The Ring Of Kerry And South West Ireland

Itinerary

Day 1

Fly to Ireland, meet your tour manager and transfer by coach to your hotel.  

Day 2

This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Bantry House, the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry, and still lived in by the family. Wonderfully situated overlooking the eponymous bay and set in magnificent Italian gardens inspired by the travels of the 2nd Earl, this house showcases eclectic antiques and artefacts from around the world. You’ll then head to Glengarriff. This delightful village, overlooking the waters of Bantry Bay and set against the backdrop of the rugged Caha Mountains, is a green oasis enjoying a balmy microclimate in which subtropical plants and even bamboos flourish. Explore its bars, cafés, and gift shops before taking a short boat trip across the bay to the renowned island gardens of Garnish. The gardens here are laid out in beautiful walks and offer floral colour from May right through until October. As the tour crosses the bay, you’ll also visit Seal Island, with its resident colony of seals who love to pose for photographs.

Day 3

Life slows right down this morning as we head to Killarney National Park. Here, you'll enjoy an hour-long ride in a horse-drawn jaunting car (Ireland's most traditional mode of transport, and the only kind allowed in the National Park). As you ramble along, you’ll learn about the history, legends, and folklore of the region. The ride ends at the edge of Lough Leane, close to Ross Castle, where you’ll board the Pride of the Lakes for a cruise on the Lough, to discover its scattered islands and lovely views while your experienced skipper regales you with facts about the flora, fauna, and historical heritage of the area. There really is no better way to enjoy the hidden delights of the park and the famous Killarney Lakes. You’ll then have a couple of hours free to enjoy the delightful town of Killarney at your leisure. Watch the world go by in one of the many pubs and cafés, or perhaps visit the magnificent St Mary’s cathedral.

Day 4

Today, you’ll head to lively, cosmopolitan Cork. The waterways, narrow alleys, Georgian avenues, and myriad of bridges make this historic maritime city a delight to explore. Highlights include triple-spired St Finn Barre’s cathedral and the English Market, where you'll discover an astonishing array of fresh produce. Afterwards, you’ll head to the historic and delightful seaside town of Cobh (pronounced Cove), the departure point for over three million Irish emigrants and the final port of call, in April 1912, for the ill-fated RMS Titanic. After time to enjoy lunch, you may choose to visit the excellent Heritage Centre (entrance fee payable locally), where a multi-media exhibition tells the emotive story of Irish emigration through to the 1950s and traces the town’s history back to the 1600s.

Day 5

A long but memorable day awaits, today, as you head to the celebrated Ring of Kerry. Stretching west from the picturesque town of Kenmare, this 110-mile circular route around the sublimely beautiful Iveragh Peninsula takes in a beguiling mix of stunning views and charming towns, rugged forest landscapes, tumbling waterfalls and the raging waters of the Atlantic. It's a rollercoaster of scenic wonder, and a feast of breathtaking land- and seascapes. During the day, you’ll cross the magnificent Coomakista Pass, with its views of the Kenmare River, see Macgillycuddy’s Reeks from Molls Gap and catch sight of the monastic marvel of Skellig Michael out in the Atlantic. You'll also have the chance to explore pretty Waterville and rugged Cahersiveen.

Day 6

Head back to the airport at the end of a wonderful few days in this beautiful and unspoiled part of Ireland. Back to top

Further Information

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour and 30 minutes.

Hotel spa treatments

To avoid disappointment, please book any treatments direct with the hotel prior to arrival.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Tipping

We are often asked about gratuities on our Irish holidays. At the end of a tour it is customary to give a coach driver around £2-3 per person per day and a Tour Manager around £3-5 per person per day; a gratuity of £1 per person per day for dining/waiting staff in your hotel will also be greatly appreciated. In a restaurant leave about 10% of a bill (no need to tip in a bar) and around £2 for services such as hairdressing.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel. Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names. Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date"). Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period. European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com. Back to top