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Ireland
Codes:
B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast,
D=Dinner
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Irish
Adventure 9 Day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Dublin Castle & Dublin City Tour
* Glendalough
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Cliffs of Moher
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Guinness Storehouse Rooftop Bar
* Glendalough 6th Century ruins
* Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory
* Guinness Storehouse Rooftop Pub
* Moll's Gap viewing of Lakes of
Killarney
* Waterford Crystal Factory
* Abbey Tavern Dinner & Show
What's Included
- 9 days/7 nights/13 meals
- Tea and scones at an Irish farmhouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Walking tour of Waterford with a local
guide
- Superior & first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 7 nights
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Glendalough Visitor
Centre,Waterford Crystal Factory,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry
AV show, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara
Celtic Crystal Factory and Strokestown
Park House
- 6 dinners (D) including - Traditional
Irish evening with dinner and
entertainment at the Abbey Tavern - 5
table d’hote dinners
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Depart your U.S. gateway city in the
evening and fly through the night to
Ireland to start your vacation.
Day 2: Dublin Castle & Guinness
Arrive at Dublin Airport and proceed
through immigration and pick up your
baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall where 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 discover important
events that have taken place. Visit the
Guinness Storehouse to learn about this
popular dark brew and enjoy a creamy
pint in the rooftop bar with a 360° view
of central Dublin. You are free to dine
independently this evening.
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 and check
into your hotel. You may spend some time
looking around the city center. Sip a
welcome drink with your tour group
before dinner. Afterwards take a brief
walking tour around the historic city
center with a local guide. (B, D)
Day
4: Blarney & Lakes of Killarney
This morning 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.
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. Visit the Blarney Woollen
Mills, which stocks an excellent range
of Irish goods all under one roof. While
Blarney Castle is not included in your
tour, you will have time to kiss the
"Stone of Eloquence" on your own. 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
coastline on the other. Panoramic vistas
change constantly and frequent stops
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 & Westport
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. Take a look around the
town to see some of the many Georgian
houses and the River Carrowbeg, which
flows through the center. Continue
through the wild scenery of County Mayo
to your hotel in Ballina. (B, D)
Day 8: Strokestown Park House & Abbey
Tavern
Travel to County Leitrim to visit
Strokestown Park House. There are three
parts to see - the 18th century mansion
with its original furnishings; the
four-acre walled garden restored to look
as it would have during the heyday of
the estate; and the Famine Museum, which
uses a combinations or original
documents and images to explain the
circumstances of the Great Irish Famine
of the 1840s. Drive through the midland
region of Ireland and check into your
hotel in Malahide, on the north side of
Dublin. Malahide is a charming town on
the coast, which retains a village
atmosphere while offering up-market
shops and pubs. This evening drive to
nearby Howth to the popular Abbey Tavern
for a hearty dinner and an evening of
entertaining traditional Irish songs and
step dancing. (B, D)
Day 9: Depart for Home
For those of you booked on our 9-day,
complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon.
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Irish
Adventure 10 Day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Dublin Castle & Dublin City Tour
* Glendalough
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Cliffs of Moher
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Guinness Storehouse Rooftop Bar
* Glendalough 6th Century ruins
* Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory
* Guinness Storehouse Rooftop Pub
* Moll's Gap viewing of Lakes of
Killarney
* Waterford Crystal Factory
* Abbey Tavern Dinner & Show
* Additional day in Dublin
What's Included
- 10 days/8 nights/14 meals
- Tea and scones at an Irish farmhouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Walking tour of Waterford with a local
guide
- Voucher for open-top bus tour
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Superior & first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 8 nights
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Glendalough Visitor
Centre,Waterford Crystal Factory,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry
AV show, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara
Celtic Crystal Factory and Strokestown
Park House
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 6 dinners (D) including - Traditional
Irish evening with dinner and
entertainment at the Abbey Tavern - 5
table d’hote dinners
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Welcome get-together drink
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Depart your U.S. gateway city in the
evening and fly through the night to
Ireland to start your vacation.
Day 2: Dublin Castle & Guinness
Arrive at Dublin Airport and proceed
through immigration and pick up your
baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall where 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 discover important
events that have taken place. Visit the
Guinness Storehouse to learn about this
popular dark brew and enjoy a creamy
pint in the rooftop bar with a 360° view
of central Dublin. You are free to dine
independently this evening.
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 and check
into your hotel. You may spend some time
looking around the city center. Sip a
welcome drink with your tour group
before dinner. Afterwards take a brief
walking tour around the historic city
center with a local guide. (B, D)
Day
4: Blarney & Lakes of Killarney
This morning 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.
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. Visit the Blarney Woollen
Mills, which stocks an excellent range
of Irish goods all under one roof. While
Blarney Castle is not included in your
tour, you will have time to kiss the
"Stone of Eloquence" on your own. 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
coastline on the other. Panoramic vistas
change constantly and frequent stops
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 & Westport
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. Take a look around the
town to see some of the many Georgian
houses and the River Carrowbeg, which
flows through the center. Continue
through the wild scenery of County Mayo
to your hotel in Ballina. (B, D)
Day 8: Strokestown Park House & Abbey
Tavern
Travel to County Leitrim to visit
Strokestown Park House. There are three
parts to see - the 18th century mansion
with its original furnishings; the
four-acre walled garden restored to look
as it would have during the heyday of
the estate; and the Famine Museum, which
uses a combinations or original
documents and images to explain the
circumstances of the Great Irish Famine
of the 1840s. Drive through the midland
region of Ireland and check into your
hotel in Malahide, on the north side of
Dublin. Malahide is a charming town on
the coast, which retains a village
atmosphere while offering up-market
shops and pubs. This evening drive to
nearby Howth to the popular Abbey Tavern
for a hearty dinner and an evening of
entertaining traditional Irish songs and
step dancing. (B, D)
Day 9: Extra Day in Dublin
If you have booked our 10-day tour,
spend an additional night in Dublin with
an independent Dublin sightseeing tour
pass (valid for 24 hours) and a taxi
transfer to Dublin Airport on final day.
(B)
Day 10: Return to the U.S. from Dublin
Taxi transfer to Dublin Airport. (B)
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Atlantic Ireland & Islands 12 day Coach
Tour
Highlights
* Ulster American Folk Park
* Giant's Causeway
* Derry's Medieval Walls
* Slieve League Cliffs
* Achill Island
* Catamaran Cruise of Killary Fjord
* Rock of Cashel
* Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross House in
Killarney
* Yeats' Grave
* Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory
* Cliffs of Moher
* Dun Aengus
* Abbey Tavern Dinner & Show
What's Included
- 12 days/10 nights/19 meals
- Ferry rides across Lough Foyle and
River Shannon
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Walking tours of Derry and Westport
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Day tour to Inis Mor, largest of the
Aran Islands
- Superior first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 10 nights
- Boat excursion to Garinish Island
Gardens
- 10 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- 9 dinners (D) including - Traditional
Irish evening with dinner and
entertainment at the Abbey Tavern - 8
table d’hote dinners
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Ulster American Folk Park,
Giant’s Causeway, Slieve League Cliffs,
W. B. Yeats’ Grave, Connemara Celtic
Crystal Factory, Dun Aengus Fort, Aran
Heritage Centre, Cliffs of Moher,
Muckross House & Gardens and Rock of
Cashel
- Welcome get-together drink
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Take an overnight flight across the
Atlantic and relax as you start your
vacation.
Day 2: City Tour & National Gallery
Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete
immigration formalities and pick up your
luggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, you will need to transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm
tour Dublin city center with a local
guide to see many elegant Georgian
buildings, tranquil parks and lively
shopping streets. Tour the National
Gallery to see paintings by Irish
artists as well as great European
masters. The Gallery benefits from
royalties from the estate of George
Bernard Shaw who visited often as a
child. Visit the Guinness Storehouse to
learn about this popular brew and sample
a pint in the rooftop bar with views all
around central Dublin. The evening is at
leisure.
Day 3: Ulster American Folk Park
Drive through the midland region of
Ireland with its farmlands and lakes to
Omagh to visit the Ulster American Folk
Park. Here view displays on emigration
from Northern Ireland to the United
States. Walk around the park to see
traditional rural lifestyles and watch
demonstrations of crafts and skills from
a time when people had to be
self-sufficient. See cottages from
different parts of Ireland, view the
ship on which many people traveled to
the "New World" and then see how
emigrants lived in rural parts of the
United States in the 1800's. Drive past
Derry to Moville where your hotel is
located on the shores of scenic Lough
Foyle. Before dinner get together with
your tour escort and fellow travelers
for a welcome drink. (B, D)
Day 4: Giant's Causeway & Derry
Take a short ferry ride across Lough
Foyle to Magilligan to visit the Giant's
Causeway, formed by volcanic activity
about 60 million years ago. The
hexagonal basalt columns resemble
oversized steps and feature prominently
in Irish folklore. Travel to Derry where
a local guide will explain the history
of this ancient city as you walk through
narrow streets and around the intact
medieval city walls. Return to your
hotel by mid-afternoon so that you have
time to rest, enjoy the spacious grounds
or use the hotel's leisure facilities.
(B, D)
Day 5: Slieve League Cliffs & Yeats'
Country
Journey south through County Donegal,
past the Blue Stack Mountains and on to
Teelin to view Slieve League sea cliffs,
which are the highest in Europe. The
cliffs drop straight down to the wild
Atlantic waves below creating marvelous
vistas. Drive around Donegal Bay and
stop to view the grave of the
Nobel-winning writer, W. B. Yeats,
before continuing through Counties Sligo
and Mayo to Mulranny. Your hotel is
wonderfully situated overlooking Clew
Bay with the pilgrimage mountain of
Croagh Patrick in the distance. (B, D)
Day
6: Achill Island & Westport Walk
Travel across the Curraun Peninsula to
reach Achill Island, joined to the
mainland by bridge. Follow the Atlantic
Drive to capture wonderful, wild views
of steep mountains plunging into the
shimmering Atlantic Ocean and stretches
of golden beaches. Near Slievemore see
the Deserted Village, the remains of 100
cottages abandoned in the 1840's Famine.
Return to Mulranny and drive on to the
town of Westport for a look around the
attractive town, which was laid out in
1780 and has many fine Georgian houses
and a tree-lined mall. A local guide
will meet you to tell you about the
history and notable places on a short
walking tour. (B, D)
Day 7: Connemara & Catamaran Cruise
Drive through Westport and past the
pilgrimage mountain of Croaghpatrick to
Leenane for a cruise along the narrow
inlet of Killary Harbour aboard the
"Connemara Lady" catamaran. See potato
ridges dating from Famine times as well
as modern salmon and mussel farms.
Travel past misty hills and open
countryside for a stop in Clifden, known
as the "Capital of Connemara." Drive
through the heart of Connemara and past
wonderful sweeping views of the Twelve
Bens. Tour the Connemara Celtic Crystal
Factory to see elaborate designs in
colored crystal. Continue to your hotel
in Furbo, overlooking Galway Bay with
the hills of the Burren forming a
backdrop. (B, D)
Day 8: Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal
to Inis Mor, the largest of the three
Aran Islands. These rocky islands are
renowned for the hardy islanders who
maintained traditional fishing and
farming methods and where the popular
intricately-patterned fishermen's
sweaters originated. The Irish language
is still spoken widely. Take a minibus
ride to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic
fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which
fall away to the Atlantic below. In
Kilronan, the main town, visit the Aran
Heritage Centre to learn about unique
local customs. Return by ferry to the
mainland and enjoy some leisure time in
your hotel before dining in the hotel
restaurant. (B, D)
Day 9: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive around the shores of Galway Bay
and through part of the Burren, a unique
region of rounded limestone hills. Visit
the Cliffs of Moher, a rocky wall that
rises 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean
and extends along the coast for 5 miles.
Continue your journey south along the
west coast of County Clare and take a
short ferry ride across the River
Shannon Estuary to County Kerry. Stop in
Listowel, birthplace of J. B. Keane, a
popular playwright, before driving to
Killarney. Check into your hotel,
located a few miles outside the town,
picturesquely set overlooking Lough
Leane, the largest of Killarney's famous
lakes. (B, D)
Day 10: Garinish Island & Muckross House
Drive south across the Beara Peninsula
and through the Caha Mountains to
Glengarriff. This region has the mildest
climate in Ireland so you will see
sub-tropical palm trees. Take a short
boat trip to Garinish Island, set in
Bantry Bay. The island has 37 acres of
gardens and is renowned for rich plant
forms and varying colors, which look
attractive in every season. Return to
Killarney for a traditional horse-drawn
jaunting car ride to Muckross House,
located on one of the area's scenic
lakes. Take a guided tour of the 19th
century mansion and learn about the
lives of the owners. Return to your
hotel to relax before dinner. You may
like to sample some of Killarney's
lively "singing pubs." (B, D)
Day 11: Rock of Cashel & Abbey Tavern
Head north through rich dairying country
to visit the Rock of Cashel, a stately
limestone outcrop topped with medieval
ruins. See the roofless cathedral, round
tower and Cormac's Chapel, which dates
from 1127, making it the oldest building
on the site. Continue into the
metropolitan area of Dublin to your
hotel on the north side of the city. A
short drive will take you to the fishing
village of Howth for a fun evening with
a traditional dinner and rousing Irish
music at the Abbey Tavern. (B, D)
Day 12: Return Home from Dublin
As your hotel is convenient to Dublin
Airport, a shuttle service will transfer
you to the airport terminal - times will
be given to you once on tour. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Classic 13 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Dublin Castle
* Glendalough 6th Century Monastic Site
* Cliffs of Moher
* Jaunting Car Ride and Muckross House
* Foynes Flying Boat Museum
* Achill Island Excursion
* Belleek Pottery Factory Visit
* Giant's Causeway
* Waterford Crystal Factory Visit
* Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
* Downpatrick & Mount Stewart House
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
* Walking Tours of Belfast Westport &
Derry
* Cobh Heritage Center
What's Included
- 13 days/11 nights/21 meals
- Ferry ride across Strangford Lough
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour of Belfast with a local guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Walking tours of Derry,Westport &
Waterford
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Day tour to Achill Island
- Superior first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 11 nights
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- 11 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Glendalough Visitor Centre, St.
Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral, Mount
Stewart House and Gardens, Giant’s
Causeway, Triona Design, Belleek Pottery
Factory, Cliffs of Moher, Foynes Flying
Boat Museum, Muckross House & Gardens,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Cobh Heritage
Centre,Waterford Crystal Factory and
Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- 10 dinners (D) including - Dinner and
traditional Irish entertainment in
Dublin - Medieval banquet and
entertainment at Bunratty Castle -
Farewell dinner at Dunboyne Castle Hotel
- 7 table d’hote dinners
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to
Dublin. Relax with dinner and
entertainment.
Day 2: Arrive Ireland & Dublin Castle
Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete
immigration formalities and pick up your
luggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, you will need to transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm
tour the city center, stopping to visit
Dublin Castle’s State Apartments to view
historical portraits and superb
furnishings. In the evening meet your
fellow travelers over a welcome drink
and your tour director will assist you
in choosing a local restaurant to dine
independently.
Day 3: 6th Century Glendalough &
Traditional Music
This morning discover the Wicklow
Mountains, located south of Dublin.
Drive through the lovely scenery and
visit Glendalough, a 6th century
monastic site founded by St. Kevin.
Learn about monastic life in early
Christian Ireland and then walk through
the ruins of the many churches and a
round tower. Return to Dun Laoghaire
where the afternoon is at leisure for
independent activities. In the evening
drive to a popular Dublin venue for a
great dinner of Irish specialties, which
is followed by a lively show of
traditional Irish songs and intricate
step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 4: Downpatrick & Mount Stewart
Drive north via Warrenpoint, past the
gentle slopes of the Mourne Mountains
and follow the shoreline to Downpatrick.
Visit the St. Patrick Centre to learn
about Ireland’s patron saint and see his
reputed burial place in Down Cathedral,
marked by a huge granite boulder. Cross
Strangford Lough by ferry to visit Mount
Stewart House and Gardens. The famous
gardens at Mount Stewart were planted in
the 1920’s by Edith, Lady Londonderry,
and have been nominated a World Heritage
Site. The house tour includes
world-famous paintings and stories about
the prominent political figures to whom
the Londonderry family played host.
Check into your hotel in Belfast. (B, D)
Day 5: Belfast, Giant's Causeway & Derry
See the highlights of Belfast with a
local guide, including Victorian
buildings, the Harland and Wolff
Shipyards, where the Titanic was built
and some of the suburbs around the
Shankill and Falls Road. Drive north to
experience wonderful views of mountains,
valleys and coastline as you travel
along the "Nine Glens of Antrim", a
famous scenic drive. Stop at the Giant's
Causeway, hexagonal columns formed by
volcanic activity over 60 million years
ago. The enormous rocks have spawned
legends about the mythical giant, Finn
McCool. Drive to Derry and in the
evening join a local guide for a short
walking tour around the ancient city
center, surrounded by the medieval city
walls. (B, D)
Day 6: Belleek China & Westport
Journey south to Ballybofey and through
the scenery of the Blue Stack Mountains
to Ardara. Stop at Triona Design to see
how locally-produced wool is spun and
woven. Enjoy tea and scones before
driving to Donegal town. Take a guided
tour around the Belleek Pottery Factory
to see craftspeople making delicate and
ornate pieces in fine china. Travel
through Sligo, often referred to as
"Yeats’ Country", and the rocky
landscape of Mayo. Continue to Westport
where your hotel is located in the
central square. (B, D)
Day 7: Achill Island Excursion
After a late breakfast travel around
Clew Bay, reputed to have 365 islands.
Drive via Newport and across the Curraun
Peninsula to reach Achill Island, joined
to the mainland by a bridge. Follow the
Atlantic Drive to capture wonderful and
wild scenic views of steeply sloped
mountains plunging into the shimmering
Atlantic Ocean. Near Slievemore see the
Deserted Village, the remains of nearly
100 stone cottages abandoned around the
time of the 1840's Famine. Also see
stretches of windswept bogland and
golden beaches. Return to Westport for a
brief walking tour with a local guide
around this attractive estate town,
which was laid out in 1780. (B, D)
Day 8: Cliffs Of Moher & Bunratty
Banquet
Travel to Galway City and take a
panoramic tour to see the main sights.
Then spend some time on your own before
driving through the Burren, limestone
hills with unique flora and prehistoric
stone monuments. View the majestic
Cliffs of Moher, a rocky wall that rises
nearly 700 feet above the foaming
Atlantic Ocean. Drive to Bunratty and
check into your hotel, located beside
Bunratty Castle. You may like to visit
Durty Nelly's Pub or the Bunratty Folk
Park. In the evening head to 15th
century Bunratty Castle for a jolly
medieval-style dinner where the Lords
and Ladies serenade you with favorite
songs. (B, D)
Day 9: Flying Boat Museum & Killarney's
Lakes
Drive through the outskirts of Limerick
and along by the River Shannon to Foynes
to visit the Flying Boat Museum. In the
early days of flight, during the 1930's
and early 1940's, this was the landing
place for Pan Am Clippers from the
United States and Europe. The museum
recreates the infancy of aviation
through displays of memorabilia. Journey
into the mountainous scenery of County
Kerry and stop in Listowel. This town is
renowned as the birthplace of J. B.
Keane, a popular 20th century
playwright. Continue to Killarney and
check into your hotel in the center of
town. (B, D)
Day 10: Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross
House
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting
car ride to view lakes and mountains on
the way to Muckross House. Tour the
delightful 19th century furnished
mansion on the shores of Muckross Lake
while the guide tells you about the
influential owners and visitors. Take a
walk around the charming gardens. Drive
to the delightful town of Kenmare where
traditional buildings are gaily painted
and enhanced with flowers. Drive up
through Moll's Gap, a wonderful vantage
point on the Ring of Kerry and stop at
Ladies' View before returning to
Killarney. (B, D)
Day
11: Cobh Heritage & Waterford Crystal
Drive through the mountains of Kerry and
make a brief stop at the Blarney Woollen
Mills. Next visit Cobh Heritage Centre,
located in the old train station through
which all emigrants passed to embark on
the journey to the United States. See
the many hardships travelers had to
endure. Continue along the south coast
to Waterford to tour the Waterford
Crystal Factory and watch how this
popular crystal is created. In the
showrooms see a wide range of tableware
and special trophies. Check into your
hotel, once the home of Thomas Francis
Meagher, first governor of Montana.
After dinner, join a local guide for a
stroll around the historic city center.
(B, D)
Day 12: Medieval Kilkenny & National
Stud
Drive north to Kilkenny and stop to look
around the town, which is dominated by a
huge castle. In medieval times the town
was a prosperous trading center and the
narrow streets still follow ancient
routes. Travel north to Kildare and
visit the Irish National Stud and
Japanese Gardens. As a nation, the Irish
are very interested in horses and the
Stud will tell you about the valuable
breeding industry. The Japanese Gardens
symbolize the "Life of Man" through
plants and rocks. Then head to the
village of Dunboyne, on the outskirts of
Dublin. Check into Dunboyne Castle Hotel
and relax for a while before enjoying a
farewell dinner with your group. (B, D)
Day 13: Dublin to U.S.A.
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Discovery 8 day
Coach Tour
Highlights
* Abbey Tavern Dinner& Show
* Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
* Blarney Castle
* Dingle Peninsula
* Cliffs of Moher
* Birr Castle Gardens
* Dunboyne Castle Hotel Overnight
Stay
What's Included
- 8 days/6 nights/11 meals
- - Medieval banquet and
entertainment in Bunratty Castle
- Round trip flights between U.S. &
Dublin
- - Farewell dinner at Dunboyne
Castle Hotel
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- - 2 table d’hote dinners
- Sightseeing by luxury coach
throughout
- Welcome get-together drink
- Services of a professional
driver/guide
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Superior first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 6 nights
- Ferry ride across the River
Shannon
- 6 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Visits and admissions to Book of
Kells at Trinity College, Blarney
Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills,
Blasket Centre, Cliffs of Moher and
Birr Castle Gardens
- 5 dinners (D) including
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- - Traditional Irish evening with
dinner and entertainment at the
Abbey Tavern
- All local taxes, hotel service
charges & porterage for one suitcase
per person
B=Breakfast, CB=Continental
Breakfast, D=Dinner
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Take an overnight flight across the
Atlantic to Ireland.
Day 2: Dublin Arrival
Land at Dublin Airport and go to the
CIE Tours desk to arrange a group
transfer to your centrally located
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. Enjoy
some leisure time and at 7:00 pm
meet your driver/guide for a welcome
drink and discuss your tour.
Day
3: Dublin & Abbey Tavern
A tour of Dublin will show you the
highlights, including government
buildings, public parks and stately
Georgian townhouses. Visit Trinity
College to view the 8th century Book
of Kells, a highly illuminated
manuscript of the gospels. The
afternoon is free for independent
activities and in the evening drive
to the Abbey Tavern for a lively
dinner show with traditional song
and dance. (B, D)
Day 4: Blarney Castle & Killarney
Depart Dublin and view the green
countryside as you travel south.
Stop to view the stately church
ruins atop the Rock of Cashel and
continue south to visit Blarney
Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of
Eloquence". Also visit the Blarney
Woollen Mills before driving to
Killarney. Check into your hotel and
relax before dinner. (B, D)
Day 5: Dingle Peninsula Tour
Today discover the scenic Dingle
Peninsula as you drive along the
south shore and admire heathery
mountains and sandy beaches. Pause
in Dingle before continuing to
Dunquin. Tour the Blasket Centre to
learn about the Blasket Islands,
inhabited until 1953 by fishermen
and hardy farmers. Return to
Killarney and enjoy free time to
relax or take a walk. (B, D)
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty
Travel to Tarbert and cross the
River Shannon by ferry. Drive via
Lahinch to view the Cliffs of Moher,
limestone cliffs that drop 700 feet
to the open Atlantic Ocean. Drive
through the town of Ennis to your
hotel, located between Bunratty and
the city of Limerick. This evening a
medieval-style meal and
entertainment at 15th century
Bunratty Castle will be create a
memorable experience. (B, D)
Day 7: Birr Castle Gardens &
Dunboyne Castle
Drive to the center of Ireland to
visit Birr Castle Gardens, which
offer formal gardens, the tallest
box hedges in the world, hornbeam
cloisters and over 1,000 different
species of trees and shrubs. Also
see the giant telescope which was
the largest in the world when
completed in the 1840’s. Drive to
your elegant hotel, just outside
Dublin and enjoy a farewell dinner
with some local entertainment. (B,
D)
Day 8: Depart for Home
On this final day of your tour take
a group transfer to Dublin Airport
where your tour concludes at 10:00
am. If you need to arrive earlier,
your guide will coordinate an early
group transfer. (B)
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Emerald Isle 13 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Giant's Causeway
* Belleek China
* Blarney Castle
* Kinsale & Derry walking tours
* Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross House in
Killarney
* Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
* Knock Shrine
* Connemara Tour
* "The Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong
* Catamaran Cruise of Killary Fjord
* Rock of Cashel
* Glenveagh Castle
* Belfast & St. Patrick's Grave
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Cliffs of Moher
What's Included
- 13 days/11 nights/21 meals
- Tour of Belfast with a local guide
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Ferry rides across River Shannon &
Strangford Lough
- Deluxe & superior first class hotels
with private bath/shower for 11 nights
- “The Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
- 11 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord
- 10 dinners (D) including - Traditional
Irish evening with dinner and
entertainment at the Abbey Tavern -
Farewell dinner on last night - 8 table
d’hote dinners
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Glendalough Visitor Centre,
Irish National Stud, Blarney Castle,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Muckross House &
Gardens, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara
Celtic Crystal Factory, Knock Shrine,W.
B. Yeats’ Grave, Belleek Pottery
Factory, Glenveagh Castle, Giant’s
Causeway, St. Patrick Centre and Down
Cathedral
- Welcome get-together drink
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Guided walking tours of Kinsale &
Derry
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Travel to Dublin on an overnight flight
to start your vacation. Relax with
inflight meals and entertainment.
Day 2: Dublin Castle & Guinness
Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete
immigration formalities and pick up your
luggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, you will need to transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm
tour Dublin city center with your tour
director to see elegant Georgian
buildings, tranquil parks and lively
shopping streets. Tour the State
Apartments of Dublin Castle, which date
from early Georgian times and contain
magnificent chambers with Waterford
Crystal chandeliers and fine
furnishings. Visit the Guinness
Storehouse to learn about the
world-famous dark brew and enjoy a pint
in the rooftop bar with panoramic views
across Dublin. Back at your hotel enjoy
a welcome drink to learn more about your
tour.
Day 3: Glendalough Monastic Site & Abbey
Tavern
This morning take a drive south through
the lovely Wicklow Mountains to visit
the Glendalough Visitor Centre and learn
about St. Kevin’s 6th century monastery.
Walk through the ruined churches and
round tower, which are set in a peaceful
valley between two lakes. Return to
Dublin where the afternoon is free for
independent sightseeing or shopping and
in the evening head to the Abbey Tavern
for dinner, which is followed by a show
of traditional music and step-dancing.
(B, D)
Day 4: National Stud & Blarney Castle
In Kildare visit the Irish National Stud
to learn about horse breeding programs
and see some magnificent animals. Head
south through farming country and pause
for photos at the Rock of Cashel, a
stately limestone outcrop topped with
medieval ruins. Continue past the gentle
slopes of the Galtee Mountains and rich
pasturelands to visit Blarney Castle,
located just a few miles from Cork city.
Climb to the battlements to kiss the
famous "Stone of Eloquence" or take a
look around the village green. Check
into your hotel right beside the Blarney
Woollen Mills where you may like to
shop. (B, D)
Day 5: Kinsale Walk & Killarney
This morning drive to Kinsale, a
delightful old town on a narrow inlet of
the sea. Formerly a fishing and merchant
town, today it is popular for sailing
and gourmet food. Join a local guide for
a short walking tour to see some of
historic places. Start at Charles Fort
to understand the importance of
Kinsale’s location for trading and
defense and then walk around some of the
old streets. Afterwards drive via
Macroom, dominated by a huge castle, and
into the mountains of County Kerry to
Killarney, famous for its beauty. Enjoy
free time in the afternoon to take a
look around Killarney or enjoy the
delightful facilities in your hotel. (B,
D)
Day 6: Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross
House
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting
car ride to view lakes and mountains on
the way to Muckross House. Tour the
elegant 19th century furnished mansion
on the shores of Muckross Lake while the
guide tells you about the influential
owners and visitors. Take a walk around
the charming gardens. Drive to the
delightful town of Kenmare where
traditional buildings are gaily painted
and enhanced with flowers. Travel
through Moll’s Gap, a wonderful vantage
point on the Ring of Kerry and stop at
Ladies’ View before returning to
Killarney. (B, D)
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Travel by ferry across the River Shannon
Estuary and continue along the coast to
view the Cliffs of Moher, a five-mile
wall of limestone rising above the
foaming Atlantic breakers. Displays in
the new Visitor Center explain the
geology, flora andfauna of the region.
See the rounded limestone hills of the
Burren and drive down Corkscrew Hill for
views of Galway Bay. Stop in
Ballyvaughan for a stroll and continue
your journey into Galway. Take a brief
drive around Galway before checking into
your hotel, located right on Eyre
Square. Enjoy some time on your own as
the compact city center is great for
browsing. (B, D)
Day
8: Connemara Tour & Catamaran Cruise
Drive through Headford to Cong, a
charming village that was the location
for the 1952 movie, "The Quiet Man". A
short walking tour will show you movie
locations and the ruins of Cong Abbey.
Travel through Connemara to Killary
Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord. Embark on
a comfortable catamaran, "Connemara
Lady", for unspoiled views of the narrow
inlet and misty hills. Visit the
Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, which
specializes in intricate designs in
colored crystal, before returning to
Galway. (B, D)
Day 9: Knock Shrine & Belleek China
Head north through County Mayo and stop
at Knock Shrine, to see the church where
locals saw an apparition of the Virgin
Mary in 1879. Cross into County Sligo
and stop at the grave of W. B. Yeats,
picturesquely situated near the
distinctive outline of Ben Bulben.
Continue to Belleek for a tour of the
Belleek Pottery Factory. This industry
was founded in the mid-19th century to
create employment. Watch skilled
craftspeople create intricate
basket-weave designs in delicate china.
Continue your journey past the hazy Blue
Stack Mountains to Stranorlar. (B, D)
Day 10: Grand Atlantic Drive & Glenveagh
Castle
Today experience the glorious natural
beauty of the Grand Atlantic Drive,
which winds through Downings and
Rosapenna and past golden beaches and
rocky headlands. Travel inland to
Glenveagh National Park surrounded by
the Derryveagh Mountains. High walls and
conifers provide shelter for exotic
plants and a large herd of red deer.
Tour Glenveagh Castle, a granite castle
built in 1870 on the shores of Lough
Veagh and walk through some of the
gardens. Pass Letterkenny as you return
to Stranorlar in ample time for dinner.
(B, D)
Day 11: Giant's Causeway & Glens of
Antrim
Travel to Derry to join a local guide
for a walking tour around the city
center to see the medieval city walls,
the Diamond and St. Columb's Cathedral.
Next, visit the Giant's Causeway,
enormous hexagonal columns formed by
volcanic activity over 60 million years
ago. Continue south to experience
wonderful views of mountains, valleys
and bays as you travel along the "Nine
Glens of Antrim." Drive to Dunadry to
your charming hotel, which is set on the
site of a linen mill. The interior
reflects its important history when
linen was the region's major product.
(B, D)
Day 12: Belfast & St. Patrick's Burial
Site
Tour Belfast with a local guide to see
Victorian buildings, the Harland & Wolff
shipyards where the Titanic was built
and the Falls Road and Shankill
residential areas. Drive along the Ards
Peninsula and cross Strangford Lough by
ferry to visit the St. Patrick Centre.
Learn about Ireland's Patron Saint and
view his reputed grave at Down
Cathedral. Travel past the gentle slopes
of the Mountains of Mourne and continue
to Tyrellstown, to the north of Dublin
city. Here you will check into your
hotel, relax a little and enjoy a
farewell dinner with your fellow
travelers. (B, D)
Day 13: Leave Dublin for Home
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Explorer 10 Day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Cliffs of Moher
* Blarney Castle
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Muckross House
* Ballintubber Abbey
* W.B. Yeats' Grave
* Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory
* Boyne Valley Visitor Center
* Slieve League Cliffs
* "The Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Belleek Pottery Factory
* Knock Shrine
* Dublin Castle
* Clontarf Castle Hotel stay
What's Included
- 10 days/8 nights/15 meals
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Handweaving demonstration with tea &
scones at Triona Design
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- “The Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Superior first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 8 nights
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Boyne Valley Visitor Centre &
Newgrange or Knowth Tomb, Belleek
Pottery Factory, Slieve League Cliffs,W.
B. Yeats’ Grave, Knock Shrine,
Ballintubber Abbey, Connemara Celtic
Crystal Factory, Cliffs of Moher,
Muckross House, Blarney Castle and
Blarney Woollen Mills
- 8 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 7 dinners (D) including - Dinner &
show at Kate Kearney’s Cottage -
Farewell dinner at Clontarf Castle Hotel
- 5 table d’hote dinners
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Welcome get-together drink
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to
Dublin. Relax with inflight meal service
and entertainment.
Day
2: City Touring & Dublin Castle
Arrive at Dublin Airport in the morning,
pass through immigration and collect
your luggage. Head to the CIE Tours desk
in the Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel, located in
Ballsbridge on the south side of the
city, between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If
your flight arrives later than noon, you
will transfer to the hotel at your own
expense. At 2:00 pm join a local guide
for a sightseeing tour around central
Dublin to see public buildings, Georgian
squares and streets as well as busy
shopping streets. Visit Dublin Castle to
see the richly decorated State
Apartments, which feature prominently in
Ireland's history. This evening is free
and your tour escort can advise on
places to eat.
Day 3: Prehistoric Tomb & Belleek China
Travel north from Dublin to the Boyne
Valley. Stop at the Boyne Valley Visitor
Centre to learn about the nearby passage
burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth,
both of which are over 5,000 years old.
Visit one of the tombs to see how people
using primitive tools managed to align
these buildings precisely with the sun
or the moon. Drive north via Enniskillen
and along the picturesque shores of
Lower Lough Erne to Belleek. Stop to
visit Belleek Pottery Factory to see how
the craftspeople mold, shape and
decorate clay, creating the world-famous
fine china. A short drive will take you
to your hotel on the outskirts of
Donegal town. Enjoy a welcome drink
before dinner to get to know your fellow
travelers. (B, D)
Day 4: Slieve League Cliffs &
Glencolumbcille
Donegal, with its windswept hills where
only sheep can thrive, is renowned for
wool production. Drive to the fishing
port of Killybegs and on to Teelin to
view Slieve League sea cliffs, where the
highest point reaches 1,972 feet making
them the highest in Europe. The cliffs
drop straight down to the wild Atlantic
waves below and you will see marvelous
vistas. Continue west to Glencolumbcille
and Malinbeg and through the majestic
Glengesh Pass to Ardara to visit Triona
Design. See demonstrations of spinning,
weaving and knitting and enjoy tea with
scones. Feast your eyes on hilly scenery
as you return to Donegal town. Enjoy
some free time in the town center before
returning to your nearby hotel. (B, D)
Day 5: W.B.Yeats' Grave & Ballintubber
Abbey
Travel south around Donegal Bay and stop
at Drumcliffe Churchyard to view the
grave of W. B. Yeats, the Nobel
prizewinning poet, who based many poems
on the delightful countryside around
Sligo. Continue through County Mayo and
stop briefly to see Knock Shrine. Visit
Ballintubber Abbey, known as "the Abbey
that refused to die." It has been used
continuously for worship since its
foundation in 1216, even though burned
down by Cromwell in 1653. In 441 St.
Patrick had founded a church on the same
site. Drive to Galway, the capital of
the west of Ireland. Check into your
hotel, which overlooks Galway Bay, the
Aran Islands and the Burren. (B, D)
Day 6: "Quiet Man" & Connemara
Tour Connemara to admire sweeping views
of hills and sparkling lakes. Drive
along the shores of Galway Bay and
through Maam Cross, located in the heart
of Connemara's hills. Continue to the
charming village of Cong, which was the
location of the 1952 movie, "The Quiet
Man." A local guide will escort you
around places associated with the
production and see movie memorabilia in
the Quiet Man Cottage. In Moycullen
visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal
Factory, where skilled craftsmen
hand-cut fine crystal with Celtic
motifs. Drive to Galway to look around
the city center, before returning to
your hotel on Galway Bay. (B, D)
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Kate Kearney's
Drive around Galway Bay and through the
Burren, a unique region of limestone
hills renowned for its flora and
prehistoric stone monuments. Stop to
view the majestic Cliffs of Moher, a
rocky wall that rises nearly 700 feet
above the foaming Atlantic Ocean. Take a
ferry ride across the River Shannon
Estuary to the mountainous countryside
of Kerry and to Killarney. Enjoy some
leisure time in the afternoon so that
you can stroll around the compact town.
In the evening drive to the Gap of
Dunloe to Kate Kearney's Cottage, a cozy
venue for dinner and some lively
traditional Irish entertainment. (B, D)
Day 8: Ring of Kerry Tour & Muckross
House
Enjoy the Ring of Kerry drive where
every bend in 100 miles of road reveals
breathtaking views of mountains and
Atlantic Ocean. Depart Killarney and
travel through Killorglin and
Cahirciveen. All along the route you
will have opportunities to get out of
the coach to admire or photograph scenic
vistas. Return through the attractive
village of Sneem and pause at Moll's Gap
for a panoramic view of the Three Lakes
of Killarney. Take a guided tour of 19th
century Muckross House, an elegant
mansion set on the shores of Muckross
Lake. (B, D)
Day 9: Blarney & Clontarf Castle Hotel
Leave Killarney and drive via
Ballyvourney and Macroom to Blarney.
Climb the steps of Blarney Castle to
kiss the "Stone of Eloquence." Then
drive north through pleasant dairy
farmlands of Cork. Pause at the Rock of
Cashel for photos before continuing to
Dublin once more. Check into Clontarf
Castle, a luxurious haven located in a
quiet area yet just a short distance
from the city center. The castle dates
back to 1172 and is steeped in Irish
history. Today it offers guests all the
splendor and charm of a unique and royal
experience. Enjoy a special farewell
dinner in the hotel's old-world dining
room. (B, D)
Day 10: Dublin to USA
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Fling 7 day Coach
Tour
Highlights
* Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
* Jaunting Car & Muckross House
* Cobh Heritage Centre
* Waterford Crystal Factory
* Historic Walk around Waterford
* Farewell Dinner and Overnight at
Dunboyne Castle Hotel
What's Included
- 7 days/5 nights/10 meals
- - Farewell dinner at Dunboyne Castle
Hotel
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- - 3 table d’hote dinners
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Welcome get-together drink
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- Superior first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 5 nights
- Walking tour of Waterford with local
guide
- 5 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Visits and admissions to Foynes Flying
Boat Museum, Muckross House & Gardens,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Cobh Heritage
Centre,Waterford Crystal Factory and
Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- 5 dinners (D) including
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- - Medieval Banquet and entertainment
in Bunratty Castle
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Fly across the Atlantic from your U.S.
gateway city, traveling overnight to
Ireland.
Day
2: Bunratty Castle Banquet
Land at Shannon Airport and locate the
CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall for
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.
Join your fellow travelers for a welcome
drink before heading to the 15th century
Bunratty Castle for a medieval-style
meal and entertainment. (D)
Day 3: Flying Boat Museum & Killarney
Drive through Limerick and along by the
River Shannon to Foynes to visit the
Flying Boat Museum. In the early days of
flight this was the landing place for
Pan Am Clippers from the United States
and Europe. The museum recreates the
infancy of aviation with vivid displays.
Journey into County Kerry and stop in
Listowel, renowned as the birthplace of
J. B. Keane, a popular 20th century
playwright. Continue to Killarney and
check into your hotel in the center of
town. (B, D)
Day 4: Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross
House
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting
car ride to view lakes and mountains on
the way to Muckross House. Tour the
delightful 19th century furnished
mansion on the shores of Muckross Lake
and take a walk around the charming
gardens. Drive to Kenmare where
traditional buildings are gaily painted
and enhanced with flowers. Drive up
through Moll’s Gap, a wonderful vantage
point on the Ring of Kerry and stop at
Ladies’ View before returning to
Killarney. (B, D)
Day 5: Cobh Heritage & Waterford
Drive to Blarney and make a brief stop
at the Blarney Woollen Mills in the
village of Blarney. Travel through the
outskirts of Cork city to visit Cobh
Heritage Centre. See what travel was
like under sail and steam and the many
hardships travelers had to endure.
Continue along the south coast to
Waterford. Visit the Waterford Crystal
Factory to watch the creation of this
lovely crystal and view a wide range of
tableware and special trophies. After
dinner, join a local guide for a stroll
around the historic city center. (B, D)
Day 6: Medieval Kilkenny & National Stud
Drive north to Kilkenny and stop to look
around the town. In medieval times the
town was a prosperous trading center and
the narrow streets still follow ancient
routes. Travel north to Kildare and
visit the Irish National Stud to learn
about the valuable breeding industry.
Walk through the Japanese Gardens, one
of the finest such gardens in Europe
before heading to the village of
Dunboyne, on the outskirts of Dublin.
Check into Dunboyne Castle Hotel and
relax for a while before enjoying a
farewell dinner. (B, D)
Day 7: Return to U.S.
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. (B)
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Irish Gold 11 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Elegant Dunboyne Castle Hotel
* Cliffs of Moher
* Aran Islands Excursion
* Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
* "The Quiet Man" walking tour of Cong
* Rock of Cashel visit
* Dingle Peninsula Tour
* Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross House in
Killarney
* Dun Aengus Fort
* Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory
* Abbey Tavern Dinner & Show
* Boyne Valley Visitor Center
What's Included
- 11 days/9 nights/16 meals
- Day tour to Inis Mor, largest of the
three Aran Islands
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- “Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- Deluxe & superior first class hotels
with private bath/shower for 9 nights
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Boyne Valley Visitor Centre &
Newgrange or Knowth Tomb, Clonmacnoise,
Dun Aengus Fort, Aran Heritage Centre,
Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory, Cliffs
of Moher, Muckross House & Gardens,
Blasket Centre and Rock of Cashel
- 9 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 7 dinners (D) including - Traditional
Irish evening with dinner and
entertainment at the Abbey Tavern -
Farewell dinner at Dunboyne Castle Hotel
- 5 table d’hote dinners
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Welcome get-together drink
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Take an overnight flight across the
Atlantic and relax as you start your
vacation.
Day 2: Dublin Arrival & Highlights
Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete
immigration formalities and pick up your
luggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, you will need to transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. In the
afternoon discover the delights of
central Dublin. Visit the Old Jameson
Distillery for a guided tour which
explains the processes involved in
producing whiskey and enjoy a sample.
Return to your hotel to enjoy a welcome
drink and discuss your itinerary with
your tour director and fellow travelers.
The evening is at leisure for
independent dining.
Day 3: Megalithic Tomb & Abbey Tavern
Travel north from Dublin to the Boyne
Valley. Stop at the Boyne Valley Visitor
Centre to learn about the nearby passage
burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth,
both of which are over 5,000 years old.
Visit one of the tombs to see how people
using primitive tools managed to align
these buildings precisely with the sun
or the moon. Return to Dublin where the
afternoon is at leisure for further
sightseeing or shopping. In the evening
drive to Howth to the Abbey Tavern.
Enjoy a great dinner of Irish
specialties, which is followed by a
lively show of traditional Irish songs
and intricate step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 4: Clonmacnoise & Galway
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 was an important center of
learning. See highly decorated high
crosses, round towers and church ruins,
all set on the banks of the tranquil
River Shannon. Continue to Galway and
drive around the main sights of the city
before checking into your hotel, located
near Eyre Square. Enjoy some free time
to browse around the city center on your
own. Galway has many pedestrianized
streets and lots of fun specialty stores
and pubs. After dinner you may like to
explore some of the great pubs where
live traditional music is played. (B, D)
Day 5: Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal
to Inis Mor, the largest of the three
Aran Islands. These rocky islands are
renowned for the hardy islanders who
maintained traditional fishing and
farming methods and where the popular
intricately-patterned fishermen's
sweaters originated. The Irish language
is still spoken widely. Take a minibus
ride to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic
fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which
fall away to the Atlantic below. In
Kilronan, the main town, visit the Aran
Heritage Centre to learn about unique
local customs before returning by ferry
to the mainland. Enjoy dinner in your
hotel in Galway. (B, D)
Day
6: Quiet Man Tour & Connemara Crystal
Drive through Headford to Cong, a
charming village that was the location
for the 1952 movie, "The Quiet Man." A
short walking tour will show you movie
locations and the ruins of Cong Abbey.
End at the Quiet Man cottage where you
can see movie memorabilia. Travel
through the scenic region of Connemara
to see gentle hills and shimmering
lakes. Sheep roam the hills and some
people still cut peat for home heating.
In Moycullen visit the Connemara Celtic
Crystal Factory, which specializes in
intricate designs in colored crystal,
before returning to Galway, where you
will have some leisure time in the
afternoon. (B, D)
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive south through the outskirts of
Galway and around Galway Bay. Travel
through part of the Burren, a unique
region of limestone hills, on the way to
the County Clare coast to view the
Cliffs of Moher. This impressive wall of
rock rises almost 700 feet above the
Atlantic breakers and you can see the
Aran Islands on a clear day. Visit the
recently-opened Visitor Centre where the
geology of the region is explained.
Continue your journey south to take a
short ferry ride across the River
Shannon Estuary and into the mountainous
County Kerry. Travel to Killarney, which
is famous for its glorious setting
beside lakes with Ireland's highest
mountains in the background. Your hotel
is set in the center of the town and has
wonderful leisure facilities which you
may like to use before dinner. (B, D)
Day 8: Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross
House
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting
car ride to view lakes and mountains on
the way to Muckross House & Gardens.
Tour the delightful 19th century
furnished mansion on the shores of
Muckross Lake while the guide tells you
about the influential owners and
visitors. Take a walk around the
charming gardens. Drive to the charming
town of Kenmare where traditional
buildings are gaily painted and enhanced
with flowers. Drive up through Moll's
Gap, a wonderful vantage point on the
Ring of Kerry and stop at Ladies' View
before returning to Killarney. This
evening you are free to sample some of
Killarney's many restaurants and pubs.
(B)
Day 9: Dingle Peninsula Tour
Today discover the glorious Dingle
Peninsula, made famous by David Lean's
movie, "Ryan's Daughter." Drive along
the south shore and stop to admire views
of heathery mountains, sandy stretches
of beach and rocky headlands. Stop for a
while to look around the town of Dingle
before continuing to the western tip of
the peninsula. Tour the Blasket Centre
in Dunquin to learn about the Blasket
Islands, inhabited until 1953 by hardy
families who eked out a living by
farming and fishing. Return to Killarney
and enjoy some free time before dinner
in your hotel. (B, D)
Day 10: Rock of Cashel & Dunboyne Castle
Head north through rich dairying country
to visit the Rock of Cashel, a stately
limestone outcrop topped with medieval
ruins. See the roofless cathedral, round
tower and Cormac's Chapel, which is the
earliest building on the site, dating
from 1127. Continue your drive through
farming country and marketing towns to
the village of Dunboyne, just to the
north west of Dublin, where your
delightful hotel is located. Arrive in
time to enjoy some of the facilities and
relax in elegant surroundings. Enjoy a
farewell dinner with your travel
companions this evening. (B, D)
Day 11: Dublin Departure
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6.00am, 9.00am or 12.00 noon. After
check-in, you’ll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Greeting 9 day
Coach Tour
Highlights
* Kate Kearney's Cottage Pub dinner &
music
* Waterford Crystal Factory
* Guinness Storehouse Rooftop Pub
* Birr Castle Gardens
* "The Quiet Man" Walking Tour of Cong
* Dublin's Trinity College and the Book
of Kells
* Connemara Scenic Tour
* Cliffs of Moher
* Irish home-stays in Killarney and
Waterford
* Ring of Kerry Scenic Tour
* "Titanic" Walking Tour of Cobh
* Blarney Woolen Mills
What's Included
- 9 days/7 nights/13 meals
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- “The Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Accommodation with private bath/shower
for 7 nights- Superior first class
hotels in Dublin and Galway; town &
country homes in Killarney and Waterford
- “Titanic” walking tour of Cobh
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Visits and admissions to Book of Kells
at Trinity College, Birr Castle Gardens,
Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Experience,
Blarney Woollen Mills and Waterford
Crystal Factory
- 6 dinners (D) including - Dinner and
show at Kate Kearney’s Cottage -
“Shindig”at the Old Jameson Distillery
in Dublin - 2 table d’hote dinners in
Galway on days 3 & 4 - 2 homestyle
dinners on days 6 & 7
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Dublin
Board your overnight flight to Dublin.
Relax with in-flight entertainment and
meal service as you cross the Atlantic.
Day
2: Book of Kells & Guinness
Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete
immigration formalities and pick up your
luggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, you will need to transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm
tour Dublin’s city center with a local
guide to see the stately public
buildings, gracious Georgian townhouses
and parks. Visit Trinity College to view
the magnificently illuminated manuscript
of the 8th century Book of Kells and a
presentation on its creation. Finish
your tour at the Guinness Storehouse to
see how this famous black brew is
created and sample a creamy pint in the
rooftop bar overlooking Dublin. This
evening meet your fellow travelers over
a welcome drink and dine independently.
Day 3: Birr Castle Gardens & Galway Bay
Leave Dublin and drive west through the
center of Ireland to the heritage town
of Birr. Visit the 100-acre gardens of
Birr Castle, which have over 1,000
species of shrubs and trees set out in
various styles of gardens. Also see the
great telescope which was built in 1845
by the third Earl of Rosse and was the
largest in the world for over 75 years.
Arrive in Galway and see the principal
points of interest before checking into
your hotel overlooking Galway Bay. The
afternoon is free for independent
activities. (B, D)
Day 4: Connemara & "Quiet Man" Tour
Travel through the Connemara region
renowned for its open landscape with
constantly-changing skies and colors.
Drive along Galway Bay and stop in the
village of Spiddal where the Irish
language is still spoken. Continue to
Maam Cross and past the Maamturk
Mountains. Sheep wander freely and you
will see tracts of bogland where people
cut turf for fuel. Then drive to Cong
for a brief walking tour around this
village, which was made famous by the
filming of "The Quiet Man" in 1952.
Return to Galway in time to enjoy some
of the facilities at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive to the coast to view the dramatic
Cliffs of Moher, which rise to almost
700 feet above the wild Atlantic
breakers and stretch along the coast for
five miles. Then head south for a short
ferry ride across the River Shannon.
Stop in the charming village of Listowel
for a stroll around before continuing
through the mountainous countryside to
Killarney. Take a look around this
bustling and compact town before
checking into your country home and
meeting your Irish family. In the
evening drive to the Gap of Dunloe to
Kate Kearney’s Cottage for dinner.
Afterwards sit back and enjoy
traditional Irish entertainment with
popular songs, dances and a lot of
laughs. (B, D)
Day 6: Ring of Kerry & Skelligs
Admire breathtaking vistas of mountains,
cliffs and beaches on Ireland’s most
popular drive - the 100-mile Ring of
Kerry. Cross to Valencia Island by
bridge to visit the Skellig Experience,
which describes the way of life of early
Christian monks who built their
monastery on one of the offshore
islands. Learn about traditional farming
and fishing methods of later
inhabitants. Enjoy a pub lunch in the
westernmost part of the peninsula and a
number of stops will allow you to marvel
at the spectacular scenery. Take a brief
walk around the colorful village of
Sneem and pause at Moll’s Gap for
stunning views of the Lakes of
Killarney. Return to Killarney where the
evening is free. (B, L)
Day 7: Blarney & Titanic Walk
Leaving Killarney, head to the Blarney
Woollen Mills where you can find
excellent Irish-made merchandise. You
will have time to walk around the
village green or, if you feel energetic,
you may like to climb Blarney Castle on
your own to kiss the "Stone of
Eloquence". Drive through the outskirts
of Cork to the harbor town of Cobh, the
last port of call for the Titanic. Take
a walk around this picturesque waterside
town and the dockside with a local
historian to see places relating to the
Titanic’s last stop. Travel east through
the coastal towns of Youghal and
Dungarvan and on to Waterford to meet
and dine with your next host family. (B,
D)
Day 8: Waterford Crystal & Shindig
Tour the Waterford Crystal Factory to
watch craftspeople transform molten
glass into elegant hand-cut crystal. See
magnificent trophies and a huge
selection of crystal on display in the
showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny, a
medieval city with a huge castle
dominating the center. Take time for a
stroll through the narrow streets with
many old buildings or beside the river.
Continue into the metropolitan area of
Dublin to your centrally-located hotel
once again. In the evening attend a
"Shindig" at the Old Jameson Distillery.
See whiskey-making processes as you tour
the distillery before sitting down to a
dinner of Irish specialties, followed by
a festive entertainment program. (B, D)
Day 9: Return to the U.S.
For those booked on our 9-day tour,
complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Heritage 8 Day
Coach Tour
Highlights
* Kiss the Blarney Stone
* Cliffs of Moher
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Waterford Crystal Factory
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Medieval Castle banquet and
entertainment
* Jaunting car ride & Muckross House
* Cobh Heritage Center
* Book of Kells at Trinity College
* Jameson Whiskey tour
* Merry Ploughboy Pub Dinner
What's Included
- 8 days/6 nights/11 meals
- Tea and scones at an Irish farmhouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Talk on Waterford by a local historian
- Deluxe & superior first class hotels
with private bath/shower for 6 nights
- Whiskey tasting and tour at the Old
Jameson Distillery
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Visits and admissions to Cliffs of
Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, Blarney
Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Cobh
Heritage Centre,Waterford Crystal
Factory, Book of Kells at Trinity
College
- All dinners (D) except 1 in Dublin
including - Medieval banquet and
entertainment in a 15th century Irish
castle - Dinner and traditional Irish
entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub
- Table d’hote dinners in Killarney and
Waterford
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to
Shannon. Relax with inflight
entertainment and meal service.
Day 2: Shannonside & Medieval Feast
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 welcome drink before
heading to the 15th century Bunratty or
Knappogue Castle for a medieval-style
meal and entertainment. (D)
Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
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 House and
Gardens. Tour the house with a local
guide to learn about the history and
lifestyles of previous owners and
perhaps stroll through the gardens on
the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry Tour
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 5: Blarney Castle & Cobh Heritage
Centre
Depart Killarney and drive through
Macroom to Blarney. Walk through the
grounds and climb the steps of Blarney
Castle to kiss the fabled "Stone of
Eloquence." Also visit the Blarney
Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made
goods. 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 and
stop near Youghal for tea and scones at
a dairy farm before driving to Waterford
for dinner and overnight stay. This
evening a local historian will give you
a talk on the history of Waterford. (B,
D)
Day 6: Waterford Crystal & Merry
Ploughboy Pub
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. Drive to
Dun Laoghaire, on the south side of
Dublin, and check into your hotel. In
the evening drive to the Merry Ploughboy
Pub for a great dinner of Irish
specialties, which is followed by a
lively show of traditional Irish songs
and intricate step-dancing. (B, D)
Day
7: Book of Kells & Jameson Whiskey
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 8: Depart Dublin
For those on our 8-day vacation, your
tour ends today with a group coach
transfer to Dublin Airport.
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Irish Heritage 9 day
Coach Tour
Highlights
* Kiss the Blarney Stone
* Cliffs of Moher
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Waterford Crystal Factory
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Medieval Castle banquet and
entertainment
* Jaunting car ride & Muckross House
* Cobh Heritage Center
* Book of Kells at Trinity College
* Jameson Whiskey tour
* Merry Ploughboy Pub Dinner
* Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
* New for 2008 Choose to have dinner and
your last night at Dromoland Castle
What's Included
- 9 days/7 nights/13 meals
- Tea and scones at an Irish farmhouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Talk on Waterford by a local historian
- Deluxe & superior first class hotels
with private bath/shower for 7 nights
- Whiskey tasting and tour at the Old
Jameson Distillery
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Visits and admissions to Cliffs of
Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, Blarney
Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Cobh
Heritage Centre,Waterford Crystal
Factory, Book of Kells at Trinity
College and Irish National Stud &
Japanese Gardens
- All dinners (D) except 1 in Dublin
including - Medieval banquet and
entertainment in a 15th century Irish
castle - Dinner and traditional Irish
entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy Pub
- Farewell dinner at the Creamery Pub in
Bunratty - Table d’hote dinners in
Killarney and Waterford
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to
Shannon. Relax with inflight
entertainment and meal service.
Day 2: Shannonside & Medieval Feast
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 welcome drink before
heading to the 15th century Bunratty or
Knappogue Castle for a medieval-style
meal and entertainment. (D)
Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
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 House and
Gardens. Tour the house with a local
guide to learn about the history and
lifestyles of previous owners and
perhaps stroll through the gardens on
the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D)
Day
4: Ring of Kerry Tour
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 5: Blarney Castle & Cobh Heritage
Centre
Depart Killarney and drive through
Macroom to Blarney. Walk through the
grounds and climb the steps of Blarney
Castle to kiss the fabled "Stone of
Eloquence." Also visit the Blarney
Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made
goods. 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 and
stop near Youghal for tea and scones at
a dairy farm before driving to Waterford
for dinner and overnight stay. This
evening a local historian will give you
a talk on the history of Waterford. (B,
D)
Day 6: Waterford Crystal & Merry
Ploughboy Pub
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. Drive to
Dun Laoghaire, on the south side of
Dublin, and check into your hotel. In
the evening drive to the Merry Ploughboy
Pub for a great dinner of Irish
specialties, which is followed by a
lively show of traditional Irish songs
and intricate step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 7: Book of Kells & Jameson Whiskey
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 8: National Stud & Japanese Gardens
Lucky passengers on the 9-day program
will leave Dublin and journey to Kildare
for a guided tour around the Irish
National Stud & Japanese Gardens. Learn
about Ireland's love of horses and horse
breeding techniques and see some of the
magnificent animals. Take a tour around
the Japanese Gardens, considered to be
the finest such gardens in Europe.
Continue your drive across the rolling
pastures of Ireland's heartland to
Bunratty. Check into your hotel and then
you will have leisure time to shop or
relax in Durty Nelly's Pub. In the
evening head to the Corn Barn in the
Bunratty Folk Park for cozy home-style
meal followed by upbeat traditional
Irish entertainment. (B, D)
Day 9: Back to the USA from Shannon
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Shannon Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Interlude 10 day
Coach Tour
Highlights
* Medieval Banquet at Bunratty Castle
* Dinner & Traditional Show at the Abbey
Tavern
* Historic Derry Walking Tour
* Belfast & Giant’s Causeway
* Stay in Deluxe St. Helen’s Hotel
What's Included
- 10 days/8 nights/15 meals
- - 5 table d’hote dinners
- Round trip flights between U.S. &
Ireland
- Welcome get-together drink
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- “The Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Walking tour of Derry with a local
guide
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Tour of Belfast with a local guide
- Deluxe & superior first class hotels
with private bath/shower for 8 nights
- Ferry ride across Strangford Lough
- 8 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- 7 dinners (D) including
- Visits and admissions to Cliffs of
Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory,
Knock Shrine,W. B. Yeats’ Grave, Belleek
Pottery Factory, Glenveagh Castle,
Giant’s Causeway, St. Patrick Centre,
Down Cathedral and Dublin Castle
- - Medieval Banquet and entertainment
in Bunratty Castle
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- - Traditional Irish evening with
dinner and entertainment at the Abbey
Tavern
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Day 2: Arrival & Bunratty Banquet
Land at Shannon Airport and transfer to
your hotel. In the afternoon relax or
explore the Bunratty Folk Park or Durty
Nelly’s Pub. Sip a get-together drink
before heading to Bunratty Castle for a
musical feast. (D)
Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
View the Cliffs of Moher, a five-mile
wall of limestone rising above the
foaming Atlantic breakers. Drive through
the Burren and around Galway Bay to
Galway. Take a brief tour of Galway
Cathedral and the Spanish Arch before
checking into your city center hotel.
Enjoy some free time before dinner. (B,
D)
Day 4: Connemara & "Quiet Man"
Drive to Cong, a charming village where
"The Quiet Man" was filmed in 1952. A
short walking tour will show you
locations featured in the movie. Travel
through Connemara, a region of misty
hills and shimmering lakes. In Moycullen,
visit the Connemara Celtic Crystal
Factory. (B, D)
Day
5: Knock Shrine & Belleek
Drive to Knock Shrine to see where
locals saw an apparition of the Virgin
Mary in 1879. Cross into County Sligo
and stop at the grave of W. B. Yeats.
Continue to Belleek for a tour of the
Belleek Pottery Factory. Watch skilled
craftspeople create intricate designs in
delicate china. (B, D)
Day 6: Donegal & Glenveagh Castle
Travel the scenic Grand Atlantic Drive
and tour Glenveagh Castle, a granite
castle built in 1870 and surrounded by
extensive gardens. Return to Stranorlar
in ample time for dinner. (B, D)
Day 7: Derry & Ballygally Castle
Take a walking tour around Derry’s
medieval city walls. Visit the Giant’s
Causeway, huge columns formed by
volcanic activity over 60 million years
ago. Travel along the "Nine Glens of
Antrim" and check into Ballygally
Castle. (B, D)
Day 8: Belfast & St. Patrick’s Grave
Tour central Belfast with a local guide.
Visit the St. Patrick Centre to learn
about Ireland’s Patron Saint and view
his reputed grave. Travel south to
Dublin and check into your deluxe hotel.
(B)
Day 9: Dublin Castle & Abbey Tavern
Tour Dublin this morning and visit
Dublin Castle, setting for many historic
events. At the Guinness Storehouse learn
about the famous dark brew and try a
pint in the rooftop bar. Dine at the
Abbey Tavern with a lively musical show.
(B, D)
Day 10: Return to U.S.
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. (B)
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Irish Legends 10 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Brod Tullaroan Traditional Evening
* "Titanic" Walking Tour of Cobh
* Aran Islands visit
* Waterford Crystal Factory
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
* Dublin Castle and Dublin City Tour
* Walking Tour of Waterford
* Muckross House visit
* Cliffs of Moher
* Dun Aengus Fort
* Abbey Tavern Dinner & Show
* Rock of Cashel
What's Included
- 10 days/8 nights/15 meals
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Walking tour of Waterford with guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- “Titanic” walking tour of Cobh
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Accommodation with private bath/shower
for 8 nights – Superior first class
hotels in Dublin, Killarney and Galway;
country homes in Kilkenny
- Day tour to Inis Mor, largest of the
three Aran Islands
- 8 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Jerpoint Abbey,Waterford Crystal
Factory, Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence
of Kerry AV show, Muckross House &
Gardens, Cliffs of Moher, Dun Aengus
Fort, Aran Heritage Centre and
Clonmacnoise
- 7 dinners (D) including - Irish
homestyle dinner on day 3 - Brod
Tullaroan Dinner and traditional Irish
entertainment - Traditional Irish
evening with dinner and entertainment at
the Abbey Tavern - 4 table d’hote
dinners
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Board your aircraft and settle down for
an overnight flight across the Atlantic
with inflight meal service and
entertainment.
Day 2: Dublin Castle & Guinness
Arrive at Dublin Airport, reclaim your
baggage and head to the CIE Tours desk
in the Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. Passengers arriving
later will transfer to the hotel at
their own expense. At 2:00 pm a local
tour guide will introduce you to
Dublin's historic buildings, Georgian
streets, parks and monuments. Tour
Dublin Castle to learn about Ireland's
history and see priceless furnishings in
the dignified State Apartments. Visit
the Guinness Storehouse to learn about
the famous dark stout and sample a draft
pint in the rooftop bar with panoramic
views over Dublin. Enjoy a welcome
get-together drink with your fellow
travelers and the balance of the evening
is free.
Day 3: Jerpoint Abbey & Medieval
Kilkenny
Depart Dublin this morning and head out
into the countryside to see some of the
"Forty Shades of Green." Drive south to
visit Jerpoint Abbey to see romantic
ruins with Romanesque details and a
delightful cloister arcade with unique
carvings. Continue to Kilkenny, a
medieval city where narrow streets still
follow the centuries-old pattern while
thriving shops, businesses and
restaurants are firmly placed in the
21st century. You will have time to
explore medieval Rothe House or the 12th
century Black Abbey. Drive to your
country home, meet your host family and
settle in for a 2-night stay. Enjoy a
home-style dinner and learn about life
in rural Ireland. (B, D)
Day 4: Waterford Crystal & Irish Evening
Drive to Waterford to tour the Waterford
Crystal Factory and watch skilled
craftspeople create elegant masterpieces
from molten glass. In the showrooms see
a huge collection of tableware and
trophies. Travel into the center of
Waterford, a port city founded by the
Vikings. Here take a short walk around
the narrow and ancient streets with a
local guide who will make the city's
history come alive. Return to your
country home to relax and in the evening
head to nearby Brod Tullaroan, for a fun
country-style evening. Learn about some
local traditions, sports and
entertainment as you enjoy a wholesome
dinner followed by lively entertainment
and music. (B, D)
Day 5: Titanic Tour & Blarney
Travel south, pausing for photos at the
Rock of Cashel, a magnificent collection
of ecclesiastical ruins perched on a
rocky outcrop. Continue to Cobh, the
main port for emigration from the 18th
to mid-20th centuries. Take a "Titanic"
walking tour to discover places,
including the docks, associated with the
famous liner which made its last
scheduled stop in Cobh. Take a short
drive to Blarney to visit the Blarney
Woollen Mills, which offers excellent
Irish-made products. If you wish, you
may climb Blarney Castle on your own to
gain the "Gift of Eloquence" or take a
walk around the charming village green.
Drive through Macroom into the
mountainous countryside of County Kerry
to Killarney and check into your hotel.
(B, D)
Day
6: Ring of Kerry & Muckross House
Experience highlights of Ireland's
natural scenery on the Ring of Kerry
tour. The road winds between the
Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountains and the
Atlantic coast. Stop at the Gap of
Dunloe to view the "Essence of Kerry,"
an audio visual showing many aspects of
the Ring of Kerry. As you drive along,
panoramic vistas change constantly and
frequent stops will permit plenty of
photo opportunities. Pass through
Killorglin and the remote villages of
Cahirciveen and Waterville at the end of
the peninsula. On the return, visit
Muckross House, located in the Killarney
National Park, a few miles outside
Killarney. Tour the mansion to see
valuable furnishings and learn how
wealthy Californians purchased the house
as a wedding gift. (B, D)
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Leave Killarney and take a short ferry
ride across the River Shannon to visit
the Cliffs of Moher, majestic walls of
rock which extend five miles along the
coast. The recently-opened visitor
center will explain the geology and
formation of the cliffs and surrounding
countryside. Drive through part of the
Burren, a unique region of rounded
limestone hills, where rare wildflowers
thrive in sheltered crevices. There are
many prehistoric dolmens, large
capstones erected on two uprights.
Travel into the city of Galway and take
a look around the city center before
checking into your charming hotel,
surrounded by gardens. (B, D)
Day 8: Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal
to Inis Mor, the largest of the three
Aran Islands. These rocky islands are
renowned for the hardy islanders who
maintained traditional fishing and
farming methods and where the popular
intricately-patterned fishermen's
sweaters originated. The Irish language
is still spoken widely. Take a minibus
ride to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic
fortress perched on sheer cliffs, which
fall away to the Atlantic below. In
Kilronan, the main town, visit the Aran
Heritage Centre to learn about unique
local customs before returning by ferry
to the mainland. Enjoy some leisure time
before dining in your hotel. (B, D)
Day 9: Clonmacnoise & Abbey Tavern
Travel to the center of Ireland to
Clonmacnoise to visit the site of the
monastery that St. Kieran founded in the
6th century. See elaborately-carved high
crosses, round towers and picturesque
ruined churches set on the banks of the
River Shannon. Learn about the
importance of the monastery and its
siting in early Christian times.
Continue your drive into the greater
metropolitan region of Dublin and check
into your hotel on the north side of the
city. This evening drive to Howth to the
popular Abbey Tavern for a hearty dinner
and an evening of traditional Irish
songs and step dancing - a great way to
celebrate your Irish vacation. (B, D)
Day 10: Return Home from Dublin
As your hotel is convenient to Dublin
Airport, a shuttle service will transfer
you to the airport terminal - times will
be given to you once on tour. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Mystical Ireland 9 Day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Dinner & Traditional Music in Dublin
* Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
* St. Patrick Centre
* Nine Glens of Antrim Drive
* Giant’s Causeway
* Belleek China
* Day Tour to Achill Island
* Walk Along Derry’s Medieval Walls
What's Included
- 9 days/7 nights/13 meals
- 4 table d’hote dinners
- Round trip flights between U.S. &
Ireland
- Welcome get-together drink
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Ferry ride across Strangford Lough
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Tour of Belfast with a local guide
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Walking tours of Derry and Westport
with local guides
- Superior first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 7 nights
- Handweaving demonstration with tea &
scones at Triona Design
- 7 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Day tour to Achill Island
- 6 dinners (D) including
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Glendalough Visitor Centre, St.
Patrick Centre, Down Cathedral, Mount
Stewart House and Gardens, Giant’s
Causeway, Belleek Pottery Factory and
Cliffs of Moher
- Dinner and traditional Irish
entertainment in Dublin
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- - Medieval banquet and entertainment
at Bunratty Castle
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to
Dublin. Relax with dinner and
entertainment.
Day
2: Arrive Ireland & Dublin Castle
Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete
immigration formalities and pick up your
luggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, you will need to transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm
tour the city center, stopping to visit
Dublin Castle’s State Apartments to view
historical portraits and superb
furnishings. In the evening meet your
fellow travelers over a welcome drink
and your tour director will assist you
in choosing a local restaurant to dine
independently.
Day 3: 6th Century Glendalough &
Traditional Music
This morning discover the Wicklow
Mountains, located south of Dublin.
Drive through the lovely scenery and
visit Glendalough, a 6th century
monastic site founded by St. Kevin.
Learn about life in early Christian
Ireland in the Visitor Centre and walk
through the ruins of the many churches
and a round tower. Return to Dun
Laoghaire where the afternoon is at
leisure for independent activities. In
the evening drive to a popular Dublin
venue for a great dinner of Irish
specialties, which is followed by a
lively show of traditional Irish songs
and intricate step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 4: Downpatrick & Mount Stewart
Drive north via Warrenpoint, past the
gentle slopes of the Mourne Mountains
and follow the shoreline to Downpatrick.
Visit the St. Patrick Centre to learn
about Ireland’s patron saint and see his
reputed burial place in Down Cathedral,
marked by a huge granite boulder. Cross
Strangford Lough by ferry to visit Mount
Stewart House and Gardens. This
property, home to Lord Castlereagh
during Napoleonic times, contains
portraits and furnishings. The extensive
gardens, with a wide range of plant
types, are considered among the best in
the country. Check into your hotel in
the center of Belfast. The famous Crown
Liquor Saloon, dating from 1826, is just
across the street. (B, D)
Day 5: Belfast, Giant’s Causeway & Derry
A local guide will take you on a tour
through Belfast, rich in Victorian
architecture. See the Harland and Wolff
Shipyards where the Titanic was built
and see some of the residential areas
around the Shankill and Falls Road.
Journey along the spectacular drive of
the "Nine Glens of Antrim" with
mountains on one side and coastline on
the other. Visit the Giant’s Causeway, a
mass of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns
formed over 60 million years ago.
Legends about giants abound, especially
Finn McCool, a hardy Ulster hero. Drive
along the north coast to Derry and take
a walking tour around the old city
center, still encircled by its medieval
city walls, to learn about its long
history. (B, D)
Day 6: Belleek China & Westport
Head south through County Donegal, which
is renowned for its wool production. In
Ardara visit Triona Design to see how
popular tweeds and knitwear are
produced. Enjoy tea and scones before
driving to Donegal town. Take a guided
tour around the Belleek Pottery Factory
to see craftspeople making delicate and
ornate pieces in fine china. Travel
through the gentle scenery of Sligo,
often referred to as "Yeats’ Country" as
the writer spent time in and wrote about
the region. Continue traveling south
through Mayo to Westport and check into
your hotel, located on the central
square of this planned Georgian town.
(B, D)
Day 7: Achill Island Tour
After a late breakfast travel around
Clew Bay, reputed to have 365 islands.
Drive via Newport and across the Curraun
Peninsula to reach Achill Island, joined
to the mainland by a bridge. Follow the
Atlantic Drive to capture wonderful and
wild scenic views of steeply sloped
mountains plunging into the shimmering
Atlantic Ocean. Near Slievemore see the
Deserted Village, the remains of nearly
100 stone cottages used by people who
took cattle to summer pasture. Also see
stretches of windswept bogland and
golden beaches. Return to Westport for a
brief walking tour with a local guide
around this attractive town, which was
laid out in 1780. (B, D)
Day 8: Galway & Cliffs Of Moher
Travel to Galway City and take a drive
around to see the main sights. Then
spend some time on your own before
driving through the Burren, limestone
hills with unique flora and prehistoric
stone monuments. View the majestic
Cliffs of Moher, a rocky wall that rises
nearly 700 feet above the foaming
Atlantic Ocean. Drive to Bunratty and
check into your hotel, located beside
Bunratty Castle. You may like to visit
Durty Nelly’s Pub or the Bunratty Folk
Park. In the evening head to 15th
century Bunratty Castle for a jolly
medieval-style dinner where the Lords
and Ladies serenade you with favorite
songs. (B, D)
Day 9: Shannon to U.S.A.
Take a group transfer to nearby Shannon
Airport where your tour concludes at
10:30 am. After check-in, you’ll have
time to shop at the duty-free stores
before U.S. Immigration pre-clearance
and boarding your flight for the journey
home. If you need to arrive at Shannon
Airport before 10:30 am, your tour
director will coordinate an early group
transfer once you are on tour. (B)
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Irish Odyssey 12 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Dublin & Dublin Castle Tours
* Boyne Valley Visitor Center
* Abbey Tavern Dinner & Show
* W.B. Yeats' Grave
* Muckross House
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Ulster American Folk Park
* Kylemore Abbey
* Giant's Causeway
* Rock of Cashel
* "Titanic" tour of Cobh
* Dingle Peninsula Tour
* Cabra Castle Stay
* Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory
* Cliffs of Moher
What's Included
- 12 days/10 nights/19 meals
- Welcome get-together drink
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- “Titanic” walking tour of Cobh
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Guided walking tour of Derry
- Superior & first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 10 nights
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Boyne Valley Visitor Centre &
Newgrange or Knowth Tomb, Rock of Cashel,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Muckross House &
Gardens, Blasket Centre, Cliffs of Moher,
Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Celtic Crystal
Factory, Museum of Country Life, W. B.
Yeats’ Grave, Giant’s Causeway and
Ulster American Folk Park
- 10 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 9 dinners (D) including - Traditional
Irish evening with dinner and
entertainment at the Abbey Tavern -
Farewell dinner at Cabra Castle Hotel -
7 table d’hote dinners
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart for Dublin
Board your flight to Ireland and enjoy
inflight meals and entertainment as you
start your vacation.
Day 2: Dublin Castle & City Tour
Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete
immigration formalities and pick up your
luggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, you will need to transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm
join a local guide on a city center tour
to see some of the important public
buildings such as Trinity College, the
General Post Office and St. Patrick's
Cathedral. End with a visit to Dublin
Castle's State Apartments where you can
see magnificently decorated chambers
that are used for many state functions.
In the evening meet your fellow
travelers over a welcome drink and, as
you are free for independent dining,
your tour guide will assist you in
selecting a suitable venue.
Day 3: Megalithic Tomb & Abbey Tavern
Travel north from Dublin to the Boyne
Valley. Stop at the Boyne Valley Visitor
Centre to learn about the nearby passage
burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth,
both of which are over 5,000 years old.
Visit one of the tombs to see how people
using primitive tools and knowledge
managed to align these buildings
precisely with the sun or the moon.
Return to Dublin where the afternoon is
at leisure for further sightseeing or
shopping. Head to the Abbey Tavern for
some traditional Irish cuisine, an Irish
coffee and a lively session of popular
songs. (B, D)
Day 4: Rock of Cashel & "Titanic" Walk
Head south through farming country to
visit the Rock of Cashel, a stately
limestone outcrop topped with medieval
ruins. See the roofless cathedral, round
tower and Cormac's Chapel, which is the
earliest building on the site, dating
from 1127. Continue past the Galtee
Mountains and dairying country to the
south coast and the harbor town of Cobh,
the last port of call for the Titanic.
Take a walk around this picturesque town
and the dockside with a local historian
to see places relating to the Titanic's
last stop. Drive a few miles into Cork
and check in to your hotel, which
overlooks the famous River Lee. (B, D)
Day 5: Blarney & Muckross House
Drive through the outskirts of Cork city
to visit the Blarney Woollen Mills,
offering excellent Irish-made products
all under one roof. If you wish, you may
climb to the top of Blarney Castle
independently or walk around the village
before driving along the River Lee
valley through Macroom. Continue into
the mountainous countryside of County
Kerry to Killarney and check into your
centrally-located hotel. Drive to
Muckross House, an elegant 19th century
mansion set beside tranquil Muckross
Lake. Learn about local history and U.S.
family connections on a guided tour of
the elegant and richly-furnished rooms.
Take a stroll through the gardens before
heading back to Killarney where you may
look around the town before dinner. (B,
D)
Day
6: Dingle Peninsula Tour
Today discover the glorious Dingle
Peninsula, made famous by two movies
that were enhanced by the scenery -
"Ryan's Daughter" and "Far & Away."
Drive along the south shore and stop to
admire views of heathery mountains,
sandy stretches of beach and rocky
headlands. Pause for a while in Dingle
before continuing to the western tip of
the peninsula. Tour the Blasket Centre
in Dunquin to learn about the Blasket
Islands, inhabited until 1953 by hardy
families who eked out a living by
farming and fishing. Return to Killarney
and enjoy free time to use the leisure
facilities in your hotel or take a walk
around town. After dinner in your hotel
you may like to visit some of the cozy
pubs featuring live music. (B, D)
Day 7: Bunratty Village & Cliffs of
Moher
Travel north from Killarney and through
Limerick to the village of Bunratty.
Stop for a look around on your own -
shop, visit Durty Nelly's Pub or tour
the Folk Park. Drive to the coast to
view the Cliffs of Moher, an impressive
wall of rock that rises 700 feet above
the Atlantic Ocean. In the newly-opened
Visitor Centre learn about the formation
of the cliffs and the nearby Burren, an
area of rounded limestone hills.
Continue your drive via Corkscrew Hill
to Ballyvaughan and around Galway Bay to
Galway. Take a drive around the to see
the main places of interest and browse
around the city center, full of
specialty shops, cafes and pubs, before
checking in to your hotel. (B, D)
Day 8: Clifden & Kylemore Abbey
Today tour Connemara and admire sweeping
views of misty mountains and shimmering
lakes. You will see sheep grazing freely
and tracts of bogland where people
hand-cut peat for home heating. Stop in
Spiddal where you may hear locals
chatting in the Irish language. Continue
to Clifden, a delightful market town set
between the Twelve Bens and sandy bays.
Visit Kylemore Abbey, a 19th century
neo-Gothic mansion, which is now a
prestigious girls' school. Tour the
exquisite chapel and reception rooms and
stroll by the peaceful lake shore. In
Moycullen watch skilled craftsmen
cutting fine crystal at the Connemara
Celtic Crystal Factory. (B, D)
Day 9: Museum of Country Life & Yeats'
Country
Head north to Castlebar to visit the
Museum of Country Life. An open-plan
building houses collections of domestic
goods, once used as part of daily life
from 1850 to 1950. Exhibits and a movie
explain how Irish people made a living
from the soil before the machine age.
Travel through County Sligo and stop to
view W. B. Yeats' grave in Drumcliffe
Churchyard. Follow the shoreline of
Donegal Bay and continue your journey
through Donegal and past the lovely Blue
Stack Mountains to Derry for dinner and
overnight. (B, D)
Day 10: Giant's Causeway & Derry
This morning drive along the north coast
of Ireland to explore the Giant's
Causeway, huge hexagonal columns formed
over 60 million years ago. The oversized
rocks have given rise to many legends,
especially involving the giant, Finn
McCool. Return to Derry for a guided
walking tour around the ancient city,
which will include the Guildhall, St.
Columb's Cathedral, the Diamond and 16th
century city walls. You may like to
spend some time browsing through the
compact city center with its many
historic places on your own in the
afternoon. (B, D)
Day 11: Ulster American Folk Park &
Cabra Castle Stay
Drive past the Sperrin Mountains to
visit the Ulster American Folk Park. See
many cottages including the boyhood home
of Thomas Mellon, who emigrated to
Pittsburgh in 1818 and later founded the
Mellon Bank. The Park traces the story
of Ulster emigrants by showing how they
lived in the "Old Country" and sailed
across the Atlantic to settle in the
"New World" in Colonial times. Travel
south to Kingscourt to your castle
hotel, built in 1760. After a farewell
dinner in the Court Restaurant, enjoy
some informal entertainment. (B, D)
Day 12: Dublin to USA
This morning take a group transfer from
Kingscourt to Dublin Airport where your
tour concludes at 10:00 am. After
check-in you will have time to shop at
the duty-free stores. If you need to
arrive at Dublin Airport before 10:00
am, your guide will arrange an early
group transfer. (B)
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Irish Folklore & Music 8
day
Highlights
* Traditional Evening at Bunratty Folk
Park
* Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Musical
Evening
* Cliffs of Moher
* Muckross House
* Blarney Castle
* Toursof Dublin and Galway
* Old Jameson Distillery
* Kilmainham Gaol
What's Included
- 8 days/6 nights/11 meals
- Irish evening with dinner and
folkloric entertainment - 3 table d’hote
dinners
- Round trip flights between U.S. &
Ireland
- Welcome get-together drink
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Panoramic tour of Galway
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Whiskey tasting and tour of Old
Jameson Distillery
- Superior first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 6 nights
- Visits and admissions to Cliffs of
Moher, Muckross House & Gardens, Blarney
Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills and
Kilmainham Gaol
- 6 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 5 dinners (D) including
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Traditional Irish Night at the Corn
Barn in Bunratty
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Travel to Shannon on an overnight flight
to start your vacation. Relax with
inflight meals and entertainment.
Day
2: Shannonside & Irish Night
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 hotel
in Limerick. 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 through Limerick to see
King John's Castle, the Hunt Museum and
some of the Georgian architecture. Join
your fellow travelers for a welcome
drink before heading to the Corn Barn in
the Bunratty Folk Park. The venue
retains the ambience of 19th century
Ireland and after dinner enjoy a show
with storytelling, step-dancing and
traditional music. (D)
Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Galway City
Travel to the coast to view the Cliffs
of Moher, a five-mile wall of limestone
rising above the foaming Atlantic
breakers. Displays in the new Visitor
Center explain the geology, flora and
fauna of the region. See the rounded
limestone hills of the Burren and drive
down Corkscrew Hill for views of Galway
Bay and continue your journey into
Galway. Take a panoramic drive around
Galway's main features, including the
ancient Spanish Arch. Enjoy some time on
your own. Galway is a university city,
which gives the streets a cosmopolitan
and lively atmosphere and Shop Street is
filled with pubs, restaurants and cafés.
Return to Limerick in time to relax
before dining in your hotel, which
overlooks the River Shannon. (B, D)
Day 4: Adare & Dingle Peninsula
Head south to Adare, a pretty village
where many houses have thatched roofs
and colorful cottage gardens. Drive into
County Kerry, noted for its wonderful
scenery incorporating mountains, lakes
and Atlantic coastline. Travel out along
part of the Dingle Peninsula, passing
the long, sandy stretches of Inch Strand
on the way to the town of Dingle. Along
the route you will have views across the
bay to the Iveragh Peninsula. Spend a
little time looking around the charming
town of Dingle. Drive through Killorglin
to Killarney and check into your hotel
in the town center. You may like to take
a walk around the town before dining in
your hotel. (B, D)
Day 5: Muckross House & Kenmare
Take a horse-drawn jaunting car drive
through the Killarney National Park to
the delightful 19th century Muckross
House, a furnished mansion on the shores
of Muckross Lake. Take a guided tour to
see unique features of the house and
find out about influential owners and
visitors. Stroll around the charming
gardens where there are many fine exotic
trees, planted over a century ago. Drive
to the town of Kenmare where traditional
buildings are gaily painted and enhanced
with flowers. Travel through Moll's Gap,
a wonderful vantage point on the Ring of
Kerry and stop at Ladies' View before
returning to Killarney. (B, D)
Day 6: Blarney Castle & Abbey Tavern
Travel west away from the mountains of
Kerry and into County Cork to visit
Blarney Castle. Climb the winding stairs
to the ramparts in order to kiss the
famous "Stone of Eloquence." Also visit
the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can
find quality Irish-made goods of all
types conveniently displayed under one
roof. Drive north and stop to view the
stately church ruins atop the Rock of
Cashel, which rises high above the
surrounding plain. Continue to the
metropolitan region of Dublin and check
into your hotel. Freshen up before
departing for the Abbey Tavern. This
historic pub is built on the ruins of an
abbey and full of cozy nooks and
fireplaces. Enjoy dinner and a lively
program of Irish traditional music and
displays of intricate step dancing. (B,
D)
Day 7: Jameson Distillery & Kilmainham
Gaol
This morning meet a local guide who will
escort you around central Dublin. See
the main streets, parks and public
buildings and learn about Dublin's
origins and development through the
centuries. See some of the elegant
Georgian houses for which the city is
famous and visit Kilmainham Gaol to
understand the penal system in times
past. This was where many of Ireland's
leaders, including Parnell, Robert
Emmett, DeValera and Padraig Pearse,
were imprisoned during the 19th and
early 20th centuries while striving to
create an independent nation. Next stop
at the Old Jameson Distillery to see how
whiskey is distilled and have a tasting
at the end of your tour. The afternoon
and evening are at leisure for
independent activities. (B)
Day 8: Leave Dublin for Home
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Pub & Folk Tour 9
Day
Highlights
* Dublin City Tour & Guinness Storehouse
* Rock of Cashel
* Cliffs of Moher
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Clonmacnoise 6th Century Monastic Site
* "Ghost Tour" of Kinsale
* Blarney Castle
* Aran Islands Day Tour
* "Shindig" Evening at the Old Jameson
Distillery
* Dun Aengus Fort
* Dublin Castle
What's Included
- 9 days/7 nights/13 meals
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Kinsale Ghost Tour
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Walking Tour of Kinsale with a local
guide
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- First class hotels with private bath/
shower for 7 nights
- Day tour to Inis Mor, largest of the
three Aran Islands
- 7 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Essence of Kerry
AV show, Cliffs of Moher, Dun Aengus
Fort, Aran Heritage Centre and
Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
- 6 dinners (D) including - “Shindig” at
the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin - 5
table d’hote dinners
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Board your aircraft for an overnight
trip across the Atlantic. Enjoy inflight
entertainment and meals.
Day 2: Dublin & Guinness
Land at Dublin Airport early this
morning. After customs formalities and
luggage reclamation, head to the CIE
Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall to
arrange a group transfer to your hotel
between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon.
Passengers arriving later will transfer
to the hotel at their own expense. In
the afternoon get together with a Dublin
guide to tour Dublin Castle’s State
Apartments to learn about Ireland’s
history and see the magnificent chambers
where many state events are held. Drive
around the spacious Phoenix Park, home
to Ireland’s President and the U.S.
Ambassador. Visit the Guinness
Storehouse to see how this famous
brewery was established. Finish your
tour with a creamy pint at the rooftop
bar, Ireland’s highest drinking spot.
Return to your hotel and meet with your
tour group and guide for a welcome drink
and discuss your itinerary. Later you
may like to explore the lively bar and
restaurant scene including traditional
pubs such as the Brazen Head, Doheny &
Nesbitts or the Bailey!
Day 3: Rock of Cashel & Kinsale Ghost
Tour
Depart Dublin to travel through the
Irish countryside where you will see
many different types of farms. Visit the
Rock of Cashel, a magnificent limestone
outcrop high above the surrounding
lands. See the many imposing church
ruins, some of which date back to the
12th century. Drive to Kinsale and check
into your hotel. After dinner take a
Ghost Tour - a lighthearted look at
Kinsale's old streets, monuments and
alleyways. To recover from your tour,
you might like to check out The
Spaniard, Hole-in-the-Wall or Mad Monk,
Kinsale's popular pubs. (B, D)
Day 4: Historic Kinsale & Blarney Castle
This morning join a local historian at
Charles Fort and learn about the
development of the town of Kinsale on a
brief walk. Drive north to visit Blarney
Castle, just a few miles outside Cork
city. Climb to the ramparts to kiss the
well-known "Stone of Eloquence." Head to
the Blarney Woollen Mills for some
shopping - there's even a pub hiding in
the shopping complex! Travel through
County Cork to Macroom and stop for a
brief look around at the imposing
castle, which was the boyhood home of
William Penn. Continue your drive to
Killarney and check into your hotel.
Take a walk around the town before
dinner and afterwards you may visit the
popular Buckley's Pub, conveniently
situated right in your hotel! (B, D)
Day
5: Ring of Kerry Tour
Explore one of Ireland's most popular
scenic areas with Ireland's highest
mountains on one side and a varied
Atlantic coastline on the other. Stop at
the Gap of Dunloe Industries to see the
"Essence of Kerry" an audio visual
presentation, which will tell you all
about the region. As you drive, every
turn will reveal new vistas of
mountains, cliffs and beaches and there
will be plenty of photo stops. Travel
through the remote villages of
Cahirciveen and Waterville at the
western end of the peninsula. Stop in
the colorful village of Sneem and pause
for a look at the Lakes of Killarney at
Moll's Gap. In the evening you may like
to explore some of Killarney's many pubs
that feature live music. (B, D)
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Head north through the town of Listowel
to take a 20-minute ferry ride across
the wide Shannon River Estuary. Travel
along the coast to view the Cliffs of
Moher, a five-mile wall of limestone
rising above the foaming Atlantic
breakers. See the rounded limestone
hills of the Burren and drive down
Corkscrew Hill for views of Galway Bay.
Stop in Ballyvaughan for a stroll and
continue your journey into Galway. Take
a brief drive around Galway before
checking into your hotel, located on
Galway Bay where you may like to check
out the old-world "Herring Choker" pub
with live music. (B, D)
Day 7: Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Take a short ferry ride from Rossaveal
to Inis Mor, the largest of the three
Aran Islands. These rocky islands are
renowned for traditional fishing and
farming communities and also the popular
intricate fishermen's sweaters. The
Irish language is still spoken widely.
Take a minibus ride to Dun Aengus, a
huge pre-historic fortress perched on
sheer cliffs. In Kilronan, the main
town, visit the Aran Heritage Centre to
learn about local customs before
returning to the mainland. Enjoy some
free time before heading into the hotel
restaurant for dinner. (B, D)
Day 8: Clonmacnoise & "Shindig" Evening
Travel eastwards today to visit
Clonmacnoise. This early Christian
monastic site was founded by St. Ciaran
in 545 AD, when Christianity flourished
throughout Ireland. See round towers,
church ruins and Celtic crosses with
elaborate carvings, all in a picturesque
setting on the banks of the River
Shannon. Continue to the greater
metropolitan area of Dublin and check
into your hotel once more. Enjoy some
leisure time before heading to a
"Shindig" at the Old Jameson Distillery.
See whiskey-making processes as you tour
the distillery before sitting down to a
dinner of Irish specialties, followed by
a fun entertainment program. This
operates from March 28 - October 24
departures. Outside those dates the
Abbey Tavern will feature. (B, D)
Day 9: Dublin to U.S.A.
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Pub & Folk Tour
10 day
Coach Tour
Highlights
* Dublin City Tour & Guinness
Storehouse
* Rock of Cashel
* Cliffs of Moher
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Clonmacnoise 6th Century Monastic
Site
* "Ghost Tour" of Kinsale
* Blarney Castle
* Aran Islands Day Tour
* "Shindig" Evening at the Old
Jameson Distillery
* Dun Aengus Fort
* Dublin Castle
What's Included
- 9 days/7 nights/13 meals
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Kinsale Ghost Tour
- Sightseeing by luxury coach
throughout
- Walking Tour of Kinsale with a
local guide
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River
Shannon
- First class hotels with private
bath/ shower for 7 nights
- Day tour to Inis Mor, largest of
the three Aran Islands
- 7 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Rock of Cashel, Blarney
Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills,
Essence of Kerry AV show, Cliffs of
Moher, Dun Aengus Fort, Aran
Heritage Centre and Clonmacnoise
Monastic Site
- 6 dinners (D) including -
“Shindig” at the Old Jameson
Distillery in Dublin - 5 table
d’hote dinners
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service
charges & porterage for one suitcase
per person
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Board your aircraft for an overnight
trip across the Atlantic. Enjoy
inflight entertainment and meals.
Day
2: Dublin & Guinness
Land at Dublin Airport early this
morning. After customs formalities
and luggage reclamation, head to the
CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall
to arrange a group transfer to your
hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00
noon. Passengers arriving later will
transfer to the hotel at their own
expense. In the afternoon get
together with a Dublin guide to tour
Dublin Castle’s State Apartments to
learn about Ireland’s history and
see the magnificent chambers where
many state events are held. Drive
around the spacious Phoenix Park,
home to Ireland’s President and the
U.S. Ambassador. Visit the Guinness
Storehouse to see how this famous
brewery was established. Finish your
tour with a creamy pint at the
rooftop bar, Ireland’s highest
drinking spot. Return to your hotel
and meet with your tour group and
guide for a welcome drink and
discuss your itinerary. Later you
may like to explore the lively bar
and restaurant scene including
traditional pubs such as the Brazen
Head, Doheny & Nesbitts or the
Bailey!
Day 3: Rock of Cashel & Kinsale
Ghost Tour
Depart Dublin to travel through the
Irish countryside where you will see
many different types of farms. Visit
the Rock of Cashel, a magnificent
limestone outcrop high above the
surrounding lands. See the many
imposing church ruins, some of which
date back to the 12th century. Drive
to Kinsale and check into your
hotel. After dinner take a Ghost
Tour - a lighthearted look at
Kinsale's old streets, monuments and
alleyways. To recover from your
tour, you might like to check out
The Spaniard, Hole-in-the-Wall or
Mad Monk, Kinsale's popular pubs.
(B, D)
Day 4: Historic Kinsale & Blarney
Castle
This morning join a local historian
at Charles Fort and learn about the
development of the town of Kinsale
on a brief walk. Drive north to
visit Blarney Castle, just a few
miles outside Cork city. Climb to
the ramparts to kiss the well-known
"Stone of Eloquence." Head to the
Blarney Woollen Mills for some
shopping - there's even a pub hiding
in the shopping complex! Travel
through County Cork to Macroom and
stop for a brief look around at the
imposing castle, which was the
boyhood home of William Penn.
Continue your drive to Killarney and
check into your hotel. Take a walk
around the town before dinner and
afterwards you may visit the popular
Buckley's Pub, conveniently situated
right in your hotel! (B, D)
Day 5: Ring of Kerry Tour
Explore one of Ireland's most
popular scenic areas with Ireland's
highest mountains on one side and a
varied Atlantic coastline on the
other. Stop at the Gap of Dunloe
Industries to see the "Essence of
Kerry" an audio visual presentation,
which will tell you all about the
region. As you drive, every turn
will reveal new vistas of mountains,
cliffs and beaches and there will be
plenty of photo stops. Travel
through the remote villages of
Cahirciveen and Waterville at the
western end of the peninsula. Stop
in the colorful village of Sneem and
pause for a look at the Lakes of
Killarney at Moll's Gap. In the
evening you may like to explore some
of Killarney's many pubs that
feature live music. (B, D)
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Head north through the town of
Listowel to take a 20-minute ferry
ride across the wide Shannon River
Estuary. Travel along the coast to
view the Cliffs of Moher, a
five-mile wall of limestone rising
above the foaming Atlantic breakers.
See the rounded limestone hills of
the Burren and drive down Corkscrew
Hill for views of Galway Bay. Stop
in Ballyvaughan for a stroll and
continue your journey into Galway.
Take a brief drive around Galway
before checking into your hotel,
located on Galway Bay where you may
like to check out the old-world
"Herring Choker" pub with live
music. (B, D)
Day 7: Aran Islands & Dun Aengus
Take a short ferry ride from
Rossaveal to Inis Mor, the largest
of the three Aran Islands. These
rocky islands are renowned for
traditional fishing and farming
communities and also the popular
intricate fishermen's sweaters. The
Irish language is still spoken
widely. Take a minibus ride to Dun
Aengus, a huge pre-historic fortress
perched on sheer cliffs. In Kilronan,
the main town, visit the Aran
Heritage Centre to learn about local
customs before returning to the
mainland. Enjoy some free time
before heading into the hotel
restaurant for dinner. (B, D)
Day 8: Clonmacnoise & "Shindig"
Evening
Travel eastwards today to visit
Clonmacnoise. This early Christian
monastic site was founded by St.
Ciaran in 545 AD, when Christianity
flourished throughout Ireland. See
round towers, church ruins and
Celtic crosses with elaborate
carvings, all in a picturesque
setting on the banks of the River
Shannon. Continue to the greater
metropolitan area of Dublin and
check into your hotel once more.
Enjoy some leisure time before
heading to a "Shindig" at the Old
Jameson Distillery. See
whiskey-making processes as you tour
the distillery before sitting down
to a dinner of Irish specialties,
followed by a fun entertainment
program. This operates from March 28
- October 24 departures. Outside
those dates the Abbey Tavern will
feature. (B, D)
Day 9: Dublin to U.S.A.
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive
at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon.
After check-in, you'll have time to
shop at the duty-free stores before
U.S. Immigration pre-clearance and
boarding your flight for the journey
home. (B)
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Irish Quest 8 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Cliffs of Moher
* Kylemore Abbey & Connemara Tour
* Derry Walking Tour
* Giant’s Causeway
* Ulster American Folk Park
* Cabra Castle Hotel Overnight and
Farewell Dinner
What's Included
- 8 days/6 nights/11 meals
- 5 dinners (D) including
- Round trip flights from U.S. to
Shannon and return from Dublin
- Farewell dinner and entertainment at
Cabra Castle Hotel
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- 4 table d’hote dinners
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Guided walking tour of Derry
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Visits and admissions to Cliffs of
Moher, Kylemore Abbey, Connemara Celtic
Crystal Factory, Museum of Country Life,
W. B. Yeats’ Grave, Giant’s Causeway and
Ulster American Folk Park\ Deluxe flight
bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
- Superior & first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 6 nights
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- 6 full Irish breakfasts (B)
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart for Ireland
Day 2: Shannon & Leisure Time
Arrive in Shannon Airport and go to the
CIE Tours desk to arrange a hotel
transfer between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon.
If your flight arrives later you will
need to transfer at your own expense.
Check into your hotel near Bunratty
Castle. Durty Nelly’s Pub or The
Creamery are great places to have dinner
on your own.
Day
3: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Enjoy a free morning before meeting your
driver/guide and group at 12:30 pm in
your hotel lobby. Drive through Ennis to
view the Cliffs of Moher, an impressive
wall of rock above the open Atlantic
Ocean. Continue to your hotel in Galway.
(B, D)
Day 4: Connemara & Kylemore
Tour Connemara, a region of open
countryside with plenty of sheep and
tracts of peat. Stop in Clifden and
visit Kylemore Abbey to see the
exquisite chapel and reception rooms of
this 19th century neo-Gothic mansion. At
the Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory in
Moycullen watch expert craftsmen cutting
fine crystal. (B, D)
Day 5: Country Life & Yeats’ Grave
Head north to visit the Museum of
Country Life to understand how rural
people lived from the 1850’s to the
1950’s. In Sligo stop to view W. B.
Yeats’ grave in Drumcliffe Churchyard.
Follow the shoreline of Donegal Bay and
continue your journey through Donegal
and past the lovely Blue Stack Mountains
to Derry for dinner and overnight. (B,
D)
Day 6: Giant’s Causeway & Derry
Explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge
hexagonal columns formed over 60 million
years ago. Return to Derry for a guided
walking tour around central Derry, which
will include the 16th century city
walls. Enjoy free time before dinner.
(B, D)
Day 7: Ulster American Folk Park & Cabra
Castle
Drive to Omagh to visit the Ulster
American Folk Park. Trace the story of
Ulster emigrants to see how they lived
in the "Old Country" before sailing to
the "New World". Travel south to
Kingscourt to your 18th century castle
hotel. Enjoy a farewell dinner with
informal entertainment. (B, D)
Day 8: Return Home
This morning take a group transfer from
Kingscourt to Dublin Airport where your
tour concludes at 10:00 am. If you need
an earlier group transfer, your guide
will arrange one. (B)
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Romantic Ireland 10 Day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Dublin's Trinity College and the Book
of Kells
* Jameson Distillery Visit
* Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
* Connemara Tour
* Cliffs of Moher
* Ring of Kerry
* Waterford Crystal Factory Visit
* Blarney Castle
* Jaunting Car Ride and Muckross House
in Killarney
* Kylemore Abbey
* Galway Visit and Stay
* Cobh Heritage Center
* Killeen House
* Merry Ploughboy Pub
* Dublin Sightseeing Tour Pass
What's Included
- 10 days/8 nights/13 meals
- Welcome get-together drink
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Whiskey tasting and tour of Old
Jameson Distillery
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- Voucher for open-top bus tour
- Talk on Waterford by a local historian
- Deluxe & superior first class hotels
with private bath/shower for 7 nights
- Visits and admissions to Book of Kells
at Trinity College, Clonmacnoise,
Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher,
Muckross House & Gardens, Blarney
Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, Cobh
Heritage Centre and Waterford Crystal
Factory
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 6 dinners (D) including - Killeen
House Restaurant in Killarney - Dinner
and traditional Irish entertainment at
the Merry Ploughboy Pub - 4 table d’hote
dinners
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to
Dublin. Relax with inflight
entertainment and meal service.
Day 2: Dublin Arrival & Book of Kells
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 take a sightseeing
tour of central Dublin 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. Join your fellow travelers
for a welcome drink and your guide will
advise you on restaurants to dine
independently.
Day 3: Clonmacnoise & Galway
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 was a an important center of
learning. See highly decorated high
crosses, round towers and ruins of many
churches, all set on the banks of the
tranquil River Shannon. Drive to Galway
and drive around the main sights of the
city before checking into your hotel,
located in the city center. Enjoy some
free time to browse around the city
center on your own. Galway has many
pedestrianized streets and lots of fun
specialty stores and pubs. Savor dinner
in the elegant dining room of your
hotel. (B, D)
Day 4: Clifden & Kylemore Abbey
Today tour Connemara and admire sweeping
views of misty mountains and shimmering
lakes. You will see sheep grazing freely
and tracts of bogland where people
hand-cut peat for home heating. Stop in
Spiddal where you may hear locals
chatting in the Irish language. Continue
to Clifden for another stop in this
delightful market town set between the
Twelve Bens and sandy bays. Visit
Kylemore Abbey, a 19th century
neo-Gothic mansion, which is now a
prestigious girls' school. Tour the
exquisite chapel and reception rooms and
stroll by the peaceful lake shore. Drive
via Maam Cross, in the heart of
Connemara and back to your hotel in
Galway in ample time for dinner. (B, D)
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive south around Galway Bay 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 House &
Gardens. Tour the house with a local
guide to learn about its history and
lifestyle of previous owners and perhaps
stroll through the gardens that are laid
out on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B,
D)
Day 6: Ring of Kerry & Killeen House
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, which will be served in the
friendly and award-winning Killeen House
Restaurant. (B, D)
Day
7: Blarney Castle & Cobh Heritage Centre
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." Also visit the Blarney
Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made
goods. 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 to
Waterford for dinner and overnight stay.
This evening a local historian will give
you a talk on the history of Waterford.
(B, D)
Day 8: Waterford Crystal & Traditional
Show
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. Drive to
Dublin and check into the same hotel.
Take some time to admire the views or
even stroll along the pier, a favorite
haunt of Dubliners. In the evening drive
to a popular venue for a dinner with
Irish specialties and a lively
traditional Irish show. (B, D)
Day 9: Independent Dublin
Use your voucher for Hop/On Hop Off
Dublin City Tour. Hotel and breakfast
included.
Day 10: Return Home
If you have booked our 10-day tour,
spend an additional night in Dublin with
an independent Dublin sightseeing tour
pass (valid for 24 hours) and a taxi
transfer to Dublin Airport on final day.
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Irish Spirit 8 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Dublin City
Tour
* Book of Kells at Trinity College
* Rock of Cashel
* Blarney Castle
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Skellig Experience
* Ring of Kerry
* Cliffs of Moher
* Celtic Connemara Crystal Factory
* Killary Fjord Catamaran Cruise
* Abbey Tavern Dinner & Show
* Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
What's Included
- 8 days/6 nights/11 meals
- Welcome get-together drink
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord
- First class hotels with private
bath/shower for 6 nights
- Visits and admissions to Book of Kells
at Trinity College, Blarney Castle,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Skellig
Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara
Celtic Crystal Factory and Clonmacnoise
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 5 dinners (D) including - Traditional
Irish evening with dinner and
entertainment at the Abbey Tavern - 4
table d’hote dinners
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Depart your U.S. gateway city in the
evening and fly through the night to
Ireland to start your vacation.
Day
2: Dublin Tour & Book of Kells
Arrive at Dublin Airport, proceed
through immigration and pick up your
baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall where 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. (You may like to spend an
additional night in Dublin on your own
to relax before starting your coach tour
- refer to 9-day tour in price panel.)
At 2:00 pm join your group for an
introductory look around central Dublin.
See the fashionable shopping areas
around Grafton and Nassau Streets, view
the many elegant Georgian townhouses and
pass the Dail where the government
convenes. Visit Trinity College’s Old
Library to view the 8th century Book of
Kells with exquisite illustrations and
learn about its origins and monastic
traditions. Back at your hotel meet with
your guide and fellow travelers for a
welcome drink and discuss your
itinerary.
Day 3: Rock of Cashel & Blarney Castle
Depart Dublin to travel through the
Irish countryside where you can see the
"Forty Shades of Green" as you pass many
farms. Stop for photos at the Rock of
Cashel, a magnificent limestone outcrop
with church ruins. Just outside Cork
visit Blarney Castle where you may kiss
the popular stone in the ramparts of the
castle. Take some time to walk through
the gardens, around the village green or
shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills,
renowned for their quality Irish
merchandise. Continue your drive into
the mountains of County Kerry to your
hotel in the center of Killarney. After
dinner you may like to take a stroll
around this compact town and sample one
of the many singing bars for some
entertainment. (B, D)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Valentia Island
Today you will discover the wonderful
scenery of Killarney as you drive around
the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds
between the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks,
Ireland’s highest mountains, and the
varied Atlantic coast. You will be
amazed at the breathtaking views and you
will stop for photos at the most
dramatic scenes. Cross to Valencia
Island by bridge to visit the Skellig
Experience to learn about early
Christian monks who braved a harsh
existence on the rocky offshore islands.
Continue your trip through the remote
villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville.
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 5: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Depart Killarney and travel north
through the village of Listowel to
Tarbert. Take a short ferry ride across
the River Shannon and drive along the
coastline of County Clare to view the
Cliffs of Moher. This wall of limestone
rises to heights of almost 700 feet
above the churning Atlantic swells. The
new Visitor Centre explains the history
and geology of the cliffs and
surrounding region. Drive through the
Burren, an area of rounded limestone
hills where rock has weathered into
amazing rock formations. Drive around
the shores of Galway Bay and take a
short drive around central Galway before
checking into your hotel. (B, D)
Day 6: Connemara & Catamaran Cruise
Today explore another of Ireland’s
famous scenic regions - Connemara, where
the constantly-changing cloud formations
give hills, lakes and peat bogs an added
dimension. Travel alongside Galway Bay
to Spiddal where most locals speak the
Irish language. Travel past granite
hills and sparkling lakes on the way to
Leenane to embark on a short cruise of
Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (March
26 - October 25 departures). Enjoy views
of hills where traces of pre-Famine
"lazy beds" of potato ridges can still
be seen. Keep an eye out for seabirds
and pass mussel and salmon farms. On
your return to Galway stop in Moycullen
at the Celtic Connemara Crystal Factory,
which specializes in Celtic designs cut
into colored creations. (B, D)
Day 7: Clonmacnoise & Abbey Tavern
Enjoy some leisure time in Galway and
depart mid-morning to visit Clonmacnoise.
This early Christian monastic site was
founded by St. Ciaran in 545 AD, when
Christianity flourished throughout
Ireland. See round towers, church ruins
and Celtic crosses with elaborate
carvings, all in a picturesque setting
on the banks of the River Shannon.
Continue to the greater metropolitan
area of Dublin once more and check into
another city center hotel, which is
conveniently located off O'Connell
Street. In the evening drive to the
Abbey Tavern for a hearty dinner
followed by a lively show of traditional
music, songs and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 8: Dublin to the U.S.A.
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Spirit 9 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Dublin City Tour and Overnight
* Book of Kells at Trinity College
* Rock of Cashel
* Blarney Castle
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Skellig Experience
* Ring of Kerry
* Cliffs of Moher
* Celtic Connemara Crystal Factory
* Killary Fjord Catamaran Cruise
* Abbey Tavern Dinner & Show
* Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
What's Included
- 9 days/7 nights/12 meals
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Dublin sightseeing tour by open-top
bus
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord
- First class hotels with private
bath/shower for 7 nights
- Visits and admissions to Book of Kells
at Trinity College, Blarney Castle,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Skellig
Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Connemara
Celtic Crystal Factory and Clonmacnoise
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 5 dinners (D) including - Traditional
Irish evening with dinner and
entertainment at the Abbey Tavern - 4
table d’hote dinners
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Welcome get-together drink
B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast,
D=Dinner
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 Arrival & Sightseeing
Arrive at Dublin Airport, proceed
through immigration and pick up your
baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall where 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. Today you are on your own so
you may opt to join your open-top
sightseeing bus tour whenever you wish.
This bus service operates daily from
9.30 am to 6:30 pm and you can join at
any of 20 stops, each conveniently
located near a popular Dublin
attraction. You may get off wherever you
wish, then just join a later bus and
continue to the next place that
interests you. Dine independently this
evening, either right in your hotel or
hotel staff can advise you of places
nearby.
Day 3: Dublin Tour & Book of Kells
The morning is at leisure. At 2:00 pm
join your group for an introductory look
around central Dublin. See the
fashionable shopping areas around
Grafton and Nassau Streets, view the
many elegant Georgian townhouses and
pass the Dail where the government
convenes. Visit Trinity College's Old
Library to view the 8th century Book of
Kells with exquisite illustrations and
learn about its origins and monastic
traditions. Back at your hotel meet with
your tour director and fellow travelers
for a welcome drink and discuss your
itinerary.
Day 4: Rock of Cashel & Blarney Castle
Depart Dublin to travel through the
Irish countryside where you can see the
"Forty Shades of Green" as you pass many
farms. Stop for photos at the Rock of
Cashel, a magnificent limestone outcrop
with church ruins. Just outside Cork
visit Blarney Castle where you may kiss
the popular stone in the ramparts of the
castle. Take some time to walk through
the gardens, around the village green or
shop at the Blarney Woollen Mills,
renowned for their quality Irish
merchandise. Continue your drive into
the mountains of County Kerry to your
hotel in the center of Killarney. After
dinner you may like to take a stroll
around this compact town and sample one
of the many singing bars for some
entertainment. (B, D)
Day 5: Ring of Kerry & Valentia Island
Today you will discover the wonderful
scenery of Killarney as you drive around
the famous Ring of Kerry. The road winds
between the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks,
Ireland’s highest mountains, and the
varied Atlantic coast. You will be
amazed at the breathtaking views and you
will stop for photos at the most
dramatic scenes. Cross to Valencia
Island by bridge to visit the Skellig
Experience to learn about early
Christian monks who braved a harsh
existence on the rocky offshore islands.
Continue your trip through the remote
villages of Cahirciveen and Waterville.
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 short ferry ride across
the River Shannon and drive along the
coastline of County Clare to view the
Cliffs of Moher. This wall of limestone
rises to heights of almost 700 feet
above the churning Atlantic swells. The
new Visitor Centre explains the history
and geology of the cliffs and
surrounding region. Drive through the
Burren, an area of rounded limestone
hills where rock has weathered into
amazing rock formations. Drive around
the shores of Galway Bay and take a
short drive around central Galway before
checking into your hotel. (B, D)
Day 7: Connemara & Catamaran Cruise
Today explore another of Ireland’s
famous scenic regions - Connemara, where
the constantly-changing cloud formations
give hills, lakes and peat bogs an added
dimension. Travel alongside Galway Bay
to Spiddal where most locals speak the
Irish language. Travel past granite
hills and sparkling lakes on the way to
Leenane to embark on a short cruise of
Killary Harbour, a 9-mile fjord (March
26 - October 25 departures). Enjoy views
of hills where traces of pre-Famine
"lazy beds" of potato ridges can still
be seen. Keep an eye out for seabirds
and pass mussel and salmon farms. On
your return to Galway stop in Moycullen
at the Celtic Connemara Crystal Factory,
which specializes in Celtic designs cut
into colored creations. (B, D)
Day 8: Clonmacnoise & Abbey Tavern
Enjoy some leisure time in Galway and
depart mid-morning to visit Clonmacnoise.
This early Christian monastic site was
founded by St. Ciaran in 545 AD, when
Christianity flourished throughout
Ireland. See round towers, church ruins
and Celtic crosses with elaborate
carvings, all in a picturesque setting
on the banks of the River Shannon.
Continue to the greater metropolitan
area of Dublin once more and check into
another city center hotel, which is
conveniently located off O'Connell
Street. In the evening drive to the
Abbey Tavern for a hearty dinner
followed by a lively show of traditional
music, songs and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 9: Dublin to the U.S.A.
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Supreme 10 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Ashford Castle
* Cliffs of Moher
* Muckross House and Killarney Jaunting
Car Ride
* Dublin City Tour with Dublin Castle
Visit
* Foynes Flying Boat Museum
* "Quiet Man" Walking Tour of Cong
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
* Adare Manor Hotel Stay
* Catamaran Cruise of Killary Fjord
* Time for golf and spa treatments
What's Included
- 10 days/8 nights/15 meals
- Dublin sightseeing tour
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Catamaran cruise of Killary Fjord
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- “Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
- Deluxe & castle hotels with private
bath/shower for 8 nights
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, National Museum, Blarney Castle,
Blarney Woollen Mills, Muckross House &
Gardens, Foynes Flying Boat Museum,
Cliffs of Moher and Clonmacnoise
- 8 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 7 dinners (D) including - Dinner at
the Abbot Restaurant followed by Abbey
Tavern show - Killeen House Restaurant
in Killarney - Farewell dinner in
Westbury Hotel - 4 table d’hote dinners
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Welcome cocktail reception in the
Abbot Restaurant
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Board your aircraft and fly through the
night. Relax with inflight meals and
entertainment as you cross the Atlantic.
Day 2: Dublin Arrival & Abbot Restaurant
Land at Dublin Airport where you pass
through immigration and customs
controls. Go to the CIE Tours desk in
the Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, you will need to transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. Enjoy the
afternoon relaxing in your city-center
hotel or head out and explore the city a
little on your own. In the evening drive
to the fishing village of Howth for
dinner in the Abbot Restaurant in the
Abbey Tavern. Start with a welcome
cocktail in the cozy bar and get to know
your fellow travelers. Sit down to dine
in the fine specialty and seafood
restaurant and later head downstairs to
watch the lively traditional music show
and display of intricate step-dancing.
(D)
Day
3: Dublin Castle & City Tour
This morning take a tour around the
center of Dublin. Head for the ancient
area where the Vikings first settled
over 1,000 years ago and visit Dublin
Castle, the seat of political power for
centuries. See the chambers where many
important events have taken place and
today are filled with portraits, crystal
and antique furnishings. As you drive
through the city see elegant Georgian
squares, public buildings and lively
shopping areas. End your morning with a
tour around the National Museum to see a
collection of early Christian gold
artifacts, decorated with ornate Celtic
designs. The afternoon is at leisure to
explore museums, art galleries or shops.
The evening is free so you may choose
one of Dublin's many restaurants to dine
independently. (B)
Day 4: Blarney Castle & Killarney Park
Hotel
Depart Dublin and view the green
countryside as you travel south. Stop to
view the stately Rock of Cashel, which
rises high above the surrounding plain.
Continue your drive to visit Blarney
Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of
Eloquence." Also visit the Blarney
Woollen Mills where you can find quality
Irish-made goods conveniently under one
roof. Drive through Macroom, built
around a fine castle, and into County
Kerry where the scenery becomes more
mountainous to Killarney, picturesquely
set beside lakes with Ireland's highest
mountains, the Macgillycuddy's Reeks,
forming a backdrop. Check into your
hotel where you may relax in lovely
surroundings before a superb dinner in
the fine restaurant. (B, D)
Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride & Award-Winning
Dining
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting
car ride to view lakes and mountains on
the way to Muckross House. Tour the
delightful 19th century furnished
mansion on the shores of Muckross Lake
while the guide tells you about the
influential owners and visitors. Take a
walk around the charming gardens. Drive
to the delightful town of Kenmare where
traditional buildings are gaily painted
and enhanced with flowers. Travel up
through Moll's Gap, a wonderful vantage
point on the Ring of Kerry and stop at
Ladies' View before returning to
Killarney. This evening savor delicious
cuisine and friendly atmosphere at
Killeen House Restaurant, a few miles
outside the town. (B, D)
Day 6: Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort
Depart Killarney and drive north to
Listowel, a town renowned for J. B.
Keane, a popular playwright, and
writers' festivals. Continue alongside
the River Shannon to Foynes to visit the
Flying Boat Museum, which recreates the
early days of aviation. During the
1930's and early 1940's, this was the
landing place for Pan Am Clippers from
the United States and Europe. Travel to
the picturesque village of Adare,
renowned for its main street with
thatched cottages and the elegant Adare
Manor Hotel. Check into your hotel and
take some time to relax and appreciate
your surroundings and facilities before
dinner in the gourmet restaurant. (B, D)
Day 7: Cliffs of Moher & Ashford Castle
Drive through the outskirts of Limerick
city and the town of Ennis on the way to
visit the Cliffs of Moher, majestic
walls of rock, which extend five miles
along the coast. Journey through part of
the Burren Country, a unique region of
rounded limestone hills where many rare
wildflowers thrive in sheltered
crevices. Travel into Galway for a brief
tour of the city center and enjoy some
free time to browse around on your own.
It is a lively university city and many
of the narrow streets are closed to
traffic, ideal for walking. Continue
your drive north to Cong for a 2-night
stay in the famous Ashford Castle.
Arrive in time to explore the grounds,
go riding or play some golf before
dinner. After dinner you may like to
listen to some music in the Dungeon Bar.
(B, D)
Day 8: Connemara & "Quiet Man" Walk
This morning drive through part of
Connemara. This region of low hills,
lakes and open bogland is impossibly
harsh for farming but visually stunning.
Admire sweeping views as you travel via
Maam Cross and along the picturesque
Inagh Valley to Leenane. This village
was the location for the movie of "The
Field". Embark on a catamaran cruise
aboard the "Connemara Lady" around
Killary Harbour, Ireland’s only fjord.
You can see remains of houses and potato
patches abandoned during the 1840’s
Famine as well as stunning scenery of
unspoiled hills. Return to the village
of Cong, famous as the location for the
1952 movie of "The Quiet Man". Take a
short walking tour to see some of the
places that appeared in the movie and
then enjoy some free time in the
afternoon. (B, D)
Day 9: Early Christian Clonmacnoise &
Dublin
Travel eastwards today to visit
Clonmacnoise. This early Christian
monastic site was founded by St. Ciaran
in 545 AD, when Christianity flourished
throughout Ireland and monasteries were
like towns. See round towers, church
ruins and Celtic crosses with elaborate
carvings, all in a picturesque setting
on the banks of the River Shannon.
Continue to the greater metropolitan
area of Dublin once more and check into
another city-center hotel, which is
conveniently located near Grafton
Street. Enjoy a farewell dinner with
your fellow travelers right in your
hotel. (B, D)
Day 10: Depart Dublin for Home
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Taste of Ireland 6 day
Coach Tour
Highlights
* Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
* Cliffs of Moher
* Kiss the Blarney Stone
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Merry Ploughboy Pub Dinner
* Skellig Experience
* Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Take an evening flight from your U.S.
gateway city and travel overnight across
the Atlantic to Ireland. Sit back and
relax with meals and entertainment.
Day 2: Dublin Tour & Merry Ploughboy Pub
On arrival at Dublin Airport go through
immigration formalities and pick up your
baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall where staff will arrange a
group transfer to your hotel between
7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight
arrives later than noon, you will
transfer to the hotel at your own
expense. (As this is a short tour, you
may like to spend a pre-night in Dublin
on your own to relax before starting
your sightseeing tour - refer to 7-day
tour in price panel below.) At 2:00 pm
join a local guide who will show you the
most important and interesting places
throughout central Dublin. Drive through
the main streets to see historic
buildings such as Trinity College, where
the Book of Kells is housed; Dail
Eireann, where the government meets; and
the rows of Georgian houses with
gaily-colored doorways. Stop at Dublin
Castle to take a guided tour through the
elegant State Apartments, which are
filled with elaborate Waterford Crystal
chandeliers, furnishings and portraits
of important people in Irish history.
Learn about Irish history right up to
present times. Return to your hotel for
a get-together with your tour group and
a welcome drink. In the evening drive to
the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great
dinner of Irish specialties, which is
followed by a lively show of traditional
Irish songs and intricate step-dancing.
(D)
Day 3: Blarney Castle & Killarney
Depart Dublin and view the green
countryside as you travel through the
center of Ireland, which has many mixed
farms. Stop to view the stately church
ruins atop the Rock of Cashel, which
rises high above the surrounding plain.
Nearby visit a farmhouse to sample some
freshly-baked scones with tea and learn
about farm life from the owners.
Continue your drive south and just a few
miles outside Cork, visit Blarney
Castle. Climb the winding stairs to the
ramparts in order to kiss the famous
"Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the
Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find
quality Irish-made goods of all types
conveniently displayed under one roof.
Drive through Macroom, built around a
fine castle, and into County Kerry where
the scenery becomes more mountainous to
Killarney, picturesquely set beside
lakes with Ireland's highest mountains,
the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, forming a
backdrop. Check into your hotel and
relax before dinner. Afterwards you may
like to take a stroll through the
compact town center and explore one of
Killarney's famous singing pubs. (B, D)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Skellig
Experience
Today embark on Ireland's most popular
scenic drive of 100 miles - the Ring of
Kerry. This winding route reveals
breathtaking sights of the
Macgillycuddy's Reeks as well as coastal
views of beaches and cliffs. Just
outside Killarney stop near the Gap of
Dunloe to see "Essence of Kerry," an
audio-visual presentation about the
region. As you travel along, there will
be plenty of stops for photos at the
best vantage points. Near the western
tip of the peninsula cross to Valencia
Island by bridge and visit the Skellig
Experience. Here learn about the life of
early Christian monks who inhabited the
rocky offshore islands, living in round
stone huts. Also learn about the
abundant bird life that thrives on the
rocky ledges of the islands. Drive
through the villages of Cahirciveen and
Waterville at the end of the peninsula
and stop to walk around Sneem, where
brightly-painted houses are grouped
around at central green. Stop at Moll's
Gap for a view over the Three Lakes of
Killarney with the town in the distance.
Return to Killarney where the evening is
free for independent dining in one of
the town's many restaurants. (B)
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle
Leave Killarney and drive north to
Tarbert for a 20-minute ferry ride
across the wide River Shannon Estuary.
Your tour continues along the Clare
coast to the Cliffs of Moher, a
spectacular wall of limestone that
reaches to almost 700 feet above the
Atlantic Ocean. You can watch the sea
birds as they nest in crevices and, on a
clear day, you can see the Aran Islands.
Drive past Lahinch golf links, one of
Ireland's most famous, and through the
marketing town of Ennis to Bunratty.
Check into Bunratty Castle Hotel, which
is located very close to Bunratty Castle
and Folk Park. If you wish, you may
visit the Folk Park, have a drink in the
200-year-old Durty Nelly's Pub or shop
at the Bunratty Mills. In the evening
head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable
experience, in a wonderful setting with
good food and entertainment. Climb the
stairs to the upper hall where the mood
is set by the lords and ladies of the
castle. Then take your place in the
Great Hall for a medieval-style feast of
excellent dishes and plenty of wine.
During and after the meal the lords and
ladies will serenade you with song and
harp music, evocative of the Middle
Ages. (B, D)
Day 6: Shannon Airport
Clients on the shorter tour will take a
group transfer to nearby Shannon Airport
where your tour concludes at 10:30 am.
What's Included:
- 6 days/4 nights/7 meals,
- Welcome get-together drink
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tea and scones at a farmhouse
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Superior & first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 4 nights
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen
Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Skellig
Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Irish
National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 3 dinners (D) including - Dinner &
traditional Irish entertainment at the
Merry Ploughboy Pub - Medieval banquet &
entertainment in Bunratty Castle - 1
table d’hote dinner in Killarney
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
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Taste of Ireland 7 day
Coach Tour - option 1
Highlights
* Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
* Cliffs of Moher
* Kiss the Blarney Stone
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Merry Ploughboy Pub Dinner
* Skellig Experience
* Tour of Dublin with a local guide
What's Included
- 7 days/5 nights/8 meals
- Tea and scones at a farmhouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Dublin sightseeing tour by open-top
bus
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Superior & first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 5 nights
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen
Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Skellig
Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Irish
National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 3 dinners (D) including - Dinner &
traditional Irish entertainment at the
Merry Ploughboy Pub - Medieval banquet &
entertainment in Bunratty Castle - 1
table d’hote dinner in Killarney
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Welcome get-together drink
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S for Dublin
Take an evening flight from your U.S.
gateway city and travel overnight across
the Atlantic to Ireland. Sit back and
relax with meals and entertainment.
Day 2: Dublin Arrival & Sightseeing
Arrive at Dublin Airport, proceed
through immigration and pick up your
baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall where 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. Today you are on your own so
you may opt to join your open-top
sightseeing bus tour whenever you wish.
This bus service operates daily from
9.30 am to 6:30 pm and you can join at
any of 20 stops, each conveniently
located near a popular Dublin
attraction. You may get off wherever you
wish, then just join a later bus and
continue to the next place that
interests you. Dine independently this
evening, either right in your hotel or
hotel staff can advise you of places
nearby.
Day 3: Dublin Tour & Merry Ploughboy Pub
This morning is at leisure for
independent activities. At 2:00 pm join
a local guide who will show you the most
important and interesting places
throughout central Dublin. Drive through
the main streets to see historic
buildings such as Trinity College, where
the Book of Kells is housed; Dail
Eireann, where the government meets; and
the rows of Georgian houses with
gaily-colored doorways. Stop at Dublin
Castle to take a guided tour through the
elegant State Apartments, which are
filled with elaborate Waterford Crystal
chandeliers, furnishings and portraits
of important people in Irish history.
Learn about Irish history right up to
present times. Return to your hotel for
a get-together with your tour group and
a welcome drink. In the evening drive to
the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great
dinner of Irish specialties, which is
followed by a lively show of traditional
Irish songs and intricate step-dancing.
(D)
Day 4: Blarney Castle & Killarney
Depart Dublin and view the green
countryside as you travel through the
center of Ireland, which has many mixed
farms. Stop to view the stately church
ruins atop the Rock of Cashel, which
rises high above the surrounding plain.
Nearby visit a farmhouse to sample some
freshly-baked scones with tea and learn
about farm life from the owners.
Continue your drive south and just a few
miles outside Cork, visit Blarney
Castle. Climb the winding stairs to the
ramparts in order to kiss the famous
"Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the
Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find
quality Irish-made goods of all types
conveniently displayed under one roof.
Drive through Macroom, built around a
fine castle, and into County Kerry where
the scenery becomes more mountainous to
Killarney, picturesquely set beside
lakes with Ireland's highest mountains,
the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, forming a
backdrop. Check into your hotel and
relax before dinner. Afterwards you may
like to take a stroll through the
compact town center and explore one of
Killarney's famous singing pubs. (B, D)
Day 5: Ring of Kerry & Skellig
Experience
Today embark on Ireland's most popular
scenic drive of 100 miles - the Ring of
Kerry. This winding route reveals
breathtaking sights of the
Macgillycuddy's Reeks as well as coastal
views of beaches and cliffs. Just
outside Killarney stop near the Gap of
Dunloe to see "Essence of Kerry," an
audio-visual presentation about the
region. As you travel along, there will
be plenty of stops for photos at the
best vantage points. Near the western
tip of the peninsula cross to Valencia
Island by bridge and visit the Skellig
Experience. Here learn about the life of
early Christian monks who inhabited the
rocky offshore islands, living in round
stone huts. Also learn about the
abundant bird life that thrives on the
rocky ledges of the islands. Drive
through the villages of Cahirciveen and
Waterville at the end of the peninsula
and stop to walk around Sneem, where
brightly-painted houses are grouped
around at central green. Stop at Moll's
Gap for a view over the Three Lakes of
Killarney with the town in the distance.
Return to Killarney where the evening is
free for independent dining in one of
the town's many restaurants. (B)
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle
Leave Killarney and drive north to
Tarbert for a 20-minute ferry ride
across the wide River Shannon Estuary.
Your tour continues along the Clare
coast to the Cliffs of Moher, a
spectacular wall of limestone that
reaches to almost 700 feet above the
Atlantic Ocean. You can watch the sea
birds as they nest in crevices and, on a
clear day, you can see the Aran Islands.
Drive past Lahinch golf links, one of
Ireland's most famous, and through the
marketing town of Ennis to Bunratty.
Check into Bunratty Castle Hotel, which
is located very close to Bunratty Castle
and Folk Park. If you wish, you may
visit the Folk Park, have a drink in the
200-year-old Durty Nelly's Pub or shop
at the Bunratty Mills. In the evening
head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable
experience, in a wonderful setting with
good food and entertainment. Climb the
stairs to the upper hall where the mood
is set by the lords and ladies of the
castle. Then take your place in the
Great Hall for a medieval-style feast of
excellent dishes and plenty of wine.
During and after the meal the lords and
ladies will serenade you with song and
harp music, evocative of the Middle
Ages. (B, D)
Day 7: Shannon Airport
Clients on the shorter tour will take a
group transfer to nearby Shannon Airport
where your tour concludes at 10:30 am.
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Taste of Ireland 7 day
Coach Tour - option 2
Highlights
* Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
* Cliffs of Moher
* Kiss the Blarney Stone
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Merry Ploughboy Pub Dinner
* Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
* Skellig Experience
* Tour of Dublin with a local guide
What's Included
- 7 days/5 nights/8 meals
- Tea and scones at a farmhouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Dublin sightseeing tour by open-top
bus
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Superior & first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 5 nights
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen
Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Skellig
Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Irish
National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 3 dinners (D) including - Dinner &
traditional Irish entertainment at the
Merry Ploughboy Pub - Medieval banquet &
entertainment in Bunratty Castle - 1
table d’hote dinner in Killarney
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Welcome get-together drink
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Take an evening flight from your U.S.
gateway city and travel overnight across
the Atlantic to Ireland. Sit back and
relax with meals and entertainment.
Day 2: Dublin Tour & Merry Ploughboy Pub
On arrival at Dublin Airport go through
immigration formalities and pick up your
baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall where staff will arrange a
group transfer to your hotel between
7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If your flight
arrives later than noon, you will
transfer to the hotel at your own
expense. (As this is a short tour, you
may like to spend a pre-night in Dublin
on your own to relax before starting
your sightseeing tour - refer to 7-day
tour in price panel below.) At 2:00 pm
join a local guide who will show you the
most important and interesting places
throughout central Dublin. Drive through
the main streets to see historic
buildings such as Trinity College, where
the Book of Kells is housed; Dail
Eireann, where the government meets; and
the rows of Georgian houses with
gaily-colored doorways. Stop at Dublin
Castle to take a guided tour through the
elegant State Apartments, which are
filled with elaborate Waterford Crystal
chandeliers, furnishings and portraits
of important people in Irish history.
Learn about Irish history right up to
present times. Return to your hotel for
a get-together with your tour group and
a welcome drink. In the evening drive to
the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great
dinner of Irish specialties, which is
followed by a lively show of traditional
Irish songs and intricate step-dancing.
(D)
Day 3: Blarney Castle & Killarney
Depart Dublin and view the green
countryside as you travel through the
center of Ireland, which has many mixed
farms. Stop to view the stately church
ruins atop the Rock of Cashel, which
rises high above the surrounding plain.
Nearby visit a farmhouse to sample some
freshly-baked scones with tea and learn
about farm life from the owners.
Continue your drive south and just a few
miles outside Cork, visit Blarney
Castle. Climb the winding stairs to the
ramparts in order to kiss the famous
"Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the
Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find
quality Irish-made goods of all types
conveniently displayed under one roof.
Drive through Macroom, built around a
fine castle, and into County Kerry where
the scenery becomes more mountainous to
Killarney, picturesquely set beside
lakes with Ireland's highest mountains,
the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, forming a
backdrop. Check into your hotel and
relax before dinner. Afterwards you may
like to take a stroll through the
compact town center and explore one of
Killarney's famous singing pubs. (B, D)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Skellig
Experience
Today embark on Ireland's most popular
scenic drive of 100 miles - the Ring of
Kerry. This winding route reveals
breathtaking sights of the
Macgillycuddy's Reeks as well as coastal
views of beaches and cliffs. Just
outside Killarney stop near the Gap of
Dunloe to see "Essence of Kerry," an
audio-visual presentation about the
region. As you travel along, there will
be plenty of stops for photos at the
best vantage points. Near the western
tip of the peninsula cross to Valencia
Island by bridge and visit the Skellig
Experience. Here learn about the life of
early Christian monks who inhabited the
rocky offshore islands, living in round
stone huts. Also learn about the
abundant bird life that thrives on the
rocky ledges of the islands. Drive
through the villages of Cahirciveen and
Waterville at the end of the peninsula
and stop to walk around Sneem, where
brightly-painted houses are grouped
around at central green. Stop at Moll's
Gap for a view over the Three Lakes of
Killarney with the town in the distance.
Return to Killarney where the evening is
free for independent dining in one of
the town's many restaurants. (B)
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle
Leave Killarney and drive north to
Tarbert for a 20-minute ferry ride
across the wide River Shannon Estuary.
Your tour continues along the Clare
coast to the Cliffs of Moher, a
spectacular wall of limestone that
reaches to almost 700 feet above the
Atlantic Ocean. You can watch the sea
birds as they nest in crevices and, on a
clear day, you can see the Aran Islands.
Drive past Lahinch golf links, one of
Ireland's most famous, and through the
marketing town of Ennis to Bunratty.
Check into Bunratty Castle Hotel, which
is located very close to Bunratty Castle
and Folk Park. If you wish, you may
visit the Folk Park, have a drink in the
200-year-old Durty Nelly's Pub or shop
at the Bunratty Mills. In the evening
head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable
experience, in a wonderful setting with
good food and entertainment. Climb the
stairs to the upper hall where the mood
is set by the lords and ladies of the
castle. Then take your place in the
Great Hall for a medieval-style feast of
excellent dishes and plenty of wine.
During and after the meal the lords and
ladies will serenade you with song and
harp music, evocative of the Middle
Ages. (B, D)
Day 6: Dublin Stay
Passengers on the post-night extension
will drive through the outskirts of
Limerick and through the midland region
of Ireland to Kildare. Here visit the
Irish National Stud and Japanese
Gardens. You can learn about horse
breeding and see some of the valuable
animals before touring the lovely
Japanese Gardens, considered the best in
Europe. They were laid out in 1908 and
represent the "Life of Man" through the
selection and placement of trees, shrubs
and rocks in classical Japanese manner.
Drive to the north side of Dublin city
where you will check in to your hotel
for the final night of your tour. You
are free this evening for independent
activities and dining. (B)
Day 7: Depart from Dublin Airport
As your hotel is convenient to Dublin
Airport, a shuttle service will transfer
you to the airport terminal - times will
be given to you once on tour. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Taste of Ireland 8 Day
Coach Tour
Highlights
* Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
* Cliffs of Moher
* Kiss the Blarney Stone
* Ring of Kerry Tour
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Merry Ploughboy Pub dinner
* Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
* Skellig Experience
* Tour of Dublin with a local guide
What's Included
- 8 days/6 nights/9 meals
- Tea and scones at a farmhouse
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Dublin sightseeing tour by open-top
bus
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Superior & first class hotels with
private bath/shower for 6 nights
- Visits and admissions to Dublin
Castle, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen
Mills, Essence of Kerry AV Show, Skellig
Experience, Cliffs of Moher, Irish
National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- 3 dinners (D) including - Dinner &
traditional Irish entertainment at the
Merry Ploughboy Pub - Medieval banquet &
entertainment in Bunratty Castle - 1
table d’hote dinner in Killarney
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Welcome get-together drink
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S for Dublin
Take an evening flight from your U.S.
gateway city and travel overnight across
the Atlantic to Ireland. Sit back and
relax with meals and entertainment.
Day 2: Dublin Arrival & Sightseeing
Arrive at Dublin Airport, proceed
through immigration and pick up your
baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall where 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. Today you are on your own so
you may opt to join your open-top
sightseeing bus tour whenever you wish.
This bus service operates daily from
9.30 am to 6:30 pm and you can join at
any of 20 stops, each conveniently
located near a popular Dublin
attraction. You may get off wherever you
wish, then just join a later bus and
continue to the next place that
interests you. Dine independently this
evening, either right in your hotel or
hotel staff can advise you of places
nearby.
Day 3: Dublin Tour & Merry Ploughboy Pub
This morning is at leisure for
independent activities. At 2:00 pm join
a local guide who will show you the most
important and interesting places
throughout central Dublin. Drive through
the main streets to see historic
buildings such as Trinity College, where
the Book of Kells is housed; Dail
Eireann, where the government meets; and
the rows of Georgian houses with
gaily-colored doorways. Stop at Dublin
Castle to take a guided tour through the
elegant State Apartments, which are
filled with elaborate Waterford Crystal
chandeliers, furnishings and portraits
of important people in Irish history.
Learn about Irish history right up to
present times. Return to your hotel for
a get-together with your tour group and
a welcome drink. In the evening drive to
the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a great
dinner of Irish specialties, which is
followed by a lively show of traditional
Irish songs and intricate step-dancing.
(D)
Day 4: Blarney Castle & Killarney
Depart Dublin and view the green
countryside as you travel through the
center of Ireland, which has many mixed
farms. Stop to view the stately church
ruins atop the Rock of Cashel, which
rises high above the surrounding plain.
Nearby visit a farmhouse to sample some
freshly-baked scones with tea and learn
about farm life from the owners.
Continue your drive south and just a few
miles outside Cork, visit Blarney
Castle. Climb the winding stairs to the
ramparts in order to kiss the famous
"Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the
Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find
quality Irish-made goods of all types
conveniently displayed under one roof.
Drive through Macroom, built around a
fine castle, and into County Kerry where
the scenery becomes more mountainous to
Killarney, picturesquely set beside
lakes with Ireland's highest mountains,
the Macgillycuddy's Reeks, forming a
backdrop. Check into your hotel and
relax before dinner. Afterwards you may
like to take a stroll through the
compact town center and explore one of
Killarney's famous singing pubs. (B, D)
Day 5: Ring of Kerry & Skellig
Experience
Today embark on Ireland's most popular
scenic drive of 100 miles - the Ring of
Kerry. This winding route reveals
breathtaking sights of the
Macgillycuddy's Reeks as well as coastal
views of beaches and cliffs. Just
outside Killarney stop near the Gap of
Dunloe to see "Essence of Kerry," an
audio-visual presentation about the
region. As you travel along, there will
be plenty of stops for photos at the
best vantage points. Near the western
tip of the peninsula cross to Valencia
Island by bridge and visit the Skellig
Experience. Here learn about the life of
early Christian monks who inhabited the
rocky offshore islands, living in round
stone huts. Also learn about the
abundant bird life that thrives on the
rocky ledges of the islands. Drive
through the villages of Cahirciveen and
Waterville at the end of the peninsula
and stop to walk around Sneem, where
brightly-painted houses are grouped
around at central green. Stop at Moll's
Gap for a view over the Three Lakes of
Killarney with the town in the distance.
Return to Killarney where the evening is
free for independent dining in one of
the town's many restaurants. (B)
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher & Bunratty Castle
Leave Killarney and drive north to
Tarbert for a 20-minute ferry ride
across the wide River Shannon Estuary.
Your tour continues along the Clare
coast to the Cliffs of Moher, a
spectacular wall of limestone that
reaches to almost 700 feet above the
Atlantic Ocean. You can watch the sea
birds as they nest in crevices and, on a
clear day, you can see the Aran Islands.
Drive past Lahinch golf links, one of
Ireland's most famous, and through the
marketing town of Ennis to Bunratty.
Check into Bunratty Castle Hotel, which
is located very close to Bunratty Castle
and Folk Park. If you wish, you may
visit the Folk Park, have a drink in the
200-year-old Durty Nelly's Pub or shop
at the Bunratty Mills. In the evening
head to Bunratty Castle for a memorable
experience, in a wonderful setting with
good food and entertainment. Climb the
stairs to the upper hall where the mood
is set by the lords and ladies of the
castle. Then take your place in the
Great Hall for a medieval-style feast of
excellent dishes and plenty of wine.
During and after the meal the lords and
ladies will serenade you with song and
harp music, evocative of the Middle
Ages. (B, D)
Day 7: Dublin Stay
Passengers on the post-night extension
will drive through the outskirts of
Limerick and through the midland region
of Ireland to Kildare. Here visit the
Irish National Stud and Japanese
Gardens. You can learn about horse
breeding and see some of the valuable
animals before touring the lovely
Japanese Gardens, considered the best in
Europe. They were laid out in 1908 and
represent the "Life of Man" through the
selection and placement of trees, shrubs
and rocks in classical Japanese manner.
Drive to the north side of Dublin city
where you will check in to your hotel
for the final night of your tour. You
are free this evening for independent
activities and dining. (B)
Day 8: Depart from Dublin Airport
As your hotel is convenient to Dublin
Airport, a shuttle service will transfer
you to the airport terminal - times will
be given to you once on tour. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
back
to top |
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| |
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Irish Greeting 10 Day
Coach Tour
Highlights
* Kate Kearney's Cottage Pub Dinner &
Music
* Waterford Crystal Factory
* Guinness Storehouse Rooftop Pub
* Birr Castle Gardens
* "The Quiet Man" Walking Tour of Cong
* Dublin's Trinity College and the Book
of Kells
* Connemara Scenic Tour
* Cliffs of Moher
* Irish home-stays in Killarney and
Waterford
* Ring of Kerry Scenic Tour
* "Titanic" Walking Tour of Cobh
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Dublin sightseeing tour pass
What's Included
- 10 days/8 nights/14 meals
- Voucher for open-top bus tour
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- “The Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Accommodation with private bath/shower
for 7 nights- Superior first class
hotels in Dublin and Galway; town &
country homes in Killarney and Waterford
- “Titanic” walking tour of Cobh
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Visits and admissions to Book of Kells
at Trinity College, Birr Castle Gardens,
Cliffs of Moher, Skellig Experience,
Blarney Woollen Mills and Waterford
Crystal Factory
- 6 dinners (D) including - Dinner and
show at Kate Kearney’s Cottage -
“Shindig”at the Old Jameson Distillery
in Dublin - 2 table d’hote dinners in
Galway on days 3 & 4 - 2 homestyle
dinners on days 6 & 7
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
Itinerary
Day 1: Flight to Dublin
Board your overnight flight to Dublin.
Relax with inflight entertainment and
meal service as you cross the Atlantic.
Day 2: Book of Kells & Guinness
Arrive in Dublin Airport, complete
immigration formalities and pick up your
luggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the
Arrivals Hall to arrange a group
transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am
and 12:00 noon. If your flight arrives
later, you will need to transfer to the
hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm
tour Dublin’s city center with a local
guide to see the stately public
buildings, gracious Georgian townhouses
and parks. Visit Trinity College to view
the magnificently illuminated manuscript
of the 8th century Book of Kells and a
presentation on its creation. Finish
your tour at the Guinness Storehouse to
see how this famous black brew is
created and sample a creamy pint in the
rooftop bar overlooking Dublin. This
evening meet your fellow travelers over
a welcome drink and dine independently.
Day 3: Birr Castle Gardens & Galway Bay
Leave Dublin and drive west through the
center of Ireland to the heritage town
of Birr. Visit the 100-acre gardens of
Birr Castle, which have over 1,000
species of shrubs and trees set out in
various styles of gardens. Also see the
great telescope which was built in 1845
by the third Earl of Rosse and was the
largest in the world for over 75 years.
Arrive in Galway and see the principal
points of interest before checking into
your hotel overlooking Galway Bay. The
afternoon is free for independent
activities. (B, D)
Day 4: Connemara & "Quiet Man" Tour
Travel through the Connemara region
renowned for its open landscape with
constantly-changing skies and colors.
Drive along Galway Bay and stop in the
village of Spiddal where the Irish
language is still spoken. Continue to
Maam Cross and past the Maamturk
Mountains. Sheep wander freely and you
will see tracts of bogland where people
cut turf for fuel. Then drive to Cong
for a brief walking tour around this
village, which was made famous by the
filming of "The Quiet Man" in 1952.
Return to Galway in time to enjoy some
of the facilities at your hotel. (B, D)
Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive to the coast to view the dramatic
Cliffs of Moher, which rise to almost
700 feet above the wild Atlantic
breakers and stretch along the coast for
five miles. Then head south for a short
ferry ride across the River Shannon.
Stop in the charming village of Listowel
for a stroll around before continuing
through the mountainous countryside to
Killarney. Take a look around this
bustling and compact town before
checking into your country home and
meeting your Irish family. In the
evening drive to the Gap of Dunloe to
Kate Kearney’s Cottage for dinner.
Afterwards sit back and enjoy
traditional Irish entertainment with
popular songs, dances and a lot of
laughs. (B, D)
Day 6: Ring of Kerry & Skelligs
Admire breathtaking vistas of mountains,
cliffs and beaches on Ireland’s most
popular drive - the 100-mile Ring of
Kerry. Cross to Valencia Island by
bridge to visit the Skellig Experience,
which describes the way of life of early
Christian monks who built their
monastery on one of the offshore
islands. Learn about traditional farming
and fishing methods of later
inhabitants. Enjoy a pub lunch in the
westernmost part of the peninsula and a
number of stops will allow you to marvel
at the spectacular scenery. Take a brief
walk around the colorful village of
Sneem and pause at Moll’s Gap for
stunning views of the Lakes of
Killarney. Return to Killarney where the
evening is free. (B, L)
Day 7: Blarney & Titanic Walk
Leaving Killarney, head to the Blarney
Woollen Mills where you can find
excellent Irish-made merchandise. You
will have time to walk around the
village green or, if you feel energetic,
you may like to climb Blarney Castle on
your own to kiss the "Stone of
Eloquence". Drive through the outskirts
of Cork to the harbor town of Cobh, the
last port of call for the Titanic. Take
a walk around this picturesque waterside
town and the dockside with a local
historian to see places relating to the
Titanic’s last stop. Travel east through
the coastal towns of Youghal and
Dungarvan and on to Waterford to meet
and dine with your next host family. (B,
D)
Day 8: Waterford Crystal & Shindig
Tour the Waterford Crystal Factory to
watch craftspeople transform molten
glass into elegant hand-cut crystal. See
magnificent trophies and a huge
selection of crystal on display in the
showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny, a
medieval city with a huge castle
dominating the center. Take time for a
stroll through the narrow streets with
many old buildings or beside the river.
Continue into the metropolitan area of
Dublin to your centrally-located hotel
once again. In the evening attend a
"Shindig" at the Old Jameson Distillery.
See whiskey-making processes as you tour
the distillery before sitting down to a
dinner of Irish specialties, followed by
a festive entertainment program. (B, D)
Day 9: Dublin
If you have booked our 10-day tour,
spend an additional night in Dublin with
an independent Dublin sightseeing tour
pass (valid for 24 hours) and a taxi
transfer to Dublin Airport on final day.
(B)
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Irish Tradition 14 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Giant's Causeway
* Belleek China
* Bunratty Castle Medieval Banquet
* Guinness Storehouse
* Knock Shrine
* Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory
* Belfast & St. Patrick's Grave
* Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
* Blarney Woolen Mills
* Derry & Kinsale Walking Tours
* Cliffs of Moher
* "The Quiet Man" Walking Tour of Cong
* Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross House in
Killarney
* Glenveagh Castle
* "Nine Glens of Antrim"
* Abbey Tavern Dinner & Show
What's Included
- 14 days/12 nights/21 meals
- Walking tours of Derry & Kinsale
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Tour of Belfast with a local guide
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Ferry ride across Strangford Lough
- Services of a professional Irish tour
director
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Deluxe & superior first class hotels
with private bath/shower for 12 nights
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in
Killarney
- 12 full Irish breakfasts (B)
- Visits and admissions to Cliffs of
Moher, Connemara Celtic Crystal Factory,
Knock Shrine,W. B. Yeats’ Grave, Belleek
Pottery Factory, Glenveagh Castle,
Giant’s Causeway, St. Patrick Centre,
Down Cathedral, Dublin Castle, Irish
National Stud, Blarney Woollen Mills and
Muckross House & Gardens
- 9 dinners (D) including - Medieval
Banquet and entertainment in Bunratty
Castle - Traditional Irish evening with
dinner and entertainment at the Abbey
Tavern - 7 table d’hote dinners
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- Welcome get-together drink
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- “The Quiet Man” walking tour of Cong
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Travel to Shannon on an overnight flight
to start your vacation. Relax with
inflight meals and entertainment.
Day
2: Arrival & Bunratty Banquet
Land at Shannon Airport and locate the
CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall for
a group transfer to nearby Bunratty.
Complimentary transfers are available
between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm. If your
flight arrives later than 2:00 pm,
transfer to the hotel at your own
expense. In the afternoon you may relax
or explore the Bunratty Folk Park, close
to your hotel. Sip a get-together drink
with your tour director and fellow
travelers to discuss your trip. This
evening head to 15th century Bunratty
Castle for a medieval-style banquet to
start your vacation on a high note. Sit
in the Great Hall for an excellent meal
with wine and music to carry you to the
Middle Ages in spirit. (D)
Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Galway
Travel to the coast to view the Cliffs
of Moher, a five-mile wall of limestone
rising above the foaming Atlantic
breakers. Displays in the new Visitor
Center explain the geology, flora and
fauna of the region. See the rounded
limestone hills of the Burren and drive
down Corkscrew Hill for views of Galway
Bay. Stop in the attractive village of
Ballyvaughan for a stroll and continue
your journey into Galway. Take a brief
drive around Galway before checking into
your hotel, located right on Eyre
Square. Enjoy some time on your own as
the compact city center is great for
browsing. (B, D)
Day 4: Connemara & "Quiet Man" Tour
Drive through Headford to Cong, a
charming village that was the location
for the 1952 movie, "The Quiet Man." A
short walking tour will show you movie
locations throughout the village as well
as the ruins of Cong Abbey. Travel
through Connemara, a region of misty
hills and shimmering lakes. See rugged
mountain sheep and tracts of land where
people cut peat for home fires. In
Moycullen, visit the Connemara Celtic
Crystal Factory, which specializes in
intricate designs in colored crystal,
before returning to Galway. (B, D)
Day 5: Knock Shrine & Belleek China
Drive north through into County Mayo and
stop at Knock Shrine to see the church
where locals saw an apparition of the
Virgin Mary in 1879. Cross into County
Sligo and stop at the grave of W. B.
Yeats, picturesquely situated near the
distinctive outline of Ben Bulben.
Continue to Belleek for a tour of the
Belleek Pottery Factory. This industry
was founded in the mid-19th century to
create employment. Watch skilled
craftspeople create intricate
basket-weave designs in delicate china.
Continue your journey past the hazy Blue
Stack Mountains to Stranorlar. (B, D)
Day 6: Grand Atlantic Drive & Glenveagh
Castle
Today experience the glorious natural
beauty of the Grand Atlantic Drive,
which winds through Downings and
Rosapenna and past golden beaches and
rocky headlands. Travel inland to
Glenveagh National Park surrounded by
the Derryveagh Mountains. High walls and
conifers provide shelter for exotic
plants and a large herd of red deer.
Tour Glenveagh Castle, a granite castle
built in 1870 on the shores of Lough
Veagh and walk through some of the
gardens. Pass Letterkenny on your return
to Stranorlar in ample time for dinner.
(B, D)
Day 7: Giant's Causeway & Ballygally
Castle
Travel to Derry to join a local guide
for a walking tour around the city
center to see the medieval city walls,
the Diamond and St. Columb's Cathedral.
Next, visit the Giant's Causeway,
enormous hexagonal columns formed by
volcanic activity over 60 million years
ago. Continue south to experience
wonderful views of mountains, valleys
and bays as you travel along the "Nine
Glens of Antrim." Check into Ballygally
Castle, overlooking the sandy beaches of
Ballygally Bay. It dates back to 1625
and is Northern Ireland's only 17th
century building still used as a
residence. (B, D)
Day 8: Belfast & St. Patrick's Grave
Tour Belfast with a local guide to see
Victorian buildings, the Harland & Wolff
shipyards where the Titanic was built
and the Falls Road and Shankill
residential areas. Drive along the Ards
Peninsula and cross Strangford Lough by
ferry to visit the St. Patrick Centre.
Learn about Ireland's Patron Saint and
view his reputed grave at Down
Cathedral. Travel past the gentle slopes
of the Mountains of Mourne and continue
to Dublin. Check into your lovely deluxe
hotel, set in spacious grounds. The
evening is free for you to dine in your
hotel or your tour director will suggest
a suitable restaurant. (B)
Day 9: Dublin Castle & Abbey Tavern
This morning a city sightseeing tour
will introduce you to Dublin with its
many elegant Georgian buildings,
tranquil parks and lively shopping
streets. Tour the State Apartments of
Dublin Castle, which date from early
Georgian times and contain magnificent
chambers with Waterford Crystal
chandeliers and fine furnishings. Visit
the Guinness Storehouse to learn about
the world-famous dark brew and enjoy a
pint in the rooftop bar with panoramic
views across Dublin. The afternoon is
free to enjoy your delightful hotel or
discover more of Dublin. In the evening
head to the Abbey Tavern for dinner,
which is followed by a show of
traditional music and step-dancing. (B,
D)
Day 10: National Stud & Blarney
In Kildare visit the Irish National Stud
to learn about horse breeding programs
and see some magnificent animals. Head
south through farming country and pause
for photos at the Rock of Cashel, a
stately limestone outcrop topped with
medieval ruins. Continue south past the
gentle slopes of the Galtee Mountains
and rich pasturelands to Blarney,
located just a few miles from Cork city.
Check into your hotel right beside the
Blarney Woollen Mills where you may like
to shop or take a look around the
village green. If you wish, you may
climb to the battlements of Blarney
Castle on your own to kiss the famous
"Stone of Eloquence." (B, D)
Day 11: Kinsale Walk & Killarney
This morning drive to Kinsale, a
delightful old town on a narrow inlet of
the sea. Formerly a fishing and merchant
town, today it is popular for sailing
and gourmet food. Join a local guide for
a short walking tour to see some
historic places. Start at Charles Fort
to understand the importance of
Kinsale's location for trading and
defense and then walk around some of the
old streets. Afterwards drive via
Macroom, dominated by a huge castle, and
into the mountains of County Kerry to
Killarney, famous for its beauty. (B, D)
Day 12: Jaunting Car Ride & Muckross
House
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting
car ride to view lakes and mountains on
the way to Muckross House. Tour the
delightful 19th century furnished
mansion on the shores of Muckross Lake
while the guide tells you about the
influential owners and visitors. Take a
walk around the charming gardens. Drive
to the delightful town of Kenmare where
traditional buildings are gaily painted
and enhanced with flowers. Travel
through Moll's Gap, a wonderful vantage
point on the Ring of Kerry and stop at
Ladies' View before returning to
Killarney. (B)
Day 13: Adare & Bunratty Village
Enjoy some free time in Killarney before
driving north to the attractive village
of Adare. Stop for a stroll to take some
photos of the thatched cottages with
little gardens. Drive to Limerick,
situated on the River Shannon, and drive
around to see some of the main points of
interest. Travel the short distance to
Bunratty to complete your circular trip
of Ireland. You may like to do some
shopping or take a look around the
Bunratty Folk Park and then you are free
to dine in your hotel, the centuries-old
Durty Nelly's Pub or some of the other
restaurants close by. (B)
Day 14: Home from Shannon
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Shannon Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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Irish Welcome 9 day Coach Tour
Highlights
* Abbey Tavern Dinner and Show
* "Titanic" Walking Tour of Cobh
* Waterford Crystal Factory
* Dublin Tour and Trinity College's
"Book of Kells"
* Blarney Castle
* Cliffs of Moher
* Ring of Kerry Sightseeing
* Guinness Storehouse
* Kate Kearney's Cottage Dinner and
Traditional Music
* Killarney and Waterford home-stays
(B&Bs)
* Skellig Islands Experience
* Medieval Castle Banquet
* Irish National Stud and Japanese
Gardens Visit
What's Included
- 9 days/7 nights/13 meals
- “Titanic” walking tour of Cobh
- Group transfers on arrival and
departure
- Ferry ride across the River Shannon
- Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
- Tour of Dublin with a local guide
- Services of a professional Irish
driver/guide
- Tour & a pint at the Guinness
Storehouse
- Accommodation with private bath/shower
for 7 nights - Superior first class
hotels in Bunratty & Dublin; town &
country homes in Killarney & Waterford
- Visits and admissions to Cliffs of
Moher, Skellig Experience, Blarney
Woollen Mills, Waterford Crystal
Factory, Book of Kells at Trinity
College, Irish National Stud and
Japanese Gardens
- Full Irish breakfast daily (B)
- Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet,
luggage tags & strap
- All dinners (D) except 1 in Dublin
including - Medieval banquet &
entertainment in a 15th century Irish
castle - Dinner & show at Kate Kearney’s
Cottage - Traditional Irish evening with
dinner and entertainment at the Abbey
Tavern - Farewell dinner at the Creamery
Pub in Bunratty - Irish homestyle
dinners on days 4 & 5
- All local taxes, hotel service charges
& porterage for one suitcase per person
- Welcome get-together drink
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: Bunratty & Medieval Banquet
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
Bunratty 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
will transfer to the hotel at your own
expense. Spend the day at leisure in
Bunratty. There's plenty to do right
beside your hotel - Bunratty Folk Park,
Durty Nelly's Pub and shopping. This
evening meet your fellow travelers over
a welcome drink and join in the fun and
entertainment at Bunratty or Knappogue
Banquet. (D)
Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive to the coast to view the dramatic
Cliffs of Moher, which rise to almost
700 feet above the wild Atlantic
breakers and stretch along the coast for
five miles. Then head south for a short
ferry ride across the River Shannon.
Stop in the charming village of Listowel
for a stroll around before continuing
through the mountainous countryside to
Killarney. Take a look around this
bustling and compact town before
checking into your country home and
meeting your Irish family. In the
evening drive to the Gap of Dunloe to
Kate Kearney's Cottage for dinner.
Afterwards sit back and enjoy
traditional Irish entertainment with
popular songs, dances and a lot of
laughs. (B, D)
Day 4: Ring of Kerry & Skelligs
Admire breathtaking vistas of mountains,
cliffs and beaches on Ireland’s most
popular drive - the 100-mile Ring of
Kerry. Cross to Valencia Island by
bridge to visit the Skellig Experience,
which describes the way of life of early
Christian monks who built their
monastery on one of the offshore
islands. Learn about traditional farming
and fishing methods of later
inhabitants. Enjoy a pub lunch in the
westernmost part of the peninsula and a
number of stops will allow you to marvel
at the spectacular scenery. Take a brief
walk around the colorful village of
Sneem and pause at Moll’s Gap for
stunning views of the Lakes of
Killarney. Return to Killarney where the
evening is free. (B, L)
Day 5: Blarney & Titanic Walk
Leaving Killarney, head to the Blarney
Woollen Mills where you can find
excellent Irish merchandise. You will
have time to walk around the village
green or, if you feel energetic, you
will have the opportunity to climb to
the top of Blarney Castle to kiss the
"Stone of Eloquence." Drive through the
outskirts of Cork to the harbor town of
Cobh, the last port of call for the
Titanic. Take a walk around this
picturesque town and the dockside with a
local historian to see places relating
to the Titanic's last scheduled stop.
Travel east through the coastal towns of
Youghal and Dungarvan and on to
Waterford to meet and dine with your
next host family. (B, D)
Day
6: Waterford Crystal & Abbey Tavern
Tour the Waterford Crystal Factory to
watch craftspeople transform molten
glass into elegant hand-cut crystal. See
magnificent trophies and a huge
selection of crystal on display in the
showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny, a
medieval city with a huge castle
dominating the center. Take a stroll
through the narrow streets with many old
buildings or beside the river. Continue
into the metropolitan area of Dublin to
your centrally-located hotel. Drive to
Howth on the north side of Dublin to the
Abbey Tavern. Here sit down to a
traditional dinner followed by a great
show with plenty of Irish music and
intricate step dancing. (B, D)
Day 7: Book of Kells & Guinness
This morning drive through Dublin's city
center with a local guide to see the
stately public buildings, gracious
Georgian townhouses and parks. Visit
Trinity College to view the
magnificently illuminated manuscript of
the 8th century Book of Kells and a
presentation on its creation. Finish
your tour with a visit to the Guinness
Storehouse to see how this famous black
brew is created and sample a creamy pint
in the rooftop bar overlooking Dublin.
The afternoon and evening are at leisure
to explore the city on your own. Your
hotel is located close to O'Connell
Street, Dublin's widest thoroughfare
with plenty of shops, pubs and
restaurants. (B)
Day 8: National Stud & Japanese Gardens
For the fortunate travelers on the 9-day
tour, leave Dublin and drive west to
visit the National Stud and Japanese
Gardens. Horse breeding is popular in
Ireland and you will see some
magnificent stallions and mares. Also
take guided tour around the Japanese
Gardens. These were laid out in 1906 and
today are considered to be the finest of
their kind in Europe. Continue your
drive through the midland region to
Bunratty. Check into your hotel and then
you will have leisure time to shop or
relax in Durty Nelly's Pub. In the
evening head to the Corn Barn in the
Bunratty Folk Park for cozy home-style
meal followed by upbeat traditional
Irish entertainment. (B, D)
Day 9: Head Home from Shannon
Complimentary group transfers are
provided to Shannon Airport to arrive at
6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After
check-in, you'll have time to shop at
the duty-free stores before U.S.
Immigration pre-clearance and boarding
your flight for the journey home. (B)
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