2022 Irish Explorer - 10 Days/9 Nights 10-night small group tour starting at $2180.00 per person
Day 1: Dublin City Tour | Glasnevin Cemetery Museum | Clontarf Castle
Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at the Clontarf Castle Hotel lobby, a short ride from Dublin Airport and a few miles north of Dublin city center. Head out for a tour of central Dublin with a local guide to see elegant Georgian squares, public buildings, and monuments. Visit Glasnevin Cemetery Museum, Ireland’s national cemetery – it’s a fascinating “who’s who” of modern Irish history. Join your group for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the castle hotel.
(D)
Day 2: Florence Court House | Blakes of the Hollow Pub | Donegal
Visit Florence Court House, home of the Irish Yew. The original tree, discovered in 1760, can still be viewed on the grounds. Tour the magnificent 18th century mansion, renowned for its elaborate rococo plasterwork. Next, a CIE Tours exclusive: visit Blakes of the Hollow Pub, a Victorian bar that retains many features original to its founding in 1887. Famed author John McGahern, a regular visitor, described it as “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland”. Take a photo by its official “Game of Thrones” door highlighting the series’ sixth season. Continue your travels north to Donegal. With its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive, Donegal is renowned for woolen production and tweeds.
(B, D)
Day 3: Slieve League Cliffs | Triona Design | Nancy's Bar
Head to Teelin to reach the best viewing point of the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Enjoy a CIE Tours Exclusive experience: sip an Irish coffee as you take in the view from these impressive cliffs. Travel up through beautiful views of Donegal to reach Triona Design Donegal Tweed Center in Ardara, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, where spinners and weavers will demonstrate their crafts. Head to the popular Nancy’s Bar in Ardara for dinner before returning to your hotel in Donegal town, a busy little town that was once a Viking port.
(B, D)
Day 4: Belleek Pottery | Lough Corrib Cruise (seasonal) | Galway
Discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship during a tour of Belleek Pottery. You’ll go behind the scenes to see how this world-famous fine china is made. Travel south to Galway and take a relaxed cruise on Lough Corrib, the largest lake in Ireland (seasonal). Enjoy dinner at your hotel.
(B, D)
Day 5: Connemara Celtic Crystal | Dan O’Hara Homestead | Connemara
Explore scenic Connemara to admire how constantly changing cloud formations give granite hills, sparkling lakes, and peat bogs an added dimension. Stop at the Connemara Celtic Crystal factory to watch skilled artisans demonstrate fine glass-cutting. Travel on through spectacular scenery to visit Dan O’Hara’s Homestead, where you’ll discover traditional farming methods, see Connemara ponies, and have a light lunch. Return to Galway and enjoy an evening free for independent dining and exploration.
(B, L)
Day 6: Cliffs of Moher | Killarney
Drive through Co. Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic Ocean. Walk along the cliffs to see spectacular vistas, including Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Embark on a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Arrive in Killarney, where you will dine in your hotel this evening.
(B, D)
Day 7: Ring of Kerry Tour | Sheepdog Demonstration
Head out to the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most famous and popular scenic drive. Stop at Moriarty’s in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Immerse yourself in farm life with a demonstration of sheepdogs herding flocks. Continuing on the scenic drive, pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll’s Gap. Your evening is free to explore in Killarney tonight, as you dine independently and perhaps discover some of the town’s lively pubs.
(B)
Day 8: Blarney Castle | Abbey Tavern
Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or take a gentle walk through the lovely parklands and colorful gardens. Head to the Abbey Tavern for Irish cuisine, and an evening of lively entertainment.
(B, D)
Day 9: Independent Hop-On, Hop-Off Tour
Spend the day independently in Dublin on an open-top bus tour and a visit to one of Dublin’s top attractions: Guinness Storehouse, Teeling Distillery, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, or GPO Museum.
(B)
Day 10: Your Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast.
(B)
B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner
Same Price as Booking 2022 Irish Explorer - 10 Days/9 Nights Direct
As always, Enchanting Ireland works directly with all tour operators therefore our rate is theirs and there are no additional fees. All tour operators pay a commission to travel agencies however, if you book 2022 Irish Explorer - 10 Days/9 Nights direct, they keep this commission rather than passing it along to you - so our prices are the same as booking it yourself. We will, however, charge in USD, handling the currency conversion to save any transfer fees as well as make your pre-post travel plans at no additional charge.