Itinerary

Sun     We make an early start from Cornwall to catch the Irish Ferry from Pembroke to Rosslare in the afternoon. We complete the journey to our overnight hotel the 3 star Dooleys Hotel, Waterford.

Mon     After breakfast we make our way to Midleton, home of the Jameson Heritage Centre, part of the vast Irish Distillers group famous for Jameson, Bushmills, Tullamore Dew and the local Brew “Paddys”. We continue our journey to Blarney to visit the castle and take part in the long standing tradition of kissing the Blarney Stone to receive “the gift of eloquence”. We continue our journey to Bantry, to the Westlodge Hotel, our base for the next 5 nights.

Tue      A full day excursion along the Beara Peninsula, perhaps the most remote, is dotted with small fishing villages with stunning backdrops. We travel over the Caha Mountains and through Turner’s Rock Tunnels to Kenmare. Pass along the western shore of the Cloonee lakes through Lauragh, Adrgroom and Eyeries to Castletwonbere, once a haven for smugglers. We travel along the shores of Bantry Bay, through Adrigole to Glengarriff. Take a trip with the Harbour Queen Ferries to Garnish Island (Iinacullen), an Italianate garden that flourishes in this temperate climate, and perhaps glimpse the seals at play (Harbour Queen Ferry Included).

Wed     Today is at leisure giving you time to explore the pretty bay of Bantry. Visit Bantry House, home of the White Family also housing the French Armada Centre, enjoy a self guided tour of the beautiful gardens. You may wish to enjoy some relaxing time by the Bay taking in the wonderful views or stroll into the town to explore the traditional shops and restaurants.

Thu      Full day excursion to Killarney travelling over the Caha Mountains, through the Sheen Valley to Kenmare. We continue through Molls Gap to Ladies View with fabulous views of the Killarney Lakes. Once in Killarney you will have ample time to experience a jaunting car ride travelling through the National Park, or maybe join the Lily of Killarney for a cruise on the lake. St Marys Cathedral is also worth a visit. Our return journey will take us along the Cork Road to Glenflesk and south through the Loo Valley to Kenmare and our return to Bantry.

Fri       Today we travel to Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southerly point. We continue south via Durrus and Golleen enjoying fabulous views across to Clear Island and Fastnet Rock before climbing the sandstone cliff overlooking Barleycove. Visitiors to Mizen Vision may also walk down to the signal station, not for the faint hearted as to reach the island you must cross an arched bridge that spans the vast gulf over the sea below. Our return journey to Bantry takes us via Schull and Ballydehob.

Sat      We depart Bantry and travel via Bandon to Cork which, like Venice, has grown from a series of islands in a medieval marsh into a cosmopolitan city. We will have free time for a light lunch and some shopping before visiting the world famous Waterford Crystal Factory. We then continue the short journey to Rosslare and our overnight hotel the 3 star Crosbie Cedars.

Sun     Following an early breakfast we travel to the ferry port of Rosslare for the morning crossing to Pembroke and our return journey to Cornwall arriving home mid evening.

Terms

Single Room Supplement £90.00 per person.

A £100.00 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit/person is required at time of booking to secure your seat, the balance payable 6 weeks prior to departure.

Tour is subject to loading.

Passports are not required for this tour, but we do recommend that you take some form of Photographic Identity.

Total Price Includes:

* All Coach Travel * Holiday Insurance * Return Ferry Crossings * 7 Nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast * All excursions to Include Harbour Queen Ferry Other Admissions & Cruises are Optional * Free Parking at Depot * Central pick-up points in most towns & villages * Holiday Payment Scheme available upon request.