2020 Northern Welcome - 9 Days/8 Nights

2020 Northern Welcome 9 Days / 8 Nights / 15 Meals

Day 1: Dublin Arrival & Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at your hotel in Stillorgan, a suburban village of Dublin. Take a guided panoramic tour of Dublin to see elegant Georgian townhouses with brightly painted doors and the wide thoroughfare of O’Connell Street. Tour Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland’s national necropolis, a “Who’s Who” of modern Irish history. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your group before enjoying dinner on your own at the hotel or in the nearby coastal town of Dun Laoghaire

Day 2: Dublin Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & Merry Ploughboy Pub Dinner Show
Spend some time touring Dublin independently with tickets for the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour and choose one of four of Ireland's most popular attractions: Guinness Storehouse, GPO Witness History, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or Teeling Distillery. In the evening, enjoy a meal of Irish specialties and a traditional show at the Merry Ploughboy Pub.
(B, D)

Day 3: Sean’s Bar & Galway Walking Tour
Travel to Athlone in County Westmeath to enjoy a CIE Tours’ Exclusive, a visit to Sean’s Bar. Founded in 900 AD, it is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as Europe’s oldest pub; raise a glass there as thirsty patrons have done for centuries. Journey on to beautiful Galway where you’ll have lunch on your own before taking a walking tour of this vibrant harbor city. Proceed to the charming coastal town of Westport for a dinner at your hotel this evening.
(B, D)

Day 4: Westport Walking Tour & Westport House
Start the day with a walking tour of Westport. Travel around Clew Bay, which is reputed to have 365 islands, to access Achill Island by bridge. Follow the Atlantic Drive, part of the Wild Atlantic Way, to capture wonderful views of steeply sloped mountains plunging into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Near Slievemore, see the Deserted Village and stop in Keel for a casual lunch. Return to Westport and take a tour around the stately Westport House, which contains a wealth of interesting portraits, furniture, silver, and porcelain. Enjoy a glass of beer or wine there. The evening is free for independent exploration and dining in Westport.
(B, L)

Day 5: Sheepdog Demonstration & Donegal
Enjoy a scenic drive to County Sligo, where you’ll stop for lunch. Proceed on for a visit to Atlantic Sheepdogs Farm to see a demonstration of trained sheepdogs herding sheep. Travel through rugged countryside and stop in Donegal for some free time to explore. Continue to Derry, where you’ll have time relax or explore before dinner at your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 6: Inishowen Peninsula & Derry’s Walls
Travel around the Inishowen Peninsula, a 100-mile scenic route. Drive alongside Lough Foyle, to Banba's Crown on Malin Head, the most northerly point of the Irish mainland, to admire stunning seascapes. Enjoy tea and scones with your fellow travelers at the Seaview Tavern before continuing towards Buncrana. Upon returning to Derry, join a local guide for a short walk around Derry’s medieval city walls that completely encircle the old city center. Learn about the city’s turbulent history through the centuries. Take a walk across the Peace Bridge and complete your tour at the Walled City Brewery Restaurant for dinner with a flight of 4 beers and a bottle of CIE Tours' signature beer to take away.
(B, D)

Day 7: Giant’s Causeway & Turf-Cutting Demonstration
See the natural wonder that is the Giant’s Causeway, hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Take some time at the Causeway Coast Discovery Centre for a talk and turf-cutting presentation before enjoying tea and scones. Drive south along the Glens of Antrim, one of Ireland’s popular scenic routes to discover lovely views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. This area is where many scenes from “Game of Thrones” were filmed. Travel on to Belfast where you will have some leisure time to explore independently before dinner at your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 8: Titanic Belfast & Long Meadow Cider
Discover Belfast and see the prominent buildings, political murals, and the docks where the RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit the magnificent Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art attraction that will immerse you in the story of this iconic liner.Visit Long Meadow Cider in Co. Armagh in a CIE Tours Exclusive. Enjoy a tour of this family-run farm and a tasting of their award-winning ciders. Depart for dinner at your castle hotel in Dunboyne.
(B, D)

Day 9: Tour Ends in Meath
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

All components of this tour (hotels, visits and attractions) for 2020 itineraries are subject to change until finalized in September 2019.

Authentic Local Experiences

• Witness a turf-cutting demonstration. Turf has been used as fuel throughout the years in Ireland.
• Visit Derry's Walled City Brewery for dinner and a tasting and take home an exclusive Signature CIE Tours beer.

Dining Experiences

• 8 breakfasts (B), 1 lunch (L) and 6 dinners (D) including a traditional dinner and show at the Merry Ploughboy Pub, Walled City Brewery Restaurant and Dunboyne Castle Hotel.

Trip Highlights

• Giant's Causeway
  
  

  Giant's Causeway

  The Giant's Causeway, renowned for its hexagonal basalt columns, was created from a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. It is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Ireland's most popular visitor attractions. It is steeped in myth and legend, especially about the mighty giant, Finn McCool.

• Glasnevin Cemetery Museum
  
  

  Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

  This is the world's first cemetery museum. A guided tour gives a valuable insight into this unique Victorian burial place and into the final resting place of the men and women who have helped shape Ireland’s past and present.

• Sheepdog Demonstration
  
  

  Sheepdog Demonstration

  Sheep farming is an important part of country life and watch a farmer with his working dogs control a flock of sheep. See how agile dogs obey various commands to round up sheep, especially useful in mountainous regions.

• Titanic Belfast
  
  

  Titanic Belfast

  Opened in April 2012 to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of this iconic ship, this new visitor experience tells the story of the Titanic from conception and construction right through the maiden voyage and tragic ending.

• Westport House
  
  

  Westport House

  This stately mansion was designed by Richard Cassels in 1731. Today visitors can see 30 elegant rooms filled with family portraits and priceless furnishings, silver and porcelain. The house is enhanced with lovely gardens overlooking Clew Bay.

Hotels - 8 Nights

• Talbot Hotel Stillorgan | Dublin (2)
  
  

  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.

• Wyatt Hotel | Westport (2)
  
  

  Wyatt Hotel | Westport | 3*

  This charming boutique hotel offers a great base for a stay in Westport. All 52 guest rooms are restful and provide great amenities. Enjoy tea or coffee at JW’s Brasserie, a relaxing drink in the traditional Cobblers Bar & Courtyard, or fantastic food and service in the welcoming dining room. Located on the Octagon, in the heart of Westport town. Great location for people-watching or browsing around the town. Hotel parking.

• Maldron Hotel | Derry (2)
  
  

  Maldron Hotel | Derry | 4*

  This is a stylish hotel with 90 spacious and comfortable guest rooms, which are well equipped. The Walls Restaurant which overlooks the historic city walls has been awarded an AA rosette and a passion for good food is evident. The Lyric Bar at the Tower Hotel is a music themed bar, a fitting tribute to a city renowned for its musical tradition. Guests can relax in the leisure suite complete with sauna and steam room. The hotel is located on Butcher Street, just within the historic city walls and within easy reach of city attractions. Hotel parking.

• Europa Hotel | Belfast (1)
  
  

  Europa Hotel | Belfast | 4*

  This well-established hotel offers 272 bedrooms with every comfort and luxury, including soundproofing to ensure a good night’s sleep. Enjoy good food, live piano and street views at the Piano Bar upstairs. Head to The Causerie for snack and specials or to the Lobby Bar for drinks and pub grub. Located on Great Victoria Street, in the heart of Belfast. The Opera House is next door and the historic Crown Liquor Saloon is across the street. Within easy walking distance of Donegall Square. Parking nearby

• Dunboyne Castle Hotel | Dunboyne (1)
  
  

  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.)