The tour begins at the Dublin Airport at 8:10AM. 

You can opt to purchase our group air PHL-Dublin on Aer Lingus that arrives at 8:10Am or make your own arrangements.

 If you purchase your own air, please note your need to depart the USA on October 4th and arrive at 8:10A or before in order to be join the tour. 

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 Westmeath and stop to enjoy breakfast with your group at Tyrrellspass Castle. Then, journey into Galway and set off with a local guide for a gentle walking tour of the city. See the medieval city walls, Lynch’s Castle and the narrow streets. Transfer to your nearby hotel, check in and enjoy the balance of the day free for individual pursuits and dining.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: GALMONT HOTEL, GALWAY or similar

Spend the entire day free to explore Galway on your own. You may like to visit the

Claddagh Ring Museum, Lynch's Castle, the Galway Aquarium, Bunowen Castle or simply just walk through Eyre Square. In the evening, you might like to head into the heart of Galway to enjoy an independent bite to eat at a lively local venue.

OVERNIGHT: GALMONT HOTEL, GALWAY or similar

Leaving Galway, travel through the Connemara Region to admire the sweeping views of boglands and misty mountains. As you drive along, you will see many sheep that graze freely and tracts of bogland where some people hand-cut peat for home heating. Stop to visit Kylemore Abbey for a tour of the elegant mansion and church, set beside a tranquil lake. Learn of the tales of tragedy, romance and royal visits. Also, walk through the magical Victorian walled garden. Following, drive into Westport and embark on a walking tour of one of the few planned towns in Ireland, which was created by James Wyatt in 1780. Among the most picturesque features of the town is the promenade (the Mall) and the little stone bridges along the River Carrow Beg. Transfer to your nearby hotel, check in and enjoy some free time to freshen up before gathering with your group for dinner in the hotel restaurant.

DINNER & OVERNIGHT: THE GRACE ESTATE, WESTPORT or similar

Today, set off around Clew Bay, through Newport and along Curraun Peninsula to reach Achill Island, joined to the mainland by a bridge. Follow the Atlantic Drive to capture wonderful and wild scenic views of steeply sloped mountains plunging into the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. Return to your hotel in Westport, where the rest of the day is at leisure to explore and dine as you wish.

OVERNIGHT: THE GRACE ESTATE, WESTPORT or similar

Departing Westport, drive through the Burren, an area of rocky limestone hills where

several unique flowers thrive. This region also contains many dolmens, prehistoric

monuments formed by large limestone slabs. Continue your travel 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. Transfer to your hotel in Ennis, check in and settle into your room. This evening, meet your group in the hotel restaurant for dinner.

OVERNIGHT: TEMPLE GATE HOTEL, ENNIS or similar

Spend the entire day at leisure to rest or sightsee and explore Ennis, which combines the very best of the old and new. You might like to visit Ennis Friary, picturesquely set on an island at a point where the River Fergus divides. Or perhaps, you may like to explore Ennis’ narrow pedestrianized streets, quaint shop fronts and traditional markets. In the evening, you might like to dine in one of the many restaurants or pubs that Ennis has to offer.

OVERNIGHT: TEMPLE GATE HOTEL, ENNIS or similar

Leaving Spanish Point, drive into Athlone and stop at Sean’s Bar, Ireland’s oldest Pub, to have a drink with your fellow travelers. After, take in beautiful scenic views of Ireland’s landscapes as you journey through historic towns and rolling hills into the busting city of Dublin. Upon arrival, stop to tour Guinness Storehouse to see exhibits on how this world-famous stout was first created and why it is so popular today. Finish your visit in the roof-top bar, where you can sample a draft of Guinness. Motor a short distance to your hotel, check in and spend some time at leisure to freshen up before joining your group for a wonderful farewell dinner at a local restaurant or pub.

OVERNIGHT: ASHLING HOTEL, DUBLIN or similar

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.