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.

2024 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 from your Dublin hotel at 2:00 PM. A local guide will bring you on 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 Tour | Sullivan's Taproom
Explore historic Kilkenny on a guided walking tour of its Medieval Mile, stretching from cathedral to castle. Discover the city's rich heritage, narrow streetscapes, and picturesque merchants' houses. Next, soak up the atmosphere and savor the ancient craft of artisan brewing with a private tasting at Sullivan's Taproom. Explore on your own before dinner at your hotel. (B, D)

Day 3: Blarney Castle | Killarney
Visit the Marine Bar in Dungarvan (a CIE Tours Exclusive) and enjoy a drink with some traditional music in this centuries-old, family-run pub. Travel to Blarney Castle to explore the beautiful gardens or to kiss the famous stone, which legend promises will bestow the "Gift of Gab". 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. Visit a farm for an immersion into traditional rural life and watch skilled sheepdogs demonstrate their talents at herding. Enjoy 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 | Pub Storytelling
Ferry 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. After an early dinner at your hotel, visit a local pub for a special evening of storytelling. (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 an Irish Coffee or Whiskey as you cruise Lough Ree in a replica Viking longship. Next, raise a pint at 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 at the Athlone hotel this evening. (B, D)

Day 7: Guinness Storehouse | The Merry Ploughboy
Enjoy the scenery of central Ireland as you travel to Dublin. 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, visit The Merry Ploughboy for a hearty dinner and an evening of traditional Irish entertainment. (B, D)

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

Highlights

CIE Tours Exclusives:

  • Treat your ears to the lively sounds of Irish music at the historic Marine Bar in Dungarvan.
  • Immerse yourself in the age-old tradition of storytelling while enjoying the atmosphere of a Galway pub.

Trip Highlights:

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

Dining Experiences:

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

Hotels:

  • 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 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.