Bantry Bay & the Ring of Kerry

The magical southwest corner of the Emerald Isle is a truly stunning place to escape to. Replete with charming fishing towns and villages, enchanting castles and slumbering seascapes, these verdant green hills embody the best of rural Ireland. We combine the peaceful countryside with the vibrant city of Dublin and discover more of the country's highlights during our charming break. Never again be lost for words after kissing the Stone of Eloquence, look out for seals on the ferry to the unique Garnish Island and absorb the breathtaking scenery of the Ring of Kerry.What's Included?
IncludesReturn coach travel & ferry crossings2 nights at a selected hotel in the Dublin area (JG3 rating) with dinner & breakfast*3 nights at a selected hotel (JG3 or JG4 rating) with dinner & breakfastExcursions to Blarney Castle, Killarney, Ring of Kerry, Garnish Island, Beara Peninsula & DublinFerry boat to Garnish IslandIrish coffee-making demonstrationEscorted by a tour manager in IrelandOptional locally guided city tour of Dublin (£16pp)*Please note: due to our early departure, breakfast on the final morning will be taken on the ferry.

Itinerary
Day 1We catch the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin where our tour manager joins us. We continue onwards to our overnight hotel in the Dublin area.Day 2 - Blarney Castle & BantryLeaving the hotel we head to the medieval Blarney Castle, one of Ireland's most famous visitor attractions. Here we have time to kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence, as well as browse Blarney town's Woollen Mills retail outlet. We then continue on to the Westlodge Hotel in the charming coastal town of Bantry, our base for the next three nights.Day 3 - Killarney & The Ring of KerryWe head to pretty Killarney, 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.Day 4 - Garnish Island & Beara PeninsulaThis morning 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. The world-renowned gardens contain an incredible range of exotic species that flourish in the unique microclimate.Afterwards, 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.Back at our hotel in the evening, we enjoy an Irish coffee-making demonstration.Day 5 - Dublin (with optional guided tour £16pp)Checking out of our hotel, we travel to Dublin where we spend an afternoon at leisure. Once Europe's fifth largest city with a history that stretches back over a thousand years, Dublin is now one of the most vibrant cities in the world with numerous friendly pubs serving up the perfect pint of Guinness. We also have the option to join a locally guided tour of the city before spending the night in our hotel in the Dublin area.Day 6We 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.Due to ferry times, coach pickup times may be very early in the morning.

Ring of Kerry
Discover the mystical and unspoilt region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years - the Ring of Kerry. Forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, the Ring of Kerry offers an incredible insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland with its Iron Age forts, historic monasteries and a landscape carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago.
See more.

Dublin
The fair city of Dublin is a beautiful medieval city, with a long and colourful past - its museums, art galleries and wonderful architecture, all chronicling its fascinating history.
Tracing its origins back to a small Viking settlement, it has much history to offer its visitors. See the Book of Kells, written around 800AD, one of the most beautifully illustrated manuscripts in the world or visit the many castles in the area.
See moreHotel Hotel
Westlodge Hotel, Bantry (JG3 rating)The Westlodge Hotel is situated on the edge of the market town of Bantry, overlooking beautiful Bantry Bay. Set in 23 acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel offers en-suite rooms with a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. There is also a bar, restaurant and leisure centre with indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and gym as well as a 9-hole pitch & putt course.Maritime Hotel, Bantry (JG4 rating)*The Maritime Hotel offers comfortable and stylish en suite rooms in a spectacular setting against the backdrop of the three rugged peninsulas of Mizen Head, Sheep's Head and Beara. Hotel facilities includes restaurant, wellness centre with indoor pool and free Wi-FI.*19th Oct date only\nThe West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen (JG3 rating)**The West Cork Hotel overlooks the peaceful llen River and is situated close to the centre of Skibbereen. The tranquil and friendly hotel offers en-suite rooms with a TV and tea and coffee-making facilities. Hotel facilities include a restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi in public areas.\n**29th Sept date onlySelected Hotel, Dublin (JG3 rating)We also spend the first and our last night of our break at a conveniently located hotel in the Dublin area.