Irish Spirit

Your 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 EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an award-winning, high-tech museum that chronicles the journeys made by Irish emigrants around the globe, and details the stories of the new lives made by the Irish abroad. Head back to your hotel for a welcome drink with your group, and then you’ll be free to discover the city and dine at your leisure.

Set off for Glendalough, a valley in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Tour the picturesque ruins of the ancient monastery there; it thrived for centuries after being established by St Kevin in the sixth century. See several stone churches, large carved Celtic crosses, and an iconic round tower. Then, head to Wexford and visit Johnstown Castle, a romantic Gothic Revival castle in an idyllic setting. Tour the luxurious castle and its splendid gardens, both designed by one of the leading architects of the 19th century. Then head on to your hotel for dinner with your group. (B, D)

Depart Wexford and head to Waterford, where you’ll visit the House of Waterford 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 steep, winding staircase to kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the legendary gift of the gab, or enjoy the tranquil gardens. 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 for lunch in the charming town of Kenmare, 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 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 with your group 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. Visit Sligo, a town known for its literary and cultural heritage, and take 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 hotel for the evening. (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 Dublin, where you will delight in a lively evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance with dinner at the Abbey Tavern. (B, D)

Today you are free to explore Dublin independently, using your Hop-On, Hop-Off bus vouchers, plus choose one of Dublin’s most popular attractions: Teeling Distillery or The GPO Museum. (B)

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