Evergreen Ireland South

Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your hotel. Set out with a local guide to see Dublin's many landmarks: the River Liffey, Georgian squares, St Stephen's Green, and Trinity College. Next, visit the Guinness Storehouse, a spectacular seven-story structure exploring the history and making of Ireland's most famous brew, and enjoy a pint in the top-floor Gravity Bar, with its panoramic view of the city. evening, meet your group for a welcome drink, and then you are free to explore Dublin's restaurants and nightlife.

Take a panoramic tour of Dublin with your tour director in the morning, then you are free for the rest of the day. You might choose to check out the free National Museums to explore Ireland's heritage, browse the bookshops, visit some art galleries, or shop along Grafton Street. Perhaps stop into a pub to enjoy refreshment and some chat with the locals. (B)

Head to Athlone for, a visit to Sean's Bar - dating back to 900 AD, it's officially the oldest pub in Europe, and possibly the world! Raise your glass as visitors have for centuries, and sip a creamy Irish Coffee. Travel westward toward the Atlantic Coast, and visit the Cliffs of Moher, towering sea cliffs that soar 700 feet above the Atlantic. In the evening, feast in a genuine castle, enjoying a medieval or holiday banquet, depending on departure dates. (B, D)

Spend your day exploring the spectacular beauty of County Kerry. Take in the highlights of Ireland's most famous scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. Traverse wild mountainous terrain, picturesque rural villages, and the rugged coastline. Along the way, stop at Moriarty's in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner specializing in quality, authentic crafts. Enjoy free time in Killarney, a friendly town full of charming shops and lively pubs, cafés, and restaurants. (B)

Visit Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago by one of Ireland's greatest chieftains. Climb the winding stairs to kiss the famed Blarney Stone; legend says if you do you'll be given the gift of eloquence. Explore the castle's extensive gardens, set on 60 acres of parkland. Proceed on to historic Waterford - Ireland's oldest city. First settled by Vikings, Waterford reached peak prosperity in the 18th century, when it enjoyed a brisk trade with Newfoundland. Explore this beautiful port city before dining with your group in your hotel. (B, D)

Head to Kilkenny for free time to explore independently. This lively little city dates back to the Middle Ages. Perhaps stroll along the Medieval Mile, linking the impressive castle, built by the Normans in 1195, with the 13th-century St Canice's Cathedral. Return to Dublin for a lively evening of dinner and traditional Irish entertainment at the Merry Ploughboy pub. (B, D)

Your tour ends in Dublin after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >