Best of Ireland South

Explore Dublin independently. Head into the city center, to take the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour and see this vibrant city of Georgian squares, bustling pubs, and the River Liffey. Choose a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions using your voucher: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Teeling Distillery, or the GPO Museum. You are free to explore the restaurants and pubs of the city center, or return to your hotel, for independent dining as you wish.

Enjoy a free morning in Dublin for further independent sightseeing with the included vouchers. Meet your guide at 2:30 PM in the hotel lobby and set off on a panoramic tour of Dublin city center. Visit the library of Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, the famed 9th-century manuscript that is perhaps Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure. Next, visit the Little Museum of Dublin; located in a Georgian townhouse, it tells the fascinating story of the city. Your after-hours visit is a CIE Tours Exclusive – you’ll enjoy a welcome drink there with your group before returning to your hotel for dinner. (B, D)

Relax and enjoy the farmlands of the picturesque midlands. Savor farm life as you visit a traditional farm; enjoy homemade scones with tea, and watch trained dogs show off their skills herding sheep. Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Travel through Macroom and into County Kerry where the scenery becomes more mountainous. Arrive in the charming town of Killarney. (B, D)

Discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous in the movies “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far & Away,” which showcased the wonderful scenery found here. Travel to Slea Head at the westernmost tip of the peninsula for awesome views of the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish entertainment over dinner at Muckross Schoolhouse – a CIE Tours Exclusive. (B, D)

Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate. Visit Moriarty’s in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Stop in the picturesque village of Adare, with its thatched cottages and colorful garden, before proceeding to Limerick for a panoramic tour. Dine at a medieval-style feast, where lords and ladies will serenade you with songs and music from days of yore. (B, D)

Travel along the coast of County Clare to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the churning Atlantic. Drive through the austerely beautiful landscape of the Burren on your way to Galway. Join a local guide in Galway for a walking tour of this thriving historic city; see its charming medieval streetscape, filled with small local shops and cafes, and many street musicians. Return to your hotel in Clare for dinner. (B, D)

Enjoy the scenic Irish countryside on your way to Kildare where you’ll visit the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud. Here you’ll see impeccably bred stallions alongside protective mares, frolicking foals, and athletic yearlings. Stroll around the delightful grounds to explore St. Fiachra’s Garden, including its miniature Japanese Gardens. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure and dine at your choice of one of the many restaurants or pubs scattered throughout Dublin. (B)

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