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CIE Tours: The Early Years

Rooted in Ireland, with a history of innovation

CIE Tours was founded in 1932 – and since then, the company has expanded beyond the wildest dreams of its founders. Little did they know that nine decades later, CIE Tours would be a thriving U.S.-based company. It would, over the years, bring millions of travelers not only to Ireland, but also to Scotland, England, Wales, Italy and Iceland.  As CIE Tours celebrates its 90th anniversary, we are reflecting on our past – and thinking about how CIE Tours played a pivotal role in developing Ireland into a beloved tourism destination for travelers from around the world.

The early years of CIE Tours are inextricably bound up with the excitement of a burgeoning global travel industry, and even more so with the pioneering spirit of air travel. The company was perfectly placed to take advantage of exciting global developments as Ireland took an early lead as a center of innovation for commercial travel. Let’s take a look at some of the landmark moments in Irish history that helped shape the future of CIE Tours, and helped to create our role as the premier tour company into Ireland and beyond.

Poster with black and white photograph of three women in a rural Irish scene
Posters featuring the alluring beauty of Ireland played an important role in the early days of tourism. This poster was designed by Walter Till and dates to around the time of our founding as a small division of Great Southern Railways in 1932. (Credit: National Museum of Ireland)

To begin, let's consider 1932: the year that the company that would become CIE Tours was born as a small division of the Great Southern Railways. 1932 was a special year in Ireland – it was the year the International Eucharistic Congress, an international Catholic festival, was held in Dublin. Ireland was chosen that year because it was the 1500th anniversary of Saint Patrick’s arrival. The new nation and its three million Catholics had never seen such an event. The city of Dublin was decorated with bunting, garlands, banners, and replica round towers. There were parties to welcome visiting dignitaries, a public Mass in the Phoenix Park that attracted a quarter of Ireland’s population, and a notable architect created a number of buildings that still stand today.

A new radio station was set up to broadcast the events – it would become RTE, today’s national broadcaster. Journalists, commentators, and the faithful visited from around the globe. One historian has noted, “there was a sense that Ireland was on show to the world”.

Poster depicting a valley in Killarney
This poster depicting the Gap of Dunloe - still a beloved beauty spot - dates to the 1930s. It was designed by G. H. Bland. (Credit: National Museum of Ireland)

And indeed it was – there were so many visitors to Ireland for the occasion that there was an accommodation crisis. Many visiting Americans stayed aboard seven ocean liners that moored in the Dublin docks, each holding from 130 to 1,500 people each. This all lent a glamorous air to the city and a sense of excitement for its citizens. Dubliners, meanwhile, were accommodating visiting relatives and other pilgrims in their homes – the nation had even set about producing extra mattresses to enable Dubliners to accommodate them all.

Naturally, all the visitors would want to see the sights and beautiful scenery, and the Great Southern Railway was waiting to whisk this influx of tourists away with its new touring division - this was the start of CIE Tours. The railways carried eager visitors from Dublin to the most picturesque parts of the West of Ireland. At the time, the railway companies of Ireland owned luxurious hotels – some of which our tours still visit today.

Two buses in front of a hotel in Co Wicklow Ireland
Here are two touring coaches from the Great Southern Railway's fleet, outside Keenan's Hotel in Roundwood Co. Wicklow, now known as The Coach House. The uniformed man in front of the bus is likely a driver. The photo dates back to the 1930s, and the photographer is unknown. (Credit: The Classic Irish Buses website.)

But the real future of transportation within Ireland was in nimble buses, not rail – and the Great Southern Railway took a major step in this direction in 1934, when it acquired the Irish Omnibus Company and its fleet of buses. These buses meant visitors could be easily taken to the country’s attractions, no matter how far off the rail line. The buses would whisk visitors away from their entry ports to the hotels, and then on to the Ring of Kerry or the wilds of Connemara.

While early visitors arrived by boats from England or ocean liners from the US., it was becoming clear in the 1930s that air travel would be the true foundation of Ireland’s tourism industry, in part because of its proximity to the U.S. as an entry point to Western Europe. In 1936, aviation pioneer Charles Lindbergh brought Irish politician Éamon de Valera, soon to be Taoiseach (Prime Minister), on his very first flight. They circled above the island, accompanied by two executives from Pan American Airways. It was the New York-born Irish politician's first glimpse of Ireland from above. Mr. de Valera would later quote Mr. Lindbergh as saying “In any development of transatlantic travel, Ireland holds the key."

CIE Tours poster, featuring Dublin Castle
Dublin Castle was one of the many sights that would lure eager visitors. This poster likely dates to the 1950s. (Credit: National Museum of Ireland)

It was in 1945 that Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) was founded, uniting the Great Southern Railways with the Dublin United Tramway Company. The name means "Irish Transport Service" in the Irish language. CIÉ began its operations on 1st January 1945 as a private company with shares traded on the Dublin stock exchange. In 1950, the Irish government introduced a law to transform CIÉ into a semi-state body, and for the next decade or two, the company upgraded and modernized its fleet of buses. 

Another tremendously important landmark in Ireland’s history was the launch of commercial transatlantic flights in 1958. The first such flight between Ireland and New York was a tremendous occasion, with the mayor of New York City and other dignitaries arriving. Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) Sean Lemass and other prominent Irish politicians joined them for the return flight over to New York.

At a celebratory dinner in the Big Apple, Sean Lemass spoke warmly of the relationship between America and Ireland, reflecting on the importance of the Irish diaspora:

"One thing you can be sure of, you will never see any 'Americans, Go Home" signs in our country. Our feeling for the United States and its people is deep and warm. We feel that everyone in this country with Irish connections should visit Ireland at least once."

A CIE Tours poster with a bus passing Blarney Castle
This poster depicts a stylish CIE Tours bus passing by Blarney Castle. If you look closely you'll see the bus says "The Shannon" on the front - for a time in the 1960s CIE Tours' distinctive yellow "banana buses" were named after Irish rivers. (Credit: National Museum of Ireland)

CIE Tours was ready to welcome these American travelers to Ireland with innovative new products, some departing from Shannon Airport. As the New York Times had reported, 

"To give Americans traveling by air to Europe an opportunity to get a sampling of what Ireland can offer, the National Transport Company (known as C.I.E.) has introduced this year motor coach tours from Shannon to Killarney and Blarney. The cost of the trip is $38, which covers everything, including hotels, meals and tips. As a tryout these Shannon trips will be run this year from June 2 to the 28th and from Sept. 1 to the 27th, Saturdays excluded.

Another new luxury coach tour by C.I.E., this one lasting eight days, takes in the Yeats country of Sligo and the lovely island-studded Lough Gill. From Sligo there is a drive through part of Mayo and into Galway, from where there is an afternoon's fun to the towering Cliffs of Moher on the Atlantic coast. This tour includes a whole day in the heart of Connemara, Killarney and the complete Ring of Kerry, getting back to Dublin on a Sunday evening. The all-inclusive price is $76.14."

The new tours were a tremendous success, and indeed, the deep and warm feelings between Ireland and the people of the United States were mutual – so much so that  by 1964, CIE Tours had opened an office on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. Its transition from a small division of the Irish rail service to a fully fledged international tour company was complete.

CIE Tours guide in the 1960s
Then, as now, CIE Tours guides were ready to greet visitors with the warmest of welcomes. This staffer and the guides in the top photo were photographed in 1969. (Credit: CIE archives)

 

Ireland Tours

Showing 16 of 16 total

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Taste of Ireland

Starting from $1,395

4.7
5/7 Days

This fast-paced, short-and-sweet Ireland tour is the perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle. Taste of Ireland hits all of the "greatest hits" highlights—from Blarney Castle to the Cliffs of…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Best of Ireland South

Starting from $1,845

4.7
6/8 Days

Give us a week, and we'll tour the best of Ireland with you. Thrill at the amazing Cliffs of Moher and the gorgeous Dingle Peninsula on this perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle. 

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Irish Heritage

Starting from $2,395

4.9
7/8 Days

See all the highlights on this classic tour - and on our 8-day option, luxuriate in a stay at the elegant, five-star Dromoland Castle Hotel.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Southern Gems

Starting from $2,045

4.7
7 Days

Visit many beloved highlights of Ireland: Dublin Castle, Blarney Castle, the Cliffs of Moher. Experience a medieval castle banquet.  Stay in two of Ireland's most charming towns: Kinsale and…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Mystical Ireland

Starting from $2,595

4.9
8 Days

Explore the lesser-known northern half of Ireland, starting in Dublin and ending in Shannon. This itinerary hugs the coastline and visits St. Patrick country, Titanic Belfast, the walled city of…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Irish Spirit

Starting from $1,995

4.8
8/9 Days

This leisurely Irish tour covers the spectacular scenery of the countryside and seaside, with plenty of stops in the Emerald Isle's vibrant towns to stop and explore.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Irish Adventure

Starting from $1,945

4.8
8/9 Days

Make the most of every moment of your Ireland vacation—you'll discover all the can't-miss Irish scenery and history on this fast-paced tour.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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The Irish Pub Tour

Starting from $2,145

4.8
8/9 Days

Irish pubs are the hearts of their communities—a source of camaraderie, stories, and song. Raise a glass (or two!) to rich pub culture and history on this guided tour of Ireland, which offers…

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

Irish Gold

Starting from $2,345

4.8
8/9 Days

Take your time on this Ireland tour, which explores the most acclaimed sights in the south and west, including the mountainous beauty of Connemara.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

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Irish Legends

Starting from $2,695

4.8
9/10 Days

Delve into Ireland and its past on this tour, which mixes in plenty of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path sights among the tried-and-true favorites. 

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Irish Odyssey

Starting from $3,395

4.8
12 Days

Explore Ireland's gorgeous scenery and rich history on this comprehensive Irish tour that hits every corner of the island.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Irish Classic

Starting from $3,745

4.8
12/13 Days

Skirt along the entire rugged coastline to see the highlights on this Ireland tour. 

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Jewels of Ireland

Starting from $3,995

4.9
13/14 Days

Enjoy the splendor of every corner on this leisurely Ireland tour of the essential—and the unexpected.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

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Ireland South Daytripper

Starting from $2,295

7/8 Days

Turn your Irish vacation into a staycation. Set up your home base in the lovely village of Adare, then set out on day trips to see some of Ireland's top attractions. 

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups, Independent Adventures

Evergreen Ireland South

Starting from $1,195

7 Days

This spirited tour offers many of Ireland’s must-see highlights, with plenty of time for independent exploration.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

Evergreen Ireland North

Starting from $1,145

7 Days

Scenic wonders, lively cities, and cozy firesides: this winter tour of Ireland showcases the best of the northern half of the island.

​Guided Tours, Guided Small Groups

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