Cape Clear Ferry
Garnish Island © Paul Lindsay
Bantry House © Fáilte Ireland Tourism Ireland Courtesy Brian Morrison and Gardens
Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm
Skibbereen Heritage Centre
UPDATED TOUR
Expect breathtaking scenery, wild seascapes and colourful villages on our scenic tour of County Cork and County Kerry. We also spend a day visiting beautiful Cape Clear Island and spend time at the Skibbereen Heritage Centre, Molly Gallivan’s Cottage, Garnish Island and stunning Bantry House & Gardens.
PACKAGED ITINERARY
Day 1 Arrival
We arrive at our hotel in time for dinner.
Day 2 Bantry House & Garden & Bantry
This morning, we visit Bantry House & Garden, a family home for the past 300 years. We have free time to explore the house and stunning formal gardens before enjoying a homemade lunch in the tearoom at leisure. In the afternoon, we spend the afternoon in the stunning resort of Bantry, with its semi-tropical flowers, palm trees, high mountain ridges and cascading mountain streams leading to an azure, blue sea.
Day 3 Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm, Kenmare & Garnish Island
This morning, we enjoy a visit to Molly Gallivan’s Cottage & Traditional Farm, where we enjoy a guided tour with tea/coffee and scones. Afterwards we set off for a scenic drive along the Atlantic Ocean, and touch into the rugged and spectacular Beara Peninsula, Ireland’s best kept secret to the town of Kenmare where we have time for lunch. This afternoon, we take the short Harbour Queen Ferry from Glengarriff to Garnish Island to see the beautiful gardens. Known around the world by horticulturists and tree lovers alike, this garden island makes a beautiful trip. Please note if you wanted, you could include a scenic drive of the Ring of Beara, however this would require an experienced driver.
Day 4 Cape Clear Island & Skibbereen Heritage Centre
This morning we head to Baltimore in County Cork from where we take a 40 minute ferry journey to Cape Clear Island, Ireland’s southern-most inhabited island, with a population of 130. The journey over offers splendid views and the chance to see any passing seals and dolphins. On arrival, we enjoy a 1-hour minibus tour of the 3 mile long by 1 mile wide rustic island, taking in its rich history and sites of interest, before we begin our return ferry journey back to the stunning fishing village of Baltimore. We enjoy free time for lunch here before we head to the Skibbereen Heritage Centre to enjoy a 1 hour guided tour of the Famine Exhibition, where we learn about the significance of Skibbereen in terms of Famine heritage.
Day 5 Departure
After breakfast, we make our way home.
A firm favourite the modern and contemporary 4-star Maritime Hotel occupies a prime position on the quayside in the waterfront town of Bantry and features wonderful décor and excellent standards of interior design. All 110 bedrooms provide a high level of comfort, and each is equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Serving Irish cuisine, the atmospheric restaurant overlooks the bay and there is a fabulous large bar with plenty of seating. There is also a cosy library lounge.
4 Nights Half Board
Twin from £478pp
Single Supplement from £147
Inclusions
• Return ferry crossing UK – Ireland
• Entrance to Bantry House & Gardens
• Guided tour & tea/coffee/scones at Molly Gallivan’s Cottage
• Return ferry to Garnish Island
• Return ferry crossing to Cape Clear Island
• 1 hour minibus tour of Cape Clear Island
• 1 hour guided tour of Skibbereen Heritage Centre
Please refer to your quote for hotel inclusions.
