Sunday May 15th
After a leisurely breakfast we all gather at Kilruddery House, normally our traditional finishing location, for a grand send off on our week long Irish adventure.

One of the features that make the Emerald Isle Classic so different, are the variety of "special tests" organised by Test Co-ordinator Mickey Gabbett. You will go straight from the start ramp into the first of these - around the roads on the Earl of Meath's estate before heading south into the Wicklow Mountains.

The first regularity will bring you into the Vale of Avoca (setting for the TV series "Ballykissangel"), before a cross country run brings you to the barren slopes of Mount Leinster, with dramatic views across the lush Irish countryside. The day winds up with a special test on Mickey Gabbett's own 400 acre country estate before a warm welcome in the ancient town of Kilkenny.

Monday May 16th
West of Kilkenny, the gently rolling Irish countryside will provide you with a fast run west interspersed with regularities in the winding country lanes and evocatively named Silvermine Mountains.

The route then swings north, around Lough Derg, to cross the River Shannon and enter the forested heights of the Slieve Aught Mountains for an afternoon of fun before the overnight halt at Bunratty.

Tuesday May 17th
A fast run south of the Shannon brings us to the Glanaruddery Mountains and narrow roads leading to Tralee. West of the town, the beautiful Dingle Peninsula stretches like a forefinger, straight out into the wild waters of the Atlantic.

To get to the far end first you have to climb the Slieve Mish mountains, and then the Connor pass with its beautiful views over Brandon and Tralee Bays. The Slea Head drive around the very end of the peninsula was a famous rally stage of old, but the views are so breathtaking it is better that you enjoy the drive than have the bother of a regularity to worry about!

The little village of Anascaul hides the unusual "South Pole Inn" (see our unique route notes for the reason why!) before you head inland around Dingle Bay for the final sections on the Iveragh Peninsula. The strangely named Macgillkuddy's Reeks are the highest range of mountains in Ireland and also hide a maze of narrow mountain roads that will provide a fitting finale before the overnight halt in the beautiful little Kerry town of Kenmare.

Wednesday May 18th
The typically Irish town of Kenmare is such an atmospheric place we just knew that you would not mind spending two nights there!
So today, you can leave your bags in the Hotel and enjoy the drive eastwards, into the remote heights of the Derrysnaggart and Boggeragh Mountains before swinging south and west to the valley of the River Lee.

The afternoon run will take you into the Shehy Mountains and the beautiful Gougan Barra National Park before a final run over the tortuous ribbon of road called "Priests Leap" brings you home to a welcoming drink in Kenmare.

Thursday May 19th
The Beara Peninsula south west of Kenmare is not only one of the most unspoilt areas of Ireland, it also hides a number of famous rally stages - not least the demanding climb of the Tim Healey Pass. After spending a whole morning exploring this wild countryside and coast, we head south through the sub-tropical towns of Glengarrif and Bantry, and then out again to Mizen Head to take our last look at the wild Atlantic coastline.

The south coast of Kerry and Cork is a maze of small inlets hiding a series of pretty fishing villages. We explore the length of this lovely coast before the overnight halt in Kinsale. However, the Masters will not get much rest tonight, as first they have to complete the traditional final night leg…

Friday May 20th
Swinging north and west of the busy city of Cork we shall visit Blarney before heading east into the hills of County Cork. The lovely countryside around the river Blackwater hides a number of special tests that we have the use of before we reach the little town of Lismore, with a fine castle overlooking the river.

Final regularity sections in the Comeragh Mountains precede an easy run into the famous city of Waterford and the finish of what promises to be another great week of Irish rallying.