Irish Odyssey

Tour begins 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Set out on a tour of the highlights of the city and view Trinity College, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and the General Post Office, and tour Kilmainham Gaol where many of Ireland’s leaders were imprisoned during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the world’s only fully digital museum, and discover the story of the 10 million people who have left Ireland over the last 1,500 years—and their impact on the world. Your afternoon is free to explore Dublin. Later, enjoy dinner and entertainment at Taylors Three Rock Pub. (B, D)

Travel through Kildare to visit a traditional farmhouse and learn about country living while enjoying tea and scones. At the House of Waterford Crystal, watch experienced craftspeople blow glass and cut crystal. Continue along the south coast to Cork for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Start your day with a local guide on a brief walking tour of Cork and the English Market. Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or stroll through the lovely gardens. Enjoy the scenery in Counties Cork and Kerry as you head to the colorful town of Kenmare. Stop at Moll’s Gap for great views of part of the Ring of Kerry. (B, D)

Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate and see Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s lakes. Travel to the scenic Dingle Peninsula for views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. Enjoy a demonstration of highly-skilled sheepdogs herding sheep at a local farm. Stop at Slea Head to admire the views and take photos. Enjoy dinner at Páidí Ó Sé’s pub in Ventry while you hear a fun talk on Gaelic sports. (B, D)

Visit the family pub of the late famed playwright, John B. Keane for some tea and scones. One of Ireland’s most beloved writers, he wrote many of his works in a room behind the bar. Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary and drive along the coast of County Clare. Visit the famous Cliffs of Moher, which soar 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk to O’Brien’s Tower for views of Connemara and the Aran Islands. Join a local guide for a walking tour of Galway city. (B, D)

Travel through Connemara for sweeping views of misty mountains and shimmering lakes. Take a scenic cruise on Lough Corrib and sip some creamy Irish coffee (seasonal). Stop at Kylemore Abbey for a walk through the elegant mansion set beside a tranquil lake. Enjoy a casual lunch before returning to Galway, where the rest of the day is free for independent sightseeing and dining. (B, L)

Travel north to Claremorris to visit Ballintubber Abbey, known as “the Abbey that refused to die,” Ireland’s only royal abbey, which has been in continuous use for more than 780 years. Visit Belleek Pottery, then follow the Atlantic shoreline of Donegal Bay to the town of Donegal for some free time. Continue your drive through the majestic Barnesmore Gap to Derry. (B, D)

Explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Back in Derry, join a local guide for a walk around this historic city’s medieval walls; take a walk across the Peace Bridge and complete your tour at the Walled City Brewery Restaurant. You’ll enjoy a drink with your dinner and a flight of 4 of the brewery’s beers to taste – plus you’ll get a bottle of CIE Tours’ signature beer to take away. (B, D)

Head to Belfast for a panoramic city tour followed by a visit to Titanic Belfast. Travel to Kingscourt and your castle hotel, built in 1760. Arrive mid-afternoon to enjoy this lovely property. After dinner in the Court Restaurant, enjoy a display of Irish step-dancing. (B, D)

Visit the Brú na Boinne Visitor Centre to learn about the 5,000-year-old burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, followed by a visit to one of these mysterious marvels. Travel to your hotel in Trim, the setting for some scenes of the movie Braveheart, and enjoy some free time. In the evening, share a farewell dinner with your group. (B, D)

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