We recommend optional Travel Insurance for this tour. Please ask for a brochure.

Traveling from Dublin, one of Europe’s oldest cities, to Shannon, you’ll experience the incredible combination of history, tradition, and stunning scenery. As you travel across the width of the “Emerald Isle”, you’ll realize you are experiencing a trip of a lifetime.

Tuesday, November 23
Today we’ll depart from JFK Airport on an overnight flight across the Atlantic. In-flight entertainment and meal service will be a pleasant start to your vacation.

Wednesday, November 24
After landing at Dublin Airport, your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach, for an orientation drive abound Dublin city center. Dublin is one of the liveliest capitals in Europe with plenty of historical places. See the main thoroughfares of O’Connell Street and Nassau Street, the shopping streets and some lovely public parks. Stop to tour Dublin Castle to see the State Apartments where many state functions are held in the richly decorated chambers. Next visit the Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, Gravity, overlooking the city center where you can sample a draft Guinness and enjoy the view of the city. Then we’ll drive to the Ashling Hotel and check in. After you settle into your room, you may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own. This evening, we’ll go to the Abbey Tavern for dinner and a traditional ballad session. Built on the site of an old abbey, this pub has been in business for over 200 years. The drive to Howth, a suburb on the north side of the city, will give you great views of Dublin Bay. B,D

Thursday, November 25
Today you’ll see a variety of scenery as you depart Dublin and drive through rich farming areas and bustling towns of the central part of Ireland. See the Rock of Cashel, a huge outcrop with many ecclesiastical ruins and take some photos. Then drive a short distance for some home hospitality by sampling freshly baked scones served at a sheep farm. Continue southward to Blarney, only a few miles from Cork City. Here you can climb to the battlements of Blarney Castle to acquire the “gift of eloquence” by kissing the famous stone. Travel through the rugged countryside of County Kerry where the town of Killarney is charmingly located with a backdrop of mountains and lakes. Upon arrival, check into Killarney Towers Hotel, and enjoy some time to relax and settle in before joining your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant. B,D

Friday, November 26
Today you’ll drive via Killorglin and out along the Dingle Peninsula. This journey along the scenic road which winds along portions of the shoreline and through hilly country, will give you spectacular views of mountains and coast, with new vistas opening up at every turn in the road. You can also see the Iveragh Peninsula to the south. You’ll stop in the town of Dingle before driving to the very tip of the peninsula to see the primitive stone “beehive” huts of the early monks and the Gallarus Oratory. Built in the 6th century of unmortared stone, they have remained watertight for 14 centuries. A drive along the peninsula will take you to the town of Tralee before traveling south back to Killarney, arriving in time to take a stroll before dinner. B,D

Saturday, November 27
Leaving Killarney, we’ll travel through Tralee and Listowel on our way to Tarbert where you take the ferry across the wide mouth of the River Shannon. We’ll drive through Lahinch to view the Cliffs of Moher. This impressive wall of rock rises to a height of almost 700 feet above the churning Atlantic Ocean, and stretches for five miles along the coast. On the way to Bunratty, you’ll see part of Burren Country, a region of limestone hills, a wealth of rare flowers and prehistoric stone monuments. After checking into the Bunratty Castle Hotel, you’ll have some free time in the afternoon. You may choose to relax or explore some of the attractions near your hotel such as Bunratty Folk Park, Bunratty Village Mills and Durty Nelly’s Pub. This evening, join in the fun and feasting at Bunratty or Knappogue Castle. Your medieval-style banquet is served in the Great Hall of the 15th century castle during which the lords and ladies of the castle transport you in spirit to the Middle Ages with their songs and stories. B,D

Sunday, November 28
Sadly, today your Irish vacation comes to an end. You’ll transfer to Shannon Airport for your trans-Atlantic flight back home.