We sat down for a chat with Gene Folsom, the Product Manager for one of our new-for-2025 tours that we’re really excited about: The Dublin Daytripper. He tells us what guests can look forward to on this trip that takes in some exciting attractions that are brand-new to CIE Tours, and says this trip is a perfect pick for culture-lovers, whether they’re first-timers or frequent travelers.

Q. What is the Dublin Daytripper experience all about? 

A: The Dublin Daytripper is the latest addition to our popular Daytripper series, which are tours that spend most or all nights in one hotel, and guests make daily visits to some of the destination’s most beloved attractions and returning to the hotel each evening. It’s a great option for people who love the idea of unpacking once, experiencing amazing highlights, and experiencing their homebase locale as they please in the evening.

Q. Tell me about the Dublin experience.

 This tour offers some fascinating cultural experiences – and we think it’s going to be a lot of fun, for either first timers to Ireland or frequent travelers. We have some unique offerings we know our guests are going to love – visits that will delight music-lovers, sports enthusiasts, and history buffs. The focus on music and sports adds an exciting twist that’s unusual in a guided vacation.

Q. What are some of the classic highlights guests will experience? 

A. There are plenty of classic favorites – They’ll take in traditional music, see some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, and experience so much culture. 

Guests will visit the scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough, where they can walk in the footsteps of Ireland’s saints and scholars, surrounded by the beautiful ruins of one of Ireland’s most important monastic sites. 

They’ll visit Malahide Castle and discover 800 years of history and heritage, including stunning architecture and period furniture. 

They’ll also take in a sheepdog demonstration – always a guest favorite to watch the very skilled dogs hard at work minding their flock. 

They’ll visit the award-winning EPIC The Emigration Museum to learn about the experience of the Irish around the world. 

Plus they’ll have an afternoon to tour Dublin as they please, with their choice of visiting Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, the GPO Museum, or the Jameson Bow St. Experience. 

And then we’ve got some amazing new experiences, that we’ve never featured before on any other tour…

Q. What’s new on the Dublin Daytripper that makes it so distinctive? What’s on the trip for sports lovers? 

A. We’re particularly excited about the fun we’re going to have with sports. 

They’ll take a visit to Kilkenny for an introduction to hurling – it’s the world’s oldest and fastest field game. They’ll not just hear about the game – they’ll get to pick up a hurl and sliotar (a stick and a ball) for themselves and learn a few skills. It’s a great introduction to one of the most exciting parts of Irish culture. 

Guests will also visit Croke Park, Ireland’s most iconic stadium, where they’ll visit the museum and learn about the traditions of all the Gaelic games, and hear more about the role of sports in Ireland’s history. 

Q: What’s on offer for music lovers? 

For music lovers, we’ve got a few great treats – On their first day, they’ll visit the Clarence Hotel for dinner in Cleaver East. Several members of U2 famously once owned the Clarence Hotel. 

But that’s just the start – they’ll visit Windmill Lane Studios, the legendary recording studio where U2 and so many other artists made history. Anyone interested in Irish rock will appreciate being in the very spaces where artists like Van Morrison, The Cranberries, and Planxty crafted their records – along with international superstars like The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Ed Sheeran, and Lady Gaga. 

Q: And tell us about the style aspect.

A. For those interested in design and style, we’ve got some special experiences. They’ll visit Newbridge Silverware, who have been making stunning jewelry and fine cutlery since 1934, for a factory tour to learn about the fine craftsmanship – and then they’ll have some time to stroll through the Museum of Style Icons, housing items once worn by stars like Marilyn Monroe, Princess Di, the Beatles, and more.

They’ll also visit Russborough House, one of Ireland’s most elegant homes, which houses an extraordinary collection of art. 

Plus, when we visit Kilkenny, we’re doing lunch at the Kilkenny Design Center, features the exceptional work of some of Ireland’s best artisans and crafts people, with art, pottery, jewelry, and more. It’s a great spot for exquisite souvenirs.

Q. What can our guests expect to be dining on? 

A. Our guests can look forward to some great food experiences! As with all our tours, of course, breakfast in the hotel is included every day starting with Day 2, and we have several other included meals.

 Our first group dinner as I mentioned is at Cleaver East, which serves up a creative fusion of East Asian flavors crafted from local ingredients. 

I’ve mentioned the lunch at Kilkenny Design will be in the relaxed café featuring artisanal local food. 

There’s also another lunch at the Abbey Tavern, featuring Irish favorites in a traditional pub atmosphere – and the pub dates to the 16th century.

 And there’ll be a fantastic farewell dinner at The Merry Ploughboy. It’s the only pub in Ireland owned by traditional musicians who perform at every show. Our guests love the entertainment, and they rave about the food, with classics like Irish beef, sea trout,  and seafood chowder. And of course there are always vegetarian options. 

Q. And the hotel is obviously very important for a tour like this, where you unpack once – can you tell us more about it? 

A. Guests will stay at the Trinity City Hotel for five nights – we couldn’t ask for a better location, right in the heart of Dublin. It’s steps from Trinity College, a couple of minutes to Dublin’s best shopping on Grafton Street, and a five-minute stroll from the restaurants and pubs in the famous Temple Bar area. The four-star hotel is comfortable and stylish – and perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

Q. Do you have any other tips for making the most out of the trip?

Sure – I’d recommend guests consider a couple of extra nights before and after the trip. A pre-night is a great way for guests to enjoy a more relaxed start to the tour after a trans-Atlantic flight. And a post-night or two after the tour is a great idea, particularly if you’re the kind of person who likes to gather tips as you travel and check them out at your leisure.

We send out a Go-To Guide with a lot of information and tips – definitely have a read of that. It’s got all the basics for your tour plus a bit more.

And the biggest tip of all is to engage the locals – whenever and wherever possible. There’s a great pub only a few minutes’ walk from the hotel - an old-school pub called Mulligans. It’s a a great spot for checking out a classic Irish pub experience, beloved by locals and visitors alike

Q.  Any final thoughts?

A. I encourage everyone to join us on the Dublin Daytripper! It’s a fantastic way to experience the heart of Ireland while enjoying the comfort of a single hotel stay. You’ll leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for Irish culture. 

Check out the Dublin Daytripper and the rest of our Daytripper tours below.