Two River Travel
Day 1: DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Day 2: SHANNON ARRIVAL
After customs and immigration formalities at Shannon Airport your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland. Next drive along the coast of County Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher which overlook the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince along with the Princess Bride have scenes that were filmed at this stunning landmark. Transfer to your nearby hotel in Lahinch check in and settle into you room. In the evening join your fellow travelers for dinner in the hotel restaurant.
Day 3: EXCURSION TO INIS EER
Take a short ferry ride from Doolin to Inis Eer. This rocky island is renowned for the hardy islanders who maintained traditional fishing and farming. The Irish language is still spoken widely. You will have time free to explore the island before heading back to mainland. Then take short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Make your way to Killarney where you will check in for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 4: DINGLE PENINSULA
Today discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula once described by the National Geographic Traveler as the most beautiful place on earth. Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains sandy stretches of beach stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Continue to Slea Head at the western tip of the peninsula. This excursion will give you excellent views of mountains and coastline and looking over to the Iveragh Peninsula. Return to Killarney for a free evening.
Day 5: KILLARNEY AT LEISURE
Spend the day at leisure in Killarney. You may like to visit St. Marys Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire or the Franciscan Friary with superb stained-glass windows. You could also visit the Transport Museum containing a fine collection of vintage cars or take a walk to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane. Another possible short excursion would be a jaunting car ride to Muckross House. After an independent dinner you may like to find a singing bar for some entertainment.
Day 6: BLARNEY CASTLE
Leaving Killarney journey through the rugged countryside to Blarney where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence. From Blarney make your way to the Medieval city of Kilkenny. Continue to the Medieval city of Kilkenny and check into your hotel. Once you settle into your room you will have some time on your own before dinner.
Day 7: KILKENNY CASTLE
Today visit Kilkenny Castle home of the Butlers Earls and Dukes of Ormonde. The castle estate boasts both formal and informal gardens which overlooks the Nore River. Continue on to visit the Smithwicks Experience to uncover over 300 years of Smithwicks history along with discovering the businesss innovative brewing practices. Taste the finished product before driving to your hotel in Mt. Kennedy where you will check in for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8: POWERSCOURT HOUSE & GARDENS
Travel to just outside of the charming village of Enniskerry to visit Powerscourt House the former home of Lord Powerscourt. Then experience the delightful terraced Italian gardens and abundant floral displays. Also view the superb collection of trees shrubs and flowers gathered from all around the world. Continue on to visit the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough. The visitor centre explains how St. Kevin founded this settlement at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland. Then you will have some time to relax before dinner at Johnnies Fox Pub.
Day 9: END OF CIE TOUR
Transfer to your independently booked hotel where services comes to an end. Enjoy the remainder of your time in Ireland!
CONFIRMED HOTELS
Lahinch Coast Hotel, Lahinch - 1 night
Great Southern Hotel, Killarney - 3 nights
River Court Hotel, Kilkenny - 1 night
Druids Glen Hotel & Country Club, Newton Mt. Kennedy - 2 nights
TOUR INCLUDES
Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach with a driver/guide
Meet and greet service with one group transfer upon arrival and departure at the airport
Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded rooms with private bath as listed for 7 nights
Full breakfasts (7)
Dinners (5)
Excursion to the Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Passage on the Tarbert Ferry
Visits and admission fees to:
Cliffs of Moher
Blarney Castle
Kilkenny Castle
Smithwick’s Experience
Powerscourt House & Gardens
Glendalough Visitor Centre
Hotel porterage, service charges and government taxes
Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and identifying strap