Discover, Plan & Go!

Itinerary

Day 1: Flight to Shannon

Board your overnight flight to Shannon. Relax with inflight entertainment and meal service as you cross the Atlantic.

Day 2: Cliffs of Moher & Ennis

Land in Shannon Airport! After immigration control and picking up your baggage, proceed to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall. CIE Tours staff will arrange a group transfer to your hotel in Ennis. Complimentary transfers will be offered from Shannon Airport between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm. If your flight arrives later than 2:00 pm, you will transfer to the hotel at your own expense. Your hotel room may not be available until the regular check in time of 1:00 pm so you may like to leave your baggage in the hotel and take a little walk around Ennis. In the afternoon, take a drive to the coast of County Clare to view the Cliffs of Moher. These walls of rock rise to heights of almost 700 feet above the open Atlantic Ocean and provide wonderful views. Return to your hotel and enjoy a welcome drink with your guide and fellow travelers to discuss your trip before dining in your hotel. (D)

Day 3: Flying Boat Museum & Dingle Stay

Drive west from Ennis to take a short ferry ride across the Shannon River Estuary. Travel along the shores of the River Shannon to Foynes to visit the Flying Boat Museum. During the 1930s and early 1940s, this was the landing place for Pan Am Clippers from the United States and Europe. The museum recreates the early days of aviation through displays of memorabilia. Journey into the mountainous scenery of County Kerry and through the towns of Listowel and Tralee and head out along the scenic Dingle Peninsula. This lovely region was made popular by David Lean's movie, "Ryan's Daughter" and you will see golden beaches, cliffs and hills. Continue to the town of Dingle and check into your hotel, located on a tranquil bay. (B, D)

Day 4: Dingle Peninsula Tour

Today discover the western part of the Dingle Peninsula, a remote region where "the next parish is America." You will have wonderful views of the rocky shoreline and also views of the Iveragh Peninsula to the south. Tour the Blasket Centre in Dunquin to learn about the offshore Blasket Islands, inhabited until 1953 by hardy families who eked out a living by farming and fishing. Also visit the Louis Mulcahy Pottery, which is famous for large blue hand-thrown pots. See how the pots are created and admire some of the finished pieces. Return to the town of Dingle where you will have some time to explore and find a nearby restaurant for independent dining in the evening. (B)

Day 5: Killarney & Blarney

This morning drive to Killarney, a town famous for its setting beside mountains and lakes. Head to Muckross House, an elegant 19th century mansion set beside tranquil Muckross Lake, for a guided tour. Learn about local history and U.S. family connections as you view the elegant rooms and rich furnishings. Take a jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park back into Killarney where you will have some free time to browse around the town center. Drive through the mountains of Kerry and stop at the Blarney Woollen Mills in the village of Blarney. If you feel energetic, you may climb to the top of Blarney Castle. Continue into Cork city and take a drive around the main streets and places of interest before checking into your hotel. (B, D)

Day 6: Titanic Walking Tour & Kilkenny

Drive to Cobh, situated on the natural harbor formed by the River Lee. Take a "Titanic" walking tour with a local guide to discover places, including the docks, associated with the famous liner which made its last stop in Cobh to pick up Irish emigrants. Drive north through Clonmel and Callan to Kilkenny. Take a guided tour around Kilkenny Castle, home of the Butler family from 1391 until 1935. Learn about the history and lifestyle of this powerful family and the great influence they had on politics of the region. See stately furnished rooms dating from different eras. Check into your hotel in the center of Kilkenny and enjoy some free time to browse through the narrow streets of this ancient city. (B, D)

Day 7: National Stud & Dublin

Drive north to County Kildare to visit the National Stud and Japanese Gardens. Learn about Ireland's exciting horse breeding industry at the National Stud and see some of the magnificent horses. Then walk through the compact Japanese Gardens, which are charmingly laid out to represent the "Life of Man" in oriental-style gardening. A short drive will take you into Dublin where you will check in to your hotel, just on the north side of the city. Enjoy some leisure time to relax or explore the city a little on your own. This evening drive to the Abbey Tavern, where a delicious dinner of Irish specialties is finished off with an Irish coffee and popular Irish songs by the Abbey Tavern Singers. (B, D)

Day 8: Dublin City Tour

This morning take a sightseeing tour around central Dublin to see the many important places, impressive public buildings, elegant Georgian squares and houses, colorful parks and busy shopping areas. Visit Dublin Castle, seat of government for many centuries and today it is used for many government functions. A guide will point out the highlights of Ireland's history as you walk through the richly decorated State Apartments to see portraits, Waterford Crystal chandeliers and furnishings. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities - there are plenty of museums, shops, restaurants and entertainments to choose from. (B)

Day 9: Homeward Bound

This morning you will take a group transfer to Dublin Airport where your tour concludes. After check-in you will have time to shop at the duty free stores. (B)