Full Irish – 7 Day Private Tour
Monday
Today we drive from the east coast to the west and enter Galway, known as the “City of Tribes”. This is in memory of the 14 merchant families who dominated the political & commercial landscape of Galway in medieval times.
Our Galway experience will commence with her Cathedral, with it’s wonderful display of Connemara Marble. The Cathedral of Our Lady and St Nicholas is commonly known as Galway Cathedral. It is truly the most awe-inspiring building in the city.
We’ll stroll around Ireland’s favourite city and enjoy the vibrant Shop Street as well as a leisurely lunch.
We’ll wander to Spiddal Craft Village where we can watch your personal souvenirs being crafted by some of our country’s most skilled craftsmen.
Our day will be topped off perfectly with an evening Irish Dancing Show, “Mise Éire” at 8.30.
Overnight Galway.
Tuesday
It is time for us to delve into our adventure of the wild and rugged Connemara! Enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery, lakes, mountains and bogs as we traverse our way through the majestic region.
We’ll visit Connemara National Park & enjoy a lively stroll to Diamond Hill, from where we get panaromic views of Western Connemara and the Twelve Bens.
Kylemore Abbey with its splendid Victorian Walled Garden is a must see. The Abbey which overlooks Lough Pollacappul is the most photographed spot in all of Ireland. Originally built as a castle in 1867 by Mitchell Henry who drew inspiration from his love for his wife Margeret and his hopes for his beloved Ireland, it became home to the Benedictine Nuns in 1920.
We also have a special treat for film buffs… A visit to the quaint village of Cong, the location for The Quiet Man movie!
Then, what better way to cap off your Irish evening than with an Irish Whiskey Trail.
Overnight Galway.
Wednesday
Today we head south to County Clare and traverse through the unique lunar like landscape of The Burren. Option to see Poulnabrone Dolmen or Portal Tomb which is the oldest dated megalithic monument in Ireland.
Onwards to the majestic Cliffs of Moher, Ireland’s number 1 tourist attraction.
Option to take a cruise around the cliffs from the nearby Doolin and get amazing close up views of the cliffs & seabirds.
The mystical Cliffs of Moher have stood proudly facing the Atlantic for almost 400 million years and their beauty is awesome. Overnight Dromoland Castle or Ennis.
Thursday
It’s time to travel to the iconic Bunratty Castle & Folk Park. From the Vikings to the Normans, great Irish Earls and Gentry, this site has been occupied for over 1,000 years. This is our chance to experience the acclaimed 15th century Bunratty Castle experience and explore the 19th century Bunratty Folk Park.
Awaiting us after our Bunratty experience will be the stunning little village of Adare. This townland was founded all the way back in the 13th century. Adare is abound with a rich history and a strong heritage, which remain ever present in its monuments, thatched cottages and people.
If time allows, we can choose between a Walk, Cycle or Horse & Carriage Ride as your preferred way to explore the Killarney National Park and take a moment to witness the beautiful Torc Waterfall.
Overnight Killarney.
Friday
It’s time to be blown away again with some of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way!
Immerse yourself in the heavenly splendour of “The Ring of Kerry“, a scenic drive all around the Iveragh Peninsula.
Along this luxury tour of our most iconic Peninsula, you will be swept off your feet again and again! Make sure not to forget that camera!!
Savour the splendid views along the Skellig Ring, selected by Lonely Planet as one of the Top 10 driving routes in the WHOLE WORLD!
Experience the raw, wild, magnificent scenery from the Kerry Cliffs with amazing views of Skellig Michael on the horizon.
Thanks to your local experienced guide, you will have access to all of the best spots for that perfect picture.
Overnight Cork City.
Saturday
You can’t overstate the beauty in the quaint seaside village of Cobh. A heritage town that is known for her majestic Cathedral as well as being the final port of call for the Titanic in 1912.
We’ll then venture on to Blarney, home to the well known Blarney Castle and Gardens. If you are brave enough to climb the 127 steps to the top, you can kiss the famous Blarney Stone and acquire the Irish “Gift of the Gab”, for ever more!
Afterwards, stroll across to Shopping Paradise, The Blarney Woolen Mills which offers a huge range of all things Irish.
We will finish our day in the Rebel county in the beautiful seaside town of Kinsale, which is one of the most sought after living destinations in the whole of Ireland. We can visit the massive star shaped structure Charles Fort, a historical landmark as stunning as the day it was built … in the 17th century.
Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking views of the Atlantic to be had only from the Old Head of Kinsale
Overnight Cork City.
Sunday
Our final day before whisking you back to Dublin airport will not be a wasted one.
Say goodbye to Cork and lets head to The Rock of Cashel in Ireland’s “premier” county of Tipperary.
The famous Rock of Cashel (Carraig Phádraig), or more formally St. Patrick’s Rock, is also known as Cashel of the Kings and is recognized as the best preserved medieval site in all of Europe.
This unique site is also home to a 12th century Round Tower and Chapel plus a 13th century Cathedral. This crowning jewel of Ireland’s “Ancient East” is a fitting end to a magical week …Don’t you agree?
Southern Star – 7 Day
Monday
Fly into Shannon or Cork Airport
Day One puts us on a path often less travelled … but full of Southern charm!
First up, the idyllic fishing village of Cobh. A heritage town that is known for her Cathedral as well as being the final port of call for the Titanic in 1912.
For whiskey-lovers the Jameson Distillery in Midleton is a must-stop…Especially with your own driver!
We’ll visit the famous Blarney Castle and Gardens. If you are brave enough to kiss the Blarney stone it’s said you receive the Irish “Gift of the Gab”.
We’ll finish our day in the world’s largest Irish shop, the Blarney Woolen Mills!!
Overnight Cork City.
Tuesday
Our second day starts off in nature with a stroll around the magical Gougane Barra National Forest Park.
After working up an appetite, we will visit The English Market in the heart of Cork city. An amazing array of smells and treats to satisfy every taste. Cork people will argue that their city is the REAL capital of Ireland…..After spending a day here, you will find it hard to argue.
We can wander through the gorgeous side streets, shop in high end stores and visit any of the city’s attractions. A timeless favourite is a walk around the beautiful Quad in our University, founded all the way back in 1845.
Overnight Cork City.
Wednesday
After the hustle and bustle of the city, day 3 will begin our adventure west. We’ll head to Kinsale to experience the colourful streets of this charming town, home to some of Ireland’s most beautiful (and expensive) houses.
Whilst in Kinsale, we will set off on foot to Charles Fort, a historical Irish landmark built in the year 1682. This star shaped fort has been preserved from the 17th century. It is like stepping back in time 350 years.
The mystique of Charles Fort is matched by the scenery provided by the “Old Head” that follows. This unique peninsula is home to Ireland’s most famed golf course as well as some of the best views of the Atlantic.
Overnight Cork City.
Thursday
It is time to bid farewell to Cork as the county of Kerry awaits. Killarney National Park offers us the perfect introduction to the Kingdom (Kerry’s nickname). Choose between a Walk, Cycle or Horse & Carriage Ride as your preferred way to explore the Park.
Kerry’s charm will only continue to grow in the afternoon with a trip around Muckross House and Gardens.
Throughout our day we will get spectacular views of the beautiful Lakes of Killarney, Torc Waterfall, Ladies View and more.
Overnight Killarney.
Friday
Let’s truly experience Kerry in all her beauty by setting-off on “The Ring of Kerry“, a scenic drive all around the Iveragh Peninsula.
Upon seeing the countless views along your private luxury tour of this Peninsula, you will be swept off your feet again and again! Make sure not to forget that camera!!
The Skellig Ring, The Kerry Cliffs & Valentia Island are some of the main attractions along this road. And thanks to your local experienced guide with his years of experience (as well as being a Kerryman), you will have access to all of the best spots for that perfect picture.
Overnight Ballinskelligs, Cahirciveen or Waterville.
Saturday
Today we have the option of a boat trip to the Skellig Rocks. This well preserved monastic settlement dates back to the 6th century. It is one of only 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Ireland.
More recently, Skellig Michael was the location for 2 episodes of Star Wars; The Force Awakens (2014)and The Last Jedi (2015).
Your Saturday evening offers the option of a round of golf in Waterville Links. This top-ranked links is one of those coastal courses that Ireland is world renowned for.
Overnight Ballinskelligs, Cahirciveen or Waterville.
Sunday
After a traditional Sunday morning “Full Irish Breakfast“, we’ll bring our enchanting trip along The Ring of Kerry to a close.
We’ve reserved some highlights on your final day for you to remember; Coomaciste Pass, Derrynane Harbour and Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O Connell, one of the great figures in modern Irish history.
We will conclude with a couple of strolls around the beguiling villages of Sneem and Kenmare, before whisking you back to the People’s Republic of Cork for your departure home.