The second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, Cork was designated European Capital of Culture for 2005 and celebrates its rich maritime heritage with a range of events and festivals throughout the year. This 8 day fly drive tour lets you sample the very best of the South West, exploring famous attractions like Blarney Castle and the region's stunning coastal peninsulas along with picturesque Killarney and Dingle in neighbouring Co. Kerry.
Days 1 & 2: Arrive in Cork and take a tour of the city and its attractions. Visit the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, amble around the English Market and ring the Shandon Bells before venturing further a field to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, sample the "Uisce Beatha" at Midleton Whiskey Distillery and visit the town of Cobh and learn about those 2.5million who left Ireland from here, for new lives across the Atlantic. At night-time, catch a show and sample the cheerful craic of Cork City.
Day 3: From Cork take the road into the neighbouring county of Kerry and out onto Ireland's most westerly point the Dingle Peninsula, a place of rugged timeless charm, where the film "Ryan's Daughter" was set. Explore Dingle's stunning sandy beaches, mountain roads and maybe meet up with the famous dolphin of Dingle Bay.
Day 4: From Dingle you'll head back east to one of Ireland's most popular spots; Killarney, set beside the stunning Lakeland scenery of the Killarney National Park. Take the day to explore this picturesque spot, with a horse and trap ride through the Gap of Dungloe, visit Muckross House and take a boat trip to the mystical Isle of Innisfallen.
Day 5: A day of driving around the Ring of Kerry, the scenic coastal drive around the Inveragh Peninsula. You'll pass picturesque locations like, Ballinskelligs, Valencia Island and Derrynane and pretty towns like Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Portmagee, Sneem and Kenmare, before bringing you back over the mountains into Killarney.
Day 6: Leaving Killarney, you'll take the mountain road back through Kenmare and into Co. Cork, taking a slight detour around the breathtaking Beara Peninsula, before heading out to Ireland's most southerly point; Mizen Head. Sticking to the coast you'll take the road through the fishing village of Schull, and on around the bay to the pretty little port of Baltimore.
Day 7: From Baltimore head to the town of Skibbereen to discover this town and West Cork's sad heritage during the famine years. Then continuing on the road back to Cork City, turn off towards the pretty towns of Timoleague and Ballinspittle before you come to the port of Kinsale. Visit its 17th Century fortress; Charles Fort, before spending the evening dining out in town, regarded as the culinary capital of Ireland.
Day 8: Return home from Cork Airport.
Lodging:
Clarion Hotel, Cork City (2 nights)
Benners Hotel, Kerry (1 night)
Fairview, Killarney (2 nights)
Casey's of Baltimore, Cork (1 night)
Trident Hotel, Cork (1 night)
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