2021 Irish Legends - 10 Days/9 Nights

Day 1: Dublin Arrival | Malahide Castle
Your tour begins 2:00 PM at Dunboyne Castle. (We strongly recommend you arrange an airport transfer when you book your tour). Head to visit Malahide Castle, first built in 1185 and filled with medieval artifacts. Enjoy a welcome get-together drink with your group before dinner.
(D)

Day 2: National Stud | Kilkenny Walking Tour
Visit the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud, where you'll see immaculately bred stallions alongside protective mares, frolicking foals and athletic yearlings. Take a walk around the grounds to see St Fiachra's Garden and the miniature Japanese Gardens.Enjoy a casual lunch at the Kilkenny Design Centre, housed in the former stables of Kilkenny Castle. Take a walking tour of Kilkenny with a local guide along the Medieval Mile, the cities main street to see buildings dating back as far as the 13th century. The evening is free for independent dining.
(B, L)

Day 3: House of Waterford Crystal | Dunbrody Famine Ship
Visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner; see skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces on a factory tour. Then join a local guide for a gentle walking tour to hear stories about Waterford's long history and some of its colorful characters. Explore more of the town at your leisure, then head to New Ross to explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of the vessel used during the 1840s Famine to transport emigrants to North America.
(B, D)

Day 4: Cobh Heritage Centre | Blarney Castle
Travel south to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic and where many places associated with the liner still exist. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration over a number of centuries from Ireland to North America. Head to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or stroll through the spacious parklands to view Blarney House before travelling to Killarney.
(B, D)

Day 5: Killarney | Dingle Peninsula
Visit Moriarty's, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe. Afterwards discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula as you drive along the south shore to admire views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. Stop at the South Pole Inn for an Irish coffee and learn about Tom Crean, an early explorer who braved the South Pole. Browse around the town of Dingle and enjoy a drink, dinner and entertainment at Foley's Bar and Restaurant before returning to Killarney.
(B, D)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher | Galway Panoramic Tour
Embark on a memorable ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. View the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs where; on a clear day you can see great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Immerse yourself in farm life and watch a farmer demonstrate how his trained dogs herd mountain sheep. Enjoy tea and home made scones at the farm. Head to Galway for a panoramic city tour.
(B, D)

Day 7: Aran Islands | Dun Aengus Fort
Set out across Galway Bay for Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintain traditional fishing and farming methods. Head to Dun Aengus, a huge prehistoric fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. Explore Kilronan, the island's main village and enjoy a casual lunch before returning by ferry.
(B, L)

Day 8: Clonmacnoise | Sean's Bar | Abbey Tavern
Visit Clonmacnoise, a monastic settlement founded in 545 AD and set on the banks of the River Shannon. Marvel at elaborate high Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes, walk around the many church ruins and two round towers. Head to nearby Athlone and stop at Sean's Bar for an Irish coffee (CIE Tours Exclusive). This pub has a documented history going right back to 900 AD and is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest pub in Europe. During renovations in 1970, ancient walls and old coins dating back centuries were discovered. In the evening, head to Dublin's Abbey Tavern for an Irish dinner and lively show.
(B, D)

Day 9: Independent Dublin Sightseeing
Enjoy an independent day of sightseeing in Dublin using your Hop On Hop Off bus tour voucher. Using your visit voucher you can choose to visit one of the following top attractions - Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, Epic The Irish Emigration Museum or the GPO Museum.(B)

Day 10: Tour Ends in Dublin
10-day tour ends after breakfast (B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Authentic Local Experiences:

• Raise a glass at Sean's Bar in Athlone. Welcoming the thirsty since 900AD. It's in the Guinness Book of Records as Europe's oldest pubs! (CIE Tours Exclusive)
• Visit Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and discover the stronghold of traditional Irish culture and language. You will visit Dun Aengus, a prehistoric fort on the edge of a 100 metre cliff.
• Explore Irish emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of the vessel that carried Irish refugees to North America in the 1840's.

Dining Experiences:

• 9 breakfasts (B) 2 lunches (L) and 6 dinners (D)

Trip Highlights:

• Foley's Bar and Restaurant
• Cliffs of Moher
• Aran Islands Excursion
• Cobh Heritage Centre
• Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
• Sean's Bar in Athlone - CIE Tours Exclusive
• Dun Aengus Fort
• Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Irish National Stud and Gardens
• Irish Night in Dublin

Hotels - 9 Nights:

• Dunboyne Castle Hotel | Dunboyne (1 Night)
  
  

  Dunboyne Castle Hotel | Dunboyne | 4*

  This 18th century mansion has been lovingly restored and carefully expanded to create a spacious, modern property for a pleasant stay. Large guest rooms are designed for a tranquil night's rest. Guests can enjoy full Irish breakfasts and fine dining in the elegant restaurant or relax in one of the cozy bars. The spa and leisure center offers excellent facilities. Located beside Dunboyne village, just 15 miles from Dublin Airport and 14 miles from Dublin city center. Hotel parking.

• Newpark Hotel | Kilkenny (2 Nights)
  
  

  Newpark Hotel | Kilkenny | 4*

  This hotel combines the best traditions of Irish hospitality with modern facilities, dedicated professionalism and friendly service. Set on 20 acres of parkland, the hotel has a rural atmosphere. There is a wide range of dining options, including the Dove Bistro. Relax in one of the 129 superior guest rooms and enjoy the extensive health club facilities. Newpark is located on Castlecomer Road on the outskirts of this compact medieval city. 20 minutes walk to center. 75 miles SW of Dublin city. Hotel parking

• Killarney Towers Hotel | Killarney (2 Nights)
  
  

  Killarney Towers Hotel | Killarney | 4*

  This modern hotel provides guests with 182 rooms that are comfortable and include satellite TV and video facilities. An excellent restaurant serves great Irish breakfasts and carvery dinners while the choice of bars offer live music most nights. Enjoy a strenuous workout or leisurely dip in the pool in the extensive leisure center. Located in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs and the Killarney National Park. Hotel parking.

• Salthill Hotel | Galway (2 Nights)
  
  

  Salthill Hotel | Galway | 4*

  Modern amenities, a spectacular setting and luxurious interiors combine with traditional Irish hospitality and personalized service to create a great experience. Classically decorated guest rooms provide a simple, comfortable base for today's discerning guest. Choose from the Amber or Prom Restaurants for dining and relax in the Blackrock Lounge. Fitness and spa facilities add to your stay. Salthill Hotel is situated on the spectacular Salthill Galway promenade, with panoramic views of Galway Bay and the Clare hills, just two miles from Galway city center. Hotel parking.

• Radisson Blu Royal Hotel | Dublin (2 Nights)
  
  

  North Star Hotel | Dublin | 4*

  This newly refurbished hotel is supremely located in the heart of Dublin and within walking distance of a host of tourist attractions. The property boasts 160 exceptionally appointed guest rooms offering every amenity to ensure a comfortable and luxurious stay to each guest. Each bedroom is tastefully decorated, warm, inviting and designed to international standards. The extensive buffet selection offers both a Continental breakfast choices or a traditional hot Irish buffet using only the highest quality of freshly cooked products and is sure to satisfy every taste.