Ireland South Daytripper

Your tour departs from your hotel at 2:00 PM. The Dunraven, your home for the next five nights, is a luxurious 18th-century family-run hotel, and one of the oldest in Ireland. (Departures on May 22; Sept 4, 11, 25; Oct 2, 9 will stay at the luxurious Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel, located on 44 acres of beautiful grounds just outside of Adare.) Adare is one of Ireland’s prettiest villages, and its history stretches back to the 12th century. Join a local guide for a walking tour to see charming thatched cottages, ancient churches and historic buildings built in the early 19th century by the Earl of Dunraven. In the evening, go to the nearby Fitzgerald’s Woodland House Hotel for a welcome drink and dinner featuring local produce. (D)

Travel to the Cliffs of Moher, stunning sea cliffs that tower above churning Atlantic swells. Drive through the Burren, where you’ll be amazed at the incredible landscape of glacial-era limestone dotted with cliffs, caves, and unique flowers and wildlife. Immerse yourself in farm life as you watch highly skilled sheepdogs herd their flock. Dine at your hotel in Adare this evening. (B, D)

Travel to the rugged mountainous landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula; many people speak Irish in this stronghold of traditional culture. In the charming town of Dingle, stop for lunch at Paul Geaney’s Pub, a family-run gastropub on Main Street in the heart of town. Enjoy free time before departing for the South Pole Inn in the village of Annascaul. Enjoy a drink as you hear the story of the pub’s former owner – Ireland’s Antarctic explorer, Thomas Crean, who made several trips to the South Pole with Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton. Return to Adare where your evening is free to explore and dine independently. (B, L)

Take one of Ireland’s most scenic rail journeys from Cork and arrive in the seaport town of Cobh. Its picturesque harbor was the last glimpse of Ireland for millions of emigrants over the centuries. Join a local guide for a walking tour to explore Cobh’s role as the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic, followed by free time to explore the town. At Blarney Castle, you can kiss the “Stone of Eloquence” or explore the elegant gardens. Continue back to Adare, where you’ll dine at your hotel. (B, D)

Enjoy the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, taking in the rugged coastline, mountainous landscapes, and scenic Ladies View, so named because Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting were charmed by the vista on the Queen’s visit in 1861. Visit Moriarty’s, CIE Tours’ preferred shopping partner, in the Gap of Dunloe. In Killarney, travel via jaunting car to view the lakes at the picturesque Ross Castle with free time to explore the town independently. Return to Adare for a farewell dinner with your group at your hotel. (B, D)

In Dublin, enjoy a private lunchtime pub experience at Taylors Three Rock. A band will play traditional music just for your group – and you’ll have the opportunity to learn the art of pouring a pint of Guinness. Spend the rest of the day exploring independently. Your hotel is in a great location in the historic Liberties – near the Guinness Storehouse and close to the lively pubs of Temple Bar. (B, L)

Explore Dublin independently on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour. A voucher will admit you to your choice of one of the city’s top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, the GPO Museum, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, Teeling Whiskey Distillery, or Jameson Distillery Bow St. Experience. Dine as you wish. (B)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B)  >