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Jewels of Ireland

4.8/5 Based on 6 Reviews No Booking FeesDedicated Travel Advisor
Fully Guided Coach Group Scenic
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 Trip Length
15 Days
 Trip Starts
Dublin
 Trip Finishes
Dublin
15 Day Jewels of Ireland Itinerary (CIE Tours)
Countries Explored: Ireland, Northern Ireland
Accommodation
3 - 4 Star
Max. Group Size
44
Guide Level
Fully Guided
Trip Code
JEA23

Overview

Read 6 reviews and enjoy exclusive savings on CIE Tours 15 Day Jewels of Ireland. Enjoy the splendor of every corner on this leisurely Ireland tour of the essential—and the unexpected.

Itinerary

Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your Dublin hotel. Experience a panoramic tour of the city, then visit Dublin Castle for a guided tour. Learn how the castle was the seat of power in Ireland for many centuries, and see the State Apartments, used today for official ceremonies and presidential inaugurations. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before enjoying an evening free to dine as you wish.

Tour Dublin independently, on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. Plus choose a visit to one of Dublin's top attractions - Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Museum. Join your group in the evening for a dinner of Irish specialties and 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 now 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 in your hotel. (B/D)

Head west to Killarney and take some free time to discover this bustling, friendly town. Next, visit Moriarty's in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Continue on to Dingle, where you will dine in your hotel. (B,D)

Set out on the Slea Head Loop, one of Ireland's most beautiful drives, through scenic ocean and mountain vistas. Visit the Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the Blasket Islands, visible off the coast. Abandoned in 1954, they were once a lively outpost of traditional culture and language. Return to Dingle and visit Murphy's Ice Cream; taste their distinctive flavors like Irish Orange Marmalade, Brown Bread, and Dingle Gin. Take the rest of the day to wander and dine as you wish in this quaint seaside village. (B)

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

Travel through the rounded limestone hills of the Burren to Caherconnell and watch skilled dogs round up sheep. Stop in a charming Burren village to explore independently. Head to lively Galway for a walking tour with a local guide - check out the medieval history evident in the city walls, the narrow streetscape, and Lynch's Castle. Take time to explore the charming shops and perhaps listen to some street musicians before dinner in your hotel. (B,D)

Drive through Connemara to Leenane for a catamaran cruise (seasonal) of Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. Travel on to see Kylemore Abbey, a beautiful castle in a lakeside setting. Enjoy an evening free to explore vibrant, artistic Galway city. (B)

Travel north through County Mayo. Stop in County Fermanagh and visit Belleek Pottery to see craftspeople create their renowned fine china. Visit Donegal Castle, built by the O'Donnell chieftains in the 15th century and restored in the 1990s after falling into ruin for centuries. Enjoy free time in Donegal town before dinner in your hotel this evening. (B,D)

Enjoy a coastal drive to view Slieve League, Europe's highest sea cliffs. Continue on to our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Triona Design Donegal Tweed Centre in Ardara; see demonstrations of spinning, weaving and knitting. Enjoy some free time to explore before returning to the hotel for dinner. (B,D)

Meet with a local guide for a walking tour to see Derry's medieval walls, the Diamond, and St. Columb's Cathedral. Explore the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Travel along the scenic Nine Glens of Antrim before heading to Belfast. (B,D)

Tour Belfast, seeing its grand Victorian buildings and discovering its rich maritime history. Visit Titanic Belfast to explore the story of the doomed ocean liner, built in the local shipyards in 1912. Head to Ballymascanlon House, an elegant Victorian manor house, for lunch. Next, visit Brú na Bóinne, where you'll learn about the 5,000-year-old burial tombs of Knowth and Newgrange in the visitor center before visiting one of the tombs. Relax over dinner with your group in your hotel. (B,L,D)

Head to Dublin, where you'll visit Croke Park, the legendary stadium where All-Ireland Football and Hurling Championships are played. Visit the GAA Museum and learn about the Gaelic Athletic Association's fascinating role in cultural, social, and sporting heritage. Take the Skyline Tour, ascending to the stadium's rooftop 44 meters above the city for amazing views of Dublin. The rest of your day is free to explore the city and dine independently. (B)

Explore Dublin independently. Guests who have not used their vouchers on Day 2 may use them today to do the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour and choice of attractions. Otherwise, this vibrant city is yours to discover as you like. In the evening, dine independently at your choice of one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dublin has to offer. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)

Trip Inclusions

  • Slieve League Cliffs: Enjoy the majestic views of the highest cliffs in Europe.
  • Brú na Bóinne: Uncover the mysteries of the 5,000-year-old tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, with a visit to one of the tombs.
  • Belleek Pottery: Learn about the craftsmanship and heritage of the pottery created here since 1857.
  • Kylemore Abbey: Visit this monastery on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, founded for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during World War I.
  • Giant's Causeway: Created by volcanic activity 60 million years ago – or, according to Gaelic legend, by a giant – mammoth hexagonal stone columns rise from earth in a striking formation.
  • Blasket Centre: Enjoy stunning views of the wild Atlantic coast while learning about fishing, farming and traditional life in this remote community.
  • Cliffs of Moher: Marvel at the stunning views from these cliffs, rising 700 feet above the Atlantic.
  • Irish Night in Dublin: Enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment over dinner at Taylors Three Rock.
  • Donegal Castle: See one of Ireland's most splendid castles from its Gaelic past - abandoned for centuries but restored in the 1990s.

  • Stroll the streets of historic Kinsale with a local guide. This picturesque harbor town is a haven for foodies and art lovers.

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

  • The Gibson Hotel (4 Stars)
  • Kinsale Hotel & Spa (4 Stars)
  • Dingle Skellig Hotel (4 Stars)
  • Treacy's Oakwood Hotel (3 Stars)
  • Galway Bay Hotel (4 Stars)
  • Mill Park Hotel (4 Stars)
  • Maldron Hotel Belfast City (4 Stars)
  • Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort (4 Stars)
  • The Croke 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!

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Our Tour Directors
Our Tour Directors

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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 (6) Most Recent 'Jewels of Ireland' Reviews

4.8
AVG. RATING 4.8 / 5
6 Reviews
5 Star
83%
4 Star
17%
3 Star
2 Star
1 Star
An amazing country and adventure 0 , Australia, Aug 2019
What a beautiful country Ireland is - we both love to travel and have been to many places around the world but Ireland was just so beautiful. Our tour guide Sabrina (or better known as St. Sabrina- the Patron Saint of Tour Guides / the 'real' Jewel of Ireland) was just FANTASTIC - her knowledge was great and you can tell she really loves her job and ...read more treats everyone as equal and knows how to handle her group with total professionalism. Dennis is the driver extraordinaire with his driving abilities through some of those tight corners in Ireland for sure. Highlights were certainly the wonderful new friends that we made but not to forget the Irish Stud Farm, Taylors Three Rocks, Kinsale, Sheep Dog Trails, Dingle Bay Peninsular, Cliffs of Mohr, Selieve League Cliffs and the list just goes on. Anyone wanting to see this stunning land that is Ireland, DO NOT think twice - it is an amazing country and adventure and if you are lucky enough to have St. Sabina as your tour guide and Dennis as your driver - you guys are in for a 'big craic' is all I can say - very well done guys very well done!!!
First rate all the way 0 , Australia, Oct 2018
WOW! First rate all the way. Itinerary, hotels, food and pace. Marion, our tour guide and John, our driver, were outstanding in the delivery of their respective services. Accolade after accolade are in order for both Marion and John, who are extremely personable and expert in providing their services. We will continue to sing their praises to all our ...read more friends and relatives. When the time arrives to tour Scotland, it will most definitely be with CIE.
Comprehensive tour of Ireland 0 , Australia, Jul 2018
A great holiday. Everything went as planned. It is a great comprehensive tour of all Ireland. Dennis was our driver and the wonderful Brendhan our tour guide. Brendhan was really good with his historical knowledge, his charm and his wit. (I'll not mention the singing). He galvanised the coach into a happy, contributing band of travellers. We could not ...read more have been with a better tour guide.
Had the best time! 0 , Australia, Apr 2018
I had the best time on this tour, our tour guide Joe Lavery was a wealth of knowledge and very professional. Our bus driver Tony was great, some of the places he manoeuvred the coach was truly amazing. The accommodation and meals were lovely. One of my highlights was staying at Carbra Castle, what a beautiful place. The pubs and the music of a night ...read more time is a must see. Wherever we went there was something amazing to see and Joe would have a story or a piece of history about the place. I can't recommend CIE Tours highly enough. I had a tear in my eye when left.
Definitely recommend CIE Tours 0 , Australia, Sep 2017
Our tour was amazing in every way possible. It was so much fun and I was sad when the holiday ended and we had to say goodbye to Dee and Oliver and our fellow travellers. Our Tour Director/Guide Dee was fantastic. She had a world of knowledge and was fun and enjoyable to be around, she recited poetry, sang us songs and her history and knowledge of Ireland ...read more was amazing. Our bus driver Oliver was fantastic as well. Our group got on very well and I met some lovely people. I will definitely do another CIE tour in the future and recommend to others to do.
Truly amazing Jewels of Ireland tour 0 , Australia, Jun 2017
The Jewels of Ireland trip is truly amazing. I learned so much and felt a connection to the land of Ireland and its people and culture. Our tour guide, Lloyd Creagh, was excellent. He is knowledgeable about so many facets of Irish life and history, both past and present, and really made the trip come alive for our group. I highly recommend CIE to anyone ...read more who wants to see the hidden gems that Ireland has to offer.
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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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