2025 Ireland South Daytripper - 8 Days/7 Nights
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 May 22; Sept 4, 11, 25; Oct 2, 9 will stay at the luxurious Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel, 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. Join a local guide for a walking tour to see charming thatched cottages, ancient churches and historic buildings 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 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. Drive through the Burren, where you’ll be amazed at the 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. Dine at your hotel in Adare this evening.
(B, D)
Day 3: 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 4: 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. Join a local guide for a 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. At Blarney Castle, you can kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the elegant gardens. Continue back to Adare, where you’ll dine at your hotel.
(B, D)
Day 5: Ring of Kerry Highlights, Jaunting Car Ride & Killarney
Enjoy the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, taking in the rugged coastline, mountainous landscapes, and scenic Ladies View, so named because Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting were charmed by the vista on the Queen’s visit in 1861. Visit Moriarty’s, CIE Tours’ preferred shopping partner, in the Gap of Dunloe. In Killarney, travel via jaunting car to view the lakes at the picturesque Ross Castle with 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 private lunchtime 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. 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
Explore Dublin 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, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, or Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience. Dine as you wish.
(B)
Day 8: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your 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 or Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel & Spa | outside Adare (For departures on May 22; Sept 4, 11, 25; Oct 2, 9) (5)
- Aloft Dublin City Hotel | Dublin (2)