2021 Best of Ireland South (Tour A) - 8 Days/7 Nights

Day 1: Independent Exploration in Dublin
Explore Dublin independently. Head into the city center, to take the Hop On Hop Off bus tour and see this vibrant city of Georgian squares, bustling pubs and the River Liffey. Choose a visit to one of Dublin's top attractions using your included voucher: the Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, GPO Museum or EPIC The Irish Eimigration Museum. You are free to explore the restaurants and pubs of the city center or return to your hotel for independent dining as your wish

Day 2: Dublin Tour | Book of Kells | Little Museum of Dublin
Enjoy a free morning in Dublin for further independent sightseeing with the included vouchers. Meet your guide at 2:00 PM in the hotel lobby and set off on a panoramic tour of Dublin city center. Enjoy a walking tour of Trinity College with a local guide; visit the library to see the Book of Kells, the famed 9th century manuscript that is perhaps Ireland's greatest cultural treasure. Next, visit the Little Museum of Dublin; located in a Georgian townhouse, it tells the fascinating story of the city. Your after-hours visit is a CIE Tours Exclusive - you'll enjoy a welcome drink there with your group before returning to your hotel for dinner.
(B, D)

Day 3: Sheepdog Demonstration | Blarney Castle | Killarney
Relax and enjoy the farmlands of the picturesque midlands. Savor farm life as you visit a traditional farm; enjoy homemade scones with tea, and watch trained dogs show off their skills herding sheep. Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous 'Stone of Eloquence' or explore the tranquil gardens. Travel through Macroom and into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more mountainous. Arrive in the charming town of Killarney
(B, D)

Day 4: Dingle Peninsula | Traditional Irish Night in Muckross Schoolhouse
Discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous in the movies “Ryan's Daughter” and “Far & Away,” which showcased the wonderful scenery found here. Travel to Slea Head at the westernmost tip of the peninsula for awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish entertainment over dinner at Muckross Schoolhouse - a CIE Tours Exclusive
(B, D)

Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride | Adare |Limerick Panoramic Tour
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate. Visit Moriarty's at the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Head to the village of Adare, famous for its main street lined with thatched cottages and colorful gardens. Proceed to Limerick and take a panoramic tour.
(B, D)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Travel along the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O'Brien's Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Take a guided walking tour of the old city of Galway. In the evening, head for a medieval-style feast, where lords and ladies will serenade you with music and songs from days of yore
(B, D)

Day 7: Irish National Stud | Dublin
Enjoy the scenic Irish countryside on your way to Kildare where you'll visit the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud. Here 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. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure and dine at your choice of one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered throughout Dublin
(B)

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

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

CIE Tours Exclusives:

• Step back in time at Muckross Schoolhouse showing the experience of schoolchildren in the past.  Learn your cúpla focal (few words) in a fun Irish language lesson before enjoying a private dinner with entertainment
• Visit The Little Museum of Dublin for a fascinating look at the city's history and a private after hours entry where you will get a private tour as you sip on beer or wine

Trip Highlights:

• Blarney Castle
• Dingle Peninsula
• Trinity College & Book of Kells
• Sheepdog Demonstration
• Little Museum of Dublin - CIE Tours Exclusive
• Muckross Schoolhouse - CIE Tours Exclusive
• Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney
• Medieval Castle Banquet

Dining Experiences:

• 7 breakfasts (B) and 5 dinners (D)

Hotels - 7 Nights:

• Talbot Hotel Stillorgan, Dublin (2 nights)
  
  

  Talbot Hotel Stillorgan | Dublin | 4*

  This hotel offers 150 air-conditioned, modern guest rooms with all conveniences for a comfortable stay. Enjoy the award-winning restaurant for breakfasts and dinners while the bar provides a place to relax with a drink or casual meal. Keep up your exercise program in the White Pebble Day Spa and gym. Located on Stillorgan Road on the south side of Dublin city, this hotel is 4 miles from the city center. Served by frequent city bus services and taxis.

• Scotts Hotel | Killarney (2 nights)
  
  

  Scotts Hotel | Killarney | 4*

  The hotel offers 105 spacious guest rooms featuring free Wi-Fi, private bathroom, tea/coffee- making facilities and flat-screen TV. Soft and crisp duvets, snug throws, soft natural daylight and rich furnishings combine to create a sense of relaxation. Dine in the elegant Courtyard Restaurant or enjoy a casual snack in the relaxed, spacious Scotts Bar, where live music is performed at weekends. The family-run hotel is located in the center of Killarney town.

• The Inn at Dromoland | Newmarket-on-Fergus (2 nights)
  
  

  The Inn at Dromoland
  Newmarket-on-Fergus | 3*

  Fully refurbished in 2014, the Inn at Dromoland features well-appointed bedrooms, a landmark Gastro Pub called Shannigan's, a fully equipped health and fitness club, indoor swimming pool, tennis courts and complimentary WIFI. The hotel is just 10 minutes' drive from Shannon Airport and situated on the beautiful 450-acre Dromoland Castle Estate, just a short walk to the iconic Dromoland Castle Hotel.

• Grand Canal Hotel or Clayton Dublin Airport  Hotel | Dublin (1 night)
  
  

  Grand Canal Hotel or Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport | Dublin | 3*

  The Grand Canal Hotel offers 142 spacious rooms equipped with plenty of conveniences, including tea/coffee makers. The Epic Restaurant serves international dishes and the Glassworks Bar offers a pleasant atmosphere for a drink with sports programs on plasma TVs. A fitness center and free Wi-Fi add to clients' enjoyment. It is located to the south of the city center near the Grand Canal. It's a 15-minute walk to Grafton Street, Trinity College, National Gallery of Art and many other attractions. DART train service nearby. Hotel parking.