Irish Spirit – CIE Tours
Featuring Dublin, Waterford, Killarney and Cong
9 Days | March-November
Starting At $Custom
Enjoy this leisurely paced 9 day tour that offers a little of everything. Start in Dublin with a City Tour. As you make your way south visit the House of Waterford Crystal, Jameson Distillery and a visit to Blarney Castle, with a kiss for good luck. Then continue onto Killarney and the scenic Ring of Kerry. As you travel north visit the famous Cliffs of Moher for that perfect photo opportunity and then onto a two-night stay at the Lodge at Ashford Castle, former estate of the Guinness Family.
Highlights
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Prices are varied depending on departure date.
Group air can be quoted with your proposal.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Overnight Flight
Board your overnight flight to Dublin
Day 2 – Dublin
Early today your flight arrives in Dublin. After checking into the hotel, meet your guide and set off on a tour of central Dublin. Highlights include the shopping areas around Grafton and Nassau Streets, Dublin’s elegant Georgian squares, and a drive long the wide O’Connell Street. Visit the GPO Museum for a bit of History and then enjoy a welcome drink before dining on your own at one of Dublin’s many restaurants or pubs.
Day 3 – Kilkenny Castle | House of Waterford Crystal | Waterford Walking Tour
Enjoy the Irish countryside as you head to the city of Kilkenny to visit Kilkenny Castle, which was the principal residence of the powerful Butler family for almost 600 years. Immerse yourself in its rich history through its collection of portraits and artifacts. Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces by skilled glass blowers and cutters during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal. After dinner, take a gentle walking tour of Waterford with a local guide to learn about the region’s history. (B, D)
Day 4 – Jameson Distillery Midleton | Blarney Castle | Killarney
Head out to County Cork to Midleton for a tour of the Jameson Experience, a journey through the story and making of Irish whiskey complete with a sample at the end. Next up, treat yourself to quality Irish-made goods at the Blarney Woollen Mills Then visit the famous Blarney Castle with a climb to the top to kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or enjoy a walk through the lovely parklands and gardens. Head to Killarney, a small town that’s big on glorious scenery. After dinner, you may want to explore town on your own, perhaps sampling a lively pub or two. (B, D)
Day 5 – Ring of Kerry | Jaunting Car Ride | Irish Night
Start your day with a jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks Mountains. Then set out on Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. Cross over to Valentia Island and learn about the island of Skellig Michael, home of early Christian monks and where scenes from the film “Star Wars VII” were filmed. Stop in the charming village of Sneem and at Moll’s Gap for panoramic mountain views. In the evening, head out for an Irish night of dinner and a traditional show. (B, D)
Day 6 – Shannon Ferry | Cliffs of Moher | The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Embark on a memorable ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Relax as you travel through the Burren and on to Cong where your hotel sits within the magnificent 350-acre estate of Ashford Castle. Take time to relax before dinner in the Lodge. You may choose to explore the beautiful gardens and grounds, or the castle itself, which is open to guests as long as there are no special events taking place. (B, D)
Dy 7 – Lough Corrib Cruise “The Quiet Man” | Connemara
In Cong take a walking tour with a local guide to see locations for “The Quiet Man”, the classic film made in the village in 1952 and starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. Dine on a casual lunch at Eddie’s of Clonbur, a traditional pub. Explore scenic Connemara and the crossroads known as the Maam Cross. Return to the Lodge at Ashford so that you may enjoy many of the facilities it has to offer. (B,L)
Day 8 – Clonmacnoise | Abbey Tavern
Head to the center of the country to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran and is set on the banks of the mighty River Shannon. See elaborate High Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes. Continue your journey to Dublin and enjoy the fishing village of Howth on the north side of the city. Finish up your tour at the popular Abbey Tavern with a hearty dinner and a lively show of traditional music, songs and step-dancing. (B, D)
Day 9 – Depart for Home
After breakfast at the hotel, depart for home with fond Irish Memories. (B)