Irish Spirit Self-Drive

Explore Dublin 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. 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; 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

Pick up your Hertz rental car 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 in the buzzy city of Galway, where you’ll dine in your hotel this evening. The city is full of lively pubs, bookshops, cafes, and restaurants, and its streets are abuzz with performers and musicians. (B,D)

Take a scenic drive through the breathtakingly beautiful region of Connemara, with its mountains, lakes, and boglands. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a glorious Victorian castle built on the lakeside as a romantic gift. Return to Galway for independent dining this evening. (B)

Drive east to Clonmacnoise, the spectacular ruins of a monastery founded in the sixth century. See the splendid ruins of the cathedral, nine churches, two round towers, and three high crosses as you approach the way the Vikings would have over a thousand years ago. Tour the area and imagine it all as it once was, as a flourishing center of learning that attracted students from all over Europe. Head to your hotel in Dublin; delight in a lively evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance with dinner at the Abbey Tavern in the seaside suburb of Howth. (B, D)

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