Ireland Short Break

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.

Dublin Arrival

• After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. Your CIE Tours driver/guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you and your luggage to the coach. Next, travel into County Laois and stop to have breakfast with your group at Treacy’s Bar & Restaurant. Then, journey into Blarney, where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous ‘Stone of Eloquence.’ Following, visit the Blarney Woollen Mills, which has an excellent range of Irish products. You will also have time to browse around the village, charmingly set around a large village green. Continue your travel into Killarney, check into your hotel and settle into your room. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a delightful welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.

• DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY

Dingle Peninsula Drive

• Today, discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, once described by the National Geographic Traveler as ‘the most beautiful place on earth.’ Drive along the south shore of the peninsula for plenty of vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, stunning green landscapes and rocky headlands. Pause at strategic locations to admire the views and take photos. Continue into Inch and stop at Foley’s Bar and Restaurant to enjoy a drink with your group. Head back to your hotel in Killarney, where the remainder of the day is free for individual pursuits and dining.

• OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY

Cliffs of Moher

• Leaving Killarney, travel into Tarbert and take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary. Next, drive along the coast of scenic County Clare to visit the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most beloved, natural landmarks. See magical vistas, overlooking the shimmering Atlantic Ocean along with Ireland’s Western coastline Following, journey into Bunratty and stop at Durty Nelly’s Pub, which stands in the shadow of Bunratty Castle and has been in business for about two centuries. It is a warren of small rooms and intimate bars with cozy fireplace seats. There is usually a lively ‘session’ of music and the atmosphere is spirited. While here, enjoy one pint of beer, wine or soft drink per person. Return to your hotel in Killarney in time to dine with your group in the hotel restaurant.

• DINNER & OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY

Killarney at Leisure

• Spend the morning and afternoon completely at leisure to shop and sightsee independently in Killarney. You may like to visit St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral with its soaring spire or the Franciscan Friary with superb stained-glass windows. You might also like to spend some time browsing through some of the town’s quaint shops. Later in the day, you might like to return to your hotel to freshen up before tonight’s festivities.

• This evening, travel to Kate Kearney’s Cottage, which is situated at the entrance of the Gap of Dunloe. Your Irish Night will consist of a superb meal and entertainment.

• OVERNIGHT: KILLARNEY TOWERS HOTEL, KILLARNEY

Killarney to Dublin

• Departing Killarney, journey along the rich farming country of Cork before passing through County Tipperary and County Laois en route to Dublin. Upon arrival, set off on an orientation drive around Dublin city center. See the main thoroughfares of O’Connell Street, Nassau Street and some lovely public parks as you pass by many historical sites. Transfer to your nearby hotel, check in and settle into your room. Tonight, meet your group in the hotel restaurant for a wonderful farewell dinner.

• DINNER & OVERNIGHT: ASHLING HOTEL, DUBLIN

Return to the United States

• All too soon, your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight. You may do some last-minute shopping at the duty-free stores before boarding your aircraft and flying back to the United States.