2021 Irish Gold Self-Drive - 9 Days/8 Nights

Day 1: Dun Laoghaire | Independent Sightseeing
Pick up your Hertz rental car at Dublin Airport upon your arrival. Your hotel is in Dun Laoghaire, a charming seaside suburb of Dublin. Your day is free to explore Dublin with your included vouchers (or you may choose to use your vouchers on Day 8). 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. Plus you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin's top attractions. Choose from 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 Irish 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. Dine independently in your choice of Dublin's restaurants or pubs.

Day 2: Sean's Bar | Galway
Head to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway. Along the way, enjoy a drink at Sean's Bar in Athlone. The oldest pub in Europe, Sean's Bar has been quenching thirst since 900 AD. Drive to Galway and discover this thriving city of medieval winding lanes and buzzing street life. Dine at your hotel this evening.
(B, D)

Day 3: Connemara | Killary Catamaran Cruise (seasonal) | Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Take a short catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (seasonal). Head to Kylemore Abbey set beside a tranquil lake, and see its elegant rooms, the charming church and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city.
(B)

Day 4: Cliffs of Moher | Killarney
Travel south around Galway Bay and through the stark beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Head to Killarney, where you will end the day with a traditional Irish night. Enjoy a lively show of music and dance with dinner.
(B, D)

Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle, set on the shores of Lough Leane. See the highlights of Ireland's most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. The stunning coastal and mountain landscapes will provide plenty of photo opportunities. You might wish to stop at the Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty's a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. When you return to Killarney your evening is free to explore and dine as your wish.
(B)

Day 6: Blarney Castle | House of Waterford Crystal
Drive through the mountains into rich farming country on the way to Blarney Castle. Climb the stairs to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Continue to Waterford where you will witness skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner.
(B, D)

Day 7: Kilkenny | Dinner in Dublin Restaurant
In the morning explore the historic port city of Waterford as you wish. Drive to Kilkenny where you may wish to stroll the Medieval Mile for a look at the fascinating architectural heritage of this small city. Visit the Smithwick's Experience for a tour and a pint of ale. Travel to Dublin and head to Cleaver East, a popular Dublin restaurant for a glass of wine and dinner.
(B, D)

Day 8: Independent Sightseeing in Dublin
Head out to sightsee in Dublin, with its historic O'Connell Street, Georgian buildings and squares and St Stephen's Green. If you did not use your Hop On Hop Off and visit vouchers on day one, you may use them today. Or alternatively take a drive out of the city to see some of Dublin's charming coastal villages and seaside suburbs, like Howth and Dalkey. Splendid ocean views, excellent seafood, and lovely streetscapes await you. Dine independently this evening.
(B)

Day 9: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your program ends after breakfast. Return your rental car at the airport.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Authentic Local Experiences:

• Join generations of pub-goers in raising a glass at Sean's Bar in Athlone. Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest bar in Europe, it's been serving thirsty customers since 900 AD.

Dining Experiences:

• 8 breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (D)

Trip Highlights:

• Sean's Bar in Athlone
• Blarney Castle
• Jaunting Car Ride
• Irish Night Killarney
• Cliffs of Moher
• Ring of Kerry Highlight
• Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
• House of Waterford Crystal
• Dublin Restaurant Dinner

Hotels - 8 Nights:

• Royal Marine Hotel | Dun Laoghaire, Dublin (1 night)
  
  

  Royal Marine Hotel
  Dun Laoghaire, Dublin | 4*

  Originally built in 1863, this hotel today offers 228 air-conditioned guestrooms, all featuring modern decor in natural shades with burgundy touches and light-wood furnishings. Experience fine dining or casual bar food and enjoy the award-winning Sansana SPA and Pier Health Club. Dun Laoghaire has many shops and restaurants to explore. The property overlooks Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Bay and is located eight miles from Dublin city center. Dublin International Airport is 16 miles away, and can be reached by car or airport coach in approximately 45 minutes. Hotel parking.

• The Galmont Hotel and Spa | Galway (2 nights)
  
  

  The Galmont Hotel and Spa | Galway (2 nights)

  Retreat and unwind at this hotel, where guests enjoy sophisticated surroundings highlighted by black granite and walnut accents. At Restaurant Marinas chefs use the finest quality ingredients to design creative dishes. 282 rooms are decorated in a choice of 3 styles. Scandinavian, Maritime and Classic and offer all modern conveniences The hotel features premier services at the Spirit One Spa. Set on Lough Atalia Road, it's a 5-minute walk from Eyre Square in the center of Galway city with views out to Galway Bay. Hotel parking.

• Great Southern Hotel | Killarney (2 nights)
  
  

  Great Southern Killarney Hotel
  Killarney | 4*

  This hotel first opened in 1854 and it still offers old-world charm but now coupled with up-to-date luxurious facilities and friendly service. Enjoy great food in the elegant dining room and relax in the bar or the many sitting areas. The bedrooms are spacious and well equipped. A fully-quipped leisure center awaits you. The hotel is set on 20 acres of secluded, landscaped gardens yet right in the center of Killarney and within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs. Hotel parking.

• Granville Hotel | Waterford (1 night)
  
  

  Granville Hotel | Waterford | 4*

  This family-run hotel is one of Ireland's oldest with significant historical connections, old-world charm and unique features. The friendly and professional staff are dedicated to making your stay pleasant and memorable. Enjoy delicious menus in the attractive dining room. The bar is a lively meeting place, often with live music. Comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms make for a great stay. Set on the waterfront in the heart of Waterford city. Within easy walking distance of shopping, Reginald's Tower and the House of Waterford Crystal. Parking nearby.

• Clayton Hotel Burlington Road | Dublin (2 nights)
  
  

  Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
  Dublin | 4*

  This lively, modern hotel offers an excellent standard of hospitality with two bars and two restaurants and 500 fully-equipped guest rooms, making it Dublin's largest hotel. With its many facilities and great location, it makes an ideal base for exploring Dublin. Free internet access. Located on Upper Leeson Street, this hotel is a 20-minute walk to Grafton Street. There is a city bus service right outside the hotel and it is within easy walking distance of Dublin's “Georgian Mile” and the Grand Canal.