The Irish Pub Tour

Tour starts 2:00 PM at your Dublin hotel. Set out on an introductory tour of central Dublin, a friendly city famed for its wit and sense of fun. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with your group at The Church Café Bar & Restaurant; this converted building is where brewer Arthur Guinness was married, playwright Sean O’Casey was baptized, and where Handel practiced the organ before the first-ever public performance of his “Messiah” in 1742. (D)

Head to the small, historic city of Kilkenny for a guided walking tour along its Medieval Mile to experience its rich heritage, narrow streetscapes, and well-preserved merchants’ houses. Stop at one of its classic pubs. Smell the hops and enjoy a sample on a tour of Smithwick’s Experience, telling the story of the popular brewery in the heart of the city since 1710. Spend some free time browsing in charming Kilkenny before dinner. (B, D)

Travel on to visit Blarney Castle to kiss the famous stone, which legend promises will bestow the “Gift of the Gab” or explore the beautiful gardens. Pass through County Cork to the lively town of Killarney—a draw for visitors to Ireland since the 18th century—where you will have free time after dinner to explore some of its friendly pubs, many with live music. (B, D)

Head to the glorious Dingle Peninsula, made famous by two movies, Ryan’s Daughter and Far & Away, which showcased the wonderful scenery. Visit the South Pole Inn for an Irish coffee and learn about Tom Crean, an early explorer who bravely journeyed to the South Pole and opened the pub in 1927 after his return to Ireland. Visit a farm for an immersion into traditional farming life and watch skilled sheepdogs demonstrate their talents at herding. Enjoy some free time and lunch on your own in the town of Dingle. In the evening, head to the Celtic Whiskey Bar in Killarney for a tasting, chocolate pairing, and dinner. (B, D)

Embark on a ferry ride across the wide River Shannon Estuary. Take in the spectacular beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, soaring 700 feet above the Atlantic surf. Walk along the top of the cliffs for views across Galway Bay to Connemara and the Aran Islands. In the evening, have an early dinner at your hotel, then head out for a CIE Tours Exclusive: Private early access for a special evening of storytelling and traditional music by the turf fire at O’Connors Famous Pub in Salthill. (B, D)

Spend a leisurely morning and lunchtime exploring vibrant, artistic Galway as you please. Head to Athlone to cruise Lough Ree in a replica Viking knarr or timber ship, enjoying your choice of Irish coffee, whiskey or beer. Then visit Sean’s Bar for a CIE Tours Exclusive. Sean’s Bar is not only the oldest pub in Ireland; dating back to 900 AD, it’s the oldest in Europe, according to the Guinness Book of Records. The sloped floors (often covered with sawdust), candlelight, and turf fire pay nostalgic tribute to this pub’s rich history. Enjoy dinner in your Athlone hotel this evening. (B, D)

Enjoy the scenery of central Ireland as you head to Dublin on the east coast. Visit the Guinness Storehouse in the heart of the city – one of Ireland’s most popular attractions – and enjoy a sample of Ireland’s iconic brew as you enjoy the panoramic view from the seventh-floor Gravity Bar. In the evening, head to the Irish Whiskey Museum, for a private tour and tasting. In a CIE Tours Exclusive, you’ll enjoy a special after-hours experience with an informal dinner and music from a traditional band – and they’ll provide instruments so you can learn to play along. (B, D)

Your tour ends after breakfast. (B) B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner