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 with your included vouchers (or you may choose to use your vouchers on Day 8). Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, and see all the city’s highlights with the freedom to stop off as you please. You will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions: Choose from 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 independently.

Head to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway. Along the way, enjoy an Irish coffee or a soft drink at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. The oldest pub in Europe, Sean’s Bar has been quenching thirsts since 900 AD. Drive to Galway and discover this thriving city of medieval winding lanes and buzzing street life. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly-changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Head to 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. 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. Enjoy a lively show of music and dance with dinner. (B, D)

Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle, set on the shores of Lough Leane. 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. Climb the winding stairs to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Continue to Waterford, where you’ll watch skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

In the morning explore the historic port city of Waterford as you wish. Drive to Kilkenny, where you may wish to stroll the Medieval Mile for a look at the fascinating architectural heritage of this small city. Travel on to Dublin and head to The Donnybrook Gastropub, a popular local restaurant for a glass of wine and dinner. (B, D)

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>