One of our best-value trips, Irish Spirit brings travelers a great balance of Irish heritage, culture, and scenery. Enjoy time in in Waterford, Killarney, Galway, and Dublin, complete with activities signature to the Emerald Isle. Between traditional nights on the town, inspiring walking tours, the chance to see classic sheepdog herding, and once-in-a-lifetime photo opps at the Ring of Kerry, Cliffs of Moher, and Connemara, Irish Spirit practically guarantees you’ll fall in love with Ireland!

2024 Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights

Duration: 8 Days

Price: Starts from $0 USD

Itineraries

Day 1: Dublin City Tour | EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
Your tour departs your hotel at 2:00 PM for a panoramic tour of Dublin with a local guide, seeing its grand Georgian buildings and squares, the River Liffey, and historic O’Connell Street. Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, an award-winning, high-tech museum that chronicles the journeys made by Irish emigrants around the globe, and details the stories of the new lives made by the Irish abroad. Back at your hotel, enjoy a welcome drink with your group, and then you’ll be free to discover the city and dine at your leisure..

Day 2: Glendalough | Johnstown Castle
Set off for Glendalough, a valley in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. Tour the picturesque ruins of the ancient monastery there; it thrived for centuries after being established by St Kevin in the sixth century. See several stone churches, large carved Celtic crosses, and an iconic round tower. Then, head to Wexford and visit Johnstown Castle, a romantic Gothic Revival castle in an idyllic setting. Tour the luxurious castle and its splendid gardens, both designed by one of the leading architects of the 19th century. Later, enjoy dinner with your group at your hotel.
(B, D)


Day 3: House of Waterford Crystal | Jameson Distillery
Today, you’ll visit the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Watch superb artisans create sparkling masterpieces on a factory tour. Next, visit Jameson Distillery in Midleton for a fascinating exploration of the whiskey-making process and to learn all about the beloved spirit. Finish your evening in Killarney, where you’ll dine at your hotel..
(B, D)


Day 4: Jaunting Car Ride | Ring of Kerry Highlights | Kenmare
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. Visit CIE Tours’ preferred shopping partner, Moriarty’s, in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe before lunch in the charming town of Kenmare; then return to Killarney to enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
(B, L)


Day 5: Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Travel north to the Cliffs of Moher, crossing the Shannon Estuary by ferry on your way. Visit the cliffs, taking in the glorious views from 700 feet above the churning Atlantic below. Arrive in the vibrant city of Galway, where you’ll have dinner with your group this evening.
(B,D)

Day 6: Connemara | Kylemore Abbey | Sheepdog Demonstration
Take a scenic drive through the breathtakingly beautiful region of Connemara, with its mountains, lakes, and boglands. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a glorious Victorian castle built on the lakeside as a romantic gift. Next, immerse yourself in farm life as you visit a traditional farm and watch highly trained sheepdogs display their skills. Return to Galway for a free evening.
(B)

Day 7: Clonmacnoise | Irish Night
Drive west to Clonmacnoise, the spectacular ruins of a monastery founded in the sixth century. See the splendid ruins of the cathedral, nine churches, two round towers, and three high crosses as you approach the way the Vikings would have over a thousand years ago. Tour the area and imagine it all as it once was, as a flourishing center of learning that attracted students from all over Europe. Head to Dublin, where you will delight in a lively evening of traditional Irish music, song, and dance with dinner at the Abbey Tavern.
(B, D)

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


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

Highlights

Authentic Local Experiences:

  • Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum to learn the fascinating stories of the Irish around the world: where they went, and what happened to them. This high-tech museum has been named Europe’s leading tourist attraction three times in a row.
  • Take a fun catamaran ride on the River Shannon to explore the picturesque monastic ruins at Clonmacnoise..
  • Trip Highlights:

    • EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum
    • Glendalough
    • Kylemore Abbey
    • Johnstown Castle
    • Jameston Distillery, Midleton
    • Ring of Kerry Highlights
    • Cliffs of Moher
    • Sheepdog Demonstration
    • Clonmacnoise
    • Irish Night in Dublin

    Dining Experiences:

    • 7 Breakfasts (B), 1 Lunch (L) and 4 Dinners (D)

    Hotels:

    • Ashling Hotel | Dublin (1)
    • Clayton Whites Hotel | Wexford (1)
    • Killarney Towers Hotel | Killarney (2)
    • Clayton Hotel Galway | Galway (2)
    • Grand Canal Hotel | Dublin (1)

Irish Spirit- 8 Days/7 Nights

Not included

Hotels

Irish Spirit - 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 Clayton Hotel GalwaySupplierRating **** This modern hotel offers a great base for touring Galway and the Connemara region. Relax in one of the 200 contemporary bedrooms and enjoy plenty of comforts and amenities. Tribes Restaurant is where guests will enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. In the evening, guests will enjoy a memorable dining experience with superb dishes prepared by the excellent team of chefs using fresh local ingredients. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and use of the leisure centre with 20m swimming pool, steam room and sauna. It is located approximately 1 ½ miles from the city center. Free parking.
SupplierName Clayton Hotel GalwaySupplierRating **** This modern hotel offers a great base for touring Galway and the Connemara region. Relax in one of the 200 contemporary bedrooms and enjoy plenty of comforts and amenities. Tribes Restaurant is where guests will enjoy a sumptuous breakfast. In the evening, guests will enjoy a memorable dining experience with superb dishes prepared by the excellent team of chefs using fresh local ingredients. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi and use of the leisure centre with 20m swimming pool, steam room and sauna. It is located approximately 1 ½ miles from the city center. Free parking.
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.