Discover, Plan & Go!

Itinerary

Day 1: Depart U.S for Dublin

Depart the U.S gateway city in the evening and fly through the night to Ireland to start your vacation.

Day 2: Dublin & Doyle's Cabaret

Arrive at Dublin Airport and proceed through immigration and pick up your baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall and personnel will arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If you arrive later than noon, you will need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm join a local guide for a sightseeing tour of central Dublin. See the main streets, prominent public buildings and the famous Georgian houses with colorful doors. Tour Dublin Castle to view the elegantly-furnished State Apartments and learn about important events that have taken place. Celebrate the start of your tour at Doyle's Irish Cabaret with a dinner of Irish specialties followed by lively entertainment. (D)

Day 3: 6th Century Glendalough & Waterford

This morning leave Dublin to see the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough. Learn about St. Kevin's 6th century monastery in the Glendalough Visitor Centre and walk through the site to see its round tower, church ruins and Celtic crosses. Continue to Waterford, home of the renowned handcut crystal. In the afternoon tour the Waterford Crystal Factory to see skilled craftspeople blowing, cutting and polishing the crystal. Also see an amazing range of glassware and trophies in the showrooms. Get together with your tour group for a welcome drink before dinner. After dinner take a brief walking tour around the historic city center with a local guide. (B, D)

Day 4: Blarney Castle & Lakes of Killarney

Glimpse farm life as you visit a farmhouse for morning tea and freshly baked scones. Drive along the south coast through Youghal and Cork to Blarney Castle. Here you may kiss the "Stone of Eloquence," which is located in the battlements and enjoy a stroll through the grounds. Then journey west through rugged countryside to Killarney, widely celebrated for its setting overlooking lakes and mountains. After checking into your hotel, you may like to browse around this busy little town. (B, D)

Day 5: Ring of Kerry Tour

Experience highlights of Ireland's natural scenery on this full day tour around the Ring of Kerry. The road winds between the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountains on one side and the Atlantic coast on the other. The panoramic vistas change constantly and frequent stops will permit plenty of photo opportunities. Start by viewing the "Essence of Kerry" audio visual show at the Gap of Dunloe and then drive through Killorglin, Cahirciveen and Waterville at the end of the peninsula. On the return pass through the colorful village of Sneem and stop at Moll's Gap to view the Three Lakes of Killarney. Enjoy some free time in Killarney before dinner in your hotel. (B, D)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Galway

Depart Killarney and travel north through the village of Listowel to Tarbert. Take a 20-minute ferry ride across the River Shannon estuary and drive along the coastline of County Clare. View the Cliffs of Moher, one of the country's most magnificent rock formations that rise to heights of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic swells. Pass through the Burren, an area of rocky limestone hills where a number of unique flowers thrive. This region also contains many dolmens, prehistoric monuments formed by large limestone slabs. Drive around Galway Bay before arriving at your hotel in Galway. (B, D)

Day 7: Connemara & Yeats' Country

Drive around the main sights of Galway before heading to Moycullen to visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory. This family-owned business creates specialty pieces with Irish motifs and colored crystal. Then see part of Connemara, a scenic region of misty hills, shimmering lakes and bogland. Travel via Maam Cross and Leenane to Westport, an attractive town with wide tree-lined streets and a central square. Continue through the lovely scenery of Sligo, immortalized by W. B. Yeats' poetry. In the shadow of the distinctive Ben Bulben Mountain, view his grave at Drumcliffe Church where his grandfather was rector. Journey around Donegal Bay to the seaside town of Bundoran for overnight. (B, D)

Day 8: Boyne Valley & Dublin

Depart Bundoran and drive along the picturesque shores of Lower Lough Erne to Enniskillen. As you pass through the midland region of Ireland notice the different types of farms and bustling market towns. Near Navan visit the Boyne Valley Visitor Centre to learn about nearby prehistoric burial sites through exhibits and audio-visual presentations. Walk through a full-sized replica of the largest tumulus, Newgrange. Drive into Dublin to check into your hotel once more. The evening is free for dining or pub-crawling. (B)

Day 9: Depart for Home

For those of you booked on our 9-day tour, complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. (B)