2022 Irish Legends - 10 Days/9 Nights

Duration: 10 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin Arrival | Malahide Castle
Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at Dunboyne Castle Hotel. (We strongly recommend you arrange an airport transfer when you book your tour.) Head out to visit Malahide Castle, first built in 1185 and filled with medieval artifacts. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner in your hotel.
(D)


Day 2: National Stud | Kilkenny Walk
Visit the home of equine royalty: the Irish National Stud in Kildare, the heart of Irish horse racing. Some of the world’s finest thoroughbreds live in these beautiful surroundings. Walk through the gardens before heading to Kilkenny, where you’ll enjoy lunch in the Kilkenny Design Centre. Take a walking tour with a local guide to see the gems along the Medieval Mile, a stretch of city streets from cathedral to castle, with buildings dating back as far as the 13th century. Dine independently and explore as you wish this evening.
(B, L)


Day 3:House of Waterford Crystal | Dunbrody Famine Ship
Visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner; see skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces on a factory tour. Then join a local guide for a walking tour of Waterford; discover the history of this port city, the oldest in Ireland, and its many colorful characters. Take time to explore independently. Head to New Ross to visit the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of a vessel that in the 1840s brought desperate emigrants fleeing famine to new lives in North America.
(B, D)


Day 4:Cobh Heritage Centre | Blarney Castle
Travel south to Cobh, the last port of call of the Titanic and where many places associated with the liner still exist. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration over a number of centuries from Ireland to North America. Head to Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or stroll through the spacious parklands to view Blarney House before traveling on to Killarney.
(B, D)


Day 5: Killarney | Dingle Peninsula
Visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe. Then go to discover the glorious Dingle Peninsula as you drive along the south shore to admire views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. Stop at the South Pole Inn to learn about Tom Crean, an early Irish explorer who braved the South Pole. Browse around the town of Dingle and enjoy a drink, dinner and entertainment at Foley’s Bar and Restaurant before returning to Killarney.
(B, D)


Day 6: Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon before driving to the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs; on a clear day you can see great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Immerse yourself in life at a traditional farm and watch a farmer demonstrate how his trained dogs herd sheep. Enjoy tea and homemade scones at the farm. Head to Galway for a panoramic city tour.
(B, D)


Day 7: Aran Islands | Dun Aengus
Set out on a ferry across Galway Bay for Inishmore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. The hardy islanders still speak the Irish language and maintain traditional fishing and farming methods. Head to Dun Aengus, a huge pre-historic fortress perched on sheer cliffs above the Atlantic. Visit Kilronan, the island’s main village, for a casual lunch, then take some time to explore before returning by ferry.
(B, L)


Day 8: Clonmacnoise | Sean’s Bar
Visit Clonmacnoise, a monastic settlement founded in 545 AD and set on the banks of the River Shannon. Marvel at elaborate High Celtic crosses decorated with biblical scenes, and walk around the many church ruins and two round towers. Head to nearby Athlone and stop at Sean’s Bar for an Irish coffee, a CIE Tours Exclusive Venue. This pub has a documented history going back to 900 AD – and is featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest pub in Europe. During renovations in 1970, ancient walls and old coins dating back centuries were discovered. In the evening, head to Dublin’s Abbey Tavern for an Irish dinner and lively show.
(B, D)


Day 9: Independent Dublin Sightseeing
Spend a day in Dublin independently on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour and a visit to your choice of one of Dublin’s top attractions – Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Museum. (B)

Day 10: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast (B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

CIE Tours Exclusives:

  • Raise a glass at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. Welcoming the thirsty since 900 AD, it’s in the Guinness Book of Records as Europe’s oldest pub.

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Visit Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands and discover this stronghold of traditional Irish culture and language. You’ll visit Dun Aengus, a prehistoric fort on the edge of a 100-meter cliff.
  • Explore Irish emigration at the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of the vessel that carried Irish refugees to North America in the 1840s.

Trip Highlights:

  • Foley's Bar Dinner & Entertainment
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Aran Islands Excursion
  • Cobh Heritage Centre
  • Clonmacnoise Monastic Site
  • Sean’s Bar in Athlone – CIE Tours Exclusive
  • Dun Aengus Fort
  • Dunbrody Famine Ship
  • Irish National Stud & Gardens
  • Irish Night in Dublin

Dining Experiences:

  • 9 Breakfasts (B), 3 Lunches (L) and 6 Dinners (D), including a welcome dinner at Dunboyne Castle Hotel.

Hotels:

  • Dunboyne Castle Hotel | Dunboyne (1)
  • Newpark Hotel | Kilkenny (2)
  • Killarney Towers Hotel | Killarney (2)
  • Salthill Hotel | Galway (2)
  • Radisson Blu Royal | Dublin (2)

Irish Legends - 10 Days/9 Nights

Not included

Hotels

Irish Legends - 10 days/9 Nights Land Tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Dunboyne Castle HotelSupplierRating **** This 18th-century mansion has been lovingly restored and carefully expanded to create a spacious, modern property for a pleasant stay. Large guest rooms are designed for a tranquil night’s rest. Guests can enjoy full Irish breakfasts and fine dining in the elegant restaurant or relax in one of the cozy bars. The spa and leisure center offers excellent facilities. Located beside Dunboyne village, just 15 miles from Dublin Airport and 14 miles from Dublin city center.
SupplierName Newpark HotelSupplierRating **** This hotel combines the best traditions of Irish hospitality with modern facilities, dedicated professionalism and friendly service. Set on 20 acres of parkland, the hotel has a rural atmosphere. There is a wide range of dining options, including the Dove Bistro. Relax in one of the 129 superior guest rooms and enjoy the extensive health club facilities. Newpark is located on Castlecomer Road on the outskirts of this compact medieval city. 20 minutes walk to center. 75 miles SW of Dublin city. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Newpark HotelSupplierRating **** This hotel combines the best traditions of Irish hospitality with modern facilities, dedicated professionalism and friendly service. Set on 20 acres of parkland, the hotel has a rural atmosphere. There is a wide range of dining options, including the Dove Bistro. Relax in one of the 129 superior guest rooms and enjoy the extensive health club facilities. Newpark is located on Castlecomer Road on the outskirts of this compact medieval city. 20 minutes walk to center. 75 miles SW of Dublin city. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Killarney Towers HotelSupplierRating **** This modern hotel provides guests with 182 rooms that are comfortable and include satellite TV and video facilities. An excellent restaurant serves great Irish breakfasts and carvery dinners while the choice of bars offer live music most nights. Enjoy a strenuous workout or leisurely dip in the pool in the extensive leisure center. Located in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs and the Killarney National Park. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Killarney Towers HotelSupplierRating **** This modern hotel provides guests with 182 rooms that are comfortable and include satellite TV and video facilities. An excellent restaurant serves great Irish breakfasts and carvery dinners while the choice of bars offer live music most nights. Enjoy a strenuous workout or leisurely dip in the pool in the extensive leisure center. Located in the center of Killarney town within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants, pubs and the Killarney National Park. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Salthill HotelSupplierRating **** Modern amenities, a spectacular setting and luxurious interiors combine with traditional Irish hospitality and personalized service to create a great experience. Classically decorated guest rooms provide a simple, comfortable base for today’s discerning guest. Choose from the Amber or Prom Restaurants for dining and relax in the Blackrock Lounge. Fitness and spa facilities add to your stay. Salthill Hotel is situated on the spectacular Salthill Galway promenade, with panoramic views of Galway Bay and the Clare hills, just two miles from Galway city center.
SupplierName Salthill HotelSupplierRating **** Modern amenities, a spectacular setting and luxurious interiors combine with traditional Irish hospitality and personalized service to create a great experience. Classically decorated guest rooms provide a simple, comfortable base for today’s discerning guest. Choose from the Amber or Prom Restaurants for dining and relax in the Blackrock Lounge. Fitness and spa facilities add to your stay. Salthill Hotel is situated on the spectacular Salthill Galway promenade, with panoramic views of Galway Bay and the Clare hills, just two miles from Galway city center.
SupplierName Radisson Blu Royal Hotel - DublinSupplierRating **** Enjoy stunning city center views from the 150 well-appointed rooms, furnished with a flat-panel LCD TV, in-room coffee and tea provisions, high-speed Internet access, mini bar and hair dryer. From an Irish pub to a French brasserie, the hotel provides guests with a culinary tour. Complimentary access to nearby Iveagh Fitness Club. The hotel is located in the heart of the historic old city, between Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a 10-minute walk to St. Stephen’s Green and Grafton Street.