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 >Read about Co. Dublin
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 guide will assist you in choosing a restaurant to dine independently.

Day 3: 6th Century Glendalough & Traditional Music >Read about Co. Wicklow
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 >Read about Co. Down
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 >Read about Co. Antrim
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 Pottery & Westport >Read about Co. Mayo
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 Read about Co. Galway
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 >Read about Co. Clare
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: Return to U.S.
Take a group transfer to nearby Shannon Airport where your tour concludes at 10:30am. 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 10:30am, your guide will coordinate an early group transfer once you are on tour. (B)

B=Breakfast, D=Dinner