Irish Explorer

4.5/5 Based on 2 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
10 Days
 Trip Starts
Dublin
 Trip Finishes
Dublin
10 Day Irish Explorer Itinerary (CIE Tours)
Countries Explored: Ireland, Northern Ireland
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
44
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
EXA23

Overview

Read 2 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on CIE Tours 10 Day Irish Explorer. Adventure through the most spectacular parts of Ireland, from emerald green farms to seaside cliffs and vibrant towns.

Itinerary

Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from the Clontarf Castle Hotel lobby, a short ride from Dublin Airport and a few miles north of Dublin city center. Head out for a tour of central Dublin with a local guide to see elegant Georgian squares, public buildings, and monuments. Visit Experience Glasnevin at Ireland's national cemetery - it's a fascinating “who's who” of modern Irish history. Join your group for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the castle hotel. (D)

Visit Strokestown Park to explore Ireland's tragic history. Tour the National Famine Museum and then Strokestown House; the grand Georgian mansion will reveal the contrast between the luxurious lives of its residents and the destitution of their tenants. Stroll the park to see the walled gardens and woodlands.

Next, a CIE Tours exclusive: visit Blakes of the Hollow Pub, a Victorian bar that retains many features original to its founding in 1887. Famed author John McGahern, a regular visitor, described it as “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland”. Take a photo by its official “Game of Thrones” door highlighting the series' sixth season. Continue your travels north to Donegal. With its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive, Donegal is renowned for woolen production and tweeds. (B/D)

Head to Teelin to reach the best viewing point of the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Enjoy a CIE Tours Exclusive experience: sip an Irish coffee as you take in the view from these impressive cliffs. Travel up through beautiful views of Donegal to reach Triona Design Donegal Tweed Center in Ardara, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, where spinners and weavers will demonstrate their crafts. Head to the popular Nancy's Bar in Ardara for dinner before returning to your hotel in Donegal town, a busy little town that was once a Viking port. (B/D)

Discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship during a tour of Belleek Pottery. You'll go behind the scenes to see how this world-famous fine china is made. Travel south to Galway and take a walking tour with a local guide; explore this vibrant city's medieval past and artistic, musical present. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. (B/D)

Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes, and peat bogs an added dimension. Stop at the Connemara Celtic Crystal factory to watch skilled artisans demonstrate fine glass-cutting. Travel on through spectacular scenery to visit Dan O'Hara's Homestead, where you'll discover traditional farming methods, see Connemara ponies, and have a light lunch. Return to Galway and enjoy an evening free for independent dining and exploration. (B/L)

Drive through Co. Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the cliffs to see spectacular vistas, including Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Embark on a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Arrive in Killarney, where you will dine in your hotel this evening. (B/D)

Head out to the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's most famous and popular scenic drive. Stop at Moriarty's in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Immerse yourself in farm life with a demonstration of sheepdogs herding flocks. Continuing on the scenic drive, pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll's Gap. Your evening is free to explore in Killarney tonight, as you dine independently and perhaps discover some of the town's lively pubs. (B)

Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or take a gentle walk through the lovely parklands and colorful gardens. Head to the Abbey Tavern for Irish cuisine, and an evening of lively entertainment. (B/D)

Spend the day independently in Dublin on an open-top bus tour and a visit to one of Dublin's top attractions: the Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Museum. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Glasnevin Experience: The world's first cemetery museum offers a unique perspective on Irish history – visit the graves of Ireland's heroes and discover the stories of some of the one and half million people buried there.
  • Slieve League Cliffs – CIE Tours Exclusive: In a CIE Tours Exclusive, sip an authentic Irish coffee as you marvel at the view from the tallest sea cliffs in Europe.
  • Dan O'Hara's Homestead: Step back in time to discover Ireland's farming traditions—and beautiful Connemara ponies.
  • Blakes of the Hollow Pub – CIE Tours Exclusive: Raise a glass in this Victorian pub, home of an intricately hand-carved "Game of Thrones" door crafted from trees from the Dark Hedges, in a CIE Tours Exclusive.
  • Sheepdog Demonstration: Watch sheepdogs herd their flocks at a picturesque farm.
  • Belleek Pottery: See how the iconic fine china is crafted and produced by Irish craftsmen.
  • Cliffs of Moher: Discover the dramatic views from 700 feet above the crashing waves of the Atlantic.
  • 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?
  • Strokestown Park: Visit Roscommon to see this estate with its once-grand manor home. The National Famine Museum on the grounds tells the story of Ireland's 19th-century catastrophe, that resulted in the starvation and departure of millions of people.

  • 9 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 6 Dinners (D)

  • Clontarf Castle Hotel (4 Stars)
  • Mill Park Hotel (4 Stars)
  • The Hardiman Hotel (4 Stars)
  • Killarney Plaza Hotel (4 Stars)
  • Herbert Park Hotel (4 Stars)

  • Airport transfers at your arrival and departure destination are not included in the price of the tour.
  • Itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
  • Price is for land, cruise and specified internal flights. International flights not included.
No Hidden Extras!
No Hidden Extras!

Each of our holidayss are stress-free, with no surprise hidden fees, and plenty of fun for all ages. Read more

Our Tour Directors
Our Tour Directors

CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors - they are the envy of the travel industry. Read more

Where do we Stay?
Where do we Stay?

CIE Tours uses three classes of hotels – first class, superior first class & deluxe properties. Read more

Trip Reviews (2) Most Recent 'Irish Explorer' Reviews

4.5
AVG. RATING 4.5 / 5
2 Reviews
5 Star
50%
4 Star
50%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Best tour with no hidden costs 0 , Australia, Sep 2017
Very well organised, genuine 4 star accommodation and good meals, with no hidden costs, makes this the best tour we have experienced. Our thanks to our guide Brian, a wonderful ambassador for his country, not only kept us informed, but thoroughly entertained with his Irish humour and wit.
Amazing tour director 0 , Australia, Jul 2017
We took the Irish Explorer tour from Dublin, starting on 07 July. Duration 9 Nights/10 Days. On arrival at Dublin we were greeted by the CIE rep who arranged the transfer to our hotel - Clontorf Castle. It was a well appointed hotel with very courteous staff and well appointed rooms. Food both dinner and breakfast the next morning had an awesome spread.
Next ...read more morning, we set off on our tour to the North - Donegal. Our Tour Director was Liam. He was amazing. He knew the history of Ireland like the back of his hand. He was well informed, had a great sense of humour. His anecdotes were really great. He made a world of a difference on the tour. We were 27 of us on the coach. Most meeting each other for the first time. We all got along famously. CIE did a great job. Would recommend to my friends to take CIE tours. Professionally managed. Well done.
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Prices & Dates

There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.

Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by CIE Tours. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from CIE Tours. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.

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