2022 Irish Odyssey - 12 Days/11 Nights

Duration: 12 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin City Tour & Kilmainham Gaol
Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Take a panoramic tour of the city’s highlights and view Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the GPO. Tour Kilmainham Gaol, built in 1796, and hear stories of Ireland’s revolutionary leaders. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Day 2: EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum | Taylors Three Rock Pub
Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the world’s only fully digital museum, and discover the story of the 10 million people who have left Ireland over the last 1,500 years – and their impact on the world. Your afternoon is free to explore Dublin. Later, enjoy dinner and entertainment at Taylors Three Rock Pub.
(B, D)


Day 3: Farmhouse Visit | House of Waterford Crystal
Visit a traditional farmhouse and learn about country life while enjoying tea and scones. At the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, watch skilled artisans cut crystal into sparkling masterpieces. Continue along the coast to Cork city for dinner.
(B, D)


Day 4: Cork | Blarney Castle | Killarney
Take a brief walking tour of Cork city with a local guide. Perhaps stroll through the English Market, where vendors have been selling local and artisanal foods since 1788. Visit Blarney Castle to climb the winding stairs and kiss its famed stone, or stroll the gardens. Enjoy the scenery as you head to colorful Kenmare. Stop at Moll’s Gap for marvelous views on your way to Killarney.
(B, D)


Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride | Dingle Peninsula | Sheepdog Demonstration
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate and see Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s lakes. Visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the Gap of Dunloe. Travel to the scenic Dingle Peninsula for views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. Enjoy a demonstration of highly-skilled sheepdogs herding sheep at a local farm. Enjoy dinner at Páidí Ó Sé’s pub in Ventry while you hear a fun talk on Gaelic sports.
(B, D)


Day 6: Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Visit the family pub of the late famed playwright, John B. Keane for some tea and scones. One of Ireland’s most beloved writers, he wrote many works in a room behind the bar. Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary and drive along the coast of County Clare. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic, and enjoy views of Connemara and the Aran Islands. Proceed on to vibrant Galway and join a local guide for a walking tour of the city’s historic heart.
(B, D)


Day 7: Lough Corrib Cruise (Seasonal) | Kylemore Abbey | Galway
Travel through Connemara for sweeping views of misty mountains and shimmering lakes. Take a scenic cruise on Lough Corrib and sip some creamy Irish coffee (seasonal). Stop at Kylemore Abbey for a walk through this elegant mansion, set beside a tranquil lake. Return to Galway, where the rest of your day is free for independent sightseeing and dining.
(B)


Day 8: Ballintubber Abbey | Belleek Pottery | Derry
Travel north to Claremorris to visit Ballintubber Abbey, known as “the Abbey that refused to die,” Ireland’s only royal abbey, which has been in continuous use for more than 780 years. Visit Belleek Pottery, then follow the Atlantic shore to Donegal town, where you’ll visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design. Continue on through the majestic Barnesmore Gap to Derry.
(B, D)


Day 9: Giant’s Causeway | Derry Walking Tour | Walled City Brewery
Explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Back in Derry, join a local guide for a walk around this historic city’s medieval walls; take a walk across the Peace Bridge and complete your tour at the Walled City Brewery Restaurant. In a CIE Tours Exclusive, you’ll enjoy a drink with your dinner and a flight of 4 of the brewery’s beers to taste.
(B, D)


Day 10: Belfast Tour | Titanic Belfast
Visit the historic city of Belfast, taking a panoramic tour to see grand government buildings, the peace wall, and the docks where the RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit the magnificent Titanic Belfast, a high-tech attraction that will immerse you in the story of the doomed liner. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish
(B)


Day 11: Newgrange or Knowth Tomb | Farewell Dinner
Visit the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to learn about the 5,000-year-old burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, followed by a visit to one of these mysterious marvels. Travel to Kingscourt in the afternoon and enjoy some free time in your luxury castle hotel, built in 1760 and set on 100 acres of gardens and parklands. In the evening, share a farewell dinner with your group.
(B, D)


Day 12: Tour Ends in Kingscourt
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

CIE Tours Exclusive

  • Enjoy a flight of locally-brewed craft beers with your dinner at the Walled City Brewery, a family-owned establishment located in a former army barracks in the heart of Derry city.

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Visit two pubs belonging to the families of late Irish luminaries: Páidí Ó Sé, a great Kerry GAA footballer, and John B. Keane, one of Ireland’s finest playwrights.

Trip Highlights:

  • Irish Night in Dublin
  • Ballintubber Abbey
  • Belleek Pottery
  • Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
  • Giant’s Causeway
  • Kilmainham Gaol
  • Kylemore Abbey
  • Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub Dinner
  • Titanic Belfast
  • Walled City Brewery – A CIE Tours Exclusive

Dining Experiences:

  • 11 Breakfasts (B) and 8 Dinners (D)

Hotels:

  • Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (2)
  • The River Lee Hotel | Cork (1)
  • Killarney Plaza Hotel | Killarney (2)
  • The Galmont Hotel & Spa | Galway (2)
  • City Hotel | Derry (2)
  • Grand Central Hotel | Belfast (1)
  • Cabra Castle Hotel | Kingscourt (1)

Irish Odyssey - 12 Days/11 Nights

Not included

Hotels

Irish Odyssey -12 days/11 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Herbert Park HotelSupplierRating **** This modern, bright property offers guests style and comfort with modern amenities. The bright, contemporary guest rooms feature king or twin beds, air conditioning and high-speed internet. The Pavilion Restaurant serves a superior quality breakfast buffet, with traditional full Irish breakfast as well as other choices. Located in the upmarket suburb of Ballsbridge, the Herbert Park is a 30-minute walk to the city center and is adjacent to the peaceful Herbert Park, U.S. Embassy and RDS Showgrounds.
SupplierName The River Lee HotelSupplierRating **** This hotel offers modern design combined with warmth, charm and great facilities. The spacious lobby, bar and dining areas are enhanced by river views. Guest bedrooms soothe the senses with muted colors, simple lines and superb amenities. Dine in the chic Bistro, pamper yourself in the luxurious day spa or work out at the leisure center. Located on the banks of the River Lee near the city center. 10 minutes’ walk to the historic English Market and Patrick Street with its shops, restaurants and pubs. Hotel parking.
SupplierName Killarney Plaza HotelSupplierRating **** Overlooking Killarney National Park, this classic hotel is within 5 minute walk from the town center. Along with 3 restaurants, this hotel has a full-service spa and an indoor pool. Stylish, spacious and fully air conditioned, each room offers an unique style with comfortable accommodations.
SupplierName Killarney Plaza HotelSupplierRating **** Overlooking Killarney National Park, this classic hotel is within 5 minute walk from the town center. Along with 3 restaurants, this hotel has a full-service spa and an indoor pool. Stylish, spacious and fully air conditioned, each room offers an unique style with comfortable accommodations.
SupplierName The Galmont Hotel & SpaSupplierRating **** Established in 2001 in Galway City Centre, The Galmont is one of Ireland's FINEST 4 star hotels. Just a three-minute walk from the central Eyre Square and overlooking Galway Bay, The Galmont (formerly the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway) stands in the heart of the city. With a range of guest rooms to choose from, the hotel is home to the award-winning spirit one spa and the best events facilities in the west of Ireland. Whether you're in Galway for a weekend getaway, a family trip or on business, this hotel's central location, helpful team and excellent facilities will make your stay one to remember.
SupplierName The Galmont Hotel & SpaSupplierRating **** Established in 2001 in Galway City Centre, The Galmont is one of Ireland's FINEST 4 star hotels. Just a three-minute walk from the central Eyre Square and overlooking Galway Bay, The Galmont (formerly the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Galway) stands in the heart of the city. With a range of guest rooms to choose from, the hotel is home to the award-winning spirit one spa and the best events facilities in the west of Ireland. Whether you're in Galway for a weekend getaway, a family trip or on business, this hotel's central location, helpful team and excellent facilities will make your stay one to remember.
SupplierName City Hotel, DerrySupplierRating **** This modern hotel features an open-plan lobby opening out to Thompson’s Restaurant and Coppins Bar. All 146 guest rooms have been designed to the most exacting standards of contemporary styling. The health and fitness club features a swimming pool and gym. Located in downtown Derry, within easy walking distance of Derry's famous medieval walls and the city's shops and pubs.
SupplierName City Hotel, DerrySupplierRating **** This modern hotel features an open-plan lobby opening out to Thompson’s Restaurant and Coppins Bar. All 146 guest rooms have been designed to the most exacting standards of contemporary styling. The health and fitness club features a swimming pool and gym. Located in downtown Derry, within easy walking distance of Derry's famous medieval walls and the city's shops and pubs.
SupplierName Grand Central Hotel BelfastSupplierRating **** Grand Central Hotel is a modern upscale hotel that is the tallest building in Belfast. The 300 contemporary guest rooms are all equipped with a flat-screen TV and all rooms include a private bathroom, air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, a full-sized work desk, free Wi-Fi and spectacular city views. Restaurant options include the vibrant Grand Café and the elegant art deco Seahorse Restaurant. The chic 23rd story Observatory is Ireland’s tallest cocktail lounge with sweeping views of Belfast and beyond. Centrally located in the City Centre, the hotel is a short walk to Belfast City Hall, the Grand Opera House and St. George’s Market. Also nearby and walkable are Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Jail, and the Belfast Botanical Gardens.
SupplierName Cabra Castle HotelSupplierRating **** Located in Kingscourt outside of Dublin, the Cabra Castle Hotel was built in 1760 and has high ceilings, grand staircases and historic hallways. Some of its 105 rooms are in Cabra Castle and some are in the converted 17th-century courtyard buildings, but each one has a unique individual style that mixes original period features and furnishings with modern comforts. All rooms have private bathrooms, telephones, tea/coffee-making facilities, satellite TV and complimentary Wi-Fi. Upgraded rooms add fireplaces, private balconies and 4-poster or canopy beds. Onsite there is an elegant restaurant serving fresh local food and also a traditional bar. The hotel's patios and terraces have expansive views of the surrounding 100 acres of gardens and countryside.