HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR
2-Day Dublin open-top bus tour • Horse-drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
Afternoon Tea at Great Southern Hotel • Cliffs of Moher Cruise
Walking tour of Derry with a local guide
• Exclusive transport by luxury motorcoach
with a driver/guide
• Meet and greet service with one group transfer
upon arrival and departure at the airport
• Hotel accommodation based on twin bedded
rooms with private bath as listed for 8 nights
• Hotel porterage, service charges and
government taxes
• Flight bags, ticket wallets, baggage tags and
identifying strap
• Full Breakfasts (8)
• Dinners (2)
HOTELS – 8 Nights
• Hyatt Centric The Liberties, Dublin (2)
• Granville Hotel, Waterford (1)
• Scotts Hotel, Killarney (2)
• Ardilaun Hotel, Galway (1)
• Ebrington Hotel, Derry (1)
• Europa Hotel, Belfast (1)
Sun, June 23 DEPART THE UNITED STATES
Depart your hometown and take an overnight flight across the Atlantic. Enjoy in-flight
entertainment and meal service as you travel to start your vacation.
Mon, June 24 DUBLIN ARRIVAL
After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities.
Transfer to your hotel, check in and enjoy the balance of the day at leisure in Dublin,
where you can choose from a wide variety of pursuits. Use your Hop on Hop off pass to
visit several places so you can get better acquainted with the city. There are also plenty
of museums of Irish interest such as the National Museum, the National Gallery or the
Writers Museum. You may also want to shop along Nassau Street, the pedestrianized
Grafton Street or Henry Street. In the evening, you are free to choose from the many
restaurants and pubs that Dublin has to offer. (No coaching or guide services today
OVERNIGHT: HYATT CENTRIC THE LIBERTIES, DUBLIN
Tue, June 25 HOP ON HOP OFF DUBLIN
Spend the day completely at leisure to relax or explore Dublin. Use the second day of
your Hop On Hop Off pass to pursue more of Dublin at your own pace. You may want
to visit the Irish Whiskey Museum, located just across the street from Trinity College.
Learn about the history of Irish whiskey and the part it plays in the global whiskey
market. Another place you may like to explore is Marsh Library, which is Ireland’s oldest
library open to the public. Finally, you could also take a stroll through Phoenix Park, the
largest walled park in Europe. The Dublin Zoo is also within the park walls along with
many areas of playing fields and recreation. Tonight, you may like to dine in one of the
city’s lively dinner venues. (No coaching or guide services today)
OVERNIGHT: HYATT CENTRIC THE LIBERTIES, DUBLIN
Wed, June 26 GLENDALOUGH VISITOR CENTRE
This morning, meet your CIE Tours driver/guide before boarding your luxury
motorcoach. Next, journey into County Wicklow and stop to visit the 6th century
monastic ruins of Glendalough. The visitor centre explains how St. Kevin founded this
settlement at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland. Then,
continue your drive into Waterford and stop to tour the House of Waterford Crystal.
While here, learn about glass blowing, cutting and see one-of-a-kind masterpieces.
Transfer to your hotel, check in and enjoy some free time before meeting your group in
the hotel restaurant for a delicious meal.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GRANVILLE HOTEL, WATERFORD
Thu, June 27 BLARNEY CASTLE
Today, drive into Blarney, where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and
kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.” Then, continue your journey into Killarney and
set off on a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through the grounds of the Killarney National
Park. At the end of your ride, stop to enjoy a delightful cup of afternoon tea at Great
Southern Hotel. Motor a short distance to your hotel, check in and spend the rest of the
day free for individual pursuits and dining.
OVERNIGHT: SCOTTS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Fri, June 28 RING OF KERRY
After breakfast, set off to explore the Ring of Kerry, which consist of over 100 miles of
marvelous scenery. See some of Ireland’s highest peaks on one side of the road and a
coastline scattered with golden beaches and rocky headlands on the other. There will
also be plenty of stops to take-in the scenery and to snap photos. Head back to your
hotel in Killarney in time to dine with your group in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: SCOTTS HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Sat, June 29 CLIFFS OF MOHER
Departing Killarney, journey into the village of Adare, famous for its attractive main
street of thatched houses and colorful gardens. Stroll through the village and take
some photos. Then, travel into Limerick for a panoramic tour of the city, which features
the sights made famous in Frank McCourt’s biography, “Angela’s Ashes.” Pass the
13th century King John’s Castle in the center of the town. This imposing fortress with
its massive walls and towers has guarded the River Shannon crossing for the past 700
years. After, continue into the town of Doolin, where you will board a ferry and set off
on a voyage of discovery along the shoreline to view the majestic Cliffs of Moher. On
a clear day, you may be able to see as far as the Kerry Mountains, Aran Islands and the
Twelve Bens of Connemara. Transfer to your hotel in Galway, check in and spend the
balance of the day free to sightsee, shop and dine on your own.
OVERNIGHT: ARDILAUN HOTEL, GALWAY
Sun, June 30 SLIGO SIGHTSEEING
This morning, drive into Sligo and embark on a panoramic tour of the principal sites of
the town. See Sligo Abbey, which was built in the 13th century and the site where Sligo
Castle once stood. Also, view The Lady Erin Monument dedicated to those who fought
during the Insurrection of 1798 along with the Sligo Railway Station, which has a
unique history of its own. Next, set off on a panoramic tour of County Donegal, which is
renowned for wool production. Along the way, stop to visit a local tweed shop for some
free time to shop their fine goods. Continue your journey into Derry, check into your
hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Tonight, you might like to dine in
one of the many traditional or modern dinner venues located within the area.
OVERNIGHT: EBRINGTON HOTEL, DERRY
Mon, July 1 DERRY SIGHTSEEING
Today, join a local guide for a walking tour to see Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral,
the Diamond and the 16th century walls. Then, travel to visit the Giant’s Causeway, an
impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling
lava, which has given rise to many legends. Continue your drive into Belfast, check into
your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening, you may like to dine in one of the
many restaurants or pubs that Belfast has to offer.
OVERNIGHT: EUROPA HOTEL, BELFAST
Tue, July 2 END OF TOUR
All too soon, your vacation in Ireland has come to its final day. Transfer to Belfast Airport in good time to check in for your flight back to the United States or to the port of Belfast to catch the ferry to Scotland to continue your travels.
If you would rather spend more time in Belfast or take the train back to Dublin to fly out from there, that can also be arranged.