The Ring of Kerry and South West Ireland

Upon arrival in Ireland, meet your tour manager and transfer by coach to your hotel.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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