Day 1: Dublin Independent Sightseeing | Welcome Drink
Enjoy your first day in Dublin, Ireland’s vibrant capital city, at your leisure on a day free for independent exploration. Window shop along buzzing Grafton Street, check out the National Museum, or maybe just relax in one of Dublin’s many lively pubs or cafes. In the evening, meet your group for a welcome drink, and then you are free to explore Dublin’s restaurants and nightlife as you wish.
Day 2: Dublin Panoramic Tour | The Guinness Storehouse
Take a panoramic tour of Dublin with a local guide to see its many landmarks: The River Liffey, Georgian squares, St Stephen’s Green, and Trinity College. Next, you’ll visit the Guinness Storehouse, a spectacular seven-story structure exploring the history and making of Ireland’s most famous brew, followed by a tasting in the top-floor Gravity Bar, with its panoramic view of the city. The rest of your day is free to explore the city independently.
(B)
Day 3: Sean's Bar | Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet
Head to Athlone for a CIE Tours Exclusive, a visit to Sean’s Bar – dating back to 900 AD, it’s officially the oldest pub in Europe, and possibly the world! Raise your glass as visitors have for centuries, and sip a creamy Irish Coffee. Travel westward toward the Atlantic Coast, and visit the Cliffs of Moher, towering sea cliffs that soar 700 feet above the Atlantic. In the evening, feast in a genuine castle, enjoying a medieval or holiday banquet, depending on departure dates.
(B, D)
Day 4: Killarney Independent Sightseeing | Ring of Kerry Highlights
Spend your day exploring the spectacular beauty of County Kerry. Take in the highlights of Ireland’s most famous scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. Traverse wild mountainous terrain, picturesque rural villages, and the rugged coastline. Along the way, stop at Moriarty’s in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner specializing in quality, authentic crafts. Enjoy free time in Killarney, a friendly town full of charming shops and lively pubs, cafés, and restaurants.
(B)
Day 5: Blarney Castle | Waterford
Visit Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains. Climb the winding stairs to kiss the famed Blarney Stone; legend says if you do you’ll be given the gift of eloquence. Explore the castle’s extensive gardens, set on 60 acres of parkland. Proceed on to historic Waterford – Ireland’s oldest city. First settled by Vikings, Waterford reached peak prosperity in the 18th century, when it enjoyed a lively trade with Newfoundland. Explore this beautiful port city before dining with your group in your hotel.
(B, D)
Day 6: Kilkenny Independent Sightseeing | Merry Ploughboy Pub
Head to Kilkenny with free time to explore independently. This lively little city dates back to the Middle Ages. Perhaps stroll along the Medieval Mile, linking the impressive castle, built by the Normans in 1195, with the 13th-century St Canice’s Cathedral. Return to Dublin for a lively evening of dinner and traditional Irish entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy pub.
(B, D)
Day 7: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends in Dublin after breakfast.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Authentic Local Experiences:
- Raise a glass at Sean's Bar in Athlone, A CIE Tours Exclusive Venue. Welcoming the thirsty since 900 AD, it's in the Guinness Book of Records as Europe's oldest pub.
- Enjoy some free time in the heart of animated Kilkenny - this little city will charm you with its medieval roots and vibrant, contemporary spirit.
Dining Experiences:
- 6 breakfasts (B) and 3 dinners (D)
Trip Highlights:
- Irish Night in Dublin
- Blarney Castle
- Cliffs of Moher
- Sean's Bar in Athlone - CIE Tours Exclusive
- Ring of Kerry Highlights
- The Guinness Storehouse
- Medieval Castle Banquet
Hotels - 6 Nights:
- Hilton Garden Inn | Dublin (2 nights)
- Armada Hotel | Spanish Point (1 night) (or similar)
- Killarney Towers Hotel | Killarney (1 night)
- Granville Hotel | Waterford (1 night)
- Hilton Garden Inn | Dublin (1 night)