Cork

The Ring of Kerry provides an amazing insight into Ireland’s ancient past. See the stone forts, standing stones, and a landscape carved out of rock by the last ice age, some 10,000 years ago. Detailed Itinerary Sneem: Make a stop in one of Ireland's most colorful and charming villages. You’ll see 2 village squares and a beautiful bridge in the village center. This is where the River Sneem meets the currents of Kenmare Bay. Killorglin: Pass through Killorglin, the home of the ancient Celtic festival known as the Puck Fair. Dating back to 1613, this is one of the oldest festivals in the world, and where a goat is crowned king of the village! Dingle Bay: Take in the amazing views of Dingle Bay, famous Inch Beach, and on a clear day, possibly even the Blasket Islands off the wild Atlantic coast. Waterville: Admire this picturesque little village that sits overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay and the Skellig Rocks with their early Christian monastery. Charlie Chaplin loved Watereville and was a frequent visitor. See the statue in his honor, unveiled in 1998. Killarney National Park: See what is probably the most beautiful and admired national park in Ireland, and take in the views of the Lakes of Killarney and the Black Valley during stops at Molls Gap and Leprechaun Crossing. Torc Waterfall: Stop at the lovely 18-meter-high waterfall that cascades through the wooded Friar's Glenn, and admire this site of natural beauty. Killarney: Take some time to relax in Killarney and grab some refreshments before departing for Cork.

Your tour on Ireland’s west coast begins in the morning with a check-in at the Bridge Street tourist office in Cork city. Head off on a drive to Limerick, the capital of the mid-western region, with a stop on the banks of the River Shannon. Continue on the way to the Cliffs of Moher, where you’ll have a stop to explore this site of incredible natural beauty. Receive a complimentary ticket to see the award-winning Atlantic Edge exhibit, which examines the mighty Cliffs of Moher from a variety of perspectives. Next, your driver will take you along the Atlantic coast, as you enjoy stunning views of Galway Bay and the Aran Islands. Travel through the Burren region, and take in the unusual sight of its unique rocky landscape. Then you’ll make a short stop at Bunratty Castle before the pleasant return drive to Cork city, passing through the rolling hills of the Golden Vale en route. Arrive back in Cork in the evening.

Your excursion begins with a scenic drive to Blarney, where you’ll have plenty of time to visit the world-famous Blarney Castle and its gardens, and to kiss the Blarney Stone. Explore the magnificent gardens and visit the witch of Blarney. If you like, you can indulge in some tax-free shopping at the Blarney Wollen Mills, Ireland's biggest craft shop. Your 5-hour tour then continues to Great Island, where you’ll visit the town of Cobh. Cobh is situated on Cork’s harbor and is best known as the point of embarkation for millions of Irish emigrants leaving Ireland in the 1800s and 1900s. It was also the Titanic’s last stop. Enjoy some free time in Cobh, where you can visit magnificent St. Coleman's Cathedral, or choose the optional, award-winning Titanic Experience, an exhibition in the original White Star Line building. The tour ends when you return to Cork city center at around 17:30.

Set on 15 acres of lovely grounds, the Jameson Experience is both an education and a cultural experience as soon as you step through its doors. You will discover the largest pot still in the world, the Angels Share, and of course, the finest of Irish whiskeys. Daytime tours operate 7 days all year round, except selected dates at Christmas. The journey begins with an audiovisual presentation, followed by a 1-hour guided tour through the original distillery. Your experience ends at the Jameson Bar with a glass of Jameson, a 3-part comparison whiskey tasting, and the chance to become a "Qualified Irish Whiskey Taster." After your tour, feel free to browse the Distillery gift shop, where you will find exclusive Jameson gifts to take home, such as the Jameson Distillery Edition, a superb whiskey exclusively for sale at Midleton. Make it even more special by having your bottle personalized as a great gift or memento of your visit.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin on a full-day tour south to the vibrant city of Cork. Kills the Blarney stone at Blarney Castle, admire Georgian buildings in the city center, and visit Cork Harbor to see a Victorian era train station and transatlantic terminal.   Depart by train from Heuston Station in the early morning for the InterCity service to Cork City. Upon arrival, head to Blarney Castle, where you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone and acquire the gift of eternal eloquence. Relax with some free time to shop and enjoy lunch in Blarney village. Head to Cork for a short city tour of Ireland’s southern capital, famous for its arts, music and literature scenes.  Built on the site of a 6th-century monastic settlement, the city center is full of Georgian buildings, 17th-century alleys, and dynamic new architecture. Continue your journey along Cork Harbour to Cobh, location of the Queenstown Story Heritage Center.  Set in a beautifully-restored railway station of the Victorian age, it was also the transatlantic terminal that served as the point of departure to the New World for generations of Irish emigrants, from the time of famine up to recent years. Transfer back to Cork City center to catch your return InterCity train back to Dublin, with a scheduled arrival at Heuston Station at in the evening. 

Take a 9-hour guided bus tour of the enchanting county of Kerry and admire magnificent scenery from soaring hills to rolling landscapes scattered with traditional stone walls. Enjoy the unsurpassed, rugged coastline and the buzz of the traditional town of Killarney. Board your bus at the meeting point in Cork, then feel Irish rural life from days gone by coming alive at your first stop at the Kerry Bog Village in Glenbeigh. Wander through thatched cottages, visit a traditional farmhouse, and meet the resident Irish wolfhounds. You might even choose to treat yourself to a little something to drink at the Red Fox Inn. From Glenbeigh, travel around the Iveragh Peninsula, along the most beautiful stretch of coastline. The next stops are at Waterville and Coomakista, two of Kerry’s most scenic spots with panoramic views stretching from the mountains to the sea. Look toward the ocean and catch a glimpse of the iconic Skellig Islands, Celtic pyramids reaching out from the sea. These natural monuments were famously featured in the recent Star Wars movie. Make your next stop on the famous Ring of Kerry in Sneem, a picturesque Irish seaside village nestled in the sheltered waters of Kenmare Bay with wonderful choices for a traditional Irish lunch. Choose bacon and cabbage — an Irish staple — or, since you are beside the sea, freshly-caught fish served with chips. Lunch is at your own expense. After the lunch stop, prepare for a drive you will never forget. Verging deep into the MacGillycuddy's Reek mountains and the moody Black Valley, numerous scenic viewpoints can be found along the route: Moll’s Gap mountain pass, Ladies View lookout (a favorite spot of Queen Victoria), and even a Leprechaun crossing. Along the shores of Lough Leane, drive through the woodlands of Ireland’s last native oak trees. Then, arrive in Killarney, often voted the most beautiful town in Ireland. Killarney has so much to offer. Opt to spend your time seeing the surrounding area from a traditional horse and cart or walk the streets soaking up the atmosphere. Finally, hop back on the bus for the return journey to Cork where you will be dropped off at the starting point.

Take the ferry from Baltimore or Schull and cross the beautiful waters of Roaring Water Bay. Arrive in the wonderful north harbor on Cape Clear Island and go by shuttle bus to Cape Clear Heritage Centre. There, learn the history of the island and Fastnet Rock. Spend some time exploring the island and its walking trails, stop at the spectacular lookout points and spot the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse in the distance. Be sure to enjoy some fresh island produce during lunch at one of the island’s bars and restaurants. After lunch, re-board the ferry and sit back as the experienced captain takes you further into the real Wild Atlantic Way. You might even catch a glimpse of whales and dolphins in the water. As you circumnavigate the tallest and widest rock lighthouse in Ireland and the UK, learn its history and importance from the onboard audio system. Hear about the “Teardrop” of Ireland, the last glimpse of the country that the immigrant ships saw before they headed over the horizon to the New World - America. Once Fastnet Rock has been circled twice (so that all passengers can get the perfect photo), head for home and enjoy the spectacular scenery until reaching the final port.

Set out on a walking tour accompanied by a local guide. In a one-hour stroll through the city centre you will learn about Cork's history as a transatlantic and European trading hub. Walk along the curved main street, following the route of the river beneath it. Marvel at Cork Opera House and across the river, see the shape of Shandon church, with its distinctive red and white brick bell tower and clockfaces. Next, stroll down Carey's Lane to visit the Hugenot cemetery, before heading to the Coal Quay and Cornmarket Street. Along the widest street in Cork, Grand Parade, see Bishop Lucy Park, the Berwick fountain and the National memorial. Hear about Nano Nagle and her extensive humanitarian work in bringing education to the poorest classes while standing on a footbridge named in her honour. Then, explore St Finbar's Cathedral, the South Gate Bridge and Elizabeth Fort. See the boathouse entrances in the leading business quarter of the city known as South Mall. Finish the tour in Princes Street, at the main entrance to Cork's fascinating English Market.

Go beyond the glass and open your eyes to some of the best parts of Cork City. Discover the rich history of the city, some of its beautiful parks, and a few of Cork's hidden secrets. This tour is guided by experienced guides and takes advantage of the parks, riverside pathways, and cycle lanes to give you the most enjoyable experience. Enjoy a peaceful cycle through Cork's parks and green areas, and enjoy the beauty while hearing the history of the city. Visit some of the many churches and cathedrals of Cork city, including its Elizabethan-aged fort. Learn about Cork's long history and some of its most famous individuals. Hear how cork influenced Ireland and the wider world. Hear about cultural and sporting Cork, its most famous actors musicians, and artists.

Take the ferry from Baltimore or Schull Harbour and cross the beautiful waters of Roaring Water Bay. Feel the fresh sea air against your face on a spectacular journey through some of Carbery’s Hundred Isles, some of which are inhabited. Scan the spectacular scenery and look out for whales and dolphins. Cape Clear or Cléire is the largest of these Islands and lies 6 miles from the mainland along the Wild Atlantic Way. With a population of 130 people, Cape Clear is Ireland’s most southerly inhabited island and is one of the few Gaeltacht speaking (Irish speaking) islands in the country. Arrive in the wonderful north harbor on Cape Clear Island and take a shuttle bus to Cape Clear heritage center. There, explore the history of the island and the interactive display about Fastnet Rock. This wild and romantic Island offers visitors an insight into a way of life that has long since disappeared from most of Ireland. Spend some free time exploring Cape Clear. Wander the walking trails, enjoy the spectacular lookout points and spot the 159-feet tall Fastnet Rock Lighthouse in the distance. Enjoy some fresh island produce during lunch at one of the island’s bars and restaurants before heading back.