Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Travel to Shannon on an overnight flight to start your vacation. Relax with inflight meals and entertainment.

Day 2: Shannonside & Irish Night
Land at Shannon Airport, pass through immigration and pick up your luggage. Locate the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall where our staff will arrange a group transfer to your hotel in Limerick. Complimentary transfers will be offered from Shannon Airport between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm. If your flight arrives later than 2:00 pm, you must transfer to the hotel at your own expense. This afternoon you are at leisure to rest after your journey or take a stroll through Limerick to see King John's Castle, the Hunt Museum and some of the Georgian architecture. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink before heading to the Corn Barn in the Bunratty Folk Park. The venue retains the ambience of 19th century Ireland and after dinner enjoy a show with storytelling, step-dancing and traditional music. (D)

Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Galway City
Travel to the coast to view the Cliffs of Moher, a five-mile wall of limestone rising above the foaming Atlantic breakers. Displays in the new Visitor Center explain the geology, flora and fauna of the region. See the rounded limestone hills of the Burren and drive down Corkscrew Hill for views of Galway Bay and continue your journey into Galway. Take a panoramic drive around Galway's main features, including the ancient Spanish Arch. Enjoy some time on your own. Galway is a university city, which gives the streets a cosmopolitan and lively atmosphere and Shop Street is filled with pubs, restaurants and cafés. Return to Limerick in time to relax before dining in your hotel, which overlooks the River Shannon. (B, D)

Day 4: Adare & Dingle Peninsula
Head south to Adare, a pretty village where many houses have thatched roofs and colorful cottage gardens. Drive into County Kerry, noted for its wonderful scenery incorporating mountains, lakes and Atlantic coastline. Travel out along part of the Dingle Peninsula, passing the long, sandy stretches of Inch Strand on the way to the town of Dingle. Along the route you will have views across the bay to the Iveragh Peninsula. Spend a little time looking around Dingle and stop at the South Pole Pub for lunch and a talk on Tom Crean, who owned the pub and traveled on South Pole expeditions. Drive through Killorglin to Killarney and check into your hotel in the town center. You may like to take a walk around the town to sample great pubs and restaurants for dinner and live traditional music. (B, L)

Day 5: Muckross House & Kenmare
Take a horse-drawn jaunting car drive through the Killarney National Park to the delightful 19th century Muckross House, a furnished mansion on the shores of Muckross Lake. Take a guided tour to see unique features of the house and find out about influential owners and visitors. Stroll around the charming gardens where there are many fine exotic trees, planted over a century ago. Drive to the town of Kenmare where traditional buildings are gaily painted and enhanced with flowers. Travel through Moll's Gap, a wonderful vantage point on the Ring of Kerry and stop at Ladies' View before returning to Killarney. (B, D)

Day 6: Blarney Castle & Abbey Tavern
Travel west away from the mountains of Kerry and into County Cork to visit Blarney Castle. Climb the winding stairs to the ramparts in order to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills where you can find quality Irish-made goods of all types conveniently displayed under one roof. Drive north and stop to view the stately church ruins atop the Rock of Cashel, which rises high above the surrounding plain. Continue to the metropolitan region of Dublin and check into your hotel. Freshen up before departing for the Abbey Tavern. This historic pub is built on the ruins of an abbey and full of cozy nooks and fireplaces. Enjoy dinner and a lively program of Irish traditional music and displays of intricate step dancing. (B, D)

Day 7: Jameson Distillery & Kilmainham Gaol
This morning meet a local guide who will escort you around central Dublin. See the main streets, parks and public buildings and learn about Dublin's origins and development through the centuries. See some of the elegant Georgian houses for which the city is famous and visit Kilmainham Gaol to understand the penal system in times past. This was where many of Ireland's leaders, including Parnell, Robert Emmett, DeValera and Padraig Pearse, were imprisoned during the 19th and early 20th centuries while striving to create an independent nation. Next stop at the Old Jameson Distillery to see how whiskey is distilled and have a tasting at the end of your tour. The afternoon and evening are at leisure for independent activities. (B)

Day 8: Leave Dublin for Home
Complimentary group transfers are provided to Dublin Airport to arrive at 6:00 am, 9:00 am or 12:00 noon. After check-in, you'll have time to shop at the duty-free stores before U.S. Immigration pre-clearance and boarding your flight for the journey home. (B)


B=Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, D=Dinner