2020 Irish Explorer - 9 Days/8 Nights

2020 Irish Explorer 9 Days / 8 Nights / 16 Meals

Day 1: Dublin Touring & Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Tour begins 2:00 PM at the Clontarf Castle Hotel lobby, a short ride from Dublin Airport and a few miles to the north of Dublin city center. Head out for a tour of central Dublin with a local guide to see elegant Georgian squares, public buildings, and monuments. Visit Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland’s national cemetery, a fascinating who’s who of modern Irish history. Join your group for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the castle hotel.
(D)

Day 2: Florence Court House & Blakes Pub
Visit Florence Court House, home of the Irish Yew. The original tree, discovered in 1760, can still be viewed on the grounds. Tour the magnificent 18th century mansion, renowned for its elaborate rococo plasterwork. Next, a CIE Tours exclusive: visit Blakes of the Hollow Pub, a Victorian bar that retains many features original to its founding in 1887. Famed author John McGahern, a regular visitor, described it as “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland”. Take a photo by its official “Game of Thrones” door highlighting the series’ sixth season. Continue your travels north to Donegal. With its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive, Donegal is renowned for woolen production and tweeds.
(B, D)

Day 3: Slieve League Cliffs & Glengesh
Head to Teelin to reach the best viewing point of the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Enjoy a CIE Tours Exclusive experience: sip an Irish coffee as you take in the view from these impressive cliffs. Travel along the coast then head inland through the majestic Glengesh Pass for views of mountains and valleys to Donegal Town, a busy shopping town that was once a Viking port. Watch demonstrations of spinning and weaving at a local woolen shop. Enjoy an early dinner with a drink and music at the popular Nancy’s Bar in Ardara.
(B, D)

Day 4: Belleek Pottery & Galway Cruise
Discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship during a tour of Belleek Pottery. You’ll go behind the scenes to see how this world-famous fine china is made. Travel south to Galway and take a relaxed cruise on Lough Corrib, the largest lake in Ireland (seasonal). Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 5: Scenic Connemara & Dan O’Hara Homestead
Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes, and peat bogs an added dimension. Stop at the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory where craftsmen demonstrate fine glass cutting. Travel through the picturesque scenery of hills and lakes to visit Dan O’Hara’s Homestead. Experience traditional methods of farming, see Connemara ponies, and have a light lunch. Return to Galway and enjoy an evening free for independent dining and exploration.
(B, L)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive through Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, which soar 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk to O’Brien’s Tower for views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Drive through the pleasant countryside of Country Clare, which is dotted with ruined castles. Enjoy lunch on your own in a coastal village. Embark on a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Arrive in Killarney and enjoy the Celtic Whiskey Bar experience with dinner that includes a chocolate tasting.
(B, D)

Day 7: Ring of Kerry Tour
Head out to the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most famous and popular scenic drive. Immerse yourself in farm life with a demonstration of sheepdogs herding flocks. Continuing on the scenic drive, pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll’s Gap. In Killarney, have dinner at your hotel then enjoy free time to discover some of the lively pubs.
(B, D)

Day 8: Blarney Castle & Abbey Tavern
Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or take a gentle walk through the lovely parklands and colorful gardens. Head to the Abbey Tavern for Irish cuisine, and an evening of lively entertainment.
(B, D)

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

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

All components of this tour (hotels, visits and attractions) for 2020 itineraries are subject to change until finalized in September 2019.

Authentic Local Experiences

• See Donegal’s spectacular Slieve League cliffs. More remote than the Cliffs of Moher, they’re three times higher!
• Gain unique insight into the history and heritage of the stunningly beautiful west of Ireland at Dan O’Hara’s Homestead, and enjoy a farmhouse lunch.
• Enjoy a pint and see the handcrafted “Game of Thrones” door carved from the trees of the Dark Hedges at Blakes of the Hollow Pub.

Dining Experiences

• 8 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 7 dinners (D) including a welcome dinner, Nancy’s Bar in Ardara, and Abbey Tavern traditional Irish dinner and show.

Trip Highlights

• Belleek Pottery
  
  

  Belleek Pottery

  Established in 1857 Belleek Pottery was established to provide employment in the area by making household fixtures. Later the company started production of place settings and ornamental pieces in fine Parian china and you can see production from clay to finish on a factory tour.

• Blarney Castle
  
  

  Blarney Castle

  Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, this stronghold has been attracting attention ever since. Millions have flocked to Blarney to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower, making it one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

• Cliffs of Moher
• Abbey Tavern
• Dan O’Hara’s Homestead
• Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
  
  

  Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

  This is the world's first cemetery museum. A guided tour gives a valuable insight into this unique Victorian burial place and into the final resting place of the men and women who have helped shape Ireland’s past and present.

• Florence Court House
  
  

  Florence Court House

  Florence Court is romantically named after the wife of Sir John Cole who first built a house on the spectacular site in the early 18th century. The present Palladian style house was probably built by his son John, afterwards the 1st Lord Mount Florence. The wings and Pavilion were added to the mid-18th century block around 1770 by Wm Cole, 1st Earl of Enniskillen and may have been designed by Davis Ducart. Disaster struck Florence Court in 1955 when the main building was virtually gutted by fire.

• Whiskey Experience in Killarney
• Blakes of the Hollow Pub – a CIE Tours exclusive
• Sheepdog Demonstration
• Slieve League Cliffs
  
  

  Slieve League Cliffs

  These are the highest sea cliffs in Europe where an almost sheer drop of 2,000 feet separates the Atlantic Ocean from the highest point of the cliffs. Enjoy amazing views of relatively unknown and unspoiled nature.

Hotels

• Clontarf Castle Hotel | Dublin (1)
  
  

  Clontarf Castle Hotel | Dublin | 4*

  This hotel, steeped in Irish history, offers guests all the charm and splendor of a royal experience. The magnificent entrance hall, tapestry adorned walls, mysterious doorways and roaring fires create a luxurious, old-world feeling while guest rooms all boast modern amenities for a comfortable visit. Enjoy unique restaurants and bars. This hotel is located in the pleasant and peaceful suburb of Clontarf. 3 miles or 20 minutes' drive to Dublin city center by taxi. Convenient for Dublin Airport which is 20 minutes away. Hotel parking.

• Mill Park Hotel | Donegal (2)
  
  

  Mill Park Hotel | Donegal | 4*

  A warm welcome awaits you at this hotel which is built around its unique-styled Granary, along with a choice of 2 restaurants, bar and lounge. The restaurants specialize in local fresh produce, especially seafood from the nearby fishing port of Killybegs. 100 luxurious bedrooms ensure a great stay and use the fully equipped leisure and wellness center. Set in a quiet rural setting two miles from Donegal town. The hotel is a perfect base for touring County Donegal, including the awesome Slieve League Sea Cliffs. Hotel parking.

• Hotel Meyrick | Galway (2)
  
  

  Hotel Meyrick | Galway | 4*

  This property opened in 1852 but has undergone many extensive renovations since then. Today the hotel combines old-world charm with a modern approach to guest comfort. Guest rooms are decorated in contemporary themes. Enjoy the Oyster Grill Restaurant, one of Galway’s foremost restaurants, the tranquil Oyster Bar and the casual menu and fun of O’Flaherty’s Bar. Experience the rooftop leisure club with views of Galway Bay. It is located on Eyre Square, in the very heart of Galway city with all attractions and shops nearby.

• IE-KER-KPL | Killarney (2)
• Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (1)
  
  

  Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin | 4*

  This modern, bright property offers guests style and comfort with modern amenities. The bright, contemporary guest rooms feature king or twin beds, air conditioning and hi-speed internet. The Pavilion Restaurant serves a superior quality breakfast buffet with traditional full Irish breakfast as well as other choices. Located in the upmarket suburb of Ballsbridge, it’s a 30-minute walk to the city center and there is frequent city bus and taxi services. Adjacent to the peaceful Herbert Park, the U.S. Embassy and the RDS Showgrounds. Hotel parking.