Ireland is famous for its lively, spirited pubs, and this trip is a perfect way to explore the best ones, all while learning about the country’s countless folk traditions and tales. Get ready to toast to a great getaway as you visit Dublin’s oldest pub The Brazen Head, enjoy dinner and music at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, taste spirits at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery and brews at the Guinness Storehouse. With stays in the bustling towns of Kilkeeny, Killarney, and Westport, you’ll have many chances to find your favorite.

2023 The Irish Pub Tour- 8 Days/7 Nights

Duration: 8 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin City Tour | Canal Cruise Dinner
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from your Dublin hotel. A local guide will bring you for a panoramic tour of central Dublin, a friendly city famed for its wit and sense of fun. Board a barge, once used for transporting Guinness, for a cruise down the centuries-old Grand Canal as you sip a welcome drink and enjoy dinner while listening to live music.(D)

Day 2: Kilkenny | Kilkenny Tour | Beer Tasting
Head to historic Kilkenny for a guided walking tour along its Medieval Mile, stretching from cathedral to castle. Discover the rich heritage, narrow streetscapes, and picturesque merchants' houses of this small, historic city. Next, enjoy a special beer-tasting experience. Spend some time browsing as you please before dinner in your hotel.
(B, D)


Day 3: Blarney Castle | Killarney
Visit the Marine Bar in Dungarvan in a CIE Tours Exclusive, and enjoy a drink with some traditional music in this centuries-old, family-run pub. Travel on to visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone, which legend promises will bestow the “Gift of the Gab” or explore the beautiful gardens. Pass through County Cork to the lively town of Killarney - a draw for visitors to Ireland since the 18th century - where you will have free time after dinner to explore some of its friendly pubs, many with live music.
(B, D)


Day 4: Dingle Peninsula | Celtic Whiskey Bar Experience
Visit Moriarty's in the Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, before heading out to the Dingle Peninsula. You may know this beautiful region from films like “Ryan's Daughter” and “Far & Away”. Visit a farm for an immersion into traditional farming life and watch skilled sheepdogs demonstrate their talents at herding. Take some free time to explore the charms of Dingle town. In the evening, head to the Celtic Whiskey Bar in Killarney for a tasting, chocolate pairing, and dinner.
(B, D)


Day 5: Cliffs of Moher | Galway | O'Connors Pub Storytelling
Embark on a ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Walk along the top of the cliffs for views across Galway Bay to Connemara and the Aran Islands. In the evening, have an early dinner at your hotel, then head out for a CIE Tours Exclusive: You'll visit the nearby seaside suburb of Salthill for a special evening of storytelling at O'Connor's Famous Pub.
(B, D)


Day 6: Sean's Bar | Lough Ree Cruise
Spend a leisurely morning exploring vibrant, artistic Galway as you please. Travel to Athlone, where you'll enjoy a choice of Irish coffee, whiskey, or beer as you cruise Lough Ree in a replica Viking longship. Then head to Sean's bar. This pub is not only the oldest in Ireland; dating back to 900 AD, it's the oldest in Europe, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The sloped floors (often covered with sawdust), candlelight, and turf fire pay nostalgic tribute to this pub's rich history. Enjoy dinner in your Athlone hotel this evening. (.
(B, D)


Day 7: Guinness Storehouse | Irish Whiskey Museum
Enjoy the scenery of central Ireland as you head to Dublin on the east coast. Visit the Guinness Storehouse in the heart of the city - one of Ireland's most popular attractions - and sample Ireland's iconic brew as you take in the panoramic view from the seventh-floor Gravity Bar. In the evening, head to the Irish Whiskey Museum for a private tour and a tasting. In a CIE Tours Exclusive, enjoy a special after-hours experience: a traditional band will play lively tunes for your group as you relax over a drink and finger foods.
(B)


Day 8: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your program ends after breakfast.
(B)


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

CIE Tours Exclusives:

  • Savor traditional storytelling along with a drink at O’Connor’s Famous Pub in Salthill, Galway.
  • Enjoy a private tour and tasting at the Irish Whiskey Museum; then relax over a drink and finger foods while you listen to a lively traditional band.

Trip Highlights:

  • Blarney Castle
  • Cliffs of Moher
  • Guinness Storehouse Tour
  • Irish Whiskey Museum – CIE Tours Exclusive
  • Celtic Whiskey Bar in Killarney Marine Bar in Dungarvan – CIE Tours Exclusive
  • Storytelling at O’Connors Pub – CIE Tours Exclusive
  • Beer Tasting in Kilkenny Sean’s Bar in Athlone
  • Dingle Peninsula Sheepdog Demonstration

Dining Experiences:

  • 7 Breakfasts (B) and 6 Dinners (D), including The Church in Dublin

Hotels:

  • Hilton Garden Inn Custom House or Croke Park Hotel | Dublin (1)
  • Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel | Kilkenny (1)
  • International Hotel | Killarney (2)
  • Galway Bay Hotel | Salthill | Galway (1)
  • Sheraton Athlone Hotel | Athlone (1)
  • Ashling Hotel | Dublin (1)

The Irish Pub Tour- 8 Days/7 Nights

Not included

Hotels

The Irish Pub Tour - 8 days/7 Nights land tour
SupplierNameSupplierRating DescriptionImage
SupplierName Hilton Garden Inn Dublin Custom HouseSupplierRating **** Hilton Garden Inn Dublin Custom House offers guests excellent comfort in the heart of the city center. Centrally located along the River Liffey, in the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and just a 2-minute walk from Busaras and Connolly station, this convenient hotel is near to Dublin's 3 Arena, Bord Gais theatre, EPIC Ireland and a five-minute walk to the shopping districts of O'Connell Street and Grafton Street.
SupplierName The Croke Park HotelSupplierRating **** Opposite Croke Park Stadium, this luxury 4-star hotel features spacious rooms with 50-inch Smart TVs. Guests can enjoy hot towels on arrival, free parking, and a European bistro. Luxuriously furnished, each room at Croke Park Hotel features comfortable beds with duck down duvets, and a private bathroom with deluxe toiletries. Rooms also feature a mini entertainment system and free Wi-Fi.
SupplierName Kilkenny Ormonde HotelSupplierRating **** This hotel is centrally located beside Kilkenny Castle and within walking distance of the historic city center. Luxurious and spacious guest rooms offer every comfort. Two award-winning restaurants, cozy bar and a great leisure center enhance your stay.
SupplierName International Hotel KillarneySupplierRating **** Blending the charm of times past with contemporary elegance, The International Hotel is located at the heart of Killarney Town, directly across from the famed Jaunting cars A firm favorite with visitors to Killarney, the International is one of Killarney's longest established and much loved hotels, bringing our guests the warmest of welcomes and our promise of excellence. The International Hotel has 96 luxury en suite rooms with hairdryers, mist-free mirrors, satellite TV, tea/coffee, room safes and ironing stations. We also have Executive rooms with Jacuzzi baths, AC, and Power showers. Hannigans Bar has real fires, good food, live music and sports events and serves fresh, local produce, including seafood and Irish beef. Further Hotel facilities include our library, gym and a residents lounge.
SupplierName International Hotel KillarneySupplierRating **** Blending the charm of times past with contemporary elegance, The International Hotel is located at the heart of Killarney Town, directly across from the famed Jaunting cars A firm favorite with visitors to Killarney, the International is one of Killarney's longest established and much loved hotels, bringing our guests the warmest of welcomes and our promise of excellence. The International Hotel has 96 luxury en suite rooms with hairdryers, mist-free mirrors, satellite TV, tea/coffee, room safes and ironing stations. We also have Executive rooms with Jacuzzi baths, AC, and Power showers. Hannigans Bar has real fires, good food, live music and sports events and serves fresh, local produce, including seafood and Irish beef. Further Hotel facilities include our library, gym and a residents lounge.
SupplierName Galway Bay HotelSupplierRating **** In this stylish hotel, all the rooms are designed to ensure warmth and comfort, with elegant furnishings and exceptional facilities. The award-winning Lobster Pot Restaurant offers contemporary Irish and international cuisine, while the Harvest Cafe serves informal lunches, dinners and snacks. The traditional Irish pub is the perfect place to meet friends. Enjoy a swimming pool and leisure facilities. Located in Salthill, a coastal suburb of Galway, with great views of Galway Bay and the Burren. Just 2 miles from the city center.
SupplierName Sheraton Athlone HotelSupplierRating **** This contemporary hotel offers an excellent haven in Athlone with spacious public rooms, including La Provence Restaurant with its warm, modern atmosphere and delicious cuisine. Guest rooms have an elegant contemporary décor with spacious bathrooms offering separate bath and shower, with many affording spectacular views over the River Shannon and Ireland's lakelands. Sirana Urban Spa and leisure facilities complete the experience. The hotel is located in the center of Athlone town within easy walking distance of Athlone Castle and other attractions. Hotel parking.
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.