Irish Spirit with Driver

Your tour begins when you are picked up at Dublin Airport and brought to your centrally located hotel. Today you are free to explore Dublin independently, with its grand Georgian buildings and squares, the River Liffey, and historic O’Connell Street. 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. 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 telling 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. Dine independently this evening.

Meet your dedicated driver-guide at your hotel and 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, large Celtic crosses, and an iconic round tower. Then, head to Wexford, where your hotel overlooks the harbor. The town was founded by Vikings and known today as a hub of culture, with medieval heritage buildings, the National Heritage Park, and the beautifully restored, Gothic-Revival Johnstown Castle nearby. You are free to explore Wexford as you wish and to dine independently this evening. (B)

Depart Wexford and head to Waterford; visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner; witness the creation of crystal masterpieces by skilled craftsmen 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. Head to the friendly town of Killarney, where you’ll dine 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. You might stop in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe to visit our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriarty’s. Stop for lunch in the charming town of Kenmare. The rest of the day and evening is at your leisure, so you are free to explore before returning to Killarney. (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 hotel 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 tonight in the splendid dining 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. The rest of the day is free to explore and dine as you wish. Perhaps you might visit the town of Sligo, or the charming village of Carrick-on-Shannon, or just relax in your castle accommodations. (B)

Visit Listoke Distillery, a small, family-owned and award-winning gin producer. Tour the state-of-the-art facilities and discover how citrus, floral, and spice flavors are used to create their delicious blends. Then, head to the magnificent Malahide Castle, home for 700 years to generations of the Talbot family, descendants of an English knight who was granted the estate in 1185. Tour the rooms to discover the extraordinary history of this beautiful castle and the role it played in Irish political and social life. Head to Howth to delight in a lively evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance with dinner at the Abbey Tavern. Say farewell to your dedicated driver/guide. (B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast, when you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Dublin Airport. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >