Start your independent trip in Shannon or Dublin in a car of your choice. Plan your itinerary by selecting overnight stops from two options: B & Bs (farmhouses and town & country homes) or first class hotels. You can be assured of top quality lodgings and excellent value for money. If you wish we will prebook your first night near Shannon (this must be requested at time of booking only). The balance of your stay is on an open voucher basis to allow maximum flexibility in your vacation.

Program Advantages

Plan Your Own Itinerary

Select Overnight Stops From Over 1,700 Homes or 200 First Class Hotels

Upgrade to Superior and Deluxe Hotels as you travel

Receive Accommodation Directories and Guide Book

What This Program Includes

Self-Drive Car Vacation

Hertz self-drive car with unlimited mileage

Standard or automatic shift - full range of cars available

Pick up and drop off in Shannon or Dublin (Location Service Charge of €26 is included when you prepay car hire insurance)

Third party insurance and government tax (VAT) on car rental

Save on full insurance by prepaying CDW and TPI

Open vouchers for stays at bed & breakfast properties or at first class hotels

Full Irish breakfast daily

Rooms with private bath/shower

First night prebooked in Shannon area (must be requested at time of booking)

Go-as-you-Please hotel listing including upgrade properties

Town & country homes guide with 1,400 listings

Farmhouse B & B guide with 300 listings

Guide to Ireland with map (one per car)

Ireland at a Glimpse - discounts on visitor attractions

Hotel service charges and all local taxes

Homestays
Our program offers accommodation at more than 1,700 private homes located in every part of Ireland. Over 1,400 are members of the Town & Country Homes Association and 300 are with the Irish Farmhouse Holidays Association. All homes offer private bathroom facilities and a full Irish breakfast and are inspected regularly to maintain high standards. With so many homes to choose from, you should not experience problems in finding places to stay unless you are heading to a town where a festival is taking place.

Upgrade to hotels
You will receive our Go-as-you-Please hotel listing with your final documents so that you may choose to stay in any of the featured properties by paying the applicable supplement to the hotel.

Hotels
CIE Tours features over 100 hotels strategically located all around Ireland so that you can plan a touring vacation or stay in one region. This program offers first class (3*) hotels with a variety of old-world country inns and modern hotels. All hotels feature restaurants, bars, lounge facilities and many have leisure centers. Guestrooms have private baths or showers, TVs, hair-dryers and other comforts.

Superior and Deluxe Stays
Your hotel listing includes over 200 other hotels where you can upgrade by paying the supplementary charges listed in your hotel directory. Famous hotels such as Ashford and Dromoland Castles are included but may only be booked once you are in Ireland. If you prefer to prebook these and other deluxe hotels before leaving the United States, follow the link to Castle & Manor Hotels

Dublin Visit
Dublin is an extremely popular destination. As there are no country homes or farms in Dublin, the small number of city homes book up very quickly. Most of the Dublin hotels on our program require a supplemental charge to be paid directly to the hotel. If you wish to incorporate a Dublin stay into your vacation, consider prebooking our Dublin at Leisure package for a 2-night stay or individual nights. Follow link to Dublin at Leisure

Travel Guides

Guide to Ireland
A 104-page pocket-sized guide packed with information on sightseeing, restaurants, shopping, history and events all around Ireland. A fold-out map and suggested itineraries will assist you in planning your trip.

Ireland at a Glimpse
A guide to over 100 attractions with 2-for-1 vouchers to save you up to 50% off admission fees. Select from museums, castles, gardens, stately homes and heritage centers all around Ireland.

Shannon Castle Banquets & Ceili
Enhance your travel experience with a night out in the Shannon region. Bunratty and Knappogue Castle banquets cost $76 per person. Dunguaire Castle and "Ceili" are $69 per person

Bunratty Castle. Climb the steps of the 15th century castle for a welcome by the Lords and Ladies of the Castle. Dine medieval-style in the Great Hall on five courses washed down with pitchers of wine and listen to harmonious tunes.

Knappogue Castle. Another 15th century fortress throws its doors open to welcome you with a feast and wine served at long tables. The entertainment is a celebration of Irish women throughout history told in story and song.

Dunguaire Castle. Located close to Galway Bay, there has been a castle on this site since the 7th century. Here enjoy a welcome glass of mead, followed by a medieval banquet where Ireland's long literary heritage is celebrated.

Ceili. Set in a barn in Bunratty Folk Park, this evening brings some home-style Irish cooking with wine. See a lively display of traditional and contemporary Irish dance, music and song.