2022 Irish Adventure - 9 Days/8 Nights

Day 1: Dublin Tour | Trinity College | Book of Kells
Tour begins at 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Set out on a panoramic guided tour of the city. Highlights include 18th century Georgian houses with brightly painted doors, tranquil parks, and historic O'Connell Street. Take a guided walking tour through the campus of Trinity College to view the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner.
( D)

Day 2: Glendalough | Dunbrody Famine Ship | Waterford
Enjoy the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough, a stunning example of Ireland's beauty. 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 the city of Waterford, where before dinner you will take a gentle stroll around the narrow streets of the historic city with a local guide.
(B, D)

Day 3: Waterford Crystal | Cobh | Blarney Castle
See skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces during your visit to 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.
(B, D)

Day 4: Ring of Kerry Drive | Killarney
Discover Ireland's most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry, with plenty of photo stops along the way. In the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, stop off at our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriartys. Along the way stop for lunch, take a stroll around Sneem and stop at Moll's Gap to enjoy its panoramic views. Enjoy a free evening in Killarney with time for dining independently and perhaps a visit to one of the town's many lively pubs.
(B, L)

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Travel along the coast of County Clare. View the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O'Brien's Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Head to Galway where a local guide will join you for a brief stroll through the twisting streets of the old city.
(B, D)

Day 6: Sheepdog Demonstration | Donegal | Derry
Immerse yourself in traditional farm life during a visit to an authentic working farm, where you will 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: Giant's Causeway | Titanic Belfast | Glyde Inn
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: Independent Dublin Sightseeing
Tour Dublin independently on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. Use your voucher to visit one of Dublin's top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, or GPO Museum. In the evening, dine independently at one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dublin has to offer.
(B)

Day 9: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Authentic Local Experiences:

• Walk among the ruins of the picturesque monastic site of Glendalough and see the round tower, decorated crosses and stone churches that remain from this once-thriving monastery, founded by St Kevin in the 6th century.
• Discover the true story of the world's most famous ship at Titanic Belfast - in the city where it all began

Dining Experiences:

• 8  breakfasts (B) 1 Lunch (L) and 6 dinners (D)

Trip Highlights:

• House of Waterford Crystal
• Cliffs of Moher
• Blarney Castle
• Giant's Causeway
• Glendalough
• Titanic Belfast
• Glyde Inn Irish Night

Hotels - 8 Nights:

• Clayton Hotel, Cardiff Lane | Dublin (1 night)
  
  

  Clayton Hotel | Dublin | 4*

  This hotel was once a Masonic School and still retains many striking original features to give it a unique charm. Standard rooms are tastefully decorated and boast a fresh and warm feeling. The Brasserie Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce. Tom's Bar is a great place to relax with a drink or a snack.

• Dooley's Hotel | Waterford (1 night)
  
  

  Dooley's Hotel | Waterford | 3*

  This charming family-run hotel offers a warm welcome to all guests. It blends its traditional façade and many other cozy attributes with updated guest rooms and facilities. Enjoy delicious and wholesome food in the Ship Restaurant or the Dry Dock Bar, which offers live music on weekends. Set on the waterfront in the heart of Waterford city. Within easy walking distance of shopping, Reginald's Tower and the House of Waterford Crystal.

• International Hotel | Killarney (2 nights)
  
  

  International Hotel | Killarney 4*

  One of Killarney's long-established and traditional hotels, it blends the charm of times past with the warmest of welcomes to guests. 90 bedrooms provide everything for a comfortable stay. Hannigan's award-winning restaurant offers great food and the cozy bar often features live music. Located right in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs. Also close to the jaunting car stand and Killarney National Park.

• Ardilaun Hotel | Galway (1 night)
  
  

  Ardilaun Hotel | Galway | 4*

  This traditional and elegant hotel with beautifully landscaped gardens offers luxurious accommodation in a tranquil setting. The award-winning Camilaun Restaurant is noted for its excellent cuisine and fine wines. Blazers Bar offers a relaxing atmosphere with food served all day. Unwind in the leisure club with excellent facilities and swimming pool. Set in the prestigious Taylors Hill suburb and one mile from Galway city center. Easy access to city attractions by bus or taxi.

• Everglades Hotel | Derry (1 night)
  
  

  Everglades Hotel | Derry | 4*

  This hotel has a host of features to make any stay comfortable and inviting. Experience bistro dining at its best in the Grill or step into the Library Bar for snacks, cocktails and full bar service. In the 64 guest rooms be pampered with extra-thick mattresses, the plumpest of pillows and soothing color schemes. Located on Prehen Road, 2 miles south of Derry city center. Easy access to city attractions by bus or taxi and convenient for touring County Donegal.

• Croke Park Hotel | Dublin (2 nights)
  
  

  Croke Park Hotel | Dublin | 4*

  This modern hotel offers 232 spacious and comfortable guestrooms, and all of them offer a tranquil environment in which you can unwind and relax. Dine in the Sideline Bistro and Bar where guests can enjoy stylish surroundings and a tempting choice of unique cuisine. The hotel also offers a fully equipped gymnasium where guests can maintain their usual fitness regime. You can walk to local shops and pubs. Located right beside Croke Park Stadium and close to city bus service to central Dublin. Only a 20-minute drive to Dublin Airport.