Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Depart U.S. for Dublin
Welcome aboard your overnight flight to Dublin. Relax with inflight entertainment and meal service.

Day 2: Dublin Arrival & Book of Kells
Arrive at Dublin Airport and proceed through immigration and pick up your baggage. Go to the CIE Tours desk in the Arrivals Hall and personnel will arrange a group transfer to your hotel between 7:00 am and 12:00 noon. If you arrive later than noon, you will need to transfer to the hotel at your own expense. At 2:00 pm take a sightseeing tour of central Dublin to see the prominent public buildings, elegant Georgian townhouses and peaceful gardens. Note the contrasts between centuries-old historic places and modern streets, which pulse with activity. Visit Trinity College's Old Library to view the early illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells and learn about its creation. Then tour the Old Jameson Distillery, where you can see the many steps needed to create Irish whiskey and sample some. Join your fellow travelers for a welcome drink and your guide will advise you on restaurants to dine independently.

Day 3: Clonmacnoise & Galway
Leave Dublin and journey across the rolling pastures of Ireland's heartland to visit Clonmacnoise. This monastic settlement was founded in 545 AD by St. Ciaran and was a an important center of learning. See highly decorated high crosses, round towers and ruins of many churches, all set on the banks of the tranquil River Shannon. Drive to Galway and drive around the main sights of the city before checking into your hotel, located in the city center. Enjoy some free time to browse around the city center on your own. Galway has many pedestrianized streets and lots of fun specialty stores and pubs. Savor dinner in the elegant dining room of your hotel. (B, D)

Day 4: Clifden & Kylemore Abbey
Today tour Connemara and admire sweeping views of misty mountains and shimmering lakes. You will see sheep grazing freely and tracts of bogland where people hand-cut peat for home heating. Stop in Spiddal where you may hear locals chatting in the Irish language. Continue to Clifden for another stop in this delightful market town set between the Twelve Bens and sandy bays. Visit Kylemore Abbey, a 19th century neo-Gothic mansion, which is now a prestigious girls' school. Tour the exquisite chapel and reception rooms and stroll by the peaceful lake shore. Drive via Maam Cross, in the heart of Connemara and back to your hotel in Galway in ample time for dinner. (B, D)

Day 5: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
Drive south around Galway Bay to see the Cliffs of Moher, which rise almost 700 feet above the pounding Atlantic surf. Then cross the wide River Shannon Estuary on a short ferry ride to Tarbert and travel through Listowel and Castleisland to Killarney. This little town is world-famous due to its exquisite location beside lakes and mountains. After checking into your hotel, head out to view some of the scenery. Take a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of Killarney National Park to Muckross House & Gardens. Tour the house with a local guide to learn about its history and lifestyle of previous owners and perhaps stroll through the gardens that are laid out on the shores of Muckross Lake. (B, D)

Day 6: Ring of Kerry & Killeen House
Embark on Ireland's most popular scenic drive - the Ring of Kerry. This circular tour will reveal constantly-changing vistas of mountains, open Atlantic Ocean, beaches and cliffs. Drive through the remote towns of Cahirciveen and Waterville and return through the colorful village of Sneem. Enjoy plenty of breaks to admire the natural beauty all along the way. At Moll's Gap, stop to view the three lakes with the mountains and town in the background. Return to Killarney and enjoy some free time to look around the town before dinner, which will be served in the friendly and award-winning Killeen House Restaurant. (B, D)

Day 7: Blarney Castle & Cobh Heritage Centre
Depart Killarney and drive through Macroom to Blarney. Walk through the grounds and climb the steps of fabled Blarney Castle to kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills for quality Irish-made goods. Bypass Cork city as you drive to the port town of Cobh. Visit the Cobh Heritage Centre, which traces the history of emigration from Ireland to the United States. Learn about travel conditions for the many Irish emigrants on the early sailing ships and steam vessels. Follow the coastal route to Waterford for dinner and overnight stay. This evening a local historian will give you a talk on the history of Waterford. (B, D)

Day 8: Waterford Crystal & Traditional Show
Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to see the cutting and polishing of this fine product and also the excellent display of trophies and stemware in the showrooms. Head north to Kilkenny with its intriguing medieval streets and buildings and stop to stroll through the narrow streets or view the massive castle from its rose gardens. Drive to Dublin and check into the same hotel. Take some time to admire the views or even stroll along the pier, a favorite haunt of Dubliners. In the evening drive to a popular venue for a dinner with Irish specialties and a lively traditional Irish show. (B, D)

Day 9: Independent Dublin
Use your voucher for Hop/On Hop Off Dublin City Tour. Hotel and breakfast included.

Day 10: Return Home
If you have booked our 10-day tour, spend an additional night in Dublin with an independent Dublin sightseeing tour pass (valid for 24 hours) and a taxi transfer to Dublin Airport on final day.


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