Overview
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. Discover central Dublin with a local guide, viewing 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 at the castle hotel. (D)
At Strokestown Park, hear compelling stories of the Great Irish Famine, brought to life in state-of-the-art exhibits at the National Famine Museum, then tour the grand Strokestown House to understand the human impact of this darkest chapter in Ireland's past. 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 in Ardara, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, where spinners and weavers will demonstrate their crafts. Soak in the atmosphere and enjoy dinner at Nancy's Bar in Adara 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. Tour behind the scenes to see how this world-famous fine china is made. Travel on to Westport for a guided tour of Westport House. This privately owned manor home is a treasure trove of history, built on castle foundations that once belonged to Grace O'Malley, Ireland's “Pirate Queen”. The evening is yours to dine and explore as you wish. (B)
Visit a traditional farm to see highly skilled sheepdogs show off their talents at minding their herd.
Continue on to Galway, for a walking tour of this vibrant city's medieval heart. Take free time to explore before heading to Adare, where you'll dine at your hotel this evening. (B/D)
Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring high above the Atlantic Ocean. Cross over the Shannon via ferry and take a scenic drive to beautiful Dingle. Visit Murphy's Ice Cream to taste some of their distinctly Irish flavors made with local ingredients, and then take free time to explore this friendly little town. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B/D)
Embark on a tour of 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.
Continuing on the scenic drive, pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll's Gap. Stop at Atlantic Irish Seaweed for a guided walk along the shoreline and enjoy a few seaweed nibbles. Visit Killarney for free time to explore before returning to Tralee, where you may dine as you wish. (B)
Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or take a walk through the lovely parklands and colorful gardens. At the Abbey Tavern, enjoy an evening of traditional Irish cuisine and entertainment. (B/D)
Explore Dublin independently on an open-top bus tour and a visit to one of Dublin's top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience, or GPO Museum. (B)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Experience Glasnevin: Explore this beautifully restored garden cemetery that feature epic monuments from Ireland's historic past. The stories of those who shaped Ireland's history are brought to life.
- Westport House: Tour this 18th-century grand manor, with its exquisite furnishings and artwork. It was once home to the famous pirate queen Grace O'Malley.
- Strokestown Park: Immerse yourself in the compelling history of Strokestown Park, where the evocative Famine Museum tells the poignant story of Ireland's Great Hunger.
- Blakes of the Hollow Pub (CIE Tours Exclusive): Visit the Victorian Blakes of the Hollow Pub, which famed author John McGahern once called “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars” in Ireland. Enjoy a pint as you view the handcrafted “Game of Thrones” door, carved from the trees of the Dark Hedges.
- Blarney Castle: Visit Blarney Castle and unlock the enchanting opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, while exploring the castle's ancient ruins and surrounding gardens, immersing yourself in a tradition believed to bestow the "gift of eloquence."
- Slieve League Cliffs: Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Slieve League Cliffs, where towering sea cliffs offer breathtaking views and a sense of serenity, providing an unforgettable opportunity to connect with nature at the dramatic coastal scenery.
- Sheepdog Demonstration: Stop by and watch highly skilled sheepdogs show off their talents at minding their herd. Learn about the agility, intelligence and capability of the sheepdogs at work.
- A night in Dublin at the Abbey Tavern: Spend an evening at one of Ireland's most traditional Irish shows. Experience the best of hospitality, entertainment and scrumptious Irish food.
- Belleek Pottery: Come along to Belleek Pottery to view the fine craftsmanship in action. Step into the world of Belleek Pottery and discover why it is one of Northern Ireland's oldest and most fascinating attractions.
- Galway Walking Tour: Embark on a Galway walking tour to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of this charming city, where you'll discover hidden gems, colorful streets, and captivating stories, truly capturing the essence of Galway's vibrant culture.
- 9 Breakfasts (B) and 6 Dinners (D)
- Clontarf Castle Hotel (4 Stars)
- Mill Park Hotel (4 Stars)
- Knockranny House Hotel (4 Stars)
- Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel (4 Stars)
- The Ashe Hotel (4 Stars)
- Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - Dublin (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.
Each of our vacations are stress-free, with no surprise hidden fees, and plenty of fun for all ages. Read more
CIE Tours could not exist without our great locally employed tour directors - they are the envy of the travel industry. Read more
CIE Tours uses three classes of hotels – first class, superior first class & deluxe properties. Read more
Dates & Pricing
USD
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct 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 the cruise-line and 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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