Overview
Itinerary
Meet your tour director at 2 PM in the 5-star Shelbourne Hotel, a beloved institution that has been at the heart of Dublin for nearly 200 years. Set out for a guided walking tour of Trinity College, established in 1592. Visit the beautiful library and enjoy fast-track entry to the Book of Kells.
This illuminated manuscript of the Four Gospels, created in the 9th century by monks, is possibly Ireland's greatest cultural treasure. Next, head to the Little Museum of Dublin, located in a Georgian building steps away from your hotel, for an exclusive after-hours visit. Join the museum's director on a personal tour and nibble on canapés and sip wine or beer at a private VIP welcome reception.
Visit Slane Castle in County Meath. Tour the castle, home to the Conyngham family since it was built in the late 18th century, and then settle in for lunch, where you will be joined by a member of the family. Lord Henry Mountcharles or his son Alex, Earl of Mountcharles, will discuss the fascinating history of the castle and its iconic role in pop culture. It has been used since 1981 as a setting for rock concerts by stars such as The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Madonna, Bob Dylan, Queen, and many more. U2 took up residence there in 1984 to write and record their album The Unforgettable Fire.
Next visit Slane Distillery for a tour and tasting of their signature triple casked blend, Slane Irish Whiskey; learn about the direct connection between Slane Whiskey and the iconic American whiskey maker, Jack Daniels. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure and dine independently in Dublin. (B,L)
Trip Inclusions
- Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone: Built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, this stronghold has been attracting attention ever since. Millions have flocked to Blarney to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower, making it one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.
- Dingle Peninsula: The Dingle Peninsula stretches 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean from Ireland’s south-west coast and is dominated by the Slieve Mish Mountains and Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest peak. The steep sea-cliffs and sandy beaches provide spectacular views.
- Cliffs of Moher: One of Ireland’s top visitor attractions, the cliffs are 700 feet high and extend for 5 miles over the Atlantic Ocean on the western seaboard of County Clare. O’Brien’s Tower stands proudly on a headland and one can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and Connemara. The cliffs are home to major colonies of cliff nesting seabirds.
- Jaunting car ride in Killarney National Park: Drive through part of the extensive Killarney National Park at a leisurely pace to enjoy wonderful lake and mountain views and stop for photos. All the while your driver entertains you with local folklore and history of the area.
- The House of Waterford Crystal: Located on the Mall in the heart of the Viking Triangle in Waterford City, the House of Waterford Crystal opens the door to more than 200 years of crystal manufacturing. Be a part of the story as you witness craftsmen making crystal stemware, giftware and masterpieces before your very eyes. You will see red-hot molten crystal take shape, in a miracle of light, heat and skill. The craftsmen are meticulous and you can watch as they transform glowing balls of molten crystal into elegant shapes with skills that have made two hundred years of perfection clearly visible in every piece.
- Trinity College Walking Tour: Visitors walk through the city-center campus of Trinity College to view this world-famous 9th century gospel manuscript housed in the magnificent Old Library. See the ’Turning Darkness into Light’ exhibition, the Book of Kells and other related manuscripts in the Treasury and the magnificent 18th century Long Room.
- Visit the Little Museum of Dublin for a fascinating look at the city's history – and a CIE Tours Exclusive: after-hours entry, a VIP reception, and a personal tour by the museum's director.
- Whip up an Irish stew in the home of Emmy-nominated TV chef Catherine Fulvio, Ballyknocken House and Cookery School.
- Have lunch at Slane Castle, and hear stories about its iconic role in pop culture – from a member of the family. Then go next door for a visit to Slane Distillery.
- 8 breakfasts (B) , 5 lunches (L) , including Slane Castle and a cooking experience at Catherine Fulvio's Ballyknocken House; and 4 dinners (D) , including Dromoland Castle.
- Shelbourne Hotel (5 Stars)
- Fota Island Hotel & Golf Resort (5 Stars)
- Aghadoe Heights Hotel (5 Stars)
- Dromoland Castle Hotel (5 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 holidayss 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
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.
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.
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