CIE Tours: 2025 - 7 Day Ireland South Daytripper
Day 1 Walking Tour of Adare & Welcome Dinner
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)
Day 2 Cliffs of Moher, The Burren & Sheepdog Demonstration
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)
Day 3 Dingle Peninsula & South Pole Inn
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)
Day 4 Scenic Train to Cobh, Titanic Walking Tour & Blarney Castle
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)
Day 5 Ring of Kerry Highlights, Jaunting Car Ride & Killarney
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)
Day 6 Lunch at Taylors Three Rock & Independent Dublin Sightseeing
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)
Day 7 Tour Ends in Dublin
Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) >
Dublin
Dublin enjoys one of the loveliest natural settings in Europe. Dublin attracts visitors from around the world with its old world charm and friendly atmosphere. Most of the architecture dates from the 18th century, when Dublin enjoyed great prominence and prosperity. Also of interest are stately Georgian houses which front Merrion Square. O'Connell Street is considered the commercial center of Dublin. Perhaps the most memorable feature of Dublin is the traditional pub, where visitors can enjoy conversation over fine Irish brew. The city also offers many fine parks, including St. Stephen's Green and Phoenix Park. National Gallery's renowned collection includes works by such famous masters as Rembrandt and Monet. Trinity College's Old Library is home to the most cherished treasure, the Book of Kells, a manuscript of the Gospels. Admire Christ Church Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy the exhibits in impressive National Museum. Self-guided walking tours include Old City Trail, Georgian Heritage Trail and the Cultural Trail.
Excursions
Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours
Dublin: Highlights of Dublin City - 8 hours
Ireland, known affectionately as the “the Emerald Isle” is renowned for its excellent hospitality and you can be assured of a warm welcome by your guide and driver, who will meet you at the port. Discover the history, literary heritage and culture that lies behind Dublin’s elegant Georgian architecture and famous landmarks, during your full-day tour.
Founded in the 16th-century, Trinity College is Ireland's oldest university and holds the Book of Kells, a greatly treasured example of early Irish manuscript illumination. History lovers may opt to visit the nearby Treasury of the National Museum or EPIC - the interactive museum commemorating the emigration of 10 million Irish. For those interested in art, the National Gallery houses a superb collection.
Afterwards make a lunchtime pit stop at the Guinness Storehouse, where you learn how a pint of the world-famous Guinness is created. The heart of the building is modelled on a giant pint glass, which would hold approximately 14 million pints of Guinness beer if filled! Enjoy a complimentary pint of Guinness in the Gravity Bar, which boast 360-degree views of the capital.
Complete your touring this afternoon, with a visit to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels. Here, take a guided tour of the impressive staterooms which are a longtime symbol of British rule in Ireland, before being transferred back to your ship.
Highlights:
- Admire the grandeur of St Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and final resting place of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels
- Pour yourself a pint of Ireland’s finest at the Guinness Storehouse to discover the country’s most famous export
Tour Duration: 8 hours
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by Mercedes E-class or similar for 1 and 2 passengers, VW Caravelle (7 passenger seats) or similar for 3 and 4 passengers and 12-seater or similar for 5 and 6 passengers.
- Expert local guide for 8 hours of sightseeing in Dublin
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
- Supplement for public holidays
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the "inclusions" list above
Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours
Dublin: An Introduction to Dublin - 4 hours
Disembark for a city adventure this morning accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Your tour of Dublin begins with the impressive Trinity College; Ireland's oldest university. Explore the Old Library, which houses 200,000 antiquarian texts and the oldest surviving harp in Ireland. Here you will see the world-famous Book of Kells; a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination. Hand-crafted by monks, it contains the four gospels and has been resident at Trinity College since the 17th century. Continue to St. Patrick's Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland, where you have the opportunity to see a memorial to Jonathan Swift, the author of 'Gulliver's Travels', who became Dean of St. Patrick's in 1713. Afterwards you are transferred back to port.
Highlights:
- See the world-famous Book of Kells, a fabulous example of early Irish manuscript illumination
- Continue to St Patrick’s Cathedral, the largest church in Ireland and home of a memorial to the writer Jonathan Swift
Tour Duration: 4 hours
Tour Can Operate: Morning/ Afternoon
Wheelchair Accessible: Please enquire for more information
Physical Activity Level: Light
Inclusions:
- Private transport by luxury car or minivan
- An expert local driver-guide for 4 hours
- Entrance fees to all sights and museums
- All taxes
Exclusions:
- All cruise travel, personal items, meals and associated costs
- Gratuities
Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour
Dublin - Dublin City & Powerscourt - Full Day Tour
Upon arrival in Dublin Port, you will meet with your private driver/guide and transfer directly to Powerscourt House & Gardens in Co. Wicklow
This stunning 18th Century Stately home comprises extensive gardens, which are open to the public; as is the Main House. There is a lovely restaurant in the house, overlooking the gardens and Wicklow Mountains, which offers the finest in Irish artisan, home cooked cuisine. The 34,000 acres of this estate extend along both shores of the River Dargle . Powerscourt is one of the finest properties in Europe, designed and laid out by Daniel Robertson between 1745 and 1767. This property is filled with splendid Greek and Italian-inspired statuary, decorative ironwork, a petrified-moss grotto, lovely herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, a circular pond and fountain with statues of winged horses, and an occasional herd of deer. Opportunity for shopping at Avoca Handweavers now located in Powerscourt House. Enjoy lunch here at Powerscourt or at a traditional Irish pub in the city centre.
Upon your return from Powerscourt Estate, your private driver guide will take you on your tour of Dublin City.
Whilst Dublin is a vibrant and bustling city, by European standards it is a small city with a population of just over 1 million people. Much of Dublin’s streetscapes are adorned with beautiful 18th century townhouses and a number of city parks, such as St. Stephen’s Green and indeed Merrion Square. The highlights of any tour in Dublin may include a visit to Trinity College, the Guinness Storehouse… and –if time permits –St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Following the city tour, your driver will return you to your ship.
Inclusions
- Private Driver Guide
- Entrance to Powerscourt House & Gardens
- Lunch