Day 1: Walking Tour of Adare | Welcome Dinner
Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM. The Dunraven, your home for the next five nights, is a luxurious 18th-century family-run hotel, and one of the oldest in Ireland. Departures on June 2 and August 11 will stay at the luxurious Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House, located on 44 acres of beautiful grounds just outside of Adare. Adare is one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, and its history stretches back to the 12th century. Take a guided walking tour to see the village’s charming thatched cottages and ancient churches, and discover the many historic buildings that were built in the early 19th century by the Earl of Dunraven. In the evening, go to the nearby Fitzgerald’s Woodland House Hotel for a welcome drink and dinner featuring local and organic produce. (D)
Day 2: Cliffs of Moher | The Burren | Sheepdog Demonstration
Travel to the Cliffs of Moher, stunning sea cliffs that tower above churning Atlantic swells. Proceed on to the Burren, an incredible landscape of glacial-era limestone dotted with cliffs, caves, and unique flowers and wildlife. Immerse yourself in farm life as you watch highly skilled sheepdogs herd their flock; then sit down to a cup of tea and homemade scones. Dine at your hotel in Adare this evening. (B, D)
Day 3: Scenic Train to Cobh | Titanic Walking Tour | Blarney Castle
Take one of Ireland’s most scenic rail journeys from Cork and arrive in the seaport town of Cobh. Its picturesque harbor was the last glimpse of Ireland for millions of emigrants over the centuries. Take a guided walking tour to explore Cobh’s role as the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic, followed by free time to explore the town. Depart for Blarney Castle where you can kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the elegant gardens. Continue back to Adare, where you’ll dine in your hotel. (B, D)
Day 4: Dingle Peninsula | South Pole Inn
Travel to the rugged mountainous landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula; many people speak Irish in this stronghold of traditional culture. In the charming town of Dingle, stop for lunch at Paul Geaney’s Pub, a family-run gastropub on Main Street in the heart of town. Enjoy free time before departing for the South Pole Inn in the village of Annascaul. Enjoy a drink as you hear the story of the pub’s former owner – Ireland’s Antarctic explorer, Thomas Crean, who made several trips to the South Pole with Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Return to Adare where your evening is free to explore and dine independently. (B, L)
Day 5: Ring of Kerry Highlights | Jaunting Car Ride | Killarney
Depart for a scenic drive through the highlights of the famous Ring of Kerry, taking in the rugged coastline and mountainous landscapes. Admire the scenery at Ladies View, so named because Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting were charmed by the vista on the Queen’s visit to Ireland in 1861. Visit Moriarty’s, CIE Tours’ preferred shopping partner, in the Gap of Dunloe. In Killarney, where you’ll travel via jaunting car to view the lakes and enjoy a photo opportunity at the picturesque Ross Castle before having some free time to explore the town independently. Return to Adare for a farewell dinner with your group at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 6: Lunch at Taylors Three Rock | Independent Dublin Sightseeing
In Dublin, enjoy a lunchtime private pub experience at Taylors Three Rock. A band will play traditional music just for your group – and you’ll have the opportunity to learn the art of pouring a pint of Guinness. Spend the rest of the day exploring independently on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. A voucher will admit you to your choice of one of the city’s top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, the GPO Museum, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or Teeling Whiskey Distillery. Enjoy an evening free to discover Dublin’s pub and restaurant scene. Your hotel is in a great location in the historic Liberties – near the Guinness Storehouse and close to the lively pubs of Temple Bar. (B, L)
Day 7: Independent Day in Dublin
Enjoy an independent day in Dublin. You can continue to use the voucher for the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, and if you have not used your visit voucher on Day 6, you can use it today. Dine as you wish. (B)
Day 8: Tour Ends in Dublin
8-day tour ends after breakfast. (B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Authentic Local Experiences:
- Live like a local in one of Ireland’s most charming villages as you spend five nights in Adare, Co. Limerick. This historic town is the perfect hub for your vacation: get to know the lively shops and pubs as you explore.
- Discover the rich history of Cobh – recently named by Condé Nast as one of Europe’s 25 most beautiful small towns. The departure point for millions of emigrants over the centuries, Cobh was the last port of call for the Titanic.
Trip Highlights:
- Blarney Castle
- Cliffs of Moher
- Ring of Kerry Highlights
- Dingle Peninsula
- Lunch and Irish Music in Dublin
- Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney
- Tom Crean’s South Pole Inn
- Sheepdog Demonstration
Dining Experiences:
- 7 Breakfasts (B), 2 Lunches (L), and 4 Dinners (D)
Hotels:
- The Dunraven Hotel | Adare (5)
- Aloft Dublin City Hotel | Dublin (2)