Itinerary

Day 1

Land at Shannon Airport, pass through immigration and pick up your luggage. Locate the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall where our staff will arrange a group transfer to your nearby hotel. 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 must transfer to the hotel at your own expense. This afternoon you are at leisure to rest after your journey or take a stroll on your own through Bunratty Folk Park, which is located close to your hotel. Join your fellow travelers for a welcoming drink before heading to the 15th century Bunratty or Knappogue Castle for a medieval-style meal and entertainment. (D)

Day 2

Drive west through Ennis and Lahinch to see the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Then cross the wide River Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride to Tarbert and travel through Listowel and Castleisland to Killarney. This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. After checking into your hotel, head out to view some of the scenery. Take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of Killarney National Park to Muckross Gardens. Enjoy a stroll through these lovely, tranquil gardens that are laid out on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D)

Day 3

Embark on Ireland's most popular scenic drive - the Ring of Kerry. This circular tour will reveal constantly-changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and cliffs. Drive through the remote towns of Cahirciveen and Waterville and return through the colorful village of Sneem. Enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural beauty all along the way. At Moll's Gap, stop to view the three lakes with the mountains and town in the background. Return to Killarney and enjoy some free time to look around the town before dinner. After dinner you may like to visit some of the many pubs that offer live entertainment. (B, D)

Day 4

Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Walk through the grounds and climb the steps of fabled Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Bypass Cork city as you drive to the port town of Cobh. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Learn about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on the early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route via Youghal, where Sir Walter Raleigh was once mayor, to Waterford for dinner and overnight stay. This evening a local guide will take you for a brief walk of this old city. (B, D)

Day 5

Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval streets and buildings and stop to stroll through the narrow streets or view the massive castle from its rose gardens. Near Athy, enjoy tea and scones at a farmhouse before driving to Dublin. This evening drive to the Abbey Tavern, where a delicious dinner of Irish specialties is finished off with an Irish coffee. Sit back and listen to the Abbey Tavern Singers with their repertoire of popular Irish songs - you may even like to join in! (B, D)

Day 6

This morning tour Dublin city center to see the prominent public buildings, elegant Georgian townhouses and peaceful gardens. Note the contrasts between centuries-old historic places and modern streets, which pulse with activity. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the early illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation. Then tour the Old Jameson Distillery where you can see the many steps needed to create Irish whiskey and sample some. The afternoon and evening are free for you to browse, shop, sightsee and dine on your own. (B)

Day 7

For those on our 8-day vacation, your tour ends today with a group coach transfer to Dublin Airport. Lucky passengers on the 9-day program will leave Dublin and journey across the rolling pastures of Ireland's heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran and is set on the banks of the tranquil River Shannon. Drive to Galway and check into your hotel before heading out to take a look at some of the scenic region of Connemara. Drive along Galway Bay to the traditional village of Spiddal. After a stop across the rolling bog road to Moycullen and return to Galway. (B, D)

Day 8

Bid farewell to Galway and take a group transfer to Shannon Airport where your tour concludes at
10:30 am. Check in for your flight in good time and you may like to shop at the duty free stores. If you need to arrive at Shannon Airport before 10:30 am, your guide will coordinate an early group transfer once you are on tour. (B)

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap

Exclusions -

Flights (prices on request)

Extras -

Stay at Superior First Class Hotels on one of our most popular tours. Sample the atmosphere of bygone times at Knappogue Castle's Medieval Banquet. Sit back and enjoy a relaxing ride by horse-drawn jaunting car through the magnificent Killarney National Park and spend a day sightseeing in Ireland's vibrant capital, Dublin.

Stay at the following (or similar):
- Bunratty Castle Hotel, Bunratty (1 night)
- Great Southern Hotel Killarney (2 nights)
- Granville Hotel, Waterford (1 night)
- Burlington Hotel, Dublin (2 nights)
- Great Southern Hotel, Galway (1 night - 8 day tour only)