Bantry Bay & the Ring of Kerry

We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin and continue onwards to our hotel in Bantry, our base for the next four nights.

Leaving the hotel we head to the medieval Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago by a powerful Irish magnate and now one of the country’s most famous visitor attractions. Millions have flocked here to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence and never again be lost for words, but there is so much more to see, including the atmospheric dungeons, a poison garden and the lovely countryside views from the battlements. We then continue on to our hotel in the charming coastal town of Bantry, our base for the next three nights.

Half Day

We head to pretty Killarney for some free time, 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. Possibly Ireland at its most scenic!

Full Day

This morning, 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.

Afterwards, 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. Designed by the landscape architect Harold Peto, the world-renowned gardens contain an incredible range of sculptures, fountains and exotic species that flourish in the unique microclimate.

Full Day

Checking out of our hotel, we head to Dublin for an afternoon at leisure, or alternatively opt to maximise your sightseeing in the city by joining the optional guided city tour. Just some of the sights here include the historic Temple Bar area, known as the entertainment and cultural quarter of Dublin, and Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland set in 40 acres of cobbled squares, gardens and parks. Later, we spend the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Half Day

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.

We fly to Dublin airport and transfer to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.

Leaving the hotel we head to the medieval Blarney Castle, built nearly 600 years ago by a powerful Irish magnate and now one of the country’s most famous visitor attractions. Millions have flocked here to kiss the legendary Stone of Eloquence and never again be lost for words, but there is so much more to see, including the atmospheric dungeons, a poison garden and the lovely countryside views from the battlements. We then continue on to our hotel in the charming coastal town of Bantry, our base for the next three nights.

Half Day

We head to pretty Killarney for some free time, 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. Possibly Ireland at its most scenic!

Full Day

This morning, 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.

Afterwards, 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. Designed by the landscape architect Harold Peto, the world-renowned gardens contain an incredible range of sculptures, fountains and exotic species that flourish in the unique microclimate.

Full Day

Checking out of our hotel, we head to Dublin for an afternoon at leisure, or alternatively opt to maximise your sightseeing in the city by joining the optional guided city tour. Just some of the sights here include the historic Temple Bar area, known as the entertainment and cultural quarter of Dublin, and Trinity College, the oldest university in Ireland set in 40 acres of cobbled squares, gardens and parks. Later, we spend the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.

Half Day

We transfer to Dublin airport for our return flight home.