Day 1
We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where our tour manager joins us. We continue onwards to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.
Day 2 - Blarney Castle and Bantry
Leaving the hotel we head to the medieval Blarney Castle, one of Ireland’s most famous visitor attractions. Here we have time to kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence, as well as browse Blarney town’s Woollen Mills retail outlet. We then continue on to the Westlodge Hotel in the charming coastal town of Bantry, our base for the next three nights.
Day 3 - Killarney and The Ring of Kerry
We head to pretty Killarney, famed for its jaunting cars (horse-drawn carts) operated by the local jarvies that take visitors on guided tours of the town.
Our tour manager then takes us on a scenic guided tour of the Ring of Kerry, journeying through an untouched landscape of tranquil lakes and a skyline of dozing mountainous peaks, passing through charming towns such as Killorglin, Waterville and Kenmare.
Day 4 - Garnish Island and Beara Peninsula
This morning we board the small ferry boat which takes us to Garnish Island, a tranquil island garden located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay. The world renowned gardens contain an incredible range of exotic species that flourish in the unique micro climate.
Afterwards we head out on a scenic drive of the wildly beautiful Beara Peninsula which stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean. The breathtaking rural scenery includes mountains and valleys rich in archaeological sites such as mysterious stone circles, picturesque villages and towns and a spectacularly rugged coastline.
Back at our hotel in the evening, we enjoy an Irish coffee-making demonstration.
Day 5 - Dublin (with optional guided tour £16pp)
Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an afternoon at leisure. Once Europe’s fifth largest city with a history that stretches back over a thousand years, Dublin is now one of the most vibrant cities in the world with numerous friendly pubs serving up the perfect pint of Guinness. We also have the option to join a locally guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.
Day 6
We check out of our hotel very early to catch the ferry back to Holyhead; therefore a voucher will be provided to enjoy breakfast on board. On arrival in Holyhead, we continue our journey home.
Due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning.