Cork Coastline & The Ring of Kerry

Itinerary:

Sunday
Depart Leyland at 10.00hrs for our journey to Holyhead to board the afternoon ferry to Dublin. Disembark and continue our journey to our overnight hotel.

Monday
Check out of our overnight hotel following breakfast for our journey to West Cork for our stay at the Maritime Hotel in Bantry with a suitable lunch stop en-route.

Tuesday
Today is a long but worthwhile day, following an early breakfast we drive the iconic Ring of Kerry Route. Join the route in Killarney travelling anti-clockwise, journey through Killorglin and Glenbeigh, wrap around the coast through Cahersiveen, Waterville and Sneem via Kenmare and Molls Gap back to Killarney. The circular route provides stunning vistas, delightful towns and villages, and roaring waters of the Atlantic along the way. Encounter quaint villages such as Sneem and Cahersiveen, known for their colourful houses and vibrant Irish atmosphere with photo opportunities and a stop to obtain lunch along the way.


Wednesday
This morning we take a scenic drive across the Beara Peninsula offering breathtaking views of Bantry Bay, the Kenmare River and the Atlantic Ocean. Visit Derreen Gardens, a beautiful 19th century woodland garden with paths winding through rare tropical plants and opening onto magnificent sea views. This afternoon we take to the waters on a Kenmare Bay boat trip with time to explore the colourful town.

Thursday
Today we have a driver day off. Kerry coaches will provide a ½ day coach and driver hire for our journey to Garnish Island. From our hotel take a scenic coastal journey offering sweeping views of the water and the Cara Mountains followed by a ferry across the sheltered waters of Glengarriff Harbour, a journey famous for its wildlife spotting to Garnish Island. Explore the world-renowned 37-acre island gardens, known for their unique microclimate, rare plant species, Italian Garden, and historic Martello Tower. Re-trace our steps and return to Bantry for time at leisure. Perhaps visit Bantry House and Gardens next door to the hotel, follow the towns signposted Heritage Loop Walks ranging from 2.5km to 5km plus, which can be linked together to form a walk of more than 20km or take to the waters on a boat trip to enjoy the spectacular views. Dotted around Bantry town you will find Heritage Information panels which detail the historical importance of different areas and artefacts about the town. Make sure to visit Ma Murphy's pub on New Street where you will find the old-style shop at the front of the pub, and Jennifer Evans' shop on The Quay another town treasure.


Friday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast and bid goodbye to our Maritime hosts, for the journey to our overnight hotel; the Clayton Hotel Leopardstown with a suitable lunch stop en-route.

Saturday
Check out of our hotel following breakfast. Head to Dublin port for our return crossing to Holyhead with free time in Dublin if time allows. Disembark in Holyhead to continue our journey home.

Important note: Please note that overnight hotels on this holiday do not offer porterage, passengers may wish to take an overnight bag with their essentials including medication etc. The mainstay Maritime hotel offers porterage.