Mystical Ireland

Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM for a panoramic tour of Dublin, seeing such sights as elegant Georgian townhouses, St Stephen’s Green and the River Liffey. Visit the Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin’s only independent, family-owned distillery, in the former St James’s Church in the Liberties. Taste the whiskey and hear tales dating back to the 12th century as you tour this lovingly restored church. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Visit Down Cathedral where St Patrick’s historical burial site is marked by a huge boulder. Immerse yourself in his work, life, and times in the nearby St Patrick Centre. Explore open-air exhibits and see craft demonstrations at the Ulster Folk Museum, which showcases traditional heritage. Head to central Belfast for time to relax before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Tour central Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the ill-fated liner, and in the afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour of Belfast before spending time on your own. (B)

Drive north along the Nine Glens of Antrim for views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. This scenic region is one of the locations for “Game of Thrones.” Stop for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle. Explore the Giant’s Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. In Derry, join a local guide for a short walking tour around the defensive walls that encircle the compact old city. Then visit the Walled City Brewery, an award-winning CIE Tours Exclusive venue, for dinner and a flight of their craft beers. (B, D)

Travel through the rugged countryside of Donegal, renowned for heathery hills, sheep and the many tweeds made from their wool. Visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Triona Design in Ardara, for a demonstration of hand weaving. Drive around Donegal Bay and through Counties Sligo and Mayo. Take a walking tour of historic Westport with a local guide, stopping in a pub for a drink. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Enjoy views of the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick and visit the beautiful town of Leenane. Watch skilled dogs herd sheep at a local farm. View Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Back in Westport, take a guided tour of Westport House, an 18th-century home complete with its original contents including portraits, furniture, silver, and porcelain. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying the lively town of Westport at your leisure. (B)

Travel to Galway for free time to explore the heart of this vibrant city, with its street musicians, cafes, and medieval streetscape. Next visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. Spend your evening in an authentic castle enjoying a medieval-style banquet. (B, D)

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