Irish Heritage & Dromoland Castle with Driver

Welcome to Ireland. Arrive at Shannon Airport, where your expert driver/guide will be waiting to greet you. Head into Limerick city, where your hotel is on the banks of the River Shannon. Visit King John’s Castle and immerse yourself in 800 years of dramatic local history. That evening, visit another authentic castle for a medieval-style banquet. (D)

Drive through the austere beauty of the Burren, with its unique limestone landscape formed over 300 million years ago, when the entire area was underwater. Look closely at this sensitive landscape – it’s home to 1100 species of plants. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Walk along the cliffs for thrilling views. Travel on to the friendly town of Killarney, where there are plenty of shops and pubs to explore. Dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Travel via jaunting car to Ross Castle & Killarney Estate. You might choose to visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, then embark on Ireland’s most popular scenic Drive, the Ring of Kerry. You’ll have plenty of photo stops along the route, which features some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery and some of the locations from the Star Wars films. Passing through Waterville and the village of Sneem, stop at Moll’s Gap for views of the mountainous Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Return to Killarney for dinner at the award-winning Rozzers Restaurant at The Killeen House. (B, D)

Visit the famous Blarney Castle and climb the winding steps to kiss the famous stone, or walk through the lovely parklands and gardens. Head to the Cobh Heritage Centre where you can trace your ancestors, learn more about the ill-fated Titanic and Lusitania, or immerse yourself in the history of Irish emigrants. Relax as you follow the coastal route to Waterford, where you will dine in your hotel this evening. Explore the rich Viking and medieval heritage of this port city, the oldest in Ireland. (B, D)

Watch skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces at the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Travel through the stunning scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough, one of Ireland’s most beautiful destinations. There you’ll explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Continue on to your hotel in Dublin. This evening dine on Irish specialties at the Merry Ploughboy Pub while enjoying a lively show of traditional Irish songs and step-dancing. (B, D)

You have your choice of things to do in Dublin today. Your expert driver/guide could bring you to some of the seaside villages around Dublin. The coastal suburbs like Howth, Malahide, and Dun Laoghaire offer wonderful views, excellent seafood and a lot of charm. Or you may prefer to stay in the city. Your driver/guide can bring to see all the sites, or you’ll also have access to a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Your Hop-On, Hop-Off bus ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin, an old Georgian townhouse with a fantastic collection of 5,000 objects detailing the story of the city. Plus, 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 (and winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2019); or the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s independence. (B)

Visit the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud, where 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. Travel to the majestic and deluxe Dromoland Castle Hotel, where you'll say farewell to your driver/guide. Relax in the elegant surroundings of this wonderful fairytale castle. Savor a delicious final dinner in the oak-paneled dining room. (B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast today, when a private transfer will pick you up at your hotel and bring you to Shannon Airport. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >