Day 1: Dublin City Tour | Teeling Whiskey Distillery
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from 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. Visit the award-winning Teeling Whiskey Distillery in the heart of the historic Liberties; when it opened in 2015, it was Dublin's first new distillery in 125 years.
Day 2: Glendalough | Dunbrody Famine Ship | Waterford
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: Waterford Crystal | Cobh | Blarney Castle
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 to your hotel in beautiful County Kerry. (B, D)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry | Killarney
Discover Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. In the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, find a keepsake at our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriarty’s. Along the way, stop for lunch, stroll around Sneem, and take in the panoramic views at Moll’s Gap. 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
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 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. Take a panoramic tour of this vibrant, artistic city before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 6: Sheepdog Demonstration | Donegal | Derry
Immerse yourself in traditional farm life during a visit to an authentic working farm, where you’ll watch trained dogs 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. In Derry, 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. At the Glyde Inn, enjoy a farewell dinner with Irish specialties and entertainment featuring traditional Irish music and songs. (B, D)
Day 8: Independent Dublin Sightseeing
Explore 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, 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)
Authentic Local Experiences:
- Discover the true story of the world’s most famous ship at Titanic Belfast – in the city where it all began
- 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.
Trip Highlights:
- House of Waterford Crystal
- Cliffs of Moher
- Blarney Castle
- Giant’s Causeway
- Glendalough
- Titanic Belfast
- Glyde Inn Irish Night
Dining Experiences:
- 8 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 5 Dinners (D)
Hotels:
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane | Dublin (1)
- Dooley’s Hotel | Waterford (1)
- International Hotel | Killarney (2)
- Ardilaun Hotel | Galway (1)
- Everglades Hotel | Derry (1)
- Croke Park Hotel | Dublin (2)