Irish Spirit

Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your hotel. Head out for a panoramic tour of Dublin with a local guide, seeing its grand Georgian buildings and squares, the River Liffey, and historic O'Connell Street. Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an award-winning, high-tech museum that chronicles the journeys made by Irish emigrants around the globe, and details the stories of the new lives made by the Irish abroad. Head back to your hotel for a welcome drink with your group, and then you'll be free to discover the city and dine at your leisure.

Set off for Glendalough, a valley in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Tour the picturesque ruins of the ancient monastery there; it thrived for centuries after being established by St Kevin in the sixth century. See several stone churches, large carved Celtic crosses, and an iconic round tower. Then, head to Wexford and visit Johnstown Castle, a romantic Gothic Revival castle in an idyllic setting. Tour the luxurious castle and its splendid gardens, both designed by one of the leading architects of the 19th century. Then head on to your hotel for dinner with your group. (B, D)

Depart Wexford and head to Waterford, where you'll visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Watch superb artisans create sparkling masterpieces on a factory tour. Next, visit Blarney Castle, where you can climb the steep, winding staircase to kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the legendary gift of the gab, or enjoy the tranquil gardens. Head to Killarney, where you'll dine with your group in your hotel tonight. (B, D)

Take a jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane and the Macgillycuddy's Reeks. Head out to see the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's famed scenic drive. Stop in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe to visit our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriarty's. Stop for lunch in the charming town of Kenmare, before returning to Killarney where you will enjoy the rest of the day and evening at your leisure. (B, L)

Depart Killarney today and head north to the Cliffs of Moher. Visit the cliffs, taking in the glorious views from 700 feet above the churning Atlantic below. Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway, where you'll have dinner with your group this evening. (B,D)

Take a scenic drive through the breathtakingly beautiful region of Connemara, with its mountains, lakes, and boglands. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a glorious Victorian castle built on the lakeside as a romantic gift. Next, immerse yourself in farm life as you visit a traditional farm and watch highly trained sheepdogs display their skills. Return to Galway for a free evening. (B)

Drive to Shannon Bridge, where you'll board the Lir Cat Catamaran to travel up the river to arrive at Clonmacnoise, the spectacular ruins of a monastery founded in the sixth century. See the splendid ruins of the cathedral, nine churches, two round towers, and three high crosses as you approach the way the Vikings would have over a thousand years ago. Tour the area and imagine it all as it once was, as a flourishing center of learning that attracted students from all over Europe. Head to Dublin, where you will delight in a lively evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance with dinner at the Abbey Tavern. (B, D)

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