The Liffords Self Drive - Kerry, West Cork & The Haven Coast

Cheris and Rob

Thursday 24^th April – Wednesday 30^th April 2025

Number of Travellers: 2

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Overview

From Cork’s hidden inlets, a unique foraging expedition on the Ring of Kerry to the wilds of the Beara Peninsula and a paradisal garden, this trip explores the secrets of Ireland’s beloved southwest regions of West Cork and Kerry on the Wild Atlantic Way.

Southwest Ireland has become a foodie hotspot in the last few years. Tickle your tastebuds on this Wild Atlantic Way culinary adventure through some of Ireland’s most delicious towns and villages, culminating in a visit to the vibrant town of Kinsale, the gourmet capital of Ireland. Though Cork and Kerry are some of Ireland’s most popular regions, we’ll take you off the beaten track to visit several of the most intriguing yet off-the-map locations favourited by locals.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 24^th April | Killarney National Park | Overnight: Killarney, Kerry

Day 2 | Friday 25^th April | The Ring of Kerry & Kerry Coast | Overnight: Killarney, Kerry

Day 3 | Saturday 26^th April | The Beara Peninsula | Overnight: Baltimore, Cork

Day 4 | Sunday 27^th April | Wilds of West Cork | Overnight: Baltimore, Cork

Day 5 | Monday 28^th April | Colourful Kinsale | Overnight: Kinsale, Kerry

Day 6 | Tuesday 29^th April | Tastes of Kinsale | Overnight: Kinsale, Kerry

Day 7 | Wednesday 30^th April | Departure

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 24^th April - Killarney National Park

Pick up your car and make your way down to Killarney for your first day. Killarney National Park is the most famous of Ireland’s national parks – and with good reason! Discover some of Killarney’s most breathtaking mountains, lakes and waterfalls. Historic manor houses and abbeys makes for an interesting visit but Killarney is best explored via its beautiful looped forested and mountain hikes or by heading out onto the lakes of Killarney in a traditional boat.

Overnight: Killarney, Kerry | Old Weir Lodge
Room Type: Double Room
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Car Rental Pick Up Details Read More +

Car Rental Company: Enterprise (Car Rental) Ireland / National / ERAC Ireland Ltd
Booking Reference: 1786156230
Pick Up Location: Limerick 14 Upper William St Limerick, Ireland V94 C3F4 | Pick Up Time: 08:30
Phone: (01) 844 5848

Collect your rental from Limerick City Centre this morning.

Day 1 - Suggested Stops Read More +

Adare Village Voted “Ireland’s Prettiest Village” this is a great half way point to stop, stretch the legs and grab a bite to eat. Enjoy the quirky storefronts and thatched-roof cottages. We recommend Oak & Apple for lunch.

Ross Castle-Ross Castle perches in an inlet of Lough Leane. It is likely that the Irish chieftain O’Donoghue Mór built it in the fifteenth century. Legend has it that O’Donoghue still slumbers under the waters of the lake.

Day 1 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend Kitty O’Ses in Killarney.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Celtic Whiskey Bar or Treyvaud’s. For pubs, we recommend J.M Reidy’s and O’Connor’s.

Day 2 - Friday 25^th April - The Ring of Kerry & Kerry Coast

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and drive to Derrynane Harbour. At Derrynane Harbour, meet your guide at 11 am to join a foraging and foodie expert for a seaweed discovery and tasting walk to uncover the Kerry coast’s edible gems. Together, discover how to sustainably harvest these sea plants, learning how they earned their reputation as a super-food. Enjoy a few nibbles of seaweed yourself, including the flavoursome variety, Duilleasc, which sustained the monks on Skellig Island, the rock pinnacles rising dramatically from the sea on the horizon, or Nori, the famous Sushi roll wrapping.

Overnight: Killarney, Kerry | Old Weir Lodge
Room Type: Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Old Weir Lodge to Derrynane Harbour Read More +

Old Weir Lodge to Derrynane Harbour- Driving Directions

Day 2 - Seaweed Foraging Read More +

Activity: Seaweed Foraging

Start Location: Derrynane Harbour | Start Time: 11:00 | Approx Duration: 1 hrs
Phone: +353 (0)86 106 2110 | Website: http://www.atlanticirishseaweed.com/

Meet John today for a seaweed foraging experience.

Day 2 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend The Blind Piper in Derrynane or The Smugglers Inn in Waterville.

Day 2 - Suggested Stops Read More +

Valentia Island There is lots to see and do on this little corner of Ireland.

Derrynane House The ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell, lawyer, politician and statesman, and one of the great figures in modern Irish history.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Bricin or Mad Monk Restaurant.

Day 3 - Saturday 26^th April - The Beara Peninsula

The least visited of Kerry’s peninsulas, the Beara Peninsula is wonderfully wild. Along the way to an even wilder mountain pass, opt for the scenic rather than most direct route south which brings you to a paradisal island garden or even head over to an island accessed only by cable car.

Overnight: Baltimore, Cork | Caseys of Baltimore
Room Type: Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Suggest Driving Killarney to Baltimore Read More +

Killarney to Baltimore- Driving Directions

Day 3 - Suggested Stops Read More +

Kenmare Town- With the quaintest of shops, small pubs and a local chocolatier, this town is definitely worth a wander!

Allihies Copper Mine Museum– Allihies, the last village at the end of the beautiful Beara peninsula, sits between an impressive rocky mountain range and the rugged Atlantic coast. The saying ‘a view around every corner’ certainly applies here.

Day 3 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend lunch in the Copper Cafe, or stop for lunch in Kenmare Town at No. 35

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Bushes Bar and Restaurant for dinner.

Day 4 - Sunday 27^th April - Wilds of West Cork

Crafters, artists and artisan food producers have long since retreated to West Cork, creating a fascinating cultural mix in a magical setting. Explore West Cork’s remote corners with an expert guide on a hike best suited to your fitness level, coupled with a visit to some artesian galleries and delicatessens that add vibrancy to the region. Be sure to sample some of West Cork’s tasty cheeses!

Overnight: Baltimore, Cork | Caseys of Baltimore
Room Type: Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Directions from Casey's to the Creamery Read More +

Casey’s to The Creamery: Driving Directions

Day 4 - Guide Details - Julie Reeves Read More +

Name: Julie Reeves
Contact Number: +353 86 8035754
Meeting Place: The Creamery in Kilcrohane | Meeting Time: 10:00

You’ll meet Julie today for a day of hiking around West Cork. Meet Julie The Creamery in Kilcrohane at 10 AM. Julie will be in touch prior to today to confirm.

Day 4 - Lunch Details Read More +

Have lunch at the recommendation of your guide.

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

While you’re at it, squeeze a dinner recommendation or two as well!

Day 5 - Monday 28^th April - Colourful Kinsale

A foodie haven and the end of the Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale is a bolthole for Ireland’s most culinary-minded and its pretty harbour with mystical sea views is an idyllic place for an adventure. Follow a jaw-dropping coastal route through southwest Ireland as you learn of pirate invasions, famine and conflict. A visit to 17th century star-shaped Charles Fort or a sunset stroll along a waterside walkway is a perfect end to your day’s touring.

Overnight: Kinsale, Kerry | Long quay house
Room Type: Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 5 - Driving from Baltimore to Kinsale Read More +

Baltimore to Kinsale-Driving Route

Day 5 - Suggested Stops Read More +

Lusitania Museum– The Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower is proud to present this Calendar for 2025 to mark the 10 year anniversary of the Old Head Signal Tower restoration and the 110th anniversary of the sinking of RMS Lusitania.

Charles Fort-As one of the country’s largest military installations, Charles Fort has been part of some of the most momentous events of Irish history. During the Williamite Wars, for example, it withstood a 13-day siege before it fell. Later, in the Civil War of the early 1920s, anti-Treaty forces on the retreat burned it out.

Day 5 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend Seeds Bakery or Lemon Leaf.

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Malay Kitchen or Man Friday Kinsale.

Day 6 - Tuesday 29^th April - Tastes of Kinsale

Historically a medieval fishing port, Kinsale’s spectacular waterfront setting and candy-coloured houses, shops, and restaurants make for a glorious blend of old and new. Head to the Actons Hotel to meet your guide and embark on a delightful culinary journey where every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and local flavour. As your local guide regales you with stories of the town, enjoy fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and vibrant produce sourced from nearby farms. On your final evening, enjoy a stroll through the village or a browse in the stores before heading back to your accommodation.

Overnight: Kinsale, Kerry | Long quay house
Room Type: Double
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 6 - Private Kinsale food tour Read More +

Activity: Private Kinsale food tour

Start Location: Actons hotel | Start Time: 11:30
Phone: 00353(85)1076113 | Website: http://www.kinsalefoodtours.com/

Meet your local guide in the lobby of your accommodation at 11:30AM sharp. Come hungry!

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

We recommend Supper Club or The White Lady.

Day 7 - Wednesday 30^th April - Departure

Today, say goodbye to the wilds of southwest Ireland and the southern expanses of the Wild Atlantic Way. From here, you may for your friends along in Tipperary!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Car Rental Drop Off Details Read More +

Car Rental Company: Enterprise
Booking Reference: 1786156230
Drop Off Location: Shannon Airport Ground Floor Terminal Building Shannon Airport Shannon, Ireland V14 EE06 | Drop Off Time: 12:00
Phone: +353 (01) 844 5848

Your car rental will be due for drop off on May 2nd at 12:00PM at the Enterprise, Shannon Airport location.

The Liffords Self Drive - Kerry, West Cork & The Haven Coast

Cheris and Rob

Overview

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 24th April | Killarney National Park | Overnight: Killarney, Kerry

Day 2 | Friday 25th April | The Ring of Kerry & Kerry Coast | Overnight: Killarney, Kerry

Day 3 | Saturday 26th April | The Beara Peninsula | Overnight: Baltimore, Cork

Day 4 | Sunday 27th April | Wilds of West Cork | Overnight: Baltimore, Cork

Day 5 | Monday 28th April | Colourful Kinsale | Overnight: Kinsale, Kerry

Day 6 | Tuesday 29th April | Tastes of Kinsale | Overnight: Kinsale, Kerry

Day 7 | Wednesday 30th April | Departure