2022 Irish Gold with Driver - 9 Days/8 Nights

Duration: 9 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dún Laoghaire | Independent Sightseeing
Welcome to Dublin. You will be picked up and transferred to your hotel on arrival at Dublin Airport. Your hotel is in Dún Laoghaire, a charming seaside suburb of Dublin. Your day is free to explore Dublin with your included vouchers (or you may choose to use your vouchers on Day 8). 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 in your choice of Dublin’s restaurants or pubs.

Day 2: Sean's Bar | Galway
Meet your expert driver/guide at your hotel this morning and head west to the vibrant, artistic city of Galway. Along the way, enjoy an Irish coffee or a soft drink at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. The oldest pub in Europe, Sean’s Bar has been quenching thirsts since 900 AD. Continue on to Galway and discover this thriving city of medieval winding lanes and buzzing street life. Dine at your hotel this evening.
(B, D)


Day 3: Connemara | Catamaran Cruise | Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly-changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes and peat bogs an added dimension. Take a catamaran cruise of Killary Harbour. Head to Kylemore Abbey, set beside a tranquil lake, and see its elegant rooms, the charming church, and the Victorian Walled Gardens. Return to Galway where the evening is free to explore the city.
(B)


Day 4: Cliffs of Moher | Killarney
Travel south around Galway Bay and through the stark beauty of the Burren, a distinctive limestone landscape. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, rising 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Head to Killarney, where you will end the day with a traditional Irish night. Enjoy a lively show of music and dance with dinner.
(B, D)


Day 5: Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare
Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park to scenic Ross Castle, set on the shores of Lough Leane. See the splendor of Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry. The stunning coastal and mountain landscapes will provide plenty of photo opportunities. Visit the colorful village of Kenmare, which might be a good place to stop for lunch. You may wish to stop in the Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. When you return to Killarney your evening is free to explore as you wish.
(B)


Day 6: Blarney Castle | House of Waterford Crystal
Drive through the mountains into rich farming country on the way to Blarney Castle. Climb the winding stairs to kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Continue to Waterford, where you’ll watch skilled artisans create sparkling masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)


Day 7: Kilkenny | Dinner in Dublin
In the morning explore the historic port city of Waterford as you wish. Drive to Kilkenny, where you may wish to stroll the Medieval Mile for a look at the fascinating architectural heritage of this small city. Travel on to Dublin and head to Cleaver East, a popular local restaurant for a glass of wine and dinner.
(B, D)


Day 8: Independent Sightseeing in Dublin
Head out to sightsee in Dublin, with its historic O’Connell Street, Georgian buildings and squares, and St Stephen’s Green. If you didn’t use the Hop-On, Hop-Off and visit vouchers on day one, you may use them today. Or you may choose to visit some of the charming coastal villages and seaside suburbs around Dublin; places like Howth and Malahide offer excellent restaurants, beautiful coastal views, and plenty of charm. Say farewell to your dedicated driver/guide and dine independently this evening.
(B)


Day 9: Tour Ends in Dublin
9-day tour ends after breakfast, when you are transferred from your hotel to the airport.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Join generations of pub-goers in raising a glass at Sean’s Bar in Athlone. Featured in the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest bar in Europe, it’s been serving thirsty customers since 900 AD.

Trip Highlights:

  • Sean’s Bar in Athlone
  • Blarney Castle
  • Jaunting Car Ride
  • Irish Night in Killarney
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Ring of Kerry Highlights
  • Kylemore Abbey & Gardens
  • House of Waterford Crystal
  • Dublin Restaurant Dinner

Dining Experiences:

  • 8 Breakfasts (B) and 4 Dinners (D)

Hotels:

  • Royal Marine Hotel | Dun Laoghaire (1)
  • Galmont Hotel | Galway (2)
  • Great Southern Killarney | Killarney (2)
  • Granville Hotel | Waterford (1)
  • Clayton Hotel Burlington | Dublin (2)

Irish Gold with Driver - 9 Days/8 Nights

Not included

Hotels

Irish Gold with Driver - 9 days/8 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Royal Marine HotelSupplierRating **** Originally built in 1863, this hotel today offers 228 air-conditioned guestrooms, all featuring modern decor in natural shades with burgundy touches and light-wood furnishings. Experience fine dining or casual bar food and enjoy the award-winning Sansana SPA and Pier Health Club. Dun Laoghaire has many shops and restaurants to explore. The property overlooks Dun Laoghaire Harbour and Dublin Bay and is located eight miles from Dublin city center. Dublin International Airport is 16 miles away, and can be reached by car or airport coach in approximately 45 minutes. Hotel parking.
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 Great Southern Killarney HotelSupplierRating **** First opened in 1854, this hotel offers old-world charm coupled with up-to-date luxurious facilities and friendly service. Enjoy great food in the elegant dining room and relax in the bar or one of the many sitting areas. Guests will luxuriate in spacious and well-equipped bedrooms, and can take advantage of a full-service leisure center. The hotel is set on 20 acres of secluded, landscaped gardens, yet sits right in the center of Killarney and within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and pubs.
SupplierName Granville HotelSupplierRating **** This family-run hotel is one of Ireland’s oldest, with significant historical connections, old-world charm and unique features. The friendly and professional staff are dedicated to making your stay pleasant and memorable. Enjoy delicious menus in the attractive dining room. The bar is a lively meeting place, often with live music. Comfortable and well-appointed guest rooms make for a great stay. Set on the waterfront, in the heart of Waterford city, this hotel is within easy walking distance of shopping, Reginald’s Tower and the House of Waterford Crystal.
SupplierName Clayton Hotel Burlington RoadSupplierRating **** This lively, modern hotel offers an excellent standard of hospitality, with two bars and two restaurants and 500 fully equipped guest rooms, making it Dublin’s largest hotel. With its many facilities and great location, it makes an ideal base for exploring Dublin. Located on Upper Leeson Street, this hotel is a 20-minute walk to Grafton Street. There is a city bus service right outside the hotel, which is within easy walking distance of Dublin’s “Georgian Mile” and the Grand Canal.