Adrianne Raia

There are few places in the world you can travel where expectations from photos and images meet reality. After visiting Ireland in person, I feel safe in saying that the beauty and splendor was not exaggerated, and truly earns the moniker of 'The Emerald Isle.' On my 7-night journey with CIE Tours, I experienced some of the most sought-after locations while traveling in comfort and style.

CIE stands for Córas Iompair Éireann, which is the Irish name for "Irish Transport Service" and is Ireland's largest and oldest tour operator, providing tours of Ireland since 1932! As we traveled from place to place, the respect our guides and hotel employees have for CIE Tours was evident, proving the care and respect CIE Tours has for their travelers and their country.

We had a private group of 26 that set off from Dublin to see the sights. I didn't know any of my travel companions prior to our journey, but throughout our days of the tour, we became friends, making memories together. Our Guide Patrick was a wealth of knowledge as he took us to see a wide range of sites, from the oldest Pub in the world, to the raw beauty in the Cliffs of Moher and the Ring of Kerry. I thought I knew quite a bit about Irish history prior to my visit, but between Patrick and our other guides, I left our trip with a new found appreciation for the grit and integrity of the Irish people. 

One of the best parts of a guided tour is being able to take in the scenery of the landscape as you are driven to your next destination. My suitcase was left outside my door each morning that we departed, and was in my room each day we arrived without me having to lift a finger! Breakfast was included each morning, with a hearty selection to get us started on our day. Several of our dinners were also included, so the only choice I had to think about was what to have for dessert. 

When my trip came to an end, the only thought I had was "When can I come back?" I know I only got to see just a small part of Ireland, and could easily spend months exploring the gorgeous green hillsides and cliffs. When I get ready to plan my next trip, CIE Tours will be the first call on my list. Do you want to join me?