Overview
Itinerary
Depart from your hotel at 2:00 PM for a panoramic tour of Dublin with a local guide, seeing its grand Georgian buildings and squares, the River Liffey, and historic O'Connell Street. Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an award-winning, high-tech museum that chronicles the journeys made by Irish emigrants around the globe and details the stories of the new lives made by the Irish abroad. Back at your hotel, enjoy a welcome drink with your group, and then you'll be free to discover the city and dine at your leisure.
Set off for Glendalough, a valley in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Tour the picturesque ruins of the ancient monastery there; it thrived for centuries after being established by St Kevin in the sixth century. See stone churches, large carved Celtic crosses, and an iconic round tower. Next, visit luxurious Johnstown Castle in Wexford for a tour of the Gothic Revival castle and its splendid gardens, designed by one of the 19th century's leading architects. Dine with your group at your hotel. (B/D)
Midleton Distillery Experience Today, you'll visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Watch superb artisans create sparkling masterpieces on a factory tour. Next, visit the Midleton Distillery Experience for a fascinating exploration of the whiskey-making process. Arrive in Tralee, where you'll dine at your hotel. (B/D)
Take a jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. See the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's famed scenic drive. Visit CIE Tours' preferred shopping partner, Moriarty's, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe before lunch in the charming town of Kenmare; then enjoy free time in Killarney before returning to Tralee. (B/L)
Travel north to the Cliffs of Moher, crossing the Shannon Estuary by ferry on your way. Visit the cliffs, taking in the glorious views from 700 feet above the churning Atlantic. Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway, where you'll have dinner with your group. (B/D)
Take a scenic drive through the breathtakingly beautiful region of Connemara, with its mountains, lakes, and boglands. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a glorious Victorian castle built on the lakeside as a romantic gift. Next, immerse yourself in rural life as you visit a traditional farm and watch highly trained sheepdogs display their skills. Return to Galway, where you'll dine independently and rejoin your group for Trad on the Prom, a thrilling, contemporary show of traditional Irish music, song, and dance (seasonal, on departures from May 10 to September 25). (B)
Drive to Clonmacnoise, the spectacular ruins of a monastery founded in the sixth century. See the splendid ruins of the cathedral, nine churches, two round towers, and three high crosses as you approach the way the Vikings would have over a thousand years ago. Tour the area and imagine it all as it once was, as a flourishing center of learning that attracted students from all over Europe. Head to Dublin for a lively evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance with dinner at the Abbey Tavern. (B/D)
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Trip Inclusions
- Irish Night at The Abbey Tavern: Visit Abbey Tavern pub for an authentic Irish experience filled with live music, hearty food, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Glendalough: This ancient monastery founded in the 6th century was once a thriving hub of study and prayer. Its picturesque ruins will inspire you.
- Cliffs of Moher: Visit the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone soaring 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf below.
- Ring of Kerry Highlights: See the highlights of Ireland's most famous scenic drive, with views of rocky shores, emerald green fields and ancient ruins dotting the landscape.
- Johnstown Castle: This beautifully restored Gothic Revival castle has so many stories to tell.
- EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Discover why Irishness is celebrated around the world with a journey through Irish culture and history, and the stories of those who lived it. Winner of Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction in 2019 and 2020.
- Sheepdog Demonstration: See authentic Irish farm life and watch the hardest working dogs in Ireland guard their herd.
- Jameson Experience Midleton: Visit Jameson Distillery and experience a host of unique experiences. Enjoy a premium whiskey tasting. Take a hosted tour of the distillery which brings the fascinating story of Jameson's rich heritage to life.
- 7 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 4 Dinners (D)
- Ashling Hotel (4 Stars)
- Whites of Wexford Hotel (4 Stars)
- The Rose Hotel (3 Stars)
- Radisson Red Galway Hotel
- Grand Canal Hotel (3 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
Trip Reviews (4) Most Recent 'Irish Spirit' Reviews
Dates & Pricing
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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.
