2021 The Irish Pub Tour Self-Drive - 9 Days/8 Nights

Day 1: Dublin | Church Bar & Restaurant
Welcome to Dublin, a city known for its lively pubs, the wit of its people and an unparalleled literary heritage. Stroll the city as you wish today, seeing its fine Georgian architecture, the shopping along pedestrianized Grafton Street, Trinity College in the center of town. This evening, enjoy dinner at The Church Bar & Restaurant, this converted building is where brewer Arthur Guinness was married, playwright Sean O'Casey was baptized and where Handel practiced the organ before the first ever public performance of his 'Messiah' in 1742.
(D)

Day 2: Kilkenny | Smithwick's Experience
Pick up your Hertz rental car and head to the small, historic city of Kilkenny. You might choose to stroll along its Medieval Mile to experience its rich heritage, narrow streetscapes, and well-preserved merchants' houses. Smell the hops and enjoy a sample on a tour of Smithwick's Experience, telling the story of the popular brewery in the heart of the city since 1710. Spend some free time browsing in charming Kilkenny before dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)

Day 3: Blarney Castle | Killarney
Travel on to visit Blarney Castle. Climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous stone, which legend promises will bestow the 'Gift of the Gab' or simply explore the beautiful gardens. Pass through County Cork to the lively town of Killarney - a draw for visitors to Ireland since the 18th century. Have dinner in your hotel, and then perhaps venture out to explore some of its friendly pubs, many with live music.
(B, D)

Day 4: Dingle Peninsula | Celtic Whiskey Experience
See some of the most dramatic scenery in Ireland today, as you explore the mountains and seascapes of County Kerry. You may choose to visit Moriarty's at the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, before heading out to the Dingle Peninsula. This beautiful region was made famous by films like 'Ryans Daughter' and 'Far and Away'. Enjoy some time in the town of Dingle, a town renowned for its charm. Alternatively, you might choose to drive the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's best known scenic drive. In the evening head to the Celtic Whiskey Bar in Killarney for a tasting, chocolate pairing and dinner.
(B, D)

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Walk along the top of the cliffs for views across Galway Bay to Connemara and the Aran Islands. Head to Galway and your hotel in the seaside suburb of Salthill. Have dinner in your beachfront hotel, and then you might choose one of the lively pubs in Salthill or head into Galway city center.
(B, D)

Day 6: Sean's Bar | Athlone
Spend a leisurely morning exploring vibrant, artistic Galway as you please. Venture to Athlone, and Sean's Bar the oldest bar in Ireland, dating back to 900 AD, it is also the oldest bar in Europe according to the Guinness Book of Records. The sloped floors (often covered in sawdust), candlelight and turf fires pay nostalgic tribute to this pub's rich history. Enjoy dinner in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)

Day 7: Guinness Storehouse | Dublin
Enjoy the scenery of central Ireland as you head to Dublin on the east coast. Visit the Guinness Storehouse in the heart of the city - one of Ireland's most popular attractions - and enjoy a sample of Ireland's iconic brew as you take in the panoramic views from the seventh floor Gravity Bar. Dine independently this evening.
(B)

Day 8: Sightseeing in Dublin
Take a Hop On Hop Off bus tour, and see all the city's highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Your Hop On Hop Off bus ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin, an old Georgian townhouse with a fantastic collection of 5,000 objects telling the story of the city. Plus you will also have a voucher to visit one of Dublin's top attractions. Choose from Teeling Distillery, the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world (winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction in 2019), or the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland's Independence. Dine independently this evening.
(B)

Day 9: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your program ends after breakfast. Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Authentic Local Experiences:

• Raise a glass at Sean's Bar, in the Guinness Book of Records as Europe's oldest pub, it's been serving thirsty customers since the 900's.

Dining Experiences:

• 8 breakfasts (B) and 6 dinners (D)

Trip Highlights:

• Blarney Castle
• Cliffs of Moher
• Guinness Storehouse
• Celtic Whiskey Bar in Killarney
• Smithwicks Experience
• Sean's Bar in Athlone
• Dingle Peninsula

Hotels - 8 Nights:

• Hilton Garden Inn Custom House or Croke Park Hotel | Dublin (1 night)

  
  

  Croke Park Hotel | Dublin | 4*

  This modern hotel offers 232 spacious and comfortable guestrooms, all of them offer a tranquil environment in which you can unwind and relax. Dine in the Sideline Bistro and Bar where guests can enjoy stylish surroundings and a tempting choice of unique cuisine. The hotel also offers a fully equipped gymnasium where guests can maintain their usual fitness regime. You can walk to local shops and pubs. Located right beside Croke Park Stadium and close to city bus service to central Dublin. Only a 20-minute drive to Dublin Airport. Hotel parking.

• Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel | Kilkenny (1 night)
  
  

  Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel | Kilkenny | 4*

  This hotel offers cozy rooms with crisp bedding, rich furnishings and little touches to create a sense of relaxed luxury. A light-filled and inviting space, Savor Restaurant offers award-winning standards of food and service for breakfast, lunch or dinner while O'Reilly's Bar & Restaurant provides a relaxed ambience, for a drink and some excellent food. Great leisure facilities. Located in the center of this compact medieval city within easy walking distance of Kilkenny Castle, Rothe House, shops and pubs. 75 miles SW of Dublin city. Parking nearby.

• International Hotel | Killarney (2 nights)
  
  

  International Hotel | Killarney | 4*

  One of Killarney's long-established and traditional hotels, it blends the charm of times past with the warmest of welcomes to guests. 90 bedrooms provide everything for a comfortable stay. Hannigan's award-winning restaurant offers great food and the cozy bar often features live music. Located right in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs. Also close to the jaunting car stand and Killarney National Park. Hotel parking.

• Galway Bay Hotel| Galway (1 night)
• Sheraton Hotel| Athlone (1 night)
• Ashling Hotel | Dublin (2 nights)
  
  

  Ashling Hotel | Dublin | 4*

  This contemporary property offers 225 spacious and well-equipped guest rooms as well as stylish, modern restaurants, bar and public spaces. The hotel offers a wide range of services and amenities. Located on the north bank of the River Liffey near Phoenix Park, the hotel is well placed for exploring Dublin. It's a 20-minute walk to the city center and Temple Bar or just 5 minutes by Luas tram which stops close to the hotel. Hotel parking.