Day 1:
Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Set out on a panoramic tour of the city. Highlights include 18th-century Georgian houses with brightly painted doors, tranquil parks, and historic O’Connell Street. VisitTrinity College to view the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner in your hotel.
(D)
Day 2:
Enjoy the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough. Explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Walk through the deep valley to view the picturesque ruins of a round tower, churches, and Celtic crosses. Head southeast to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s vessel that brought desperate Irish emigrants fleeing famine to the New World. Continue on to Waterford and take a stroll around the streets of this historic city with a local guide before dinner.
(B, D)
Day 3:
See skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces at the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Travel to Cobh for a guided walking tour – this harbor town was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912 and was also the main point of embarkation for Irish emigrants between 1848 and 1960. Proceed on to Blarney, to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Journey west through rugged countryside and settle in to your centrally located hotel in Killarney. (Friday departures from April-October stay in Tralee. For more information, chat with a representative at CIETours.com)
(B, D)
Day 4:
Discover Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. In the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, stop off at our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriarty’s. Along the way, stop for lunch, take a stroll around Sneem, and stop at Moll’s Gap to enjoy its panoramic views. Return to your hotel to enjoy a free evening, with time for dining independently and perhaps a visit to one of the town’s many lively pubs
(B, L)
Day 5:
Head to the Cliffs of Moher, stunning formations that soar 700 feet above the churning Atlantic and extend for 9 miles. On the way, take a ferry across the River Shannon Estuary and travel along the scenic coast of County Clare. Take in the spectacular views as you walk atop the cliffs. Travel on through the austere beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape formed by glaciers, to Galway. A local guide will join you for a brief stroll through the medieval streets of this vibrant, artistic city.
(B, D)
Day 6:
Immerse yourself in traditional farm life during a visit to an authentic working farm, where you’ll watch trained sheepdogs round up mountain sheep. Continue through the rugged mountainous landscape to Donegal town. Visit our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Triona Design, and then enjoy some free time. Proceed on to Derry, where a local guide will help you discover this ancient walled city, long known for its tumultuous history but now a thriving artistic hub.
(B, D)
Day 7:
Explore the northern coastline and the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Visit Titanic Belfast and learn about the ill-fated ship through state-of-the-art displays. See the docks where the famous liner was built just over a century ago. Stop at the Glyde Inn for a farewell dinner with Irish specialties and entertainment featuring traditional Irish music and songs.
(B, D)
Day 8:
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
