Welcome to Ireland! After landing at Dublin Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities and meet your private driver in the Arrivals Hall. They will be holding a sign with your name on it. Enjoy your comfortable ride with your knowledgeable driver who will guide you through the popular and hidden gems of Ireland.
Drive south of Dublin to see the delightful scenery of the Wicklow Mountains. This mountain range runs north to south across County Wicklow with its highest peak, Lugnaquilla, at 3039 feet. The entire mountain region is frequented, especially on weekends, by Dubliners, for its scenery and outdoor recreation.
Stop to visit the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough. The visitor center explains how St. Kevin founded this settlement at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland.
Stay in this luxurious 17th century manor home. Surrounded by 170 acres of parkland with lakes and gardens, this hotel provides the ultimate escape in Kilkenny. Lyrath Estate exudes elegance and provides a mix of traditional with restored architecture and new with its contemporary interior design.
Visit Kilkenny Castle, which stands high over Kilkenny City, overlooking the River Nore. The original Anglo-Norman stone castle was built for the 4th Earl of Pembroke, and it later became the residence for the Butler family and Earl of Ormond. The castle estate also boasts both formal and informal gardens.
Visit the Black Abbey, which was established in 1225 as one of the first houses of the Dominican Order in Ireland.
Visit the Smithwick's Experience to uncover the history of Smithwick's ale in Kilkenny, a city steeped in brewing tradition. Also, enjoy a taste of the fine Irish beer.
Travel to Cobh, where you can enjoy some free time to exploring this picturesque waterside town that was known as the last port of call for the ill-fated Titanic voyage in 1912.
Drive to Blarney, where you can visit Blarney Castle, built almost 600 years ago by Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy. Climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence”. Legend says that anyone who kisses the Blarney Stone will receive the gift of gab, or the ability to speak with fluency and persuasiveness.
This 73-bedroom hotel is a two-minute walk from the center of Kinsale, overlooking the scenic harbor. The Captains Table Restaurant specializes in local seafood, while the comfortable Lounge and the Waterfront Bar and Bistro serve delicious snacks for you to enjoy
Enjoy the charming seaside town of Kinsale. Originally a Georgian garrison town and harbor, it is a popular yachting center today. Roam around the steep streets with brightly-painted houses and flowers. In the town center you may like to view the Old Courthouse, now a regional museum. Travel a few miles outside the town to visit Charles Fort, which was built in the 1670s to protect the area against naval attack from the Continent.
Experience the most unspoiled scenery in Ireland as you weave through the country roads and stop at the idyllic villages of Skibbereen, Bantry, and Gougane Barra. Skibbereen is a quaint and scenic town off the bank of the River Ilen. Bantry, located at the mouth of the Bantry Bay, is a busy market town and fishing port. Gougane Barra offers rolling hills surrounding a lake, St. Finbarr’s Oratory, and a church out on an island in the middle of the lake. Admire country roads that kiss the Atlantic shore.
Travel by horse drawn jaunting car through the beautiful grounds of Killarney National Park to Ross Castle on the shores of Lough Leane.
This traditional hotel has been welcoming visitors since 1854. The hotel retains its glorious old-world style while offering guests a range of modern guest rooms. Enjoy fine cuisine in the elegant restaurant. Extensive gardens, a cozy bar and leisure facilities complete the experience.
Discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula on this circular route that forms part of the Wild Atlantic Way. It was 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.
Take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary.
Drive along the scenic coast of 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.
The balance of the day is completely at leisure in Galway. You may opt to see the principal sights of city such as the large modern cathedral set on an island on the River Corrib. Or perhaps you would like to view the Spanish Arch in the Claddagh area, the City Museum, National University of Galway and the Cathedral of Our Lady. Later in the day, you may wish to spend some time around Eyre Square, the hub of the city. Most of the shops are within easy reach and there are also many quaint pubs where Irish traditional music is played.
This hotel is a family owned hotel, located in the heart of Galway City. Lunch is served daily in the Harbour Bar & Restaurant with 4 course menu options available. Decorated with relaxing colors all rooms offer full amenities and modern comfort.
Walk into Sean's Bar, the oldest pub in Ireland, and join the uncountable number of visitors who have been stopping there for a drink, a chat and maybe a bit of music for more than a thousand years. The bar is located in the very heart of Ireland, on the banks of the beautiful River Shannon.
The remainder of the day is free to relax or sightsee and explore Dublin. There are plenty of museums of Irish interest such as the National Museum, the National Gallery or the Museum of Literature Ireland (MoLI). There are also plenty of shops along Nassau Street and the pedestrianized Grafton Street or Henry Street. You may like to explore Temple Bar or visit some of the traditional pubs. In the evening you are free to choose from one of the traditional or modern dinner venues located within the city.
This traditional hotel with a historic facade dates to 1863 and is within strolling distance of Grafton Street and Trinity College. The hotel exudes classic elegance and its 114 guest rooms have been fully refurbished and include luxurious touches.
Your private driver services will conclude at the end of the day. Ask your driver to reconfirm your return airport transfer, if applicable, before parting ways.
The Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass allows you to experience all the history and culture of Dublin easily. This two-day pass will take you around a loop to different stops and will take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Feel free to get off and explore any of Dublin’s most popular attractions! Stops include places like Guinness Storehouse, The Book of Kells in Trinity College, and Dublin Castle. Your native guide will provide live commentary along the way, pointing out all the famous points of interest, along with where famous Dubliners like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett spent their time. Included in your pass is a free Walking Tour of Dublin that departs from the Dublin Bus Head Office multiple times a day, and free entrance to the Little Museum of Dublin.
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.
The Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass allows you to experience all the history and culture of Dublin easily. This two-day pass will take you around a loop to different stops and will take approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. Feel free to get off and explore any of Dublin’s most popular attractions! Stops include places like Guinness Storehouse, The Book of Kells in Trinity College, and Dublin Castle. Your native guide will provide live commentary along the way, pointing out all the famous points of interest, along with where famous Dubliners like James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett spent their time. Included in your pass is a free Walking Tour of Dublin that departs from the Dublin Bus Head Office multiple times a day, and free entrance to the Little Museum of Dublin.
Enjoy a guided tour of the Old Jameson Distillery that will give you a real appreciation for the Jameson story, from their heritage and production process to their unique, iconic taste.
Your vacation ends after breakfast with a private transfer to Dublin Airport. We hope you had a fantastic time and wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.
CANCELLATIONS OR CHANGES
CANCELLATION PENALTIES:
Penalties are per person
Ireland Portions:
65 or more days prior to departure forfeiture of deposit
64-16 days prior 30% per person
15-8 days prior 50% per person
7-1 days prior 90% per person
Day of departure 100% per person
UK & Iceland Portions:
65 or more days prior to departure forfeiture of deposit
64-46 days prior 30% per person
45-31 days prior 50% per person
30 or less days prior 100% per person
Day of departure 100% per person
If clients cancel from one tour and rebook on another tour or another date, cancellation penalties will apply.
NOTIFICATION OF CANCELLATIONS: CIE Tours must be notified of cancellations either by phone or via email to privatedriver@cietours.com prior to tour departure. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure that any notification of cancellation is received by CIE Tours and notification shall be deemed to have taken place on the date of receipt by CIE Tours. Minimum cancellation penalty is the deposit amount.
B&B CANCELLATIONS: Any B&B accommodations booked using open B&B vouchers purchased from CIE Tours must be canceled directly through Bed & Breakfast Ireland’s website or with the homeowners.
AIR BOOKINGS & CANCELLATIONS: Terms of airfare purchased through CIE Tours are governed by each airline’s individual policies. As each airline’s cancellation conditions vary, details should be requested at time of booking, or check the airline’s website for their cancellation policy. In all cases, non-refundable airfare and instant purchase tickets are not eligible for refund.
CIE TOURS CANCELLATIONS: If it becomes necessary for CIE Tours to cancel a trip due to a Force Majeure Event, CIE Tours will immediately rebook the guest on a future departure date at no additional land cost, provided the new dates are within the same season and there are no changes to the program or provide a voucher for Future Travel Credit. CIE will not be liable and shall not provide a refund for cancellation, delay, rescheduling or other adjustment due to a Force Majeure Event. CIE Tours cannot accept responsibility for any additional costs or fees related to a canceled tour booking or for any cancellation penalties, change fees or fare increases related to air.
FUTURE TRAVEL CREDITS: Any Future Travel Credits issued will be in the value of the amount paid for the land portion of the trip. The Future Travel Credit is not redeemable for cash under any circumstances but can be transferred to another person.
UNUSED TOUR ARRANGEMENTS: CIE Tours cannot make refunds or exchanges for unused accommodations, services or features of any tour unless agreed upon in writing prior to departure.