Day 1: Dublin Sightseeing
Welcome to Dublin. Today you will use your voucher to tour Dublin on a Hop On, Hop Off bus tour. See all the sights of this vibrant city, including its Georgian squares, Christchurch Cathedral, Grafton Street shops, the River Liffey, stopping off when and as often as you wish.
Day 2: Dublin Sightseeing | Taylors Three Rock Pub
Today you will be totally free to explore the city as you wish, continuing to use your Hop On Hop Off bus ticket. You will also have a voucher you can use to visit your choice of one of these top Dublin attractions: The Guinness Storehouse, this spectacular seven storey attraction telling the tale of Ireland's most iconic brew. Teeling Distillery, tour one of Dublin's newest distilleries to experience the sights, sounds and smells of whiskey production. Established in 2015, Teelings is located in the Liberties, the historic heart of old Dublin. EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the world's only fully digital museum tells the story of the 10 million people who emigrated from Ireland over the centuries, and how they changed the world. The GPO Museum, Dublin's General Post Office played a key role in one of the most pivotal moments of Irish History, the Easter Rising 1916. The museum in the GPO brings this era to life. In the evening, head to Taylor's Three Rock Pub for dinner and entertainment.
(B, D)
Day 3: House of Waterford Crystal | Cork
Pick up your Hertz rental car and begin your driving adventure by heading south. At the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, experience a tour of the factory and watch skilled artisans cut crystal into sparkling masterpieces. Continue along the coast to Cork, Ireland's second largest city, where you will dine in your riverside hotel.
(B, D)
Day 4: Blarney Castle | Killarney
Perhaps stroll through the English Market, where vendors have been selling local and artisanal foods since 1788. Take a short drive to visit Blarney Castle where you can climb the winding stairs to kiss its famed stone, or stroll the gardens. Head to Kenmare, a tranquil country town of art galleries, craft shops and gourmet eateries. Continue on your way to Killarney, stopping at Moll's Gap to enjoy the splendid views. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)
Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride | Dingle Peninsula
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate and see Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney's lakes. You might choose to visit Moriarty's at the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Travel to the scenic Dingle Peninsula for views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. You might choose to drive the Slea Head loop to enjoy more spectacular scenery or spend time in the charming town of Dingle. Alternatively, you could drive the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's most famous scenic drive. Dine independently this evening.
(B)
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Drive to the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. Check out the visitor center and then walk along the top of the cliffs, enjoying dramatic views across to Connemara and the Aran Islands. Drive through the austere limestone beauty of the Burren, continuing on to the vibrant city of Galway. Browse the shops along the pedestrianized High Street, visit the City Museum or the Galway Arts Centre, or people watch as you sip coffee on Quay Street. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)
Day 7: Connemara Drive | Kylemore Abbey | Corrib Cruise (seasonal)
Take a drive through Connemara for sweeping views of misty mountains and shimmering lakes. Stop at Kylemore Abbey for a walk through this elegant mansion, set beside a tranquil lake. Return to Galway to take a scenic cruise on Lough Corrib (seasonal from 29 March to 31 October). Spend the rest of the day enjoying Galway as you wish and dining independently. The city is known for its many great restaurants and pubs, and if you are interested in traditional music you are sure to find some.
(B)
Day 8: Belleek Pottery | Derry
Visit Belleek Pottery for a tour of the factory that creates this distinctive fine china beloved by collectors worldwide. Follow the Atlantic shore to Donegal town, where you might choose to visit a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Triona Design. Continue on through the majestic Barnesmore Gap to Derry, a city known for its turbulent history but now home to a thriving arts scene. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)
Day 9: Giant's Causeway | Walled City Brewery
Explore the Giant's Causeway, huge hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Local lore says legendary Finn McCool built the causeway as his path to battle a Scottish enemy. Back in Derry, take a walk across the Peace Bridge, which unites two areas historically divided by identity. Dine at the Walled City Brewery Restaurant, a family owned gastropub in a historic former army barracks, enjoy a drink with your dinner and a flight of 4 of the brewery's beers to taste.
(B, D)
Day 10: Belfast | Titanic Belfast | Cabra Castle
Head to Belfast and visit Titanic Belfast to learn the story of the ill-fated ocean liner in the city where it was built. Travel to Kingscourt and your castle hotel, built in 1760 and situated on 100 acres of gardens and parklands. You might want to arrive in the afternoon to give you time to enjoy this luxurious property. Dine in the Court restaurant this evening.
(B, D)
Day 11: Knightsbrook Hotel Trim
Travel to Trim, County Meath - a beautiful town with a rich legacy of medieval buildings. The town is dominated by the medieval Trim Castle, used as a filming location for the film 'Braveheart', near the castle is one of the oldest bridges in Ireland, still in use after 700 years. You might choose to walk around the town on the self-guided Trim Historic Trail, which takes about one hour, follow the historical signs from the Visitor Centre and see the ancient town gates, the remains of the old leper hospital, the Echo Gate and the Tomb of the Jealous Man and Woman. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)
Day 12: Tour Ends in Trim
Your program ends after breakfast. Drop your rental car at Dublin Airport.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Authentic Local Experiences:
- Enjoy a flight of locally brewed craft beers with your dinner at the Walled City Brewery a family owned establishment located in a former army barracks in the heart of Derry
Trip Highlights:
- Irish Night in Dublin
- Giant's Causeway
- Belleek Pottery
- Kylemore Abbey
- Titanic Belfast
- Walled City Brewery
Dining Experiences:
- 11 hot breakfasts (B) and 8 dinners (D)
Hotels - 11 Nights:
- Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (2 nights)
- The River Lee Hotel | Cork (1 night)
- Killarney Plaza Hotel | Killarney (2 nights)
- The Galmont Hotel & Spa | Galway (2 nights)
- City Hotel | Derry (2 nights)
- Cabra Castle Hotel | Kingscourt (1 night)
- Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort | Trim, Co. Meath (1 night)