2021 Irish Explorer - 9 Days/8 Nights

Day 1: Dublin City Tour | Glasnevin Cemetery Museum | Clontarf Castle
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 of the Hollow Pub | Donegal
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 | Triona Design | Nancy's Bar
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 up through beautiful views of Donegal to reach Triona Design Donegal Tweed Centre in Ardara. This is a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner where spinners and weavers will demonstrate their crafts. Head to popular Nancy's Bar in Ardara for dinner before going to your hotel in Donegal Town, a busy town that was one a Viking port.
(B, D)

Day 4: Belleek Pottery | Lough Corrib Cruise (seasonal) | Galway
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 (April 1 - October 21 departures). Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 5: Connemara Celtic Crystal | Dan O'Hara Homestead | Connemara
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 Co. Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. See views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay. Embark on a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Arrive in Killarney where you will dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)

Day 7: Ring of Kerry Tour | Sheepdog Demonstration
Head out to the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's most famous and popular scenic drive. Stop at Moriarty's in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours Preferred shopping partner. 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. Your evening is free to explore Killarney as you dine independently and perhaps discover some of the towns lively pubs.
(B)

Day 8: Blarney Castle | Dublin's 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

Authentic Local Experiences:

• See Donegal's spectacular Slieve League cliffs and enjoy a CIE Tours Exclusive Experience as you sip Irish Coffee while taking in the view from the cliff top.
• 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:

• 8 hot breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 6 dinners (D)
  

Trip Highlights:

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

Hotels - 8 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 (1 Night)
  
  

  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.