Celebrating 70 Years
Of Great Vacations

ESCORTED COACH TOURS - IRELAND

From $1,947
(Including Land & Air)

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Private Gala Dinner at Malahide Castle
• Stay in Dromoland & Ashford Castles
• National Folk Theatre
• Killeen House Restaurant
• Mount Usher Gardens
• Lough Corrib Boat Ride
• Muckross House & Folk Farm

• Your Day-by-Day Itinerary
• What Your Tour Includes
• Your Hotels
• Departure Dates & Rates
• Early Payment Discount
• General Conditions for All Tours

"Our Irish Supreme tour was 'Supreme' in every way! Dromoland and Ashford Castles were delightful experiences and the tour was well planned so that we saw a lot but yet had time to savor the deluxe hotels and great food."
~ Richard & Martha L., Chicago IL

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Shannon
Board your aircraft and fly through the night. Relax with inflight meals and entertainment as you cross the Atlantic.

Day 2: Shannon Arrival
Land at Shannon Airport where you pass immigration control, pick up your baggage and go through customs. In the Arrivals Hall locate the CIE Tours desk where your guide will welcome you to Ireland and escort you to nearby Dromoland Castle. Spend the balance of the day relaxing in this luxurious setting — use the leisure center, walk around the grounds or play a round of golf. In the evening meet your fellow travelers and sip a welcoming Irish coffee followed by a superb dinner in the castle's fine restaurant. (D)

Day 3: Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
This morning travel westward to view the Cliffs of Moher, a majestic limestone wall which stretches along the coast for five miles, formed by pounding Atlantic waves. Take a stroll to admire this natural wonder before continuing south along the coast via Milltown Malbay. At Killimer cross the River Shannon estuary by ferry. Journey through Listowel and the mountainous countryside of County Kerry to Killarney and check into your centrally located hotel. After dinner in your hotel take a short drive to Tralee to see Siamsa Tire, a folk dance performance depicting various aspects of country life (April 20 - October 10 departures). (B, D)

Day 4: Ring of Kerry Tour
Starting in Killarney, the Ring of Kerry tour squeezes magnificent views of mountains and Atlantic coastline into one peninsula. Plenty of stops on this 100-mile drive will enable you to enjoy the variety of breathtaking vistas and take some photos. Travel via Killorglin and Cahirciveen to the western tip of the peninsula and return to Killarney via the colorful village of Sneem. Stop at Moll's Gap for a panoramic view of Killarney, its three lakes and surrounding mountains. In the evening savor delicious cuisine at Killeen House Restaurant, located overlooking Killarney's largest lake, Lough Leane, and the town. (B, D)

Day 5: Muckross House & Folk Farm
An old-fashioned horse drawn jaunting car will bring you through the Killarney National Park, which is closed to motorized vehicles. Take a guided tour of Muckross House, an elegant 19th century mansion set beside the tranquil Muckross Lake. Visit the nearby Folk Farm to learn about traditional farming methods which enabled people to make a living from the soil in past centuries. Return to Killarney for a free afternoon to relax in your hotel or browse around the town of Killarney on your own. (B, D)

Day 6: Waterford Crystal & Wicklow
Leaving Killarney drive into the rich dairy farming country of Cork. Travel via the towns of Mallow and Lismore and the gentle Blackwater River valley to Waterford. Visit the Waterford Crystal Factory to watch skilled craftspeople form molten glass into delicate crystal and see the wide range of fine tableware and trophies displayed in the showrooms. Pass through County Wexford on the way to Wicklow. Arrive at your Victorian luxury hotel and relax in this historic mansion or wander through the charming gardens. Experience award-winning cuisine made from local produce and garden vegetables. (B, D)

Day 7: Mount Usher & Malahide Castle
A mid-morning departure will permit you to breakfast late or take a walk around the gardens. Nearby visit Mount Usher Gardens which were laid out in 1860 and contain over 5,000 different trees and plants. Then stop at a farm for tea and home-baked scones and talk to the owners. Drive into the Wicklow Mountains to the 6th century monastic site of Glendalough. Learn about the monastic way of life and see the many ruins of churches and a round tower. Cross the mountains into Dublin and check into your hotel. This evening's special venue is Malahide Castle for a private tour of this historic residence maintained by the Talbot family for over 800 years. Gather in the dining hall for an exclusive 6-course banquet of delicious dishes enhanced by the mellow strains of a string quartet. (B, D)

Day 8: Dublin Discovery
This morning a city sightseeing tour will introduce you to this capital city with its many historic buildings, delightful gardens and lively shopping streets. Drive around the principal areas and visit Dublin Castle, founded in the 13th century. Tour the State Apartments, which date mainly from the Georgian period and contain historical portraits and furnishings as well as shimmering Waterford crystal chandeliers. Finish your morning with a visit to Trinity College to view the 8th century manuscript of the Book of Kells. The afternoon and evening are free for independent activities and dining. (B)

Day 9: Belvedere House & Cong
Leave Dublin this morning and drive west through farming country and marketing towns. Near Mullingar stop to visit Belvedere House, a stately 18th century mansion set in a 160-acre estate. Tour the interior of the house which has been recently restored and opened to the public. Drive west to Ashford Castle to arrive by mid-afternoon so you can enjoy the luxury of the hotel, play golf, or take a stroll through the extensive grounds on the lakeshore. Dining in the castle is an elegant gastronomic experience and the Castle Dungeon provides spirited music afterwards. (B, D)

Day 10: Ashford & Connemara
This morning take some time to enjoy your world-class hotel, parts of which date from the 13th century. Today the hotel offers modern comforts and a range of sporting activities. Depart mid-morning to take a short drive through part of Connemara, a region known for its misty hills and free-ranging sheep. Stop to visit Kylemore Abbey, a 19th century mansion that is now a prestigious school for girls. Return to your hotel for a short boat ride on Lough Corrib from your hotel or take some leisure time around your hotel. Enjoy another superb dinner in the stately dining room. (B, D)

Day 11: Depart for Home
As today is the final day of your tour, depart your hotel to drive south via Headford and Ennis to Shannon Airport. Arrive by 10:30 am to check in for your transatlantic flight back to the United States. If you have booked flights with CIE Tours and need to arrive in Shannon earlier or later, a special transfer will be arranged. (B)

What Your Tour Includes

11 days/9 nights/17 meals

• Round trip flights between U.S. & Ireland
• Sightseeing by luxury coach throughout
• Services of a professional Irish tour director
• Deluxe and castle hotels with private bath/shower for 9 nights
• 9 full Irish breakfasts (B)
• 8 dinners (D) including
  - 6 table d'hote dinners
  - Dinner at Killeen House Restaurant in Killarney
  - Private gala 6-course dinner and tour at Malahide Castle
• Welcome Irish coffee reception in Dromoland Castle
• Tea and scones at an Irish farmhouse
• Ferry ride across the River Shannon
• Horse drawn jaunting car ride in Killarney
• Boat ride on Lough Corrib
• Performance at Siamsa Tire (National Folk Theatre) in Tralee (Apr 20 - Oct 10 departures)
• Visits and admissions to Cliffs of Moher, Muckross House and Folk Farm, Waterford Crystal Factory, Mount Usher Gardens, Glendalough Visitor Centre, Dublin Castle, Book of Kells at Trinity College, Belvedere House and Kylemore Abbey
• Deluxe flight bag, ticket wallet, luggage tags & strap
• All local taxes, hotel service charges & porterage for one suitcase per person

Your Hotels

Stay at the following (or similar):

• Dromoland Castle Hotel, Newmarket-on-Fergus (1 night)
• Killarney Park Hotel, Killarney (3 nights)
• Tinakilly Country House, Rathnew (1 night)
• Berkeley Court Hotel, Dublin (2 nights)
• Ashford Castle Hotel, Cong (2 nights)

Departure Dates & Rates

Early Payment Discount

Inclusive air prices reflect savings of between $85 & $170 per person when airfare is paid at least 90 days prior to departure. Book early and save. For travel from Chicago ask about special airfares with Aer Lingus.

General Conditions for All Tours