This “classic” itinerary covers all the essential parts of Ireland as well as some unique features – scenic seascapes, a cruise on Killary Fjord, St. Patrick’s Burial Place, Titanic Belfast, Bunratty Castle Banquet. Enjoy tea and scones in a pub.

2023 Irish Classic - 13 Days/12 Nights

Duration: 13 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin City Tour | Pearse Lyons Distillery
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your Dublin hotel. Take a panoramic tour of Dublin, seeing such sights as elegant Georgian townhouses, St. Stephen's Green and the River Liffey. Visit the Pearse Lyons Distillery, Dublin's only independent, family-owned distillery, in the former St James's Church in the Liberties. Taste the whiskey and hear tales dating back to the 12th century as you tour this lovingly restored church. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Day 2:Down Cathedral | The St Patrick Centre | Crumlin Road Gaol | Belfast
Visit Down Cathedral where St Patrick's historical burial site is marked by a huge boulder. Immerse yourself in his work, life, and times in the nearby St Patrick Centre. Explore Crumlin Road Gaol and see what prison life was like through the ages. Head to central Belfast for some time to relax before dinner at your hotel.
(B, D)


Day 3: Titanic Belfast | Belfast Walking Tour
Tour central Belfast to see Victorian buildings, the imposing City Hall in Donegall Square, and the shipyards where RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit Titanic Belfast to learn about the ill-fated liner, which was built in the city. In the afternoon, join a local guide for a walking tour of Belfast before spending time on your own.
(B)


Day 4: Giant's Causeway | Derry Walking Tour | Walled City Brewery
Drive north along the Nine Glens of Antrim for views of mountains, valleys, and coastline. This scenic region is one of the locations for “Game of Thrones.” Stop for photos at the ruins of Dunluce Castle. Explore the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago. In Derry join a local guide for a short walking tour around the defensive walls that encircle the compact old city. Then visit the Walled City Brewery, an award-winning CIE Tours Exclusive venue, for dinner and a flight of their craft beers.
(B, D)


Day 5:Westport | Westport Walking Tour
Travel through the rugged countryside of Donegal, renowned for heathery hills, sheep and the many tweeds made from their wool. Visit Triona Design in Ardara, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, and enjoy a demonstration of handweaving. Continue on toward County Mayo, where you'll take a walking tour of historic Westport with a local guide, stopping into a pub for a drink. Dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)


Day 6: Sheepdog Demonstration | Westport House
Enjoy views of the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick and stop in the beautiful town of Leenane. Head to a local farm to watch skilled dogs herd sheep. View Killary Harbour, Ireland's only fjord. Back in Westport, take a guided tour of Westport House, an 18th-century home complete with its original contents including portraits, furniture, silver, and porcelain. Spend the rest of the afternoon and evening enjoying the lively town of Westport at your leisure.
(B)


Day 7: Galway | Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet
Travel to Galway for some free time to explore the lively heart of this vibrant city, with its street musicians, cafes, and medieval streetscape. Head on to visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic. Spend your evening in an authentic castle enjoying a medieval-style banquet.
(B, D)


Day 8: John B. Keane's Pub | Dingle Peninsula
Travel along the River Shannon into County Kerry. In Listowel, sample tea and scones in the family pub of the late, famed playwright John B. Keane. Journey along the Dingle Peninsula to Slea Head for glorious scenic views of hills and coastline. Stop in Dingle for some free time before heading to Killarney.
(B,D)


Day 9: Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare | Jaunting Car Ride | Killarney
Travel along part of the Ring of Kerry to see spectacular mountain scenery at Moll's Gap and Ladies' View, on your way to Kenmare, where you'll have lunch and some free time to explore. Visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Moriarty's in the Gap of Dunloe. Take a scenic, traditional horse-drawn jaunting car to Ross Castle and the Kenmare Estate. Return to Killarney where your evening is free for independent dining and perhaps a visit to a local pub with live music.
(B,L)


Day 10: Blarney Castle | Marine Bar | Waterford Walking Tour
Visit Blarney Castle to climb the winding staircase and kiss the famed “Stone of Eloquence”, or relax in the lovely gardens. Travel on to Dungarvan to enjoy an Irish coffee and traditional music at the Marine Bar, a CIE Tours Exclusive Venue. Continue to Waterford where a local guide will lead a stroll around the historic old port city.
(B,D)


Day 11: House of Waterford Crystal | Dunbrody Famine Ship | Taylors Three Rock
Witness the creation of crystal masterpieces at the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. In New Ross explore the Dunbrody Famine Ship, which transported people to North America during the 1840's famine. This evening enjoy dinner and a show at Taylors Three Rock.
(B, D)


Day 12: Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour in Dublin
Enjoy your day in Dublin independently on the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. Use your voucher to visit your choice of one of Dublin's top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Museum. In the evening, dine at one of the many restaurants or pubs that Dublin has to offer.
(B)


Day 13: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast today.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Sip locally-brewed craft beer with your dinner at the family-owned Walled City Brewery, housed in a former army barracks in the heart of Derry.
  • Listen to lively Irish traditional music over an Irish coffee at Dungarvan’s 300-year-old Marine Bar. Liam Clancy of the legendary Clancy Brothers once lived nearby and often came in to sing.
    • Trip Highlights:

      • Blarney Castle
      • Cliffs of Moher
      • Medieval Castle Banquet
      • Crumlin Road Gaol
      • Down Cathedral
      • Dunbrody Famine Ship
      • Giant’s Causeway
      • Marine Bar – CIE Tours Exclusive
      • Titanic Belfast
      • Walled City Brewery – CIE Tours Exclusive
      • Westport House
      • Irish Night in Dublin

      Dining Experiences:

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

      Hotels:

      • Hyatt Centric The Liberties | Dublin (1)
      • Hilton Belfast Hotel | Belfast (2)
      • City Hotel | Derry (1)
      • Wyatt Hotel | Westport (2)
      • Clayton Hotel | Limerick (1)
      • Killarney Plaza Hotel | Killarney (2)
      • Granville Hotel | Waterford (1)
      • The Spencer Hotel | Dublin (2)

Irish Classic - 13 Days/12 Nights

Not included

Hotels

Irish Classic 13 days/12 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Hyatt Centric The LibertiesSupplierRating **** Hyatt Centric The Liberties Dublin, Ireland's first Hyatt Hotel, is located in The Liberties, a historic and vibrant area in the heart of Dublin  within easy walking distance to major attractions including the historic St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin Castle and Vicar Street—the city’s premier live music venue. The hotel also features a state-of-the-art gym and social spaces from which guests can enjoy a wide range of restaurant, bar, café and lounge options.
SupplierName Hilton Belfast HotelSupplierRating ***** Relax at the Hilton Belfast hotel, with 198 contemporary guest rooms equipped with high-speed internet access, a work space and modern amenities. Enjoy river views while dining on classic Irish and British cuisine at Sonoma Restaurant. Listen to soft jazz while sipping on a tempting cocktail at Cables Bar. Get in a workout at the LivingWell Fitness Center. The hotel is located on Lanyon Place, on the banks of the Lagan River and a two-minute walk from the city center and the shopping at Victoria Square.
SupplierName Hilton Belfast HotelSupplierRating ***** Relax at the Hilton Belfast hotel, with 198 contemporary guest rooms equipped with high-speed internet access, a work space and modern amenities. Enjoy river views while dining on classic Irish and British cuisine at Sonoma Restaurant. Listen to soft jazz while sipping on a tempting cocktail at Cables Bar. Get in a workout at the LivingWell Fitness Center. The hotel is located on Lanyon Place, on the banks of the Lagan River and a two-minute walk from the city center and the shopping at Victoria Square.
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 Wyatt HotelSupplierRating *** This charming boutique hotel offers a great base for a stay in Westport. All 52 guest rooms are restful and provide great amenities. Enjoy tea or coffee at JW’s Brasserie, a relaxing drink in the traditional Cobblers Bar & Courtyard, or fantastic food and service in the welcoming dining room. Located on the Octagon, in the heart of Westport town. Great location for people-watching or browsing around the town.
SupplierName Wyatt HotelSupplierRating *** This charming boutique hotel offers a great base for a stay in Westport. All 52 guest rooms are restful and provide great amenities. Enjoy tea or coffee at JW’s Brasserie, a relaxing drink in the traditional Cobblers Bar & Courtyard, or fantastic food and service in the welcoming dining room. Located on the Octagon, in the heart of Westport town. Great location for people-watching or browsing around the town.
SupplierName Bunratty Castle HotelSupplierRating **** Nestled in the heart of the historic countryside of Bunratty, this hotel is an ideal base for visiting and touring the cultural West of Ireland. There is a wide selection of dining options from which to choose, including Kathleen's Bar and Fibber McGee's Steakhouse Restaurant. The hotel is within easy walking distance of Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, Durty Nelly's Pub and the shops at the Bunratty Village Mills.
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 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 The Spencer HotelSupplierRating **** The Spencer Hotel, built in 2001, is a popular 6-story Dublin city hotel, mixing upscale service and amenities with streamlined, angular design. Located in Dublin City Centre overlooking the River Liffey, it is only 10 minutes’ walk from the O’Connell Bridge, 15 minutes walk from the world-renowned Temple Bar and Grafton Street with 3Arena and Bord Gais Energy Theatre only 8 minutes away. Each of the stylish guestrooms has air conditioning, spacious and comfortable bed, rainforest power shower with the Handmade Soap Company toiletries, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, work desks, Nespresso Machines, European adapters, digital TV with over 50 channels and bottled water. East Restaurant offers an extensive Asian fusion menu featuring dishes from Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam and Japan to make East a true celebration of Pan Asian cuisine. After dinner, head into The Spencer Cocktail Bar for cocktails. The Spencer Health Club features an 18-metre heated pool, steam room, jacuzzi, and sauna with a fully-equipped gym available to all guests free of charge.