Irish Gold Self-Drive

Pick up your Hertz rental car at the airport. Your hotel is in Dún Laoghaire, a charming seaside suburb of Dublin. Your day is free to explore Dublin, 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; the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s independence; or Jameson Distillery Bow St., the original home of Jameson Irish Whiskey since 1780. Dine independently.

Head to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway. Along the way, you might choose to stop at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. The oldest pub in Europe, Sean’s Bar has been quenching thirsts since 900 AD. Or you might stop at Clonmacnoise, fascinating monastic ruins on the River Shannon. Drive to Galway and discover this thriving city of medieval winding lanes and buzzing street life. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D)

You might choose to take a drive to explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly-changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Perhaps you’ll visit Kylemore Abbey, set beside a tranquil lake, and see its elegant rooms, the charming church, and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city. (B)

Travel south around Galway Bay and through the stark beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape. You might choose to visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Head to Killarney, where you will end the day with a traditional Irish night at Kate Kearney’s Cottage. Enjoy a lively show of music and dance with dinner. (B, D)

You might take Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. The stunning coastal and mountain landscapes will provide plenty of photo opportunities. Visit the colorful village of Kenmare, which might be a good place to stop for lunch. You may wish to stop in the Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. When you return to Killarney your evening is free to explore as you wish. (B)

Drive through the mountains into rich farming country on the way to Blarney Castle. You might wish to climb the winding stairs to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Continue to Waterford, where you might choose to visit the House of Waterford, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, and watch skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces. Dine in your hotel in Waterford this evening. (B, D)

In the morning explore the historic port city of Waterford as you wish. On your way to Dublin, perhaps stop in Kilkenny, where you can stroll the Medieval Mile for a look at the fascinating architectural heritage of this small city. You may choose to visit Kilkenny Castle. Travel on to Dublin for the night. (B)

Head out to sightsee in Dublin, with its historic O’Connell Street, Georgian buildings and squares, and St Stephen’s Green. If you didn’t use your Hop-On, Hop-Off and visit vouchers on day one, you may use them today. Or take a drive out of the city to see some of Dublin’s charming coastal villages and seaside suburbs, like Howth and Dalkey. Splendid ocean views, excellent seafood, and lovely streetscapes await you. Dine independently this evening. (B)

9-day tour ends after breakfast. Return your rental car at the airport. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>