Tour Itinerary
Itinerary is subject to change.
DAY 1 Dublin Arrival | Malahide Castle:
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from Dunboyne Castle Hotel. (We strongly
recommend you arrange an airport transfer when you book your tour.) Start your
vacation with a visit Malahide Castle, first built in 1185 and filled with medieval
artifacts. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner at your hotel. (D)
DAY 2 National Stud | Kilkenny Walk:
Visit the home of equine royalty: the Irish National Stud in Kildare, the heart of Irish
horse racing. Some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds live in these beautiful
surroundings. Walk through the gardens before traveling on to Kilkenny, where you’ll
enjoy lunch in the Kilkenny Design Centre. Take a walking tour with a local guide to
see the gems along the Medieval Mile, a stretch of city streets from cathedral to
castle, with buildings dating back as far as the 13th century. Dine independently and
explore as you wish this evening. (B, L)
DAY 3 House of Waterford Crystal | Dunbrody Famine Ship:
Visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner; see
skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces on a factory tour. Then join a local guide
for a walking tour of Waterford; discover the history of this port city, the oldest in
Ireland, and its many colorful characters. Take time to explore independently. In
New Ross, you’ll visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of a vessel that in the
1840s brought desperate emigrants fleeing famine to new lives in North America.
(B, D)
DAY 4 Cobh Heritage | Blarney Castle:
Travel south to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic and where many places
associated with the liner still exist. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the
history of emigration over a number of centuries from Ireland to North America. At
Blarney Castle, kiss the famous stone or stroll through the spacious parklands to
view Blarney House before traveling to your hotel. (Please note: Some Tuesday
departures will stay in Tralee instead of Killarney on Days 4 and 5.) (B, D)
DAY 5 Dingle Peninsula:
Visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the beautiful Gap of
Dunloe. Then go to discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula as you drive along the
south shore to admire views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and
rocky headlands. At the South Pole Inn, learn about Tom Crean, an early Irish
explorer who braved the Antarctic. Browse around the town of Dingle and enjoy a
drink, dinner and entertainment at Foley’s Bar and Restaurant. (B, D)
DAY 6 : Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Ferry across the River Shannon before driving to the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700
feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs; on a clear day
you can see great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Take in a sheepdog
demonstration to see highly skilled dogs work with farmers to herd their flock.
Savor homemade scones with tea before heading to Galway for a panoramic city
tour. (B, D)
DAY 7 Aran Islands | Dun Aengus:
Set out on a ferry across Galway Bay for Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran
Islands. The hardy islanders still speak the Irish language and maintain traditional
fishing and farming methods. Visit Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic fortress
perched on sheer cliffs above the Atlantic. Relax with a casual lunch in Kilronan,
the island’s main village, followed by free time for exploring before returning by
ferry. (B, L)
DAY 8 Clonmacnoise | Sean’s Bar:
Visit Clonmacnoise, a monastic settlement founded in 545 AD and set on the banks
of the River Shannon. Marvel at elaborate high Celtic crosses decorated with biblical
scenes, and walk around the many church ruins and two round towers. In nearby
Athlone, enjoy an Irish coffee at Sean’s Bar. This pub has a documented history
going back to 900 AD – and is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the
oldest pub in Europe. During renovations in 1970, ancient walls and old coins dating
back centuries were discovered. In the evening, head to Dublin’s Abbey Tavern for
an Irish dinner and lively show. (B, D)
DAY 9 Independent Dublin Sightseeing:
Enjoy a day in Dublin independently on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour and a visit to
your choice of one of Dublin’s top attractions – Guinness Storehouse, Teeling
Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or the GPO Museum. (B)
DAY 10 Tour Ends in Dublin:
10-day tour ends after breakfast. (B)
