Exploring South West Ireland

Day 1 - Tuesday 29^th April - Céad míle fáilte - One Hundred Thousand Welcomes

This morning, your private guide will meet you at your hotel and after some short introductions you will begin your journey to Ireland’s South West. En route, you’ll stop at the Rock of Cashel, an immaculately preserved cathedral overlooking the sweeping landscape below. Enjoy lunch before continuing to Cork, known throughout Ireland as the “Rebel County”. Your accommodation is nestled within beautiful walled gardens and is the perfect start to your southwest adventure.

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: x2 Manor King
Meals Included: Lunch

Day 2 - Wednesday 30^th April - Food & Fort Tours in 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. Today you’ll 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 town stories, enjoy fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and vibrant produce from nearby farms. A visit to the 17th-century star-shaped Charles Fort is a perfect end to your day here before returning to the city.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the night before. 

Overnight: Cork | Hayfield Manor
Room Type: x2 Manor King
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 3 - Thursday 1^st May - Blarney Castle & Killarney

Today you will journey further north, to the Kingdom of Kerry, where you’ll stop at Blarney Castle & Gardens. To kiss the famous Blarney Stone is to gain the gift of eloquence. Stroll around the stunning gardens and rich history of this iconic landmark. It’s a perfect blend of captivating folklore and breathtaking scenery that truly captures the spirit of Ireland. Continue to Killarney, known worldwide for its live music, and traditional pubs and home to one of Ireland’s most stunning National Parks.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the night before. 

Overnight: Killarney | Randles Hotel
Room Type: x2 Signature Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4 - Friday 2^nd May - Killarney National Park By Land & By Water

Killarney National Park is the jewel in Kerry’s crown, here you will board a boat with Dux and his canine friend and cruise the tranquil lakes of Killarney with one of the most spectacular backdrops imaginable as you are overlooked by Ireland’s highest mountain peaks. Back on solid ground, step back into the past at Muckross Traditional Farms and visit a very different Ireland – the Ireland of the 1930s and 1940s. Then, a trip to the well was still a daily chore for the housewife and electricity had yet to be introduced to the countryside.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the night before. 

Overnight: Killarney | Randles Hotel
Room Type: x2 Signature Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5 - Saturday 3^rd May - Highlights & Hidden Gems along The Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry is often used as a substitute name for the Iveragh Peninsula, but more properly it refers to the 175-kilometre road that encircles this vast, scenic leg of land on the southwest of the island. Your guide will lead you on explorations around the Peninsula today. Your first stop is the Skellig Six 18 Distillery where you’ll meet a local storyteller and discover the science and art of crafting Irish Whiskey, all while learning the history and mythology of this ancient land. After a delicious lunch in a nearby pub, you’ll take a spin out to the nearby Valentia Island, a step back in time. On the rugged and exposed elements of the southwest coast is Valentia Lighthouse, a beacon of safety to many a seaward traveller. There are even prehistoric fossilised footprints to discover.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the night before. 

Overnight: Killarney | Randles Hotel
Room Type: x2 Signature Deluxe
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6 - Sunday 4^th May - Return to Dublin

This morning, Fergus will drop you back to The Shelbourne in Dublin. We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and we look forward to welcoming you to our shores once again.

Your guide will discuss your departure time with you the night before. 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 7 - Monday 5^th May - Co. Down

This morning, Fergus will meet Tim & Nina at the Shelbourne and take you to Co. Down to discover the area of Dromore and Tim’s family roots.

Meals Included: Lunch