024

Great tour, a wonderful overview of Southern Ireland. Excellent tour guide. Safe driver. Loved the small group. Excellent accommodation.

5

Colin Ro July 2024

Back Road Tours fulfilled our expectations splendidly, visiting back roads and staying in the best accommodation

4

Heather July 2024

Beautiful sunny weather and a likeminded group of 15 people made our tour of Southern Ireland very enjoyable. Our Irish guide had wonderful local knowledge and took us to places we’d have driven right...

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5

Glenda Si July 2024

Varied points of interest with excellent guide and driver. Especially enjoyed the sheep dog trial and the Titanic exhibition

5

Patricia O’ July 2024

This is a delightful tour with places and points of interest all the way. Our tour guide Bernard was exceptional and driver Paddy the best.
The restricted number of passengers creates an ideal number...

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5

Michelle Ve June 2024

I had a wonderful time. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and helpful when anyone had a question. The bus driver took excellent care and the hotels were superb

5

Christopher Mo June 2024

Tour leader and driver both excellent
Accommodation excellent
Overall experience fantastic

3

Yeverley Mc June 2024

Too short I have already submitted a review on the 9th June.

4

Anonymous May 2024

It was good the tour guide was good he explained things and was helpful and friendly and the driver was also.
I would like to suggest that back Roads should provide tags for the suit cases .

5

Geoffrey Di April 2024

Only had 6 on the tour so experience somewhat skewed as plenty of room on the bus, no delays checking in/ out, no late comers etc
Itinerary fantastic. Great tour guide and bus driver. Days were filled...

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5

Kelli Ma April 2024

I went along on this tour as a guide trainee for BackRoads. This is a handy tour, lovely hotels (!), and the stops are well-timed. In fairness, the opportunities to do things that are not on the...

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4

Anonymous October 2023

I just reviewed the tour.

4

Garry Br October 2023

Great itinerary, spoiled a bit by the weather, which is inevitable in Ireland. Dublin is old, dirty and noisy, but outside the cities Ireland is green, fresh and interesting.

5

SUSAN SE October 2023

We felt like we sure had a wonderful experience for the cost of the trip. Not too expensive and so professionally done,=.

5

David Bo October 2023

The best Irish experience

5

Anonymous October 2023

Great scenery and loved meeting people on the way.

4

Margaret He September 2023

It was well organised and we got to see a good deal of the country. However, I thought the Guide was not as keen and well informed as our previous guide on the Cornwall tour. Did not seem to mix...

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3

Anonymous August 2023

See previous comments on the tour

4

Julie Sh August 2023

Travel agent recommended the tour

5

James Ha August 2023

Very well run tour, good itinerary.

4

Anonymous August 2023

Long days driving on the bus for hours and hours wish we had more time to explore the towns we visited. We always arrived at our hotel near dinner time. Which little time for exploring.

5

David Le August 2023

Overall it met all of our expectations. only a couple of things as I said about a couple of the visitations we had that we a bit boring. The only other issue was that we were a fair way out of town on...

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5

Anonymous July 2023

Fabulous tour, well organised and covered the highlights of Southern Ireland.

5

Anonymous June 2023

Excellent driver and guide great selection of sites visited, clean and newish vehicle, exc´llent accomodation

4

Anonymous June 2023

The tour guide was ill so the start was a little shaky. Once replaced, all went well.

5

Anonymous June 2023

I think we got our money's worth with this service.

4

Anonymous June 2023

Answered in previous question.

3

Karen Wh June 2023

The tour wasn’t really backroads. We went to all the regular tourist places. There are so many good places we could have visited if we’d started the tour in Cork and just seriously focused on that...

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5

Pamela ET June 2023

Especially liked touring the National Stud farm and Japanese Gardens. Even the food was good!

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Trip notes icon
Download tour notes

Full tour details covering accommodation, transport and included experiences are available in our tour notes.

FAQs

Ireland is known for its changeable, wet weather that’s generally mild. We suggest packing for variable weather conditions – layers, an umbrella and a trusty raincoat will be essential, as well as sun hats and sunscreen.  

In Ireland, gluten-free options are usually readily available, and allergens are listed on menus. Be sure to share your dietary requirements with us at the time of booking so we can make every effort to cater to your needs.

All the tour details in one handy document available to read at your leisure!

Download tour notes

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