Southern Gems

Depart from your hotel at 2:00 PM for a panoramic tour of Dublin. Visit Pearse Lyons Distillery, the city’s only independent, family-owned distillery, in the former St James’s Church in the historic Liberties district. Taste the whiskey and hear tales dating back to the 12th century as you tour this lovingly restored church. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before enjoying an evening free to dine as you wish.

Visit the breathtaking Powerscourt Estate in County Wicklow, to explore the stunning gardens and discover the art of traditional whiskey-making at the Powerscourt Distillery, famous for its award-winning Fercullen Irish whiskeys. Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner with a lively show at Taylors Three Rock pub. (B, D) 

Travel to Blarney Castle; climb the winding staircase to kiss its famous stone or enjoy the gardens. Go to Kinsale, a picturesque old fishing town known for art galleries and gourmet food. Join a local guide for a fascinating walk around its historic streets, once besieged by the Spanish Armada, before dinner at your hotel. (B, D) 

Discover the charming town of Kenmare with some independent time, then travel on to see highlights of the Ring of Kerry. Stop at Moriarty’s in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, before arriving in Killarney, where you’ll take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle. Dine with your group at your hotel this evening. (Most groups will stay at the Ashe Hotel in Tralee. Departures on Apr 4, May 30, Jun 27, Aug 29, Sep 26, Oct 17 stay at The Heights Hotel, Killarney.) (B, D) 

Spend the day visiting the Dingle Peninsula, beginning with the Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the Blasket Islands, visible off the coast. These islands were once a lively outpost of the Irish language, and you’ll learn a few words, or cúpla focal for yourself. Continue on to the friendly town of Dingle, visiting Murphy’s Ice Cream to taste distinctive flavors like Irish Orange Marmalade, Brown Bread, and Dingle Gin. Enjoy free time before returning to your hotel. Dine independently this evening. (B) 

Visit the Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum, which recalls how a small village became one of the world’s greatest hubs for air travel in the 1930s and 1940s. Drive to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. In the evening, visit a castle for a medieval-style banquet with traditional songs and stories. (B, D) 

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