Irish Odyssey Self-Drive

Welcome to Dublin. Today, you’ll use your vouchers to tour Dublin on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. See all the sights of this vibrant city, including its Georgian squares, Christchurch cathedral, Grafton Street shops, the River Liffey, stopping off when and as often as you wish.

Today you can explore the city as you wish, continuing to use your Hop-On, Hop-Off bus ticket. 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. (B)

Pick up your Hertz rental car, and begin your driving adventure by heading south. Your destination is Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. Along the way, you might choose to stop off in Kilkenny or Waterford, or visit the picturesque Rock of Cashel. You’ll dine tonight in your riverside hotel. (B, D)

Perhaps stroll through Cork’s English Market, where vendors have been selling local and artisanal foods since 1788. You might take a short drive to visit Blarney Castle, where you can climb the winding stairs to kiss its famed stone, or stroll the gardens. Head to Kenmare, a tranquil country town of art galleries, craft shops, and gourmet eateries. Continue on your way to Killarney, stopping at Moll’s gap to enjoy the splendid views. Dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

You might choose to visit Moriarty’s family-owned gift store, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe. Travel to the scenic Dingle Peninsula for views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. You might choose to drive the Slea Head loop to enjoy more spectacular scenery, or spend some time in charming Dingle Town. Alternatively, you could do the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most famous scenic drive. Dine independently today. (B)

Today you’ll drive to Galway, a thriving city with a great arts scene. You may choose to go via the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. You could check out the visitor center and then walk along the top of the cliffs, enjoying the dramatic views across to Connemara and the Aran Islands. Drive through the austere limestone beauty of the Burren, continuing on to the vibrant city of Galway. Browse the shops along the pedestrianized High Street, visit the City Museum or the Galway Arts Centre, or people-watch as you sip coffee on Quay Street. Dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Take a drive through Connemara for sweeping views of misty mountains and shimmering lakes. Perhaps you’ll top at Kylemore Abbey for a stroll through the gardens or a walk through this elegant mansion, set beside a tranquil lake. Return to Galway for the evening; the city is known for its many great restaurants and pubs, and if you’re interested in traditional music you’re sure to find some. (B)

Drive north on your way to Derry today. You might choose to follow the Atlantic Shore to Donegal town, where perhaps you’ll visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design. Continue on through the majestic Barnesmore Gap to Derry, a city known for its turbulent history but now home to a thriving arts scene. You might stop into the Derry Visitor Information Centre to discover their resources; perhaps consider the Visit Derry Pass, which covers 10 city center attractions. Dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

You might choose to explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Local lore says legendary giant Finn McCool built the causeway as his path to battle a Scottish enemy. Back in Derry, take a walk across the Peace Bridge, which unites two areas historically divided by identity. Dine at the Walled City Brewery Restaurant, a family-owned gastropub in a historic former army barracks; enjoy a drink with your dinner and a flight of 4 of the brewery’s beers to taste. (B, D)

Head to Belfast to explore and dine as you please in this exciting, historic city. (B)

Travel to Kingscourt and your castle hotel, built in 1760 and situated on 100 acres of gardens and parklands. You might want to arrive in the afternoon to have time to enjoy this luxurious property. Dine in the Court restaurant this evening. (B, D)

After breakfast, depart for the airport to drop off your rental car. (B) B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner>