2022 Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle Self-Drive - 8 Days/7 Nights

Day 1: Limerick | King John's Castle | Medieval Castle Banquet
Arrive at Shannon Airport and pick up your Hertz rental car. Head into Limerick city, where your hotel is on the banks of the River Shannon. Visit King John's Castle and immerse in 800 years of dramatic local history. This evening visit another authentic castle for a medieval style banquet.
(D)

Day 2: Cliffs of Moher | Killarney
Drive through the austere beauty of the Burren, with its unique limestone landscape formed over 300 million years ago, when the entire area was underwater. Look closely at this sensitive landscape - it's home to 1100 species of plants. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Walk along the cliffs for thrilling views. Travel on to the friendly town of Killarney, where there are plenty of shops and pubs to explore. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)

Day 3: Ring of Kerry | Jaunting Car Ride | Rozzers Restaurant
Travel via jaunting car to Ross Castle & Killarney Estate. You might choose to visit Moriarty's, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe. Embark on Ireland's most popular scenic drive the Ring of Kerry. You will have plenty of photo stops along the route, which features some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery and some of the locations from the Star Wars films. Passing through Waterville and Sneem, stop at Molls Gap for views of the mountainous Macgillycuddy's Reeks. Return to Killarney for dinner at the award winning Rozzers Restaurant at Killeen House.
(B, D)

Day 4: Blarney Castle | Cobh Heritage Centre
Visit the famous Blarney Castle and climb the winding steps to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or walk through the lovely parklands and gardens. Head to the Cobh Heritage Centre where you can trace your ancestors, learn more about the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania, or immerse yourself in the history of Irish emigrants. Relax as you follow the coastal route to Waterford, where you will dine in your hotel this evening. Explore the rich Viking and medieval heritage of this port city, the oldest in Ireland.
(B, D)

Day 5: House of Waterford Crystal | Glendalough
Watch skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces at the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Travel through the stunning scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough, one of Ireland's most beautiful destinations. There you'll explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Continue on to your hotel in Dublin. This evening dine on Irish specialties at the Merry Ploughboy Pub while enjoying a lively show of traditional Irish songs and step-dancing.
(B, D)

Day 6: Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour 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 Irish Emmigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world (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.
(B)

Day 7: Irish National Stud & Gardens | Dromoland Castle Hotel
Visit the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud, where you'll see impeccably-bred stallions alongside protective mares, frolicking foals, and athletic yearlings. Stroll around the delightful grounds to explore St. Fiachra's Garden, including its miniature Japanese Gardens. Travel to the majestic and deluxe Dromoland Castle Hotel. Relax in the elegant surroundings of this wonderful fairy-tale castle. Savor a delicious dinner in the oak-panelled dining room.
(B, D)

Day 8: Tour Ends in Dromoland
Your tour ends after breakfast. Drive to Shannon Airport and drop off your rental car.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Authentic Local Experiences:

• Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Killarney during a horse drawn jaunting car ride ride to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate

Dining Experiences:

         7 breakfasts (B) and 6 dinners (D)

Trip Highlights:

• Medieval Castle Banquet
• Cliffs of Moher
• House of Waterford Crystal
• Kings Johns Castle
• Ring of Kerry
• Rozzers Restaurant in Killarney
• Blarney Castle
• Irish Night in Dublin
• Dromoland Castle Dinner

Hotels - 7 Nights:

• Clayton Hotel | Limerick (1 night)
  
  

  Clayton Hotel | Limerick | 4*

  This hotel was once a Masonic School and still retains many striking original features to give it a unique charm. Standard rooms are tastefully decorated and boast a fresh and warm feeling. The Brasserie Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with fresh, seasonal and sustainable produce. Tom's Bar is a great place to relax with a drink or a snack.

• The Brehon Hotel | Killarney (2 nights)
  
  

  The Brehon Hotel | Killarney | 4*

  This contemporary hotel is home to the award-winning Danú Restaurant and Brehon Bar. With your every requirement in mind, 123 bedrooms have been designed with exceptional grace and elegance with a feeling of relaxed elegance. The hotel features the Angsana Spa, brought from Thailand. Located one mile from Killarney town center and opposite the famous Killarney National Park with views of surrounding countryside and mountains for which Killarney is renowned.

• 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.

• Davenport Hotel| Dublin (2 nights)
  
  

  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.

• Dromoland Castle Hotel | Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare (1 night)
  
  

  Dromoland Castle Hotel
  Newmarket-on-Fergus, Clare | 5*

  One of Ireland's premier hotels, this castle property offers guests every imaginable facility and comfort. Guest rooms are furnished to a high standard of comfort. The spacious public rooms are filled with antiques. Fine cuisine is enhanced by impeccable service. Relax in the spa and health facilities or play a round of golf on the lovely landscaped grounds with a lake and 18-hole golf course. The hotel is located on an estate outside the village of Newmarket-on-Fergus and just 8 miles west of Shannon Airport. Hotel parking.