Compare Journey through the very best of Ireland by CIE Tours vs Focus on Ireland - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
4.5 | Great
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Price From | $ 1,560 | $ 2,625 |
| Price Per Day | $ 195 | $ 328 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Travel Themes |
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| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
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| Meals Included |
Breakfast-7 |
N/A |
| Description |
Make the most of every moment of your Ireland vacation—you'll discover all the can't-miss Irish scenery and history on this fast-paced tour. |
From the dizzying 700-foot-high Cliffs of Moher near Galway Bay to the grandiose Georgian architecture of Cork, this experience of Ireland is unlike any other. Take a private tour of Trinity College with access to the famous Book of Kells in Dublin, see the Titanic’s last port of call in Cobh and feast on a Farm-to-Table meal in a Killarney farmhouse restaurant. This family-run kitchen is the domain of chef John Sheehan and his wife Freda, who serve up nothing but authentic Irish recipes—guaranteed to inspire and delight. The once kissed, never forgotten Stone of Eloquence at Blarney Castle enthralls visitors from far and wide, while the old fortress town of Athone on the River Shannon, shines a light on the history of Galway, and the City of the Tribes. |
Day 1
Dublin Tour | Trinity College | Book of Kells
Tour begins at 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Set out on a guided panoramic tour of the city. Highlights include 18th century Georgian houses with brightly painted doors, tranquil parks, and historic O'Connell Street. Take a guided walking tour through the campus of Trinity College to view the illuminated manuscript of the Book of Kells. In the evening, enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dinner. (D)
Day 2
Glendalough | Dunbrody Famine Ship | Waterford
Enjoy the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains on the way to Glendalough, a stunning example of Ireland's beauty. Explore the remains of one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland, founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Walk through the deep valley to view the picturesque ruins of a round tower, churches, and Celtic crosses. Head southeast to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an authentic reproduction of an 1840's vessel that brought desperate Irish emigrants fleeing famine to the New World. Continue on to the city of Waterford, where before dinner you will take a gentle stroll around the narrow streets of the historic city with a local guide. (B, D)
Day 3
Waterford Crystal | Cobh | Blarney Castle
See skilled artisans create crystal masterpieces during your visit to the House of Waterford Crystal a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Travel to Cobh for a guided walking tour - this harbor town was the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912 and was also the main point of embarkation for Irish emigrants between 1848 and 1960. Proceed on to Blarney, to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the tranquil gardens. Journey west through rugged countryside and settle in to your centrally located hotel in Killarney. (B, D)
Day 4
Ring of Kerry Drive | Killarney
Discover Ireland's most popular scenic drive, the Ring of Kerry with plenty of photo stops along the way. In the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, stop off at our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Moriartys. Along the way stop for lunch, take a stroll around Sneem and stop at Moll's Gap for its panoramic views. Enjoy a free evening in Killarney, with time for dining independently and perhaps a visit to one of the town's lively pubs. (B, L)
Day 5
Cliffs of Moher | Galway
Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Travel along the coast of County Clare. View the Cliffs of Moher, which soar almost 700 feet above churning Atlantic swells. Walk along the top of the cliffs to O'Brien's Tower for great views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Head to Galway where a local guide will join you for a brief stroll through the twisting streets of the old city. (B, D)
Day 6
Sheepdog Demonstration | Donegal | Derry
Immerse yourself in traditional farm life during a visit to an autentic working farm, where you will watch trained sheepdogs round up mountain sheep. Continue through the rugged mountainous landscape to Donegal town. Visit our CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, Triona Design, and then enjoy some free time. Proceed on to Derry, where a local guide will help you discover this ancient walled city, long known for its tumultuous history but now a thriving artistic hub. (B, D)
Day 7
Giant's Causeway | Titanic Belfast | Glyde Inn
Explore the northern coastline and the Giant's Causeway, enormous hexagonal columns formed by volcanic activity over 60 million years ago. Visit Titanic Belfast and learn about the ill-fated ship through state-of-the-art displays. See the docks where the famous liner was built just over a century ago. Stop at the Glyde Inn for a farewell dinner with Irish specialties and entertainment featuring traditional Irish music and songs. (B, D)
Day 8
Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Day 1: In Dublin’s Fair City
Welcome to the land of legends, misty mountains, lovely lakes and friendly greetings. At Dublin airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00. Meet your Travel Director at 14:30 for an orientation of Dublin. Pass the St. Patrick's Cathedral and Christchurch Cathedral. See the 9th century Book of Kells. Walk the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College accompanied by a Local Expert as they share insights into modern life and the establishment’s impressive history. Enjoy a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner with drinks and the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over the course of the evening.
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Dinner with Wine
Day 2: To Galway, City of the Tribes Relaxed Start
Leave Dublin and set off through the delightful landscapes of the Emerald Isle. Cross Ireland's longest river, the river Shannon, to reach historic Galway, the City of the Tribes, at the mouth of the Corrib River. Easily one of Ireland’s most fun and lively cities, the streets are lined with buskers, the pubs feature live musicians, and the region’s famous oysters. Join your Travel Director to see the infamous Lynch Memorial and the Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before setting off for his discovery of America. Also see the aged Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Harbour Hotel Galway.
Breakfast
Day 3: The Cliffs of Moher, Adare and Killarney Relaxed Start
Take the scenic route through the mysterious rocky limestone landscape of the Burren, with its underground caverns, streams and rare flora.Stop at the Exhibition Centre, situated next to the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher with breathtaking views of the Clare Coast.Continue past the city of Limerick, stop in quaint Adare and take a relaxed village walk to see its thatched-roof cottages.In the evening, stay in the center of the action in lively Killarney. Gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry, Killarney has been welcoming travellers, who appreciate the spectacular scenery of woodlands and lakes, for over 250 years.
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 4: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
This morning enjoy an Insight Choice. Choose to join a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, admire incredible scenery on a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. After, take a leisurely excursion around the magnificent Ring of Kerry with stunning views of mountains and sea. Pass through the small towns of Killorglin, where the famous Puck Fair takes place, and Cahersiveen, birthplace of the great patriot, Daniel O'Connell. Follow the narrow road as it winds along the cliffs to the fishing town of Waterville. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during a Farm-to-Table dinner. Enjoy some Irish home cooking at the family-run kitchen of chef John Sheehan. Join John and his wife, Freda for drinks and a personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world and help preserve this intangible cultural heritage. Then, settle down for a night of great food and drink in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
Killarney Plaza Hotel and Spa.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 5: Cobh and Blarney Castle on the way to Cork Relaxed Start
Drive to the pretty riverside village of Cobh, which was the last port of call for the Titanic. Walk through the Queenstown Story exhibition at the Heritage Centre, which recounts the era of Irish emigration and the life of this once great passenger port. Continue to visit the 15th century Blarney Castle, home of the famous Stone of Eloquence - once kissed, never forgotten! Or enjoy a sensory walk in the extensive and varied estate gardens. Then Continue on to Cork along the spacious Grand Parade and South Mall and see the City Hall and fine Georgian houses en route to your hotel. In the evening, raise your glass and revel in rich flavours at a lively Celebration Dinner.
Maldron Hotel South Mall Cork City.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 6: Kilkenny and Dublin
Drive through prime farmland to the medieval city of Kilkenny, with its majestic castle and river walk. Browse the medieval mile showcasing the hub of Ireland’s arts and crafts scene along its narrow lanes. Then, return to Dublin and your hotel, located in the heart of Dublin’s leafy south side just minutes from the city centre. The rest of the evening is at your leisure to further explore if you wish.
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road, Dublin.
Breakfast
Day 7: Depart Dublin
Your memorable trip comes to an end. Departure transfers arrive at Dublin airport at 07:00, 09:00 and 10:30.
Breakfast
