2022 Irish Spirit with Driver - 8 Days/7 Nights

Duration: 8 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Sightseeing in Dublin
Your tour begins when you are picked up at Dublin Airport and brought to your centrally located hotel. Today you are free to explore Dublin independently, with its grand Georgian buildings and squares, the River Liffey, and historic O’Connell Street. Take a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour, and see all the city’s highlights with the freedom to stop off to explore further as you please. Your Hop-On, Hop-Off bus ticket also gives you admission to the Little Museum of Dublin, an old Georgian townhouse with a fantastic collection of 5,000 objects telling the story of the city. Plus, you will have a voucher to admit you to one of Dublin’s top attractions: Choose from the Guinness Storehouse, a seven-story attraction telling the story of Dublin's iconic beverage, complete with a pint at the Gravity Bar on the top floor; Teeling Distillery, the first new whiskey distillery to open in Dublin in 125 years; EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, telling the story of the people who left Ireland and how they shaped the world (and winner of Europe’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2019); or the GPO Museum, innovatively detailing the fascinating story of the 1916 Rising, the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s independence. Dine independently this evening.

Day 2: Glendalough | Wexford
Meet your dedicated driver-guide at your hotel and set off for Glendalough in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Tour the picturesque ruins of this once-thriving monastery, established by St Kevin in the sixth century, including several churches, large Celtic crosses, and an iconic round tower. Then, head to Wexford, where your hotel overlooks the harbor. The town was founded by Vikings and known today as a hub of culture, with medieval heritage buildings, the National Heritage Park, and the beautifully restored, Gothic-Revival Johnstown Castle nearby. You are free to explore Wexford as you wish and to dine independently this evening.
(B)


Day 3: Blarney Castle | Killarney
Depart Wexford and head to Waterford; visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner; witness the creation of crystal masterpieces by skilled craftsmen on a factory tour. Next, visit Blarney Castle, where you can climb the winding staircase to kiss the famous Blarney Stone for the legendary gift of the gab, or enjoy the tranquil gardens. Head to the friendly town of Killarney, where you’ll dine in your hotel tonight.
(B, D)


Day 4: Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare | Killarney
Take a jaunting car ride through the Killarney National Park to Ross Castle for views of Lough Leane and the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks. Head out to see the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s famed scenic drive. You might stop in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe to visit our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriarty’s. Stop for lunch in the charming town of Kenmare. The rest of the day and evening is at your leisure, so you are free to explore before returning to Killarney.
(B, L)


Day 5: Cliffs of Moher | Kilronan Castle
Depart Killarney today and head north to the Cliffs of Moher. Visit the cliffs, taking in the glorious views from 700 feet above the churning Atlantic below. Arrive at your hotel for the next two nights, the fairytale Kilronan Castle, sitting on 40 acres of parkland. Lovingly restored in 2006, this beautiful castle hotel dates back to the 18th century and was home to the same family for three centuries. Dine tonight in the splendid dining room.
(B,D)


Day 6: Arigna Mining Experience | Sligo
Visit the Arigna Mining Experience to explore the fascinating, arduous work of coal miners and discover the impact of the industry on the local area from the 1700s through the closure of the mine in 1990. The rest of the day is free to explore and dine as you wish. Perhaps you might visit the town of Sligo, or the charming village of Carrick-on-Shannon, or just relax in your castle accommodations.
(B)


Day 7: Listoke Distillery | Malahide Castle | Irish Night
Visit Listoke Distillery, a small, family-owned and award-winning gin producer. Tour the state-of-the-art facilities and discover how citrus, floral, and spice flavors are used to create their delicious blends. Then, head to the magnificent Malahide Castle, home for 700 years to generations of the Talbot family, descendants of an English knight who was granted the estate in 1185. Tour the rooms to discover the extraordinary history of this beautiful castle and the role it played in Irish political and social life. Head to Howth to delight in a lively evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance with dinner at the Abbey Tavern. Say farewell to your dedicated driver/guide.
(B, D)


Day 8: Tour ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast, when you’ll be transferred from your hotel to Dublin Airport.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Irish Spirit with Driver - 8 Days/7 Nights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Grab your hard hat for a surprising tour of Arigna Mining Experience. A former coal miner will be your guide as you learn about the lives and struggles of those who worked the tunnels.
  • Discover 300 years of history at the magnificent Slane Castle – and hear how it’s hosted concerts by artists including U2, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Queen and REM

Trip Highlights:

  • Glendalough
  • Blarney Castle
  • Ring of Kerry Highlights
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Arigna?Mining Experience
  • Slane Castle & Distillery
  • Kilronan Castle Stay
  • Irish Night in Dublin

Dining Experiences:

  • 7 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 3 Dinners (D)

Hotels:

  • Ashling Hotel | Dublin (1)
  • Clayton Whites Hotel | Wexford (1)
  • Killarney Towers Hotel | Killarney (2)
  • Kilronan?Castle Hotel | Ballyfarnon?(2)
  • Grand Canal Hotel | Dublin (1)

Not included

Hotels

Irish Spirit with Driver - 8 days/7 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Ashling HotelSupplierRating **** This contemporary property offers 225 spacious and well-equipped guest rooms as well as stylish, modern restaurants, bar and public spaces. Located on the north bank of the River Liffey near Phoenix Park, the hotel is conveniently located for exploring Dublin. City center and Temple Bar are just a 20-minute walk away, and both sites, as well as many other attractions, are accessible via the Luas tram, which stops near the hotel.
SupplierName Whites of Wexford HotelSupplierRating **** Whites of Wexford is one of Ireland’s leading 4-star hotels. The hotel is a 6-story glass and stone building facing the town on one side and with views out over the sea on the other. The modern property offers guests every luxury, including state-of-the-art spa and leisure facilities, to make for a comfortable and elegant stay.

HOTEL LOCATION: Located in the very heart of historic Wexford. Just a two hour drive from Dublin, the hotel is within easy access of Rosslare Europort and Wexford Train and Bus Station.
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 Kilronan CastleSupplierRating **** This castle hotel offers excellent hospitality and a warm welcome to guests. The traditional and luxurious public rooms offer a delightful haven in which to dine or relax. The 84 guestrooms are designed for a restful experience and include minibars, coffee/tea makers and other amenities. Relax in the world-class spa and leisure center. The hotel is in a secluded area between the towns of Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon, about 100 miles NW from Dublin.
SupplierName Kilronan CastleSupplierRating **** This castle hotel offers excellent hospitality and a warm welcome to guests. The traditional and luxurious public rooms offer a delightful haven in which to dine or relax. The 84 guestrooms are designed for a restful experience and include minibars, coffee/tea makers and other amenities. Relax in the world-class spa and leisure center. The hotel is in a secluded area between the towns of Sligo and Carrick-on-Shannon, about 100 miles NW from Dublin.
SupplierName Grand Canal HotelSupplierRating *** This modern hotel offers comfort, convenience, service and value in 142 tastefully decorated rooms. The Epic Restaurant serves international dishes, and the Gasworks Bar is a great venue for a drink or food service. Located to the south of the city center near the Grand Canal, this property is just a 15-minute walk to Grafton Street, Trinity College, the National Gallery of Art and many other attractions.