2021 Irish Explorer Self-Drive - 10 Days/9 Nights

Day 1: Dublin City Tour | Glasnevin Cemetery Museum | Clontarf Castle
Pick up your Hertz rental car upon arrival at Dublin airport. Your tour begins at the Clontarf Castle Hotel a short drive from Dublin Airport and a few miles north of Dublin city center. Head out to discover Dublin. Take a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, and see all the city's highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Your Hop On Hop Off bus ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin an old Georgian townhouse with a fantastic collection of 5,000 objects telling the story of the city. Plus you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin's top attractions. Choose from the Guinness Storehouse, a seven storey attraction telling the story of Dublin's iconic brew, complete with a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor, Teeling Distillery, the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years, EPIC The Emigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world (and winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction in 2019) or the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland's independence. Return to enjoy dinner in your hotel this evening.
(D)

Day 2: Florence Court House | Blakes of the Hollow Pub | Donegal
Drive north to Enniskillen in County Fermanagh to visit Florence Court House, a magnificent Georgian mansion, renowned for its elaborate rococo plasterwork, Irish furniture collection and splendid grounds. Don't miss the Irish Yew tree, almost all the Irish Yew trees in the world are descended from this one tree, discovered as a sapling in nearby mountains in 1767. Next 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, where you will dine in your hotel this evening. With its windswept hills where only sheep thrive, Donegal is renowned for woolen production and tweeds.
(B, D)

Day 3: Slieve League Cliffs | Triona Design
Head to Teelin to reach the best viewing point of the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Take in the incredible ocean views from these spectacular cliffs. Travel up through beautiful views of Donegal, you may want to visit Triona Design Donegal Tweed Center in Adara, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, where spinners and weavers will demonstrate their crafts. Head back to your hotel in Donegal town, a busy little town that was once a Viking port. Enjoy dinner independently this evening.
(B)

Day 4: Belleek Pottery | Galway
Drive to Fermanagh and discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish Craftmanship during a tour of Belleek Pottery. You will go behind the scenes to see how this world famous fine china is made. Travel to Galway and soak in the energy of this bustling creative city. Check out its medieval streetscape, its charming shops and many cafes and restaurants. Take a 90 minute scenic cruise on Lough Corrib (seasonal). Enjoy dinner at your hotel, and explore the city's nightlife as you choose.
(B, D)

Day 5: Connemara Celtic Crystal | Connemara
Explore the famed scenery of 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 in Moycullen to watch skilled artisans demonstrate fine glass-cutting. Return to Galway and enjoy an evening of independent dining and exploration.
(B)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher | Killarney
Drive through Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, which soar 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the cliffs to see spectacular vistas, including Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Make your way to the friendly town of Killarney, where you will dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)

Day 7: Ring of Kerry Tour | Killarney
Head out to the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's most famous and popular scenic drive. You might choose to stop at Moriarty's at the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Continuing on the scenic drive, pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll's Gap. Or you might choose to explore the wonders of the Dingle Peninsula, for its spectacular seascapes and the charm of its villages. Explore Killarney tonight, as you dine independently and perhaps discover some of the town's lively pubs.
(B)

Day 8: Blarney Castle | Abbey Tavern
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 will be given the gift of eloquence. Explore the castle's extensive gardens, set on 60 acres of parkland. Next, head to your hotel in Dublin. Dine in the nearby seaside suburb of Howth at the Abbey Tavern, enjoying Irish cuisine and an evening of lively entertainment.
(B, D)

Day 9: Dublin
Enjoy a relaxing day at leisure while enjoying the sights of 18th century Georgian houses with brightly painted doors, tranquil parks and historic O'Connell Street, or you might choose to explore some of Ireland's charming seaside suburbs like Dalkey or Malahide. You could even go further afield by driving into the Wicklow mountains and seeing Glendalough the romantic ruins of a sixth century monastery established by St Kevin, and complete with high stone crosses, a picturesque round tower and several churches. Take this opportunity to enjoy dinner on your own as part of your Dublin exploration.
(B)

Day 10: Your Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast. Return your rental car at the airport.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Authentic Local Experiences:

• See Donegal's spectacular Slieve League cliffs
• Visit the Victorian Blakes of the Hollow Pub which famed author, John McGahern once called "one of the happiest and most beautiful bars" in Ireland. Enjoy a pint as you view the handcrafted "Game of Thrones" door, carved from the trees of the Dark Hedges.

Dining Experiences:

• 9 hot breakfasts (B) and 5 dinners (D)
  

Trip Highlights:

• Florence Court House
• Blakes of the Hollow Pub
• Slieve League Cliffs
• Belleek Pottery
• Cruise on the Lough Corrib (Seasonal)
• Cliffs of Moher
• Blarney Castle
• Irish Night in Dublin

Hotels - 9 Nights:

• Clontarf Castle Hotel | Dublin (1 Night)
  
  

  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 Nights)
  
  

  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.

• Hardiman Hotel | Galway (2 Nights)
• Killarney Plaza Hotel | Killarney (2 Nights)
• Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (2 Nights)
  
  

  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.