Depart from your hotel at 2:00 PM for a panoramic tour of Dublin. Visit Pearse Lyons Distillery, an independent, family-owned distillery in the historic Liberties district. Taste the whiskey and hear tales dating back to the 12th century as you tour the lovingly restored church that houses the distillery. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before enjoying an evening free to dine as you wish.
Visit the breathtaking Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, to explore the stunning gardens and discover the art of traditional whiskey-making at the Powerscourt Distillery, famous for its award-winning Fercullen Irish whiskeys. Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner with a lively show at Taylors Three Rock pub.
Travel to Blarney Castle; climb the winding staircase to kiss its famous stone or enjoy the gardens. Go to Kinsale, a picturesque old fishing town known for art galleries and gourmet food. Join a local guide for a fascinating walk around its historic streets, once besieged by the Spanish Armada, before dinner at your hotel.
Discover the charming town of Kenmare with some independent time, then travel on to see highlights of the Ring of Kerry. Stop at Moriarty’s in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, before arriving in Killarney, where you’ll take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle. Dine with your group at your hotel this evening. (Most groups will stay at the Ashe Hotel in Tralee. Departures on Apr 4, May 30, Jun 27, Aug 29, Sep 26, Oct 17 stay at The Heights Hotel, Killarney.)
Spend the day visiting the Dingle Peninsula, beginning with the Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the Blasket Islands, visible off the coast. These islands were once a lively outpost of the Irish language, and you’ll learn a few words, or cúpla focal for yourself. Continue on to the friendly town of Dingle, visiting Murphy’s Ice Cream to taste distinctive flavors like Irish Orange Marmalade, Brown Bread, and Dingle Gin. Enjoy free time before returning to your hotel. Dine independently this evening.
Visit the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, which recalls air travel in the 1930s and 1940s. Drive to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. In the evening, visit a castle for a medieval-style banquet with traditional songs and stories.
Travel through the rounded limestone hills of the Burren to Caherconnell and watch skilled dogs round up sheep. Stop in a charming Burren village to explore independently. Continue on to lively Galway for a walking tour with a local guide – check out the medieval history evident in the city walls, the narrow streetscape, and Lynch’s Castle. Explore the charming shops and listen to street musicians before dinner at your hotel.
Drive through Connemara to Leenane for a catamaran cruise (seasonal) of Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Travel on to see Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful castle in a lakeside setting. Enjoy an evening free to explore vibrant, artistic Galway city.
Travel north through County Mayo. Stop in County Fermanagh and visit Belleek Pottery to see craftspeople create their renowned fine china. Visit Donegal Castle, built by the O’Donnell chieftains in the 15th century and restored in the 1990s after falling into ruin for centuries. Enjoy free time in Donegal town before continuing to Ballybofey for dinner at your hotel.
Enjoy a coastal drive to view Slieve League, Europe’s highest sea cliffs. Continue on to CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Triona Design, in Ardara; see demonstrations of spinning, weaving and knitting. Enjoy free time to explore and dine independently this evening.
Meet with a local guide for a walking tour to see Derry’s medieval walls, the Diamond, and St Columb’s Cathedral. Explore the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Travel along the scenic Nine Glens of Antrim before arriving in Belfast. Your evening will be free to explore and dine independently in this vibrant city.
Take a panoramic tour of Belfast, then visit Titanic Belfast to explore the story of the doomed ocean liner, which was built in the neighboring shipyards. Next visit the Glyde Inn for an entertaining lunch featuring traditional Irish music and songs. Continue on to Dublin for a free evening.
Explore Dublin independently on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. Plus, choose a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience, or GPO Museum. Dine independently at your choice of Dublin’s many restaurants or pubs.
Your 14-day tour ends after breakfast.
