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Trip Length
9 Days
Trip Starts
Dublin
Trip Finishes
Dublin
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
44
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
EXA23
Overview
Read 7 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on CIE Tours 9 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 Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, 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)
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.
- 8 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.
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Where do we Stay?
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Trip Reviews (7) View All Most Recent 'Irish Explorer' Reviews
4.9
5 Star
4 Star
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
Unforgettable tour of Ireland 0 Sally & Noel Rippingsle, Australia, Jul 2019
Brian Harahan lead 32 Americans 2 Australians through Ireland. His knowledge outstanding, his Irish stories, craics, his passion for the history of Ireland memorable. CIE tour excellent re destinations. Local guides informative. We gave Brian 3 pages of craics as a thank you and a laugh for him at the end of the unforgettable holiday in Ireland. Brian ...read more made Ireland unforgettable for us. Being the careful driver, extraordinary guideà icing on the cake for us. 34 travellers blended in well together. Would certainly recommend CIE tours... hopefully they will have Brian Harahan as their exemplary driver guide! Thank you to CIE tours.
Fantastic time 0 Ross & Kathy McQuade, Australia, May 2019
We had a fantastic time. Busy days but had leisure time at night. Saw many, many things. Driver Patrick was a great driver but also great tour guide "true story". It was our first overseas trip and we would recommend CIE to family and friends.
Above and beyond our expectations. 2 Marg & Bev, VIC, Australia, Aug 2018
We have just completed a wonderful 9 day tour, it was above and beyond our expectations. Dominic was a great Tour Leader and a superb Driver.Dominic was so knowledgeable in the history of Ireland, it was a pleasure to hear his stories, he was well organised and made life for the group very easy. CIE organised a fantastic tour - superb sightseeing, accommodation ...read more was first class, enjoyable meals and a great small group of 23 on board - Congratulations CIE on this tour. We would have no hesitation in recommending CIE, thank you.
Fabulous Irish Explorer 0 Kitty S. Yanovich, Australia, Jul 2018
There are not enough words to thank Frank (our guide and driver) for the fabulous trip that we just finished. It would not have been as entertaining and well organised without his expertise. Thank you Frank for a wonderful trip.
Above and beyond our expectations 0 Marg Richards & Bev Symes, Australia, Jul 2018
We have just completed a wonderful 9 day tour, it was above and beyond our expectations. Dominic Dixon was a great Tour Leader and a superb Driver. Dominic was so knowledgeable in the history of Ireland, it was a pleasure to hear his stories, he was well organised and made life for the group very easy. CIE organised a fantastic tour - superb sightseeing, ...read more accommodation was first class, enjoyable meals and a great small group of 23 on board - congratulations CIE on this tour. We would have no hesitation in recommending CIE, thank you.
Great value for money 0 Kate & Ian Robinson, Australia, Mar 2017
We did the Irish Explorer tour in March. We usually travel semi-independently but decided to take a chance on an organised group tour for a change. So glad we chose CIE Tours. The arrangements were seamless, and all aspects of the tour itself were superb and, from our perspective, great value for money. Most of the accommodations exceeded our expectations, ...read more the included meals were all of a high quality, and the tour inclusions were excellent. We particularly liked the policy of rotating seats on the bus each day. We were a smaller group of 34, so there were spare seats on the coach anyway, but we understand that CIE ensures there are always a couple of empty seats to add to everyone's comfort in peak season. The guide and driver was Brian Hanrahan, and we can't praise him enough. Thoroughly skilled and professional, patient and good humoured, but always keeping the group on track to meet the schedule. His affable nature helped the group (age range mid 20's to mid 70's) to bond and cooperate in a quite amazing way during the tour. If we undertake a future tour in Ireland, England or Scotland, we won't look beyond CIE Tours.
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.
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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