Meet our host: CIE Tours
Discover the magic of Ireland with Wanderlust Journeys’ exclusive tour with Travel by La Buena Vida & CIE tours:
Wandering Shamrocks & Celtic Chaos.
This itinerary is custom-built to ensure a blast for both adults and families with children alike.
Come explore
with us!
A Private Journey Through the heart of Ireland
Join us on a memorable trip through the enchanting landscapes of Ireland. From whiskey and beer tastings to exploring the Ring of Kerry and the Cliffs of Moher, this trip is packed with incredible experiences. Enjoy dinner with entertainment, tour every city, and spend a night in an authentic castle. This is your chance to experience a private driver tour of Ireland at a fraction of the price.
Our Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Dublin
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, journey into County Wicklow to visit the 6th century monastic ruins of Glendalough. The visitor centre explains how St. Kevin founded this settlement at a time when Christianity was burgeoning throughout Ireland. Continue your travel into Kilkenny and stop to visit Kilkenny Castle, home of the Butlers, Earls and Dukes of Ormonde. The castle estate boasts both formal and informal gardens, which overlooks the Nore River.
Motor a short distance to your hotel, check in and settle into your room. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: ORMONDE HOTEL, KILKENNY
Day 3: Bunratty Folk Park
Leaving Shannon, drive into Bunratty to visit the Bunratty Folk Park, which comprises a collection of farmhouses from different regions of Ireland. Also, see a 19th century village street with a pub, school, general store and many other buildings where traditional lifestyles and crafts are demonstrated. Next, journey 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. After, take a short ferry ride across the River Shannon Estuary before continuing your travel into Killarney. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, settle into your room and spend the rest of the day free for independent exploring and dining.
OVERNIGHT: GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Day 2: Smithwick’s Experience
This morning, visit the Smithwick's Experience to uncover over 300 years of Smithwick's history along with discovering the business's innovative brewing practices. While here, enjoy a taste of the finished product. Next, drive into County Tipperary for photos of the Rock of Cashel. These majestic church ruins are clustered high on a limestone outcrop overlooking the surrounding countryside. After, continue your journey into Shannon and check into Dromoland Castle Hotel, one of Ireland's finest castle hotels. It is one of the few castle hotels that can trace its ownership back through history to Gaelic Irish families of royal heritage. The castle offers all guests deluxe accommodation and the experience of living as "Landed Gentry." Spend the balance of the afternoon relaxing in this lavish setting.
This evening, meet your fellow travelers for a superb dinner in Dromoland Castle's fine restaurant.
DINNER & OVERNIGHT: DROMOLAND CASTLE HOTEL, SHANNON
Day 4: Ring of Kerry
After breakfast, 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. Next, visit the Kissane Sheep Farm, a traditional working sheep farm run by John and Anne Kissane. Learn about sheep farming practices and see how the farmer herds his flocks. Head back to your hotel in Killarney, where you might like to relax or freshen up before a festive evening with your group.
Tonight, travel to Kate Kearney's Cottage, which is situated at the entrance of the Gap of Dunloe. Your Irish Night will consist of a superb meal and entertainment.
OVERNIGHT: GLENEAGLE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Day 5: Iconic Blarney Castle
Departing Killarney, drive into Blarney, where you can climb the battlements of Blarney Castle and kiss the famous "Stone of Eloquence." Next, travel into Midleton and stop to visit the Old Midleton Distillery. Discover how whiskey is made as you walk through the old buildings. At the end of your tour, enjoy a sample of the finished product. Continue your journey into Dublin, check into your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. This evening, you might like to dine in one of the city's lively dinner venues.
OVERNIGHT: ASHLING HOTEL, DUBLIN
Day 6: Dublin Sightseeing
Today, embark on 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. Stop to visit Teeling Distillery to learn about finely aged whiskey and sample the finish product. If time permits, you enjoy a cocktail or two at the Bang Bang Bar or grab some locally sourced food at the Phoenix Café. Then, continue on to visit Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, an 8th century illuminated manuscript of the gospels and the Old Library. Head back to your nearby hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before tonight's farewell festivities.
In the evening, drive to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner followed by a lively show of traditional Irish songs, dancing and music.
OVERNIGHT: ASHLING HOTEL, DUBLIN
RETURN TO THE UNITED STATES
All too soon, your vacation has come to its final day. Transfer to Dublin Airport in good time to check in for your flight.
Pricing & Inclusions:
$3,250 per person for double occupancy rooms.
Single occupancy rooms are $4,500. Quad and triple accommodations available upon request.
A non-refundable deposit of $250 per person is required at the time of booking.
Airfare and travel protection are not included in the price but are available at an additional cost.
Price Includes:
- Accommodations at listed hotels for 6 nights
- Private guide for our group, transportation by deluxe motorcoach, all touring listed in itinerary and required entrance fees
- 6 breakfasts and listed dinners (2 with entertainment)
- Personally hosted by Leslie Sobnosky with Travel by La Buena Vida