Cork & Kerry – It doesn’t get better that this!

Ireland’s Gulf Stream Coast, the root of the Wild Atlantic Way, is a hideaway long loved by those in the know

With our guides you’ll hit the highlights – amazing scenery and unique experiences.

Day 1

Corkonians are known for their melodic voices, and none is more melodic than St Ann’s tower, whose Shandon bells you can ring – a taste of campanology.

Within earshot of the Bells of Shandon, the City Gaol’s grim gates are open now – the punishments of bygone days laid bare.  After this salutary visit, head to the vibrant and vivacious city centre.

In the centre of a maze of narrow lanes and broad boulevards The English Market has been the food shopping hub of the city since 1788.  Lunch on the very best of Irish Artisan foods and meet the makers and characters who make this such a special place.

Day 2

A day to explore Ancient Ireland

Kings of yore, patron saints and unparalleled beauty – the Rock of Cashel brings together Ireland’s long legacy and trademark stunning scenery.

Silhouetted against the sky, rising above the lush green fields of the surrounding countryside, the Rock is home to over 2,000 years of history, right at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East

Lunch at Mikey Ryans, in the shadow of the Rock, a traditional pub with an amazing chef.

Cahir Castle’s 12th century battlements have never known warfare, but have inspired many movie makers.

A highlight today will be a secret spiritual site, hidden deep in a glen of the Galtee Mountains, where Pagan and Christian traditions merge seamlessly.

Day 3

En route to West Cork swing by Drombeg, the finest stone circle of the West – If Stonehenge is a cathedral then this would have been a Bronze age parish church.

Then on to forage and lunch with a doyenne of artisan food at her West Cork smokehouse, discovering nature’s bounty along the shore and in the meadows.

Spend the afternoon at Bantry House and Garden a magnificent stately home overlooking Bantry Bay and The Beara Peninsula.

This evening one of Ireland’s finest traditional dancers will bring his troop to you to teach and demonstrate the joys of jigs and reels.

Day 4

Spend the day in Kinsale – stretching nearly 2 miles into the Atlantic off the coast of West Cork, this dramatic headland is one of Ireland’s most exceptional geographical formations.

Take a guided private boat tour and gain a fascinating insight into how the town has developed over the centuries. Experience a cruise to Kinsale’s outer harbour and along the Bandon River with music, snacks and guided commentary.

Meet with Clodagh Murray to explore the history of weaving, spinning and knitting in Ireland.

Lunch at Fishy Fishy

Spend the afternoon with a beekeeper in Kinsale

Day 5

Explore the Ring of Kerry, but not as others see it.  Visit Kells Bay Gardens, the creation of Billy Alexander, twice gold medal winner at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Skellig’s Chocolates, overlooking the Skellig rocks, a world heritage site that was used as a location in Star Wars, has the most delicious chocolates.

Sinead’s sheep farm in a hidden valley would be worth visiting for the beauty of the countryside.  It is even more delightful to see her working with her sheepdogs, Finn and Cody.

Day 6

Head to the port village of Dingle for an ancient Celtic experience with a local Druid who will tell you about Ireland’s olden religion and culture.  Enjoy an hour on a naomhóg – the traditional wooden boat used along the west coast of Ireland – and explore Dingle by sea. Slea Head offers everything from early Christian monasteries to the fashionable studios and ateliers, such as handbag creator Holden.  An Irish Whiskey tasting and a night of traditional music in a local pub to finish a perfect day.

Day 7

Take a traditional horse drawn jaunting car through the romantic Gap of Dunloe to Lord Brandon’s Cottage where a gourmet picnic awaits.

A small boat will bring you down the Lakes of Killarney to Muckross House, the heart of Killarney National Park, that once hosted Queen Victoria.

Day 8

Spend the day the morning on a Burren farm, set on nearly 500 acres in the heart of the Burren amidst dramatic geological landscapes, fascinating archaeological sites and unique habitats. There is so much to explore!

Along with learning about the Irish farmers life enjoy a rustic picnic brimming with farm fresh, local produce.

In the afternoon a local seanachie or storyteller will entertain you with ancient folklore.

Day 9

Aran Islands

Depart on private rib boat to Inisheer the smallest and most easterly of the Aran Islands located 8km off the coast of County Clare, it is an island of sheer beauty embedded in Irish history.

Meet an islander who will show you the Island, highlighting the traditional ways and teach you a few words of Irish.  You might even get to join in a game of Gaelic football or join one of the few remaining Aran sweater knitters for a cup of tea at her fireside.

Return to Droolin via The Cliffs of Moher where you can then hike along Guerin’s Path across the top of the Cliffs, well away from the razmataz of the public car parks.

Day 10

A visit to the beautiful historic house and gardens of the Earls of Barrymore before lunching in the 5* Cliff House Hotel, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.

In the afternoon take a private cruise up the salmon rich River Blackwater, past stately homes, and ancient monuments.  Visit the gardens of Tourin House, the home of the Jameson sisters whose ancestor found the famed distillery.  Then cross the river to Dromana for high tea.  Living history, the house has been the home of your hostess’ family since the 13th century.

Return home, refreshed, rejuvenated and an expert on all things Irish!

Our journeys are designed so that you can meet the people of Ireland and create your own memories to take home with you.  Although many of the tourist highlights are included, we avoid the tourist traps and bring you instead to the hidden Ireland, to places never found on standard itineraries, to places where you are a visitor, not a tourist!