Irish Odyssey

Overview
Itinerary
Hotels
The Experience
Reviews

4.8

The ultimate Irish journey

Explore Ireland's gorgeous scenery and rich history on this comprehensive Irish tour that hits every corner of the island.

Trip details

Tour start Dublin

Tour end Kingscourt

Days

Nights

Meals

Available Promotions for this tour

Highlights

Ballintubber Abbey

Visit Ireland's only royal abbey, in service for more than seven centuries.

Brú na Bóinne

Explore the mystery of the 5,000-year-old tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, including a visit to one of the ancient structures.

Irish Step Dancing

Enjoy the fancy footwork of some of Ireland's finest dancers.

Kilmainham Gaol

Explore where the leaders of Ireland's centuries-long fight for independence once did their time.

Giant's Causeway

Discover the massive stone columns volcanoes created millions of years ago—but legend says an Irish giant built them as stepping stones across the sea to Scotland.

Cliffs of Moher

Enjoy the breathtaking views from these iconic cliffs, rising 700 feet above the swirling Atlantic.

Titanic Belfast

Explore the history of the ill-fated ocean liner and its first (and last) voyage, in the city where it was built.

Walled City Brewery – CIE Tours Exclusive

Visit this award-winning brewery and enjoy their craft beers.

Kylemore Abbey

Visit this monastery on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, founded for Benedictine nuns who fled Belgium during World War I.

Belleek Pottery

Learn about the craftsmanship and heritage of the pottery created here since 1857.

Irish Night in Dublin

Explore the lively city of Dublin, its restaurants and nightlife.

Itinerary

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Day 1Dublin City Tour & Kilmainham Gaol

Your tour begins at 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Take a panoramic tour of the city’s highlights and view Trinity College, St Patrick’s Cathedral, and the GPO. Tour Kilmainham Gaol, built in 1796, and hear stories of Ireland’s revolutionary leaders. Enjoy a welcome drink with your group before dining independently.

Day 2EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum | Taylors Three Rock Pub

Visit EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, the world’s only fully digital museum, and discover the story of the 10 million people who have left Ireland over the last 1,500 years – and their impact on the world. Your afternoon is free to explore Dublin. Later, enjoy dinner and entertainment at Taylors Three Rock Pub. (B, D)

Day 3Farmhouse Visit | House of Waterford Crystal

Visit a traditional farmhouse and learn about country life while enjoying tea and scones. At the House of Waterford Crystal, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, watch skilled artisans cut crystal into sparkling masterpieces. Continue along the coast to Cork city for dinner. (B, D)

Day 4Cork | Blarney Castle | Killarney

Take a brief walking tour of Cork city with a local guide. Perhaps stroll through the English Market, where vendors have been selling local and artisanal foods since 1788. Visit Blarney Castle to climb the winding stairs and kiss its famed stone, or stroll the gardens. Enjoy the scenery as you head to colorful Kenmare. Stop at Moll’s Gap for marvelous views on your way to Killarney. (B, D)

Day 5Jaunting Car Ride | Dingle Peninsula | Sheepdog Demonstration

Take a traditional horse-drawn jaunting car ride to Ross Castle and Kenmare Estate and see Lough Leane, the largest of Killarney’s lakes. Visit Moriarty’s, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, in the Gap of Dunloe. Travel to the scenic Dingle Peninsula for views of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach, and rocky headlands. Enjoy a demonstration of highly-skilled sheepdogs herding sheep at a local farm. Enjoy dinner at Páidí Ó Sé’s pub in Ventry while you hear a fun talk on Gaelic sports. (B, D)

Day 6Cliffs of Moher | Galway

Visit the family pub of the late famed playwright, John B. Keane for some tea and scones. One of Ireland’s most beloved writers, he wrote many works in a room behind the bar. Embark on a ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary and drive along the coast of County Clare. Visit the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic, and enjoy views of Connemara and the Aran Islands. Proceed on to vibrant Galway and join a local guide for a walking tour of the city’s historic heart. (B, D)

Day 7Lough Corrib Cruise (Seasonal) | Kylemore Abbey | Galway

Travel through Connemara for sweeping views of misty mountains and shimmering lakes. Take a scenic cruise on Lough Corrib and sip some creamy Irish coffee (seasonal). Stop at Kylemore Abbey for a walk through this elegant mansion, set beside a tranquil lake. Return to Galway, where the rest of your day is free for independent sightseeing and dining. (B)

Day 8Ballintubber Abbey | Belleek Pottery | Derry

Travel north to Claremorris to visit Ballintubber Abbey, known as “the Abbey that refused to die,” Ireland’s only royal abbey, which has been in continuous use for more than 780 years. Visit Belleek Pottery, then follow the Atlantic shore to Donegal town, where you’ll visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Triona Design. Continue on through the majestic Barnesmore Gap to Derry. (B, D)

Day 9Giant’s Causeway | Derry Walking Tour | Walled City Brewery

Explore the Giant’s Causeway, huge hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago. Back in Derry, join a local guide for a walk around this historic city’s medieval walls; take a walk across the Peace Bridge and complete your tour at the Walled City Brewery Restaurant. In a CIE Tours Exclusive, you’ll enjoy a drink with your dinner and a flight of 4 of the brewery’s beers to taste. (B, D)

Day 10Belfast Tour | Titanic Belfast

Visit the historic city of Belfast, taking a panoramic tour to see grand government buildings, the peace wall, and the docks where the RMS Titanic was built in 1912. Visit the magnificent Titanic Belfast, a high-tech attraction that will immerse you in the story of the doomed liner. The rest of the day is free to explore as you wish (B)

Day 11Newgrange or Knowth Tomb | Farewell Dinner

Visit the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to learn about the 5,000-year-old burial tombs of Newgrange and Knowth, followed by a visit to one of these mysterious marvels. Travel to Kingscourt in the afternoon and enjoy some free time in your luxury castle hotel, built in 1760 and set on 100 acres of gardens and parklands. In the evening, share a farewell dinner with your group. (B, D)

Day 12Tour Ends in Kingscourt

Your program ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner >

Where you’ll stay

Herbert Park Hotel Dublin, Ireland

Overlooking the 48-acre Herbert Park, this hotel is 350 feet from the RDS and a 5-minute walk...

The River Lee Hotel Cork, Ireland

On the banks of Cork’s River Lee, this luxurious hotel is a 5-minute walk from central Cork. It...

Killarney Plaza Hotel Killarney, Ireland

The 4-star Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa offers elegance in the heart of Killarney Town. Home to...

The Galmont Hotel & Spa Galway, Ireland

The Galmont is one of Ireland's premier 4-star hotels, located in Galway City on the Wild Atlantic...

City Hotel, Derry Derry, Northern Ireland

On the banks of the River Foyle, City Hotel has a fine restaurant, modern fitness center and free...

Grand Central Hotel Belfast Belfast, Northern Ireland

Standing tall in Bedford Street in the heart of the City, this impressive jewel fuses glamour &...

Cabra Castle Hotel Kingscourt, Ireland

Located in Kingscourt outside of Dublin, the Cabra Castle Hotel was built in 1760 and has high...

Inclusive package with no hidden extras

What's included?

Full daily breakfast and many meals*
An evening of Irish entertainment
Transportation (Buses, shuttles & ferries)
Welcome drinks with your group
Free Wi-Fi on luxury coaches
All entrance fees to attractions
Comprehensive travel itinerary

*Breakfast is not included on Day 1

Our welcome gift to you

A travel backpack
Travel adapter
Rain poncho
Luggage strap and tags
Documents wallet

From our travelers

I loved every minute of it. We saw and experienced things that we never would have been able to do on our own. Our bus driver/tour guide was excellent. He filled us in on Irish lore and was amusing every mile we made.

Judith Leigh Wallace