Irish Adventure Self-Drive

Your tour begins with a day of independent sightseeing in Dublin. Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, and see all the city’s highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Plus, you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions: the Guinness Storehouse, a seven-story attraction telling the story of Dublin’s iconic beverage, complete with a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor; Teeling Distillery, the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years; EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world; or the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s independence. Dine in your hotel this evening. (D)

Pick up your Hertz rental car and head out of Dublin, enjoying the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough. Explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Walk through the deep valley to view the picturesque ruins of a round tower, churches, and Celtic crosses. Head southeast to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an authentic reproduction of an 1840's vessel that brought desperate Irish emigrants fleeing famine to the New World. Continue on to Waterford and begin to explore this historic port city before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

See skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces at the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Travel to Cobh, a charming harbor town that was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912. Condé Nast recently named it as one of the 25 most beautiful small towns in Europe, praising “its rows of candy-colored homes along the water and towering cathedral standing sentry over the harbor.” Millions of emigrants left that harbor in the 19th and 20th centuries, when it was the main point of embarkation for ships going to America. Proceed on to Blarney, to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Journey west through rugged countryside to the friendly, busy hub of Killarney and settle into your centrally located hotel, where you will have dinner. (Friday departures will stay at the Ballygarry Hotel in Tralee.) (B, D)

Discover Ireland's most popular scenic drive, the winding Ring of Kerry, with its stunning views of mountains and seascapes. In the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, you might choose to stop off at our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriarty's. Along the way, spend a little time in the village of Sneem, one of Ireland's most charming and colorful villages, and stop at Moll's Gap, a scenic viewpoint with spectacular vistas. In Killarney, your evening is free to spend as you wish, with perhaps a visit to one of the town’s lively pubs, some with traditional music. (B)

Head north to County Clare this morning. You'll drive through the austere limestone beauty of the Burren on your way to view the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of these dramatic cliffs to O'Brien's Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Head to Galway and experience the buzz of this thriving, artistic city with its winding medieval streets, appealing shops, and busy pubs, many with music. (B, D)

Drive through some of Ireland's most spectacular scenery as you head north to Donegal. You might choose to stop at Triona Design, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in Donegal town - a busy shopping town famed for its beautiful woolens and tweeds, many woven from the wool of local sheep. Proceed on to Derry, and discover this ancient walled city, long known for its tumultuous history but now a thriving artistic hub. As you explore, you'll see its Peace Bridge, erected in 2011 and uniting two communities who were previously in conflict, and the many murals throughout the city that illustrate moments of history from both communities' perspectives. Enjoy dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Explore the northern coastline and the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns that arise out of the sea. Science tells us these were formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago - but legend says they were built by Finn MacCool, a local giant, in order to reach a Scottish foe. Head to Belfast, and visit Titanic Belfast to discover the fascinating story of the ill-fated ocean liner, built in the nearby docks. Head south to your hotel in Dublin. (B)

Spend a relaxing day enjoying Dublin independently, with its 18th century Georgian houses with brightly painted doors, tranquil parks, and historic O'Connell Street. Or go for a drive to see some of Ireland's coastal villages and seaside suburbs. Dalkey, Malahide, Dun Laoghaire, and Howth are all worth a visit, with plenty of fantastic seafood restaurants, historic castles, and amazing vistas awaiting you. Dine independently this evening. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast. Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>