Irish Legends

Your tour begins 2:00 PM at Dunboyne Castle. (We strongly recommend you arrange an airport transfer when you book your tour). Head to visit Malahide Castle, first built in 1185 and filled with medieval artifacts. Enjoy a welcome get-together drink with your group before dinner. (D)

Visit the home of equine royalty, The Irish National Stud, where you'll see immaculately bred stallions alongside protective mares, frolicking foals and athletic yearlings. Take a walk around the grounds to see St Fiachra's Garden and the miniature Japanese Gardens.Enjoy a casual lunch at the Kilkenny Design Centre, housed in the former stables of Kilkenny Castle. Take a walking tour of Kilkenny with a local guide along the Medieval Mile, the cities main street to see buildings dating back as far as the 13th century. The evening is free for independent dining. (B, L)

Visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner; see skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces on a factory tour. Then join a local guide for a gentle walking tour to hear stories about Waterford's long history and some of its colorful characters. Explore more of the town at your leisure, then head to New Ross to explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of the vessel used during the 1840s Famine to transport emigrants to North America. (B, D)

Travel south to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic and where many places associated with the liner still exist. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration over a number of centuries from Ireland to North America. Head to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or stroll through the spacious parklands to view Blarney House before travelling to Killarney. (B, D)

Visit Moriarty's, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe. Afterwards discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula as you drive along the south shore to admire views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. Stop at the South Pole Inn for an Irish coffee and learn about Tom Crean, an early explorer who braved the South Pole. Browse around the town of Dingle and enjoy a drink, dinner and entertainment at Foley's Bar and Restaurant before returning to Killarney. (B, D)

Embark on a memorable ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. View the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs where; on a clear day you can see great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Immerse yourself in farm life and watch a farmer demonstrate how his trained dogs herd mountain sheep. Enjoy tea and home made scones at the farm. Head to Galway for a panoramic city tour. (B, D)

Set out across Galway Bay for Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. These rocky islands are renowned for the hardy islanders who maintain traditional fishing and farming methods. Head to Dun Aengus, a huge prehistoric fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which fall away to the Atlantic Ocean below. Explore Kilronan, the island's main village and enjoy a casual lunch before returning by ferry. (B, L)

Visit Clonmacnoise, a monastic settlement founded in 545 AD and set on the banks of the River Shannon. Marvel at elaborate high Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes, walk around the many church ruins and two round towers. Head to nearby Athlone and stop at Sean's Bar for an Irish coffee (CIE Tours Exclusive). This pub has a documented history going right back to 900 AD and is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest pub in Europe. During renovations in 1970, ancient walls and old coins dating back centuries were discovered. In the evening, head to Dublin's Abbey Tavern for an Irish dinner and lively show. (B, D)

Enjoy an independent day of sightseeing in Dublin using your Hop On Hop Off bus tour voucher. Using your visit voucher you can choose to visit one of the following top attractions - Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, Epic The Irish Emigration Museum or the GPO Museum.(B)

10-day tour ends after breakfast (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >