Irish Gold

Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at your hotel in Dun Laoghaire, a charming seaside suburb of Dublin. Head out for a panoramic tour of Dublin, seeing historic O'Connell Street, Georgian buildings and squares, and St Stephen's Green. Stroll through Trinity College with a local guide and view one of Ireland's greatest treasures: the Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript crafted by monks in the 9th century. Return to your hotel for a welcome drink with your fellow guests, and then enjoy an independent evening of dining and exploring as you wish.

Head to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway. Along the way, enjoy a drink at Sean's Bar in Athlone, a CIE Tours Exclusive venue. The oldest pub in Europe, Sean's Bar has been quenching thirsts since 900 AD. Take a guided walking tour through Galway and discover this thriving city of medieval winding lands and buzzing street life. Enjoy some free time to explore Galway on your own, then join your fellow travelers for dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Take a short catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (seasonal). Head to Kylemore Abbey, set beside a tranquil lake, and see its elegant rooms, the charming church and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city (B)

Travel south around Galway Bay and through the stark beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape. Immerse yourself in farm life as you watch trained sheepdogs herd their flock. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary as you head to Killarney, where you will end the day with a traditional Irish Night. Enjoy a lively show of music and dance with dinner (B, D)

Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle, set on the shores of Lough Leane. See the highlights of Ireland's most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. The stunning coastal and mountain landscapes will provide plenty of photo opportunities. Stop in the Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty's a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Visit the colorful village of Kenmare and take some free time to explore. When you return to Killarney your evening is free to explore and dine as you wish. (B)

Drive through the mountains into rich farming country on the way to Blarney Castle. Kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Travel along the coast to the Marine Bar in Dungarvan, a CIE Tours Exclusive Venue, for some traditional music. Continue to Waterford, where you will watch skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner (B, D)

In the morning join a local guide for a walking tour through the narrow streets of the old city to discover Waterford's long history and some of its colorful characters. Later, stop in Kilkenny for a look around the medieval city center and for time to explore. Visit the Smithwick's Experience and enjoy a tasting paddle of their famous ales. Travel to Dublin and in the evening head to Cleaver East, a popular Dublin restaurant for a glass of wine and dinner. (B, D)

Your program ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >