Irish Spirit

Overview
Itinerary
Hotels
The Experience
Reviews

4.8

Explore town and country

This leisurely Irish tour covers the spectacular scenery of the countryside and seaside, with plenty of stops in the Emerald Isle's vibrant towns to stop and explore.

Trip details

Tour start Dublin

Tour end Dublin

Days

Nights

Meals

Available Promotions for this tour

Highlights

Glendalough

This ancient monastery founded in the 6th century was once a thriving hub of study and prayer. Its picturesque ruins will inspire you.

Johnstown Castle

This beautifully restored Gothic Revival castle has so many stories to tell.

Cliffs of Moher

Visit the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone soaring 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf below.

Slane Castle & Distillery

Slane Castle has had a surprising role in Ireland's cultural scene — it's been the setting for star-studded concerts. Rock luminaries who have played the grounds include the Rolling Stones, U2, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Queen, Bob Dylan and REM.

Ring of Kerry Highlights

See the highlights of Ireland's most famous scenic drive, with views of rocky shores, emerald green fields and ancient ruins dotting the landscape.

Blarney Castle

Climb the steep, winding staircase to kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence and see if the legend is true — will it really give you the gift of the gab?

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Discover why Irishness is celebrated around the world with a journey through Irish culture and history, and the stories of those who lived it. Winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction in 2019 and 2020.

Arigna Mining Experience

Learn about coal mining life in the Arigna Valley from the 1700's until 1990.

Sheepdog Demonstration

See authentic Irish farm life and watch the hardest working dogs in Ireland guard their herd.

Kilronan Castle Stay

Once a royal ancestral home and today a luxurious hotel, this fairytale castle is in an idyllic setting, surrounded by an ancient forest and a 50-acre estate.

Irish Night in Dublin

Stroll St Stephen's Green, raise a pint, and delight in Ireland's thriving, historic-meets-modern capital - and enjoy a night of Irish entertainment in a scenic seaside suburb.

Itinerary

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Day 1Dublin City Tour | EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

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.

Day 2Glendalough | Johnstown Castle

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)

Day 3House of Waterford Crystal | Blarney Castle

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)

Day 4Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare

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)

Day 5Cliffs of Moher | Kilronan Castle

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)

Day 6Arigna Mining Experience | Sligo | Sheepdog Demonstration

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)

Day 7Listoke Distillery | Malahide Castle | Irish Night

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)

Day 8Independent Touring in Dublin

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)

Day 9Tour ends in Dublin

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

Where you’ll stay

Ashling Hotel Dublin, Ireland

This contemporary property offers 225 spacious and well-equipped guest rooms as well as stylish,...

Clayton Whites Hotel Wexford Wexford, Ireland

Clayton Whites of Wexford is one of Ireland’s leading 4-star hotels. The hotel is a 6-story glass...

Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney, Ireland

The Killarney Towers Hotel is the perfect location from which to explore the excitement and...

Kilronan Castle Roscommon, Ireland

Located just 45 minutes drive from Sligo Airport, Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa features an...

Grand Canal Hotel Dublin, Ireland

Our Dublin City Hotel offers 142 spacious and modern bedrooms. All guestrooms are fully...

Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

Full daily breakfast and many meals*
An evening of Irish entertainment
Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
Welcome drinks with your group
Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
All entrance fees to attractions
Comprehensive travel itinerary

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

A travel backpack
Travel adapter
Rain poncho
Luggage strap and tags
Documents wallet

From our travelers

Dermot, our tour guide, was AMAZINNNGG!!!! His knowledge, personality, sense of humor, and accommodating attitude made Ireland even more of a emerald gem. The accommodations at the Ashford Castle were gorgeous, the itinerary was full and enjoyable and I highly recommend this company and working with Dermot if you are able. Thank you for a memorable and meaningful experience.

Monique Marie Richard

We take care of everything: authentic experiences, expert local tour directors, and more. Check out the CIE Tours difference!

See what people are saying about this trip

Sharon Kaye Castle

2 weeks 5 days ago

The Boarder Collies herding Sheep was my highlight.
Enjoyed Killarney, Johnstown Castle, Dublin, Cliffs of Moher.
Did not care for Catamaran. Too slow, packed like sardines.
Felt the Abbey Tavern was not so good. Would have liked to hear how dancers got involved with Irish dancing.
More down time would have been nice, as we wore traveling a lot on the bus.
Brendan was excellent!!!!! Interesting stories. Location of hotel last day was not convienent for walking like the Ashling Hotel.
The grandchildren loved, loved Ireland. Made my heart sing to know they so enjoyed.

April Brackens

1 month 1 week ago

Ireland was Awesome

Loved all the stops and organization

Philip Germann

1 month 1 week ago

Very disappointed! I don't recommend CIE Tours . . .

The tour itself was great and well worth the price we paid. However, as I stated in my review, there were continuous problems with the airlines and incorrect names on our tickets. The delayed flight was also a big issue. For what we paid for our trip, I should never have been out another $500.00 for mistakes made by others.

CIE Tours Customer

1 month 2 weeks ago

Ireland highlights.

It was nice to not have to drive, as traffic was daunting.

Tina Louise Longmire