Blarney Castle
Visit one of the Emerald Isle’s famous attractions and, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can ‘kiss’ the Blarney Stone!
Visit one of the Emerald Isle’s famous attractions and, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can ‘kiss’ the Blarney Stone!
Blarney village lies in the protective shadow of historic Blarney Castle. The castle was built in 2 sections and has a massive oblong keep, with battlements that are typically Irish in form. Below them the famous Blarney Stone is set in the wall, and to kiss it, one has to lean over backwards from the parapet walk of the battlements. Legend tells us that by doing so you receive the gift of eloquence.
Blarney is also home to Blarney Woollen Mills. The building, which dates back to 1793, is now one of the finest craft and gift centres in Ireland. Enjoy an Irish coffee and browse through the wide range of Irish clothing, crystal, linen and handicrafts.
A panoramic tour will introduce you to Cork, which began life as an island on the swampy estuary of the River Lee. Today, the Lee flows through the city in 2 main channels, so that you find yourself constantly crossing bridges. Cork City has become the shopping and commercial capital of the south, however as well as offering the many amenities of a large city, it still manages to retain the pleasant charm and friendliness of a country town. You will see the spires of St Finbarr’s Cathedral, the Old Courthouse, City Hall and the Bells of Shandon.
Cork Countryside and Kinsale - BEST SELLER
Tour Cork’s charming countryside and visit the pretty sailing town of Kinsale.
Tour Cork’s charming countryside and visit the pretty sailing town of Kinsale.
Travel via the Lee Tunnel and Five Mile Bridge to Charles Fort where a photo stop of Kinsale Harbour will be made. Arriving in Kinsale, you’ll have some free time to browse around the town - winner of the European prize for Tourism and the Environment, Entente Floreale, National Tidy Town and gourmet capital! It is a pretty little town, which lies snug between hills and valley.
As well as friendly locals, this region has some of the finest scenery in Ireland. Cork has lush valleys and a beautiful coastline. Drive through the countryside, through tunnels and over bridges and see small villages such as Dunderrow and Innishannon, where a photo stop will be made overlooking the Bandon River.
Lakemount Gardens and Jameson Distillery
Visit the private gardens of Lakemount and then Midleton, the town from which the famous rare Irish whiskey gets its name.
Visit the private gardens of Lakemount and then Midleton, the town from which the famous rare Irish whiskey gets its name.
Lakemount seems to blend seamlessly into its verdant landscape. Within this 2½-acre pocket of south west Ireland, owner Brian Cross has created one of the Republic’s flagship gardens with a quality of planting that has won him widespread acclaim. This exclusive tour will offer you the chance to visit these splendid private gardens. Immediately surrounding the house, his informal style of planting sits within a formal structure, and as you move through the garden, formality gives way to gently sweeping paths with deep beds flowing along their sides. Originally trained as an art teacher, Brian’s imagination seems limitless in his quest for contrasts, which range from the subtle to the wonderfully daring.
Following your visit, you’ll travel to the Jameson Whiskey Heritage Centre in Midleton. The award-winning centre is a lovingly-restored, 18th century distillery. You’ll be shown an audio-visual presentation which is followed by a guided tour through the old distillery. The old water wheel is still in perfect working order and the gleaming copper pot still is said to be the largest in the world. Your visit culminates in the Jameson Bar where you are invited to sample the world famous whiskey, before enjoying some free time to browse in the gift shop.
Panoramic Cork and Jameson Distillery
This delightful tour offers you the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic drive of Cork and visit the Jameson Distillery.
This delightful tour offers you the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic drive of Cork and visit the Jameson Distillery.
This panoramic tour of Cork will introduce you to the city that began life as an island on the swampy estuary of the River Lee, just upstream from Cork Harbour. Today the Lee flows through the city in 2 main channels, so that you constantly cross bridges. Cork City is a university city with a unique character, a city of jazz, film, opera and theatre, however it still retains the pleasant charm and friendliness of a country town. You will see the spires of St Finbarr’s Cathedral, the Old Courthouse, City Hall and the renowned Bells of Shandon.
Leaving the city, travel to the village of Midleton, where the famous rare Irish whiskey gets its name. Visiting the heart of the cherished whiskey making tradition, enjoy a 60 minute guided tour of the beautifully restored 18th century complex. Discover the history, then taste the product, in the atmosphere of a traditional Irish pub.
Cork Walk
Cork, a city of steeples and bridges was made for walking…...
Cork, a city of steeples and bridges was made for walking…...
Arriving by coach at the Imperial Hotel, you’ll commence your walk on the South Mall, one of the most gracious streets in the city. Then, cross Parnell Bridge with views of the elegant City Hall, the fluted columns of the Savings Bank, the modern lines of the College of Commerce and Morrison’s Island.
Strolling along the quays, you’ll see the slender spire of the Holy Trinity Church rising up across the River. Stop for a while at the Parliament Bridge and, as you approach the South Gate Bridge, the 3 spires of St Finbarr’s Cathedral suddenly come into view. A visit inside is included. Afterwards, it’s time to walk down Sharman-Crawford to Clarkes Bridge. Despite the bustling city surrounding it, this bridge remains tranquil and quaint.
Departing this quiet corner of the city, you’ll arrive in the hustle and bustle of the main thoroughfares. The classical limestone façade of the Courthouse, located in a street full of red brick buildings, is one of the most enduring sights of the city. As you walk on to North Main Street and through Castle Street, you’ll suddenly find yourself in a very cosmopolitan part of the city. Take time to explore the English Market, at almost 400 years old, this is one of Cork’s finest assets.
A Day in Killarney
Kilarney, the touchstone against which all other beauty spots in Ireland are popularly measured.
Kilarney, the touchstone against which all other beauty spots in Ireland are popularly measured.
Leaving Cork City behind, you’ll pass the busy market town of Macroom, whose castle dominates the centre of the town. Stop to enjoy a morning coffee in Ballyvourney, a Gaeltacht area where the Irish language is favoured and spoken more readily than English. Soon you’ll enter the Kingdom of Kerry with its spectacular scenery – a bewitching place of intense beauty against which the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountains, rise as an impressive backdrop. Travel to Kenmare and join the Ring of Kerry at Molls’ Gap. A photo stop will be made at Ladies View - probably the best location to enjoy the spectacular Lakes of Killarney.
Killarney is a charming landscape of lakes and wooded vales, rolling sandstone hills and rich green pastures. Enjoy a guided visit of Muckross House, a magnificent Victorian mansion and one of Ireland’s leading stately homes, which is located within Killarney National Park. The elegantly furnished rooms portray the lifestyles of the landed gentry, while downstairs in the basement one can experience the working conditions of the servants employed in the house. Then, step into the superb gardens at Muckross to admire the superb flora abundant with aroma and colour.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant followed by some free time in Killarney before your return journey.
Scenic Countryside
This popular tour takes you on a scenic discovery through the lush, green countryside of the Emerald Isle.
This popular tour takes you on a scenic discovery through the lush, green countryside of the Emerald Isle.
Setting off from Cobh, your tour skirts Cork Harbour and you’ll see the fine residences that dot the banks where it becomes the River Lee. You’ll then travel eastwards through the fertile farmlands to reach Youghal (pronounced Yawl), a seaport with medieval origins. There will be some free time here. Youghal was chosen as the setting for the film ‘Moby Dick’ in the 1950’s as it resembled a New England fishing port.
Your drive continues northwards through the Blackwater Valley into west Waterford and to Lismore. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph the handsome Lismore Castle, perched romantically above the river. The Castle is the Irish seat of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.
The return route turns in a southwesterly direction, taking in Tallow in the scenic River Bride Valley before crossing back into County Cork and ending in Cobh.
Scenic Kinsale by Sea - NEW
Experience the thrill of a sea safari boat ride, and visit the picturesque sailing town of Kinsale.
Experience the thrill of a sea safari boat ride, and visit the picturesque sailing town of Kinsale.
Climb aboard your safari vessel in Cobh, and enjoy the magnificent views only possible from the sea. Learn of the harbour’s history and enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife en route to Kinsale. View the Royal Cork Yacht Club, the oldest Yacht Club in the world, and enjoy the views of Camden Fort, Carlisle Fort and Roaches Point Lighthouse, all of which date from the 1800’s.
Travelling past the last pick up point of Titanic on her ill-fated voyage, your route continues, passing spectacular scenery all the way to the historic town of Kinsale, site of the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. On reaching Kinsale, you’ll make a brief photo stop at Charles Fort, before disembarking in the town centre to enjoy a 30 minute walking tour and some free time in this colourful cosmopolitan town.
Rejoin your skipper and board the vessel for your return journey to Cobh. In recent years animal lovers have been given a rare chance to see one of nature’s friendliest and peaceful creatures, the dolphin. As you travel back, your skipper will try to track down these wonderful marine mammals.