Greg and Marcia Hart West Cork Escape - Final Information

Greg & Marcia Hart

Saturday 24th August – Tuesday 27th August 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Overview

The undulating hills of West Cork meander across the narrow peninsula that stretches out into the Atlantic. Rugged coasts and sheep-shorn grass make for perfect walking country. West Cork is a region that values its food – particularly its cheese – above all else, making it a foodie’s paradise.

Rich in ancient history, Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) villages, and tranquil coves, this often-overlooked region is actually one of the finest places for outdoor enthusiasts to explore. The narrow country lanes and rural villages make West Cork feel like the place at the ends of the earth.

Highlights

  • Hike the Sheep's Head Way, named a European Destination of Excellence
  • Explore the bustle of Cork city and the vibrancy of colourful Kinsale
  • Take a visit to the remote Cape Clear Island where the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) culture & tradition is still strong

Day by Day

Day 1 - Saturday 24th August - Cork City and Bantry

Picking up your rental car from Dublin Airport this morning, you will leave the metropolitan capital behind in favour of the “capital of the south”, Cork. Discover the English Market, one of Europe’s oldest food markets, as a perfect place to discover fresh, local delicacies, from farmhouse cheeses and fresh seafood for which West Cork is world-famous, to locally-blended spices, and everything in between. Or hop in the car and head straight to the wee coastal village of Bantry to breathe in the salty air. Relax to the crash of waves while enjoying a seaside lunch overlooking the marina before driving a short stretch along the coast road to your accommodation.

Overnight: Bantry | Seaview House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Superior Double Room
Meals Included: None

Day 1 - Directions Read More +

Dublin Airport to Bantry via Cork: Driving Route.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 1 - Flight Details Read More +

Travel Date: August 23, 2024 | Airline: British Airways | Flight Number: 8921
Departure Airport: Glasgow | Departure Time: 08:35
Arrival Airport: Dublin | Arrival Time: 09:50

Day 2 - Sunday 25th August - Cape Clear Island

Off the coast of Baltimore is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island, and traditionally the last glimpse of Europe for those who once sailed to North America by ship. Cape Clear is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) island just 5 km long and 2 km wide. Hiking across the island, we’ll explore its ancient sites, spot the rich birdlife and perhaps even visit a herd of goats to taste some of their very own ice cream. On most days, the iconic silhouette of the dramatic Fastnet Rock Lighthouse can be seen to the northwest of the island. Wrap up your day by enjoying a refreshing drink overlooking the harbour to the soundtrack of waves crashing and seagulls calling.

*We recommend either ordering a packed lunch in your hotel the evening before or stopping by a local bakery or deli this morning to pick up provisions.

Overnight: Bantry | Seaview House Hotel & Spa
Room Type: Superior Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 2 - Guide Details - Kate Sullivan Read More +

Name: Kate Sullivan
Contact Number: +353 87 635 9744
Meeting Place: Baltimore Harbour | Meeting Time: 10:45

Be sure to pick up supplies for your lunch on route.

Day 2 - Ferry Details Read More +

Operator: Cape Clear Ferry
Contact Number: +353 28 391 59

Departure Port: Baltimore Pier | Departure Time: 11:00
Arrival Port: Cape Clear

Kate will meet you at Baltimore Harbour at 10:45am. Kate will coordinate pick up of your ferry tickets.

There is ample parking at the harbour (payable locally)

Day 2 - Ferry Details Read More +

Operator: Cape Clear Ferry
Contact Number: +353 28 391 59

Departure Port: Cape Clear | Departure Time: 16:00
Arrival Port: Baltimore Pier

Day 2 - Directions Read More +

Seaview House to Baltimore Pier: Driving Route.

Day 2 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommending ordering a packed lunch at your hotel for collection this morning. Alternatively, there are some great options to pick up a take away lunch in Bantry and Skibbereen, both of which you will be passing through.
Check out Mannings Emporium for one of our favourite stops Opening times vary please check online.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 3 - Monday 26th August - The Beara Peninsula and Kinsale

Today you are free to explore a final West Cork peninsula – The Beara Peninsula. In this breathtaking region, there are plenty of options for short walks, taking in some quiet coastal landscapes or the widening expanses of the Caha Mountains with views to Kerry’s Iveragh Peninsula and beyond. Spend time in the wee coastal village of Bantry where the spectacular views and the 17th century Bantry House are worth a visit.

Perhaps you might take the ferry out past the seal colony to the exotic, paradisal gardens of Garnish Island where world-renowned garden design fuses with native West Cork plants. Finish off your time in Cork with an overnight in the colourful harbour town of Kinsale in your hotel overlooking the marina.

Overnight: Kinsale | Perryville House
Room Type: Deluxe Double Room
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Directions Read More +

Seaview House to Perryville House: Driving Route.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Day 3 - Suggested stops and activity Read More +

We recommend you drive the Beara Peninsula clockwise for the best views. See attached for recommended stop along the Beara Route

Bantry House 
Garnish Island 

Day 3 - Suggested walks Read More +

Activity: Suggested walks
Beara Peninsula :
Website: https://bearatourism.com/things-to-do/beara-loop-walks

Our recommendations

Allihies Loops – 3 looped walks of varying length and difficulty.
Dursey Island – 14km looped walk Dursey Island

Day 4 - Tuesday 27th August - Return to Dublin

Taking your time after breakfast this morning, make your way back to Dublin to drop off your rental car and begin your journey to Newcastle, where your next adventure with Wilderness England awaits!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Directions Read More +

Perryville House to Dublin Airport: Driving Route.

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 3 nights accommodation in hand-picked, 4-star boutique hotels upgraded from the standard itinerary
  • All breakfasts
  • Activities stated in itinerary, incl. a day-long guided hike of Cape Clear Island and a visit to a local goat farm
  • Detailed itinerary, guide book, and map
  • Hiking route suggestions customised to your preferences and ability levels
  • Expert local suggestions for restaurants, activities
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for your day guide
  • Your rental car
Important Contact Numbers Read More
Wilderness Ireland Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm

EU: +353 (0)91 457 898
US: 844 235 6240


Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am

+353 (0)86 873 7223


Emergency Services

999

Important Additional Information Read More
  • Hiking Kit list Kit List - PDF: View Now
  • Eat | See | Stay - Eat - See - Stay - Cork - PDF: View Now
  • On Call Number - PDF: View Now
  • General Information Ireland - PDF: View Now

Get in Touch


Accommodation

Seaview House

Ballylickey | Bantry | Co. Cork |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0) 27 50073
Web: seaviewhousehotel.com

Perryville House

Long Quay | Kinsale | Cork |
P17 RK16 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)21 477 2731
Web: perryvillehouse.com