What Is Included in a Guided Tour of Ireland?

Planning a trip to Ireland involves plenty of decisions, from choosing where to visit to arranging hotels, transportation and sightseeing. A guided tour takes care of those details, bringing the highlights of Ireland together in one thoughtfully planned vacation.

With CIE Tours, your guided vacation includes accommodations, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, most meals and the experiences listed on your itinerary. You'll also travel with an expert local Tour Director who shares the stories, history and character of Ireland along the way.

What Is a Guided Tour of Ireland?

A guided tour is an organized vacation that brings together transportation, accommodations, sightseeing and local experiences in one itinerary. Rather than arranging each part of your trip independently, you travel with a group and follow a planned route through Ireland.

A CIE Tours guided vacation includes a dedicated Tour Director who helps you get the most from your journey, sharing local knowledge and taking care of the details along the way.

What's Included in the Price of a Guided Tour?

CIE Tours' All-In Inclusive Advantage means everything on your selected itinerary is included in one upfront price. That includes:

• Accommodations: Hotel stays throughout your itinerary.
• Transportation: Travel between destinations by comfortable motorcoach.
• Sightseeing: Entrance fees and visits to attractions listed on your itinerary.
• Meals: Most meals, with included breakfasts, lunches and dinners specified in your itinerary.
• Entertainment and experiences: Special activities and cultural experiences included in your tour.

The exact inclusions vary by itinerary, so check the day-by-day details of your chosen tour to see what's covered.

What Accommodations Are Included?

Your guided tour includes hotel accommodations throughout the itinerary. CIE Tours selects hotels to complement each journey, giving you comfortable places to stay while exploring Ireland's cities, towns and countryside.

Your specific hotels are listed in the tour itinerary.

How Do You Get Around Ireland on a Guided Tour?

Transportation between destinations is included, with travel by comfortable motorcoach on CIE Tours guided vacations. You can sit back and enjoy the scenery while your professional driver handles the roads and your Tour Director helps keep the journey running smoothly.

This is particularly convenient in Ireland, where some of the most memorable places to visit are found along country roads and in smaller towns and villages.

Are Sightseeing and Attractions Included?

Yes. Admission to the attractions and sightseeing experiences listed on your tour itinerary is included in the price. Depending on your chosen vacation, these might include historic castles, ancient monastic sites, scenic national parks and cultural attractions.

You might explore the Cliffs of Moher, visit Blarney Castle, discover the history of Dublin or travel along the famous Ring of Kerry. Each itinerary has its own selection of included visits and experiences.

Are Meals Included on a Guided Tour of Ireland?

Most meals are included, with the specific breakfasts, lunches and dinners shown in your itinerary. This gives you the opportunity to enjoy a range of dining experiences while also leaving some flexibility to explore Ireland's restaurants and pubs independently.

Are Traditional Irish Music and Dance Shows Included?

Most CIE Tours guided vacations include an evening of traditional Irish entertainment, giving you the chance to experience Ireland's music, dancing and lively social traditions. These evenings often combine dinner with live performances featuring traditional Irish music, song and energetic step-dancing.

Depending on your itinerary, you might enjoy a show at Dublin's Merry Ploughboy Pub, an evening of music and dance at the Abbey Tavern in Howth, or traditional entertainment at Kate Kearney's Cottage in County Kerry. Some tours also feature performances such as Trad on the Prom in Galway on selected seasonal departures.

It's a memorable opportunity to enjoy Irish culture in a welcoming setting. Check your chosen tour itinerary to see which entertainment experiences are included.

Can You See a Sheepdog Demonstration on a Guided Tour of Ireland?

Yes! Sheepdog demonstrations are a favorite experience on many CIE Tours vacations. At a working sheep farm, you'll watch highly skilled dogs respond to their handler's commands as they expertly guide a flock of sheep across the fields. It's fascinating to see the partnership between farmer and dog in action, and to learn about the important role sheepdogs play in Ireland's farming traditions.

These demonstrations offer a glimpse into everyday life in rural Ireland and are often a highlight for travelers of all ages. Discover why sheepdog demonstrations are a guest favorite in Ireland and Scotland. The specific farm visit depends on your tour itinerary.

What Does a Tour Director Do?

Your CIE Tours Tour Director is much more than a guide. With local knowledge and a genuine enthusiasm for sharing Ireland, they introduce you to the country's history, folklore, people and places.

They also take care of the practical details, coordinating the itinerary, schedules and arrangements so you can concentrate on enjoying your vacation. Along the way, they'll often share lesser-known stories and point out places you might otherwise miss. Our guests often tell us that their Tour Directors were among the highlights of their trip.

Is There Free Time on a Guided Tour of Ireland?

Yes. Guided tours combine planned sightseeing and experiences with opportunities to explore independently. The amount of free time varies by itinerary and destination.

You might have time to browse the shops, visit a local pub for lunch, enjoy a walk or simply relax at your hotel. Check the day-by-day itinerary for details of scheduled activities and free time.

What Will You See on a Guided Tour of Ireland?

The sights you'll visit depend on your chosen itinerary. Many guided tours include some of Ireland's best-known highlights, such as:

• Cliffs of Moher: See the dramatic cliffs rising above the Atlantic Ocean.
• Ring of Kerry: Travel through some of Ireland's most celebrated coastal and mountain scenery.
• Giant's Causeway: Discover the remarkable basalt columns along Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast.
• Blarney Castle: Visit the historic castle and its famous Blarney Stone.
• Dublin: Explore Ireland's capital, with its history, landmarks and lively streets.
• Killarney: Enjoy the scenery of Killarney National Park and the surrounding countryside.

Some tours focus on Ireland's classic highlights, while others explore particular regions or take a more leisurely route. Compare itineraries to find the journey that suits your interests.

How Much Does a Guided Tour of Ireland Cost?

The cost of a guided tour of Ireland depends on factors such as the length of the vacation, itinerary, hotel accommodations and time of year. A longer tour or one with a different selection of experiences may have a different price.

When comparing tours, look beyond the starting price. Consider what's included in the itinerary, including hotels, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment and meals. And remember, with CIE Tours' All-In Inclusive Advantage, everything on your selected itinerary is included in one upfront price.

Who Should Take a Guided Tour of Ireland?

A guided tour can be a good choice for travelers who want to see more of Ireland without having to plan every detail themselves.

It's particularly well suited to:

• First-time visitors: See a range of Ireland's highlights with a thoughtfully planned itinerary.
• Travelers who prefer not to drive: Enjoy the scenery without navigating unfamiliar roads.
• History and culture enthusiasts: Learn about Ireland's past, traditions and local life from an expert Tour Director.
• Sociable travelers: Share the experience with a group of fellow travelers.
• Those who value convenience: Have accommodations, transportation, sightseeing and itinerary arrangements taken care of.

Why Choose CIE Tours for a Guided Tour of Ireland?

CIE Tours has been sharing Ireland with travelers since 1932. With more than 90 years of experience, we bring together thoughtfully planned itineraries, expert local Tour Directors and the warm hospitality Ireland is known for.

Our All-In Inclusive Advantage means everything on your selected itinerary is included in one upfront price, so you can spend less time worrying about arrangements and more time enjoying the journey.

Explore CIE Tours guided vacations in Ireland and find the itinerary that's right for you.