THE BEST OF IRELAND

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 Enfield and
stop at the beautiful Johnstown Estate to enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast
with your group. Then, continue your journey into Galway and embark on
a panoramic tour to see the principal sights of the city. See the Spanish
Arch in the Claddagh area, the City Museum and the Cathedral of Our Lady,
which is built on the site of the former county jail. Motor a short distance
to your hotel, check in and settle into your room. In the evening, meet your
fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.

• Dinner
• Overnight: Park House Hotel, Galway

This morning, 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. Head back to your hotel in Galway, where
the balance of the day is free for individual pursuits and dining.

• Overnight: Park House Hotel, Galway

Leaving Galway, pass 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 drive 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. Following, take a short ferry ride across the River
Shannon Estuary before traveling into Killarney, where you will check into
your hotel for your stay. Tonight, join your group in the hotel restaurant for
dinner.

• Overnight: International Hotel, Killarney

After breakfast, travel to the Gap of Dunloe to visit Moriarty’s Gift Shop.
Since the shop opened in 1964, Moriarty’s has become a landmark
destination for shoppers. After, set off to explore the Ring of Kerry, which
consist of over 100 miles of marvelous scenery. See some of Ireland’s
highest peaks on one side of the road and a coastline scattered with golden
beaches and rocky headlands on the other. There will also be plenty of
stops to take-in the scenery and to snap photos. Continue your drive into
Waterville and stop to enjoy an authentic Irish lunch with your group at
Dooley’s Seafood Restaurant. Return to your hotel in Killarney for a free
evening.

• Overnight: International Hotel, Killarney

Today will possibly be the highlight of your tour – St. Patrick’s Day in
Ireland! After breakfast, set off on a horse-drawn jaunting car ride through
the grounds of the Killarney National Park. Then, visit Muckross House,
a 19th century mansion built for the Herbert family. View elegant rooms
and rich furnishings before strolling through the gardens. After, enjoy the
St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which takes over the center of Killarney. See the
colorful bands and decorated floats before taking part in various activities.
This is Ireland’s national holiday - so join in the fun! Head back to your
nearby hotel and spend the balance of the day at leisure. In the evening,
you might like to dine in one of the many charming dinner venues that
Killarney has to offer

• Overnight: International Hotel, Killarney

Departing Killarney, drive into Blarney, where you can climb the
battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence.”
Then, continue your journey into Kilkenny and set off on a guided walking
tour of the town. The humorous and informative guide will show you many
sites, which help make stories about the past come to life. Transfer to your
nearby hotel, check in and enjoy some free time before dining in the hotel
restaurant with your fellow travelers.

• Dinner
• Overnight: Ormonde Hotel, Kilkenny

Leaving Kilkenny, travel through Ireland’s rolling hills into Dublin. Take an
orientation drive around Dublin city center. See the main thoroughfares of
O’Connell Street, Nassau Street and some lovely public parks as you pass
by many historical sites. Then, 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. Drive a short distance to your hotel, check in and spend
the rest of the day free for independent exploring and dining.

• Overnight: Davenport Hotel, Dublin

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.