Taste of Ireland

Overview
Itinerary
Hotels
The Experience
Reviews

4.7

See the very best of the Emerald Isle

This fast-paced, short-and-sweet Ireland tour is the perfect introduction to the Emerald Isle. Taste of Ireland hits all of the "greatest hits" highlights—from Blarney Castle to the Cliffs of Moher—with five-day, six-day or seven-day departures to suit your schedule.

Trip details

Tour start Dublin

Tour end Shannon

Days

Nights

Meals

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Highlights

Blarney Castle

Get the gift of gab after you kiss the legendary Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle.

Dublin Castle

Tour the historic 800-year-old castle, which has served as a fort, an official government residence, and the site of presidential inaugurations.

Cliffs of Moher

Thrill at the views of the Atlantic from Ireland's famous cliffs, rising 700 feet above the ocean.

Ring of Kerry

See the spectacular coastline, mountain, and forest vistas of Ireland's famous drive.

Sheepdog Demonstration

Watch the hardest working dogs in Ireland guard their herd.

Merry Ploughboy Pub

Enjoy the fancy footwork of Irish step dancers and lively traditional tunes over dinner at this iconic pub.

Irish Night in Dublin

Stroll St Stephen's Green, raise a pint, and delight in Ireland's thriving, historic-meets-modern capital.

Skellig Experience

This prizewinning interpretive center gives visitors a rich and evocative experience of "the islands at the edge of the world".

Itinerary

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Day 1Dublin Panoramic Tour | Dublin Castle | Merry Ploughboy Pub

Meet your guide at 2:00 PM in the hotel lobby, and set out on a panoramic tour of Dublin. Drive through the lively streets with a local guide, seeing this historic city’s highlights: Trinity College, elegant Georgian homes, and modern buildings rising by the River Liffey. Visit Dublin Castle for a guided tour and see the splendid State Apartments; for centuries the seat of colonial power in Ireland, this impressive complex is today a place for official ceremonies. Return to your hotel for a welcome drink with your group, then head to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for a dinner of Irish specialties and a lively show with traditional music and step-dancing. (B, D)

Day 2Blarney Castle | Killarney

Travel through lush green countryside on your way to Blarney Castle. Along the way, stop for photos of the stately ruins of the Rock of Cashel on their hilltop perch. At Blarney, climb the winding staircase to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone and gain the gift of the gab, or wander the beautiful gardens. Arrive in the friendly, lakeside town of Killarney, where you’ll dine in your hotel this evening. (B, L)

Day 3Ring of Kerry | Skellig Experience | Sheepdog Demonstration

Visit CIE Tours preferred shopping partner Moriarty’s in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, before embarking on the famed Ring of Kerry scenic drive. The winding, 100-mile route reveals breathtaking coastal and mountain views, with plenty of photo stops. Pause for a casual lunch in a cozy restaurant. Continue on to Valentia Island to visit the Skellig Experience, a visitor center telling the story of the neighboring island of Skellig Michael, which you’ll see off the coast. Learn how this island, a filming location for “Star Wars”, was once the austere home of early Christian monks. Stop for a stroll around the quaint, colorful village of Sneem, and at Moll’s Gap for panoramic views of Ireland’s highest mountains. Visit a farm to see a demonstration of skilled sheepdogs herding sheep. Return to Killarney and enjoy a free evening to dine and discover the pubs as you wish. (B, L)

Day 4Cliffs of Moher | Medieval Castle Banquet

Leave Killarney, taking a 20-minute ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary before driving along the coast of County Clare to the Cliffs of Moher, a spectacular wall of sandstone soaring almost 700 feet above the Atlantic. Continue on to your hotel. In the evening, head out to a genuine castle for a medieval-style feast of excellent traditional dishes. Lords and ladies will serenade you with songs and harp music evocative of medieval times. (Please note that January departures may offer a different dining experience.) (B,D)

Day 5Tour Ends in Shannon

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

Where you’ll stay

The Beautiful 4-Star Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge

Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge Dublin, Ireland

This hotel was once a Masonic School and still retains many striking original features that give...

Killarney Towers Hotel Killarney, Ireland

The Killarney Towers Hotel is the perfect location from which to explore the excitement and...

Bunratty Castle Hotel Bunratty, Ireland

Nestled in the heart of the historic countryside of Bunratty, this hotel is an ideal base for...

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

We were able to see a lot of beauty in southern Ireland and experience some of the local food, drinks and culture. Would definitely recommend this package for anyone who would like to see some of Ireland's beauty.

Chastity Rachielle Vigil

We take care of everything: authentic experiences, expert local tour directors, and more. Check out the CIE Tours difference!

See what people are saying about this trip

Leslie Imes

2 weeks 2 days ago

The entire experience was great!

An excellent trip to see the highlights of Southern Ireland. The tour guide/driver was very knowledgeable about the country’s history and made the trip very enjoyable. The coach was very comfortable and all accommodations were very nice.

CIE Tours Customer

1 month 1 week ago

Fantastic tour and guide!!

Tour was inclusive of so many sites to see! Super comfortable coach, the best guide/driver imaginable.

Linda Patrick

1 month 2 weeks ago

Noel our guide was sooo informative. Gave use additional information about Ireland. Pace was good. Food was excellent, Hotels were well chosen.

Robert Edward Day, Jr

1 month 3 weeks ago

Couldn't have been better.

A wonderful variety of sites to see.

Nicole Elliott