I had a wonderful experience in Ireland with CIE Tours! They took care of all the details including final documents that included a backpack, water bottle, luggage tags, baggage straps, converter, and name tags.
We were given plenty of shopping opportunities during the tour. Please note there is a VAT tax of 23% in Ireland. For purchases over €75 euro you can ask the retailer for a “long receipt” complete the information required on the receipt and drop off your envelope once you pass through security at the Dublin airport, and your credit card will be refunded within 4 weeks. https://www.planetpayment.com/countries/ireland
The plus side to traveling Ireland in November is less crowds. We were able to walk up and kiss the infamous Blarney Stone within 20 minutes. Summer travelers can wait as long as two hours to do this and would miss out on the unique gardens located on the castle grounds. Also, you may get to experience Christmas Markets as we did in Galway! https://www.christmasmarketgalway.com/christmas-market-galway2/
Our driver/tour guide name is Brian and he has been in the business for over 30 years. He is a very impressive guide and had great stories to share, history, and even sang to his 37 passengers on this tour. The locals call him the “Sheriff”.
All hotels on this tour were clean, accommodating, and sufficient. Our included meals on tour were tasty with traditional Irish cuisine options. The meals that we had on our own were also great considering our guide Brian’s advice to which restaurants he recommended.
We had to visit a couple pubs at night to get the true Irish experience and the local musicians did not disappoint. I found Ireland to be very friendly!
Our specific itinerary is a very busy one. I would not recommend this tour for someone that wants to take their time or stay in one area more than a couple nights. Some clients with mobility issues may miss out on certain attractions as getting to the Blarney Stone is a climb through a twisting stone stairway inside the castle with a rope to guide you.
Ireland is such a beautiful, magical country with a somber history and strong resilient people. They are pouring their efforts into incorporating solar, wind, and green energies for a sustainable future. We were told Ireland is the silicon valley of Europe with innovative technologies the Irish youth is bringing to the table.
The weather can change in a minute from a foggy haze to beautiful sunshine and you will find rainbows, mountains, and even some grazing sheep or cattle. CIE Tours is a well-oiled machine regarding this itinerary and our group was very well behaved. Great for a busy tour!
Day 1 Dublin City Tour | Teeling Whiskey Distillery
https://www.ireland.com/en-us/destinations/experiences/dublin/
https://www.teelingwhiskey.com/us/en/
Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane
Day 2 Glendalough | Dunbrody Famine Ship | Waterford
https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/glendalough-monastic-site-and-visitor-centre/
Dooley's Hotel Waterford
Day 3 Waterford Crystal | Cobh | Blarney Castle
https://www.ireland.com/en-us/destinations/county/waterford/waterford-city/
https://www.waterford.com/en-us
International Hotel Killarney (2 nts)
Day 4 Ring of Kerry | Killarney
https://www.ireland.com/en-us/destinations/regions/ring-of-kerry/
Day 5 Cliffs of Moher | Galway
https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/attractions/cliffs-of-moher/
Ardilaun Hotel
Day 6 Sheepdog Demonstration | Donegal | Derry
https://www.govisitdonegal.com/
https://www.ireland.com/en-us/destinations/county/londonderry/derry-londonderry/
Everglades Hotel
Day 7 Giant's Causeway | Titanic Belfast | Glyde Inn
https://www.ireland.com/en-us/things-to-do/attractions/giants-causeway/
https://www.titanicbelfast.com/
The Croke Park Hotel
Day 8 Tour Ends in Dublin