2022 Irish Gold - 8 Days/7 Nights

Day 1: Dublin Panoramic Tour | Trinity College | Book of Kells
Your tour begins 2:00 PM at your hotel in Dun Laoghaire, a charming seaside suburb of Dublin. Head out for a panoramic tour of Dublin, seeing historic O'Connell Street, Georgian buildings and squares and St Stephens Green. Stroll through Trinity College with a local guide and view one of Ireland's greatest treasures: the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript crafted by monks in the 9th century. Return to your hotel for a welcome drink with your fellow guests, and then enjoy an independent evening of dining and exploring as you wish.

Day 2: Sean's Bar | Galway Walking Tour
Head to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway. Along the way, enjoy a drink at Sean's Bar in Athlone, a CIE Tours Exclusive venue. The oldest pub in Europe, Sean's Bar has been quenching thirst since 900 AD. Take a guided walking tour through Galway and discover this thriving city of medieval winding lanes and buzzing street life. Enjoy some free time to explore Galway on your own, then join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel.
(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: Sheepdog Demonstration | Cliffs of Moher | Killarney
Travel south around Galway Bay and through the stark beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape. Immerse yourself in farm life as you watch trained sheepdogs herd their flock. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary as you 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. Stop in the Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty's a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Visit the colorful village of Kenmare and have free time to explore. When you return to Killarney your evening is free to explore as your wish
(B)

Day 6: Blarney Castle | Marine Bar | House of Waterford Crystal
Drive through the mountains into rich farming country on the way to Blarney Castle. Kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Travel along the coast to the Marine Bar in Dungarvan, a CIE Tours Exclusive Venue, for some traditional music. 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: Waterford Walking Tour | Kilkenny | Dinner in Dublin Restaurant
In the morning join a local guide for a walking tour through the narrow streets of the old city to discover Waterford's long history and some of its colorful characters. Later, stop in Kilkenny for a look around the medieval city center with time to explore. Visit the Smithwick's Experience and enjoy a tasting paddle of their famous ales. Travel to Dublin and in the evening head to Cleaver East, a popular Dublin restaurant for a glass of wine and dinner.
(B, D)

Day 8: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

CIE Tours Exclusives:

• 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.
• Hear traditional music as you sip a drink at the Marine Bar in Dungarvan. This pub, owned by musician Christy O'Neill, dates back nearly 300 years.

Dining Experiences:

• 7 breakfasts (B) and 4 dinners (D)

Trip Highlights:

• Sean's Bar in Athlone - CIE Tours Exclusive
• Blarney Castle
• Jaunting Car Ride
• Irish Night Killarney
• Cliffs of Moher
• Trinity College & Book of Kells
• Ring of Kerry Highlight
• Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
• Marine Bar in Dungarvan - CIE Tours Exclusive
• House of Waterford Crystal
• Dublin Restaurant Dinner

Hotels - 7 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 (1 night)
  
  

  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.