2023 – 9 Day Irish Explorer8 Nights / 15 Meals

Start your discovery of the Emerald Isle with a stay at Clontarf Castle Hotel in Dublin! Stay two nights in most locations – Donegal, Galway Killarney and Dublin. Highlights include Slieve League Sea Cliffs, Connemara region, Blarney Castle, Ring of Kerry and Foynes Flying Boat Museum. Savor home-baked scones and Irish coffee along the way.

2023 Irish Explorer - 9 Days/8 Nights

Duration: 9 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin City Tour | Glasnevin Cemetery Museum | Clontarf Castle
Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from the Clontarf Castle Hotel lobby, a short ride from Dublin Airport and a few miles north of Dublin city center. Head out for a tour of central Dublin with a local guide to see elegant Georgian squares, public buildings, and monuments. Visit Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland's national cemetery - it's a fascinating “who's who” of modern Irish history. Join your group for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the castle hotel.
(D)

Day 2: Strokestown Park | Blakes of the Hollow Pub | Donegal
Visit Strokestown Park to explore Ireland's tragic history. Tour the National Famine Museum and then Strokestown House; the grand Georgian mansion will reveal the contrast between the luxurious lives of its residents and the destitution of their tenants. Stroll the park to see the walled gardens and woodlands. Next, a CIE Tours exclusive: visit Blakes of the Hollow Pub, a Victorian bar that retains many features original to its founding in 1887. Famed author John McGahern, a regular visitor, described it as “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland”. Take a photo by its official “Game of Thrones” door highlighting the series' sixth season. Continue your travels north to Donegal. With its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive, Donegal is renowned for woolen production and tweeds.
(B, D)

Day 3: Slieve League Cliffs | Triona Design | Nancy's Bar
Head to Teelin to reach the best viewing point of the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Enjoy a CIE Tours Exclusive experience: sip an Irish coffee as you take in the view from these impressive cliffs. Travel up through beautiful views of Donegal to reach Triona Design Donegal Tweed Center in Ardara, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, where spinners and weavers will demonstrate their crafts. Head to the popular Nancy's Bar in Ardara for dinner before returning to your hotel in Donegal town, a busy little town that was once a Viking port.
(B, D)

Day 4: Belleek Pottery | Galway
Discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship during a tour of Belleek Pottery. You'll go behind the scenes to see how this world-famous fine china is made. Travel south to Galway and take a walking tour with a local guide; explore this vibrant city's medieval past and artistic, musical present. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.(B, D)

Day 5: Connemara Celtic Crystal | Dan O'Hara Homestead | Connemara
Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes, and peat bogs an added dimension. Stop at the Connemara Celtic Crystal factory to watch skilled artisans demonstrate fine glass-cutting. Travel on through spectacular scenery to visit Dan O'Hara's Homestead, where you'll discover traditional farming methods, see Connemara ponies, and have a light lunch. Return to Galway and enjoy an evening free for independent dining and exploration.
(B, L)

Day 6: Cliffs of Moher | Killarney
Drive through Co. Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the cliffs to see spectacular vistas, including Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Embark on a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Arrive in Killarney, where you will dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)

Day 7: Ring of Kerry Tour | Sheepdog Demonstration
Head out to the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's most famous and popular scenic drive. Stop at Moriarty's in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Immerse yourself in farm life with a demonstration of sheepdogs herding flocks. Continuing on the scenic drive, pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll's Gap. Your evening is free to explore in Killarney tonight, as you dine independently and perhaps discover some of the town's lively pubs.
(B)

Day 8: Blarney Castle | Abbey Tavern
Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or take a gentle walk through the lovely parklands and colorful gardens. Head to the Abbey Tavern for Irish cuisine, and an evening of lively entertainment.
(B, D)

Day 9: Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)

B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:See Donegal’s spectacular Slieve League cliffs – and enjoy a CIE Tours Exclusive experience as you sip Irish coffee while taking in the view from the clifftop.
Visit the Victorian Blakes of the Hollow Pub, which famed author John McGahern once called “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars” in Ireland. Enjoy a pint as you view the handcrafted “Game of Thrones” door, carved from the trees of the Dark Hedges.
Trip Highlights:Belleek Pottery
Blarney Castle
Cliffs of Moher
Irish Night in Dublin
Blakes of the Hollow Pub – A CIE Tours Exclusive
Experience Glasnevin
Strokestown Park
Slieve League Cliffs – A CIE Tours Exclusive
Galway Walking Tour
Sheepdog Demonstration
Dining Experiences:8 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 6 Dinners (D)
Hotels:Clontarf Castle Hotel | Dublin (1)
Mill Park Hotel | Donegal (2)
Hardiman Hotel | Galway (2)
Killarney Plaza Hotel | Killarney (2)
Herbert Park Hotel | Dublin (1)

Irish Explorer - 9 Days/8 Nights

Not included

Hotels

Irish Explorer - 9 Days/8 Nights land tour

SupplierName	SupplierRating	Description
SupplierName Clontarf Castle Hotel	SupplierRating ****	Steeped in Irish history, the Clontarf Castle Hotel offers guests all the charm and splendor of a royal experience. The magnificent entrance hall, tapestry-adorned walls, mysterious doorways and roaring fires create a luxurious, old-world feeling, while guest rooms all boast modern amenities for a comfortable visit. Located in the pleasant and peaceful suburb of Clontarf, this hotel is just a 10-minute ride from the city center and a 15-minute drive from Dublin Airport. Guests can treat themselves to international cuisine at Templar's Bistro or enjoy a drink at the cozy bar.
SupplierName Mill Park Hotel	SupplierRating ****	A warm welcome awaits you at this hotel which is built around its unique-styled Granary, along with a choice of 2 restaurants, bar and lounge. The restaurants specialize in local fresh produce, especially seafood from the nearby fishing port of Killybegs. 100 luxurious bedrooms ensure a great stay and use the fully equipped leisure and wellness center. Set in a quiet rural setting two miles from Donegal town. The hotel is a perfect base for touring County Donegal, including the awesome Slieve League Sea Cliffs.
SupplierName Mill Park Hotel	SupplierRating ****	A warm welcome awaits you at this hotel which is built around its unique-styled Granary, along with a choice of 2 restaurants, bar and lounge. The restaurants specialize in local fresh produce, especially seafood from the nearby fishing port of Killybegs. 100 luxurious bedrooms ensure a great stay and use the fully equipped leisure and wellness center. Set in a quiet rural setting two miles from Donegal town. The hotel is a perfect base for touring County Donegal, including the awesome Slieve League Sea Cliffs.
SupplierName The Hardiman Hotel	SupplierRating ****	The Hardiman Hotel is a flawless combination of Victorian grace and opulent luxury. Located right in the heart of Galway City, just a short walk from the main train and bus stations the pedestrian-only Shop Street. From bars and theatres to restaurants and historical sights, you’re right in the centre of Galway’s bohemian social scene. Overlooking Eyre Square since 1852, the elegant Hardiman Hotel features the award winning Gaslight Brasserie as well as the Oyster Bar and Lounge. Its spacious and elegant guest rooms combine authentic, immersive historical character reflecting the the charm and heritage of the Victorian era with exceptional modern comfort including complimentary WiFif, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. You can take in magnificent views of the city from the hotels gym, hydrotherapy baths and outdoor hot tub. Other recreational facilities include a steam room and monsoon showers.
SupplierName The Hardiman Hotel	SupplierRating ****	The Hardiman Hotel is a flawless combination of Victorian grace and opulent luxury. Located right in the heart of Galway City, just a short walk from the main train and bus stations the pedestrian-only Shop Street. From bars and theatres to restaurants and historical sights, you’re right in the centre of Galway’s bohemian social scene. Overlooking Eyre Square since 1852, the elegant Hardiman Hotel features the award winning Gaslight Brasserie as well as the Oyster Bar and Lounge. Its spacious and elegant guest rooms combine authentic, immersive historical character reflecting the the charm and heritage of the Victorian era with exceptional modern comfort including complimentary WiFif, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. You can take in magnificent views of the city from the hotels gym, hydrotherapy baths and outdoor hot tub. Other recreational facilities include a steam room and monsoon showers.
SupplierName Killarney Plaza Hotel	SupplierRating ****	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 Hotel	SupplierRating ****	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 Herbert Park Hotel	SupplierRating ****	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.