Dreaming of an unforgettable trip to Ireland filled with castles, cozy pubs, and rolling green hills? In this episode of Theme Parks & Passports, hosts Heidi Mackey and Melissa Sanchez sit down with Megan Allen, Business Development Manager for CIE Tours, to explore why this nearly 100-year-old company is the gold standard for guided travel through Ireland, the UK, and beyond. From all-inclusive itineraries and small-group experiences to private driver options and heritage tours that trace your family roots, Megan shares insider tips on how to make the most of your journey. Whether you’re planning a multi-generational family trip, a romantic getaway, or your first adventure abroad, this episode uncovers how CIE’s local guides, cultural experiences, and seamless logistics make travel easy—and truly unforgettable.
Key Takeaways:
CIE Tours offers true all-inclusive Ireland travel — with most meals, top attractions, and front-of-the-line access included, travelers never face surprise costs or hidden fees.
Perfect for family and heritage travel — from multi-generational trips to customized ancestry tours, CIE helps families explore their Irish roots while connecting deeply with local culture and history.
Beyond Ireland: Explore the UK, Scotland, Wales, Iceland, and Italy — with local guides, small-group options, and even soft hiking tours, CIE delivers authentic, sustainable experiences across Europe.
Resources:
CIE Tours: https://www.cietours.com
CIE on Instagram: @cietours
Connect with Hosts:
This podcast! https://themeparksandpassports.com/
Melissa’s company, Spellbound Vacations, LLC: https://spellboundvacations.com/
Heidi’s company, House of Mackey Travel: https://houseofmackeytravel.com/
Melissa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spellbound_vacationsllc/
Heidi on Instagram: http://instagram.com/houseofmackeytravel
Key Episode Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Welcome to Theme Parks & Passports
[00:00:56] Introducing guest Megan Allen from CIE Tours
[00:01:14] Megan explains what CIE Tours is and how it became Ireland’s leading guided tour company
[00:02:58] What sets CIE Tours apart: nearly 100 years in business, all-inclusive pricing, and no surprise costs
[00:04:37] Example of top attractions included—like front-of-the-line access to the Book of Kells at Trinity College
[00:04:48] Overview of CIE’s most popular tours including Best of Ireland South and the Day Tripper based in Adair
[00:07:24] Private driver and custom family options for multi-generational and heritage travel
[00:08:02] Introduction of new “soft hiking” and small-group active tours in Ireland
[00:09:28] Heritage and cultural experiences included in every tour—from Irish dance dinners to interactive museums
[00:11:27] How to design a heritage trip by combining personal ancestry research with CIE’s custom team
[00:12:07] Expanding beyond Ireland: tours through Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, Iceland, and Italy
[00:15:21] Importance of using local guides in every destination to create authentic travel experiences
[00:16:27] Benefits of motor coach tours versus self-drive trips—comfort, learning, and stress-free travel
[00:19:31] Balancing downtime and sightseeing: flexible scheduling for families and multi-gen travelers
[00:24:26] Best times of year to visit Ireland and the UK—and why off-season travel is a hidden gem
[00:28:00] Fandom and film tourism: Game of Thrones, Outlander, and Harry Potter filming sites in CIE itineraries
[00:30:37] CIE’s commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly travel initiatives[00:31:39] “Would You Rather” travel edition—Irish coffee vs. afternoon tea in London
[00:34:47] Closing remarks and how to connect with CIE Tours or your travel advisors to plan your next adventure
Music is Homesick by Luke Bergs & Waesto and Ukulele Trip Version 60s