Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

Your tour departs at 2:00 PM from the Clontarf Castle Hotel lobby, a short ride from Dublin Airport and a few miles north of Dublin city center. Discover central Dublin with a local guide, viewing elegant Georgian squares, public buildings, and monuments. Visit Experience Glasnevin at Ireland’s national cemetery – it’s a fascinating “who’s who” of modern Irish history. Join your group for a welcome drink followed by dinner in the castle hotel. (D)

Visit Strokestown Park to explore Ireland’s tragic history. Tour the National Famine Museum and then Strokestown House; the grand Georgian mansion will reveal the contrast between the luxurious lives of its residents and the destitution of their tenants. Stroll the park to see the walled gardens and woodlands. Next, a CIE Tours exclusive: visit Blakes of the Hollow Pub, a Victorian bar that retains many features original to its founding in 1887. Famed author John McGahern, a regular visitor, described it as “one of the happiest and most beautiful bars in the whole of Ireland”. Take a photo by its official “Game of Thrones” door highlighting the series’ sixth season. Continue your travels north to Donegal. With its windswept hills where only sheep can thrive, Donegal is renowned for woolen production and tweeds. (B, D)

Head to Teelin to reach the best viewing point of the Slieve League sea cliffs, the highest in Europe. Enjoy a CIE Tours exclusive experience: sip an Irish coffee as you take in the view from these impressive cliffs. Travel up through beautiful views of Donegal to reach Triona Design Donegal Tweed Center in Ardara, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner, where spinners and weavers will demonstrate their crafts. Soak in the atmosphere and enjoy dinner at Nancy’s Bar in Adarar before returning to your hotel in Donegal town, a busy little town that was once a Viking port. (B, D)

Discover the secrets that have made Belleek Pottery one of the most enduring success stories of Irish craftsmanship. Tour behind the scenes to see how this world-famous fine china is made. Travel on to Westport for a guided tour of Westport House. This privately owned manor home is a treasure trove of history, built on castle foundations that once belonged to Grace O’Malley, Ireland’s “Pirate Queen”. The evening is yours to dine and explore as you wish.. (B)

Visit a traditional farm to see highly skilled sheepdogs show off their talents at minding their herd. Continue on to Galway, for a walking tour of this vibrant city’s medieval heart. Take free time to explore before heading to Adare, where you’ll dine in your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Take a walking tour to explore the charm of Adare. With its many thatched cottages, it’s known as one of Ireland’s most picturesque towns. Drive to Listowel for tea and scones at John B. Keane’s, a pub once owned by one of Ireland’s most notable playwrights; many of his masterpieces were written in a room behind the bar. Continue on to Dingle; visit Murphy’s Ice Cream to taste some of their distinctly Irish flavors made with local ingredients, and then take free time to explore this friendly little town. Dine at your hotel this evening. (B, D)

Embark on a tour of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland’s most famous and popular scenic drive. Stop at Moriarty’s in the beautiful Gap of Dunloe, a CIE Tours preferred shopping partner. Continuing on the scenic drive, pause for panoramic mountain views at Moll’s Gap. Visit Killarney for free time to explore before returning to Tralee, where you may dine as you wish. (B)

Visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone or take a walk through the lovely parklands and colorful gardens. At the Abbey Tavern, enjoy an evening of traditional Irish cuisine and entertainment. (B, D)

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