Irish Gold

Tour begins 2:00 PM at your hotel in Dun Laoghaire, a charming suburb of Dublin just outside the city. Head out for an introductory Dublin tour including O’Connell Street, St. Stephen’s Green, the seat of government at Leinster House, and other public buildings. Take a stroll through Trinity College’s campus in the center of the city with a guide and view the priceless 9th-century Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript of the four Gospels. Enjoy an independent evening at one of Dun Laoghaire’s many restaurants or pubs.

Head to the beautiful harbor city of Galway, stopping off for a welcome drink and a CIE Tours Exclusive experience at Sean’s Bar in Athlone, the oldest bar in Europe; Sean’s Bar has been serving customers since 900 AD. Take a guided walking tour through Galway center to view its iconic 18th-century Eyre Square and the surrounding stone-clad buildings and medieval winding lanes. 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 to see elegant rooms and the charming church, set beside a tranquil lake. Visit the Victorian Walled Gardens and enjoy a casual lunch. Return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city. (B, L)

Travel south around Galway Bay and through the Burren, a region of rounded limestone hills that has a curious lunar-like appearance. Immerse yourself in farm life and watch trained sheepdogs obey their owner as they direct sheep through various obstacles. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Embark on a memorable ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary and head to Killarney. The evening concludes with a traditional Irish night featuring a lively show 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, with plenty of stops for photo opportunities. Savor a light lunch and take a break in the colorful village of Kenmare. Return to Killarney for an evening on your own. (B, L)

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 for some traditional music. Continue to Waterford to witness the creation of crystal masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. (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 have lunch on your own. Partake in 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 a farewell dinner. (B, D)

Tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner