Irish Spirit

You tour starts at 2:00 PM at your hotel. Head out for a panoramic tour of Dublin with a local guide, seeing its grand Georgian buildings and squares, the River Liffey, and historic O'Connell Street. Visit the GPO Museum, possibly Ireland's most important historic building. Learn how this working post office was once the site of the influential rebellion that set Ireland on the path to independence. Have a welcome drink there, and then you will be free to discover the city and dine at your leisure.

Set off for Glendalough in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Tour the picturesque ruins of this once-thriving monastery, established by St Kevin in the sixth century, including several churches and an iconic round tower. Then, head to Wexford, where you will visit Johnstown Castle, a romantic Gothic Revival castle in an idyllic setting. Tour the castle and its splendid gardens, both designed by one of the leading architects of the 19th century, then sit down for dinner in the luxiury of the castle's dining room. (B, D)

Depart for Waterford, where you will visit the House of Wateford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Watch superb artisans create sparkling masterpieces on a factory tour. Next, visit Blarney Castle, where you can climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the legendary gift of the gab, or enjoy the tranquil gardens. Take some free time and then head to Killarney, where you'll dine with your group in your hotel tonight. (B, D)

Take a jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane and the Macgillycuddy's Reeks. Head out to see the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's famed scenic drive. Stop in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe to visit our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriarty's. Stop in the charming town of Kenmare for lunch, before returning to Killarney where you will enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your leisure (B, L)

Depart Killarney today and head north to the Cliffs of Moher. Visit the Cliffs, taking in the glorious views from 700 feet above the churning Atlantic below. Arrive at your accommodation for the next two nights, the fairytale Kilronan Castle, sitting on 40 acres of parkland. Lovingly restored in 2006, this beautiful castle hotel dates back to the 18th century and was home to the same family for three centuries. Dine with your group tonight in the splendid dinning room. (B,D)

Visit the Arigna Mining Experience to explore the fascinating, arduous work of coal miners and discover the impact of the industry on the local area from the 1700s through the closure of the mine in 1990. Visit Sligo for some free time to explore. Next, immerse yourself in farm life, as you visit a traditional, family-owned farm in the shadow of beautiful Ben Bulben, the famed mountain that inspired William Butler Yeats. Watch skilled sheepdogs hard at work herding their flock. Return to enjoy your castle accommodations for the evening. (B)

Visit Slane Castle and learn the colorful history of this estate, home to the Coyningham family since 1703, and how it has been the setting for legendary rock concerts by world-famous artists. Next, walk next door to Slane Distillery, housed in a 250-year-old farm building, for a tour and a tasting of their signature triple-casked whiskey. The Coyninghams teamed up with an historic American whiskey family to establish the distillery in 2016, with the goal of creating the most environmentally-friendly distillery in the world. Proceed on to Newbridge House and discover this magnificent Georgian house, with its ornate plasterwork and original furnishings and art. Head to Dublin, where you will delight in a lively evening of traditional Irish music, song and dance and dinner at the Abbey Tavern. (B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >