Read more about each of the regions of Ireland you will be visiting on our Ireland Travel Guide or by using the links below.
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. Cross the wide River Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride to Tarbert and travel through Listowel and Castleisland to Killarney. This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. After checking into your hotel, head out to view some of the scenery. Take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of Killarney National Park to Muckross Gardens. Enjoy a stroll through these lovely, tranquil gardens that are laid out on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D)
Day 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 & Waterford
Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Walk through the grounds and climb the steps of fabled Blarney Castle to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Bypass Cork city as you drive to the port town of Cobh. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Learn about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on the early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route via Youghal, where Sir Walter Raleigh was once mayor, to Waterford for dinner and overnight stay. This evening a local guide will take you for a brief walk of this old city. (B, D)
Day 6: Kilkenny & Abbey Tavern
Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval streets and buildings and stop to stroll through the narrow streets or view the massive castle from its rose gardens. Near Athy, enjoy tea and scones at a farmhouse before driving to Dublin. This evening drive to the Abbey Tavern, where a delicious dinner of Irish specialties is finished off with an Irish coffee. Sit back and listen to the Abbey Tavern Singers with their repertoire of popular Irish songs – you may even like to join in! (B, D)
Day 7: Dublin Sightseeing
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: Fly to London
Transfer to Dublin Airport to check in for your flight to London which takes just over one hour. ( Dublin to London flight is not included in land only price – please ensure that you have an airline ticket for this segment.) Land in London’s Heathrow Airport to start your independent vacation. Transfer from the airport to your hotel with a coach voucher provided. (B)
Days 8, 9 & 10: London
You may schedule your time as you wish for these three days. London has many attractions to choose from whatever your interests – history, art, theater, sports, shopping – it’s all waiting for you. Take a half-day sightseeing tour by double-decker bus to see the main attractions and find your way around the city. Use the included theater pass to choose from a selection of exciting shows in the West End, London’s theater area. Your “ London for Less” pass offers discounts on a variety of attractions and eateries in central London. (CB)
Day 11: Depart for Home
As this is the final day of your vacation, transfer from your hotel to your departure airport. Use the independent voucher for the coach service and be sure to allow plenty of time to reach the airport and check in for your flight back to the United States. (CB)
B=Breakfast, CB = Continental Breakfast, D=Dinner |
