The Irish Pub Tour Self-Drive

Welcome to Dublin, a city known for its many lively pubs, the wit of its people, and an unparalleled literary heritage. Stroll the city as you wish today, seeing its fine Georgian architecture, the shopping along pedestrianized Grafton Street, Trinity College in the center of town. For dinner, board a barge once used for transporting Guinness to take a cruise down the centuries-old Grand Canal. A balladeer will play folk songs as you dine. (D)

Pick up your Hertz rental car and head to the small, historic city of Kilkenny. You might choose to stroll its Medieval Mile to experience its rich heritage, narrow streetscapes, and well-preserved merchants’ houses. Experience a fun beer-tasting. Spend some free time browsing before dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Travel on to visit Blarney Castle. Climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous stone, which legend promises will bestow the “Gift of the Gab”, or simply explore the beautiful gardens. Pass through County Cork to the lively town of Killarney – a draw for visitors to Ireland since the 18th century. Have dinner in your hotel, and then perhaps venture out to to explore some of its friendly pubs, many with live music. (B, D)

See some of the most dramatic scenery in Ireland today, as you explore the mountains and seascapes of County Kerry. You may wish to visit Moriarty’s in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, before heading out to the Dingle Peninsula. This beautiful region was made famous by films like “Ryan’s Daughter” and “Far & Away”. Enjoy some time in the town of Dingle, a town renowned for its charm. Alternatively, you might choose to do the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s best-known scenic drive. In the evening, head to the Celtic Whiskey Bar in Killarney for a tasting, chocolate pairing, and dinner. (B, D)

Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Walk along the top of the cliffs for views across Galway Bay to Connemara and the Aran Islands. Head to Galway and your hotel in the seaside suburb of Salthill. Have dinner in your beachfront hotel, and then you might choose one of the lively pubs in Salthill or head into the city centre. (B, D)

Spend a leisurely morning exploring vibrant, artistic Galway as you please. Venture to Athlone, and head to Sean’s bar. Sean’s Bar is not only the oldest bar in Ireland, dating back to 900 AD, it’s the oldest in Europe, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The sloped floors (often covered with sawdust), candlelight, and turf fire pay nostalgic tribute to this pub’s rich history. Enjoy dinner in your Athlone hotel this evening. (B, D)

Enjoy the scenery of central Ireland as you head to Dublin on the east coast. Visit the Guinness Storehouse in the heart of the city – one of Ireland’s most popular attractions – and enjoy a sample of Ireland’s iconic brew as you take in the panoramic view from the seventh-floor Gravity Bar. Dine independently this evening. (B)

Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, and see all the city’s highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Plus, you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions: Choose from 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 this evening. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast. Drive to the airport and drop off your rental car. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner>