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Ring Of Kerry, Killarney & Cork
Visit: Birr Castle and Gardens - The Village of Adare - Killarney - The Ring of Kerry - The Caha Pass - Glengariff and Garinish Island - West Cork Villages - Kinsale - Cork City - English Market - Rock Of Cashel
Savour the true tastes of Ireland on the Wild Atlantic Way.
This four day tour focuses on the wildest part of Ireland.
A region where the rugged coast deserves to win every beauty pageant there is. Where the local pubs are boisterous from noon until midnight. And where the castles look strong enough to fend off an entire empire.
But it’s not all completely wild. More and more people are coming here because of the fantastic seafood, milder climate, and exceptional quality of life.
So join this tour and experience the wild part of 'off the beaten' track Ireland.
Duration: 4-Day Tour (09.00-19.00 hours)
Schedule: Sunday (07/04/19-13/10/19)
Departing Dublin, you travel west through the Midlands and into the Slieve Bloom Mountains.
You arrive at Birr Castle and Gardens, a private home with extensive and beautiful grounds open to the public. Here you can learn about the bygone age of scientific discovery at the “Great Telescope”, the largest in the world for over 70 years.
As you say goodbye to Birr, the tour continues to “Ireland’s Prettiest Village”, Adare. This quaint spot has a superb collection of thatched cottages and ancient structures, including the ruins of a 15th century Franciscan Monastery, and Desmond Castle. From here, you drive to Killarney, your home for two nights. Tonight you can relax and enjoy top quality restaurants and local music in the vibrant bars.
Today you explore the sights of the Ring of Kerry, 100 miles of remarkable coastal scenery.
You depart Killarney and pass Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain. Joining the coast road offers plenty of photo stops, with spectacular views across the Dingle Peninsula.
Your guide will make the most of your time today so may stop at either Daniel O’Connell’s birthplace or Cahergal Ring Fort. After your historical excursion you lunch in the small fishing village of Portmagee. This spot is as beautiful as it is tasty. You can sample the fantastic local seafood or head to the island of Valentia, where you take the Skellig Experience.
In the afternoon, you stop for photos in Waterville, then make your way to Coonmakista Pass for one of the most superb views in Ireland.
The road then takes you down to sea level for a chance to see the home of Daniel O’Connell, Derrynane House. This stop gives you a chance to explore fine gardens and beaches, as well as the house the famous O’Connells lived in.
The tour continues around the Ring, stopping at Moll’s Gap and the Ladies View. You stroll along to the striking Torc Waterfall before arriving back in Killarney for the night.
Your morning starts with journey south through Kenmare and over the dramatic Caha Pass. You descend from the mountains to the myth-strewn waters of Bantry Bay.
The tour curves along the shore line to the village of Glengarriff, where you can take a quick boat trip past a large seal colony to Garinish Island. Here you can explore the immaculate gardens and woodland trails at your leisure.
In the afternoon, you follow the West Cork coastal route through Clonakilty and Timoleague before arriving in Kinsale for the night. This harbour town has an excellent reputation for food and drink: a perfect way to finish off a good day of exploring.
After a relaxed start, you depart from cosy Kinsale towards Cork. This city is cheerfully called ‘Ireland’s real capital’ and is built on an island in the River Lee. You can browse the English Market and its stalls, marvel at the French Gothic spires of St. Fin Barre's Cathedral or ring the magnificent Shandon Bells in the 300 year old tower of St. Anne’s Church.
In the afternoon, you begin your return journey to Dublin, stopping en route at the impressive Rock of Cashel. This geological wonder boasts an impressive medieval monastery complex sitting up on it. The limestone outcrops and superb architecture contribute to a real sense of awe. You set off from here and arrive back in Dublin in the evening.
