After comparing various escorted tours from different providers, we have decided to book a CIE tour of Ireland. It seems to be the best of the bunch, and, after reading some horror stories from other boards, we hope it will be a positive experience.

We are looking for some honest feedback on how well your tour was mangaged, and the overall experience of sightseeing, free time and shopping/dining opportunities.

Did you feel you were well taken care of?

Was this a better tour company than others you have experienced?

Was there anything you would change?

Finally, was it worth your investment?


Your feedback would be greatly appreciated!

My husband, mother-in-law and I went with CIE to Ireland last November. CIE was wonderful. I like the inclusive deals. We were never offered extra excursions but we did have a little free time, just enough, to walk around some of the towns on our own. We fell in love with Kilarney. Our motel was wonderful and it was right on the edge of town. A fantastic little pub was right next door. The only thing I didn't like was that they offer one triple per tour so many of us that had three people had to pay for a double and a single - which jacked our price up considerably. I wish CIE did more tours elsewhere or had a brother company!! Go with CIE - you won't be sorry.

My family and I have taken both the Odyssey and the Pub and Folk Tours with CIE and loved them both. Am planning to take the Odyssey again as the tour has changed since we last went about 4 years ago. I can't say enough about CIE; they are first class all the way. Even though we had a pretty burned out, disinterested guide on the second trip, the Pub and Folk, the tour itself was fabulous and the hotels, food, tours, and fellow travelers more than made up for our guide's less than enthusiastic leadership. Would highly recommend CIE anytime. Being vegetarian and traveling with a young teen was no problem during either tour.
Diane R.

CIE is without a doubt the best value for your money. I have been to both Scotland and Ireland with them and both experiences were excellent. They are based in Dublin and so have exceptional knowledge about their homeland. The hotels are a cut above other companies, they plan their evenings well (a nice balance of special events and free time), and they do not "hide" expenses. A class organization!

I agree with the others -- a wonderful company, and a wonderful trip to Ireland. Michael O'Brien, our driver and guide, was the BEST!! He was so full of knowlege, and jokes, and songs, and poetry. He watched over us like a mother hen, and complained bitterly if something at a sight was not just right -- like bathrooms not open. Meals were good, hotels decent, ratio of free time to touring time, perfect. As we progressed, the hotels got better each night -- I kind of liked that -- culminating in our last night's stay at a castle. Unbeknownst to us when I booked the tour, it was the ancestral castle of my husband's maternal line. First rate -- I highly recommend CIE.

Took our first tour with CIE and had the time of our lives. The itinerary was great, including several days in Northern Ireland. The guide(Michael)and the driver (John) were fabulous, witty, knowledgeable, patient. Being first time travelers, we really didn't know what to expect. We felt very well taken care of, by Michael and John and by all of the guides(Ronan McNamara in Derry is not to be missed), and by the staff in all of the hotels and attractions. We are saving for our next tour already!