Ireland - The Wonders of West Cork

Saturday 17th April

Following our pickups we head off, with a stop enroute to Holyhead to meet the 2.10pm ferry. We arrive in Dublin at 5.30pm and head straight to our overnight hotel, the Talbot Hotel Stillorgan. (Please bring a SMALL overnight bag as main luggage will be left on the coach overnight)
Evening meal will be around 7.00pm, then time to relax.

Sunday

We have a relaxed departure this morning to commence our journey to Rosscarbery. We plan a stop in Cahir, a lovely town situated on the River Suir in County Tipperary; Cahir Castle is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval castles in Ireland, we then have a short stop in Blarney before heading on to our base for the next four nights, The Celtic Ross Hotel. We check in to our hotel with time to relax prior to our evening meal.

Monday

Today we visit Cobh, a picturesque, seaport town in County Cork, located on Great Island in Cork Harbour. Famous for its brightly colored Victorian houses, steep hills, and rich maritime heritage, it is globally recognized as the Titanic’s final port of call in 1912 before its ill-fated voyage across the Atlantic. We visit theTitanic Experience, a unique experience located in the historic White Star Line Building - the very place from where Titanic’s last passengers departed. We take a guided tour and retrace the footsteps of the Queenstown passengers. Featuring real passenger stories and eyewitness accounts of the tragedy. We return to our hotel with time to relax prior to our evening meal.

Tuesday

Following breakfast this morning we pay a visit to Kinsale, a charming coastal town in County Cork on Ireland’s southwest coast, celebrated for its colourful streets, historic harbour, and vibrant food scene. Often called the gourmet capital of Ireland, Kinsale is known for its excellent seafood restaurants, lively cafés, and annual culinary festivals. The town’s rich maritime heritage is reflected in landmarks such as Charles Fort, a well-preserved 17th-century star-shaped fortress overlooking the harbour. With its scenic waterfront, sailing culture, narrow winding lanes, and nearby beaches, Kinsale combines historic character with a relaxed seaside atmosphere that makes it one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations. We enjoy free time before a relaxing cruise around the harbour.

Wednesday

Mizen Head is Ireland’s most southwesterly point, located at the tip of the Mizen Peninsula. it is renowned for its dramatic Atlantic Ocean scenery, rugged cliffs, and powerful coastal views. The area is famous for the iconic Mizen Footbridge, which spans a deep rocky chasm leading to the old signal station that once warned ships navigating the dangerous waters around the coast. We experience the wild natural beauty, watch seabirds and marine life, and explore the visitor centre that highlights the region’s maritime history and geology. With its crashing waves, panoramic ocean vistas, and remote atmosphere, Mizen Head is one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal landmarks. We also visit the facinating Skibbereen Heritage Centre. The centre is especially known for its powerful exhibitions on the Great Famine, which had a devastating impact on the Skibbereen area and led to widespread emigration and hardship. Through interactive displays, photographs, genealogy resources, and local stories, we explore the region’s history, including maritime traditions, archaeology, and the lives of the people who shaped the community.

Thursday

Unfortunately we have to say goodbye to Rosscarbery as following breakfast we make our way back to Dunlin to meet the 3.15pm ferry, arrininv in Holyhead at 6.30pm we commence our journey back to Leeds.

Points to note:

Itinerary may be subject to change.

If you do not have an up to date European/Global Health Card (EHIC/GHIC) we do advise that you apply online, if you have a current EHIC card it is still valid until expiry date. To apply online you will need your National Insurance Number handy. This gives you the same health care entitlement as a Irish citizen if you were taken ill, although does not include repatriation, this should be covered in your travel insurance.

We do insist that travel insurance to include repatriation is obtained for the duration of your holiday to Ireland.
Passports are not required - only a form of ID ie a Driving licence or bus pass

The currency in the Republic of Ireland is the Euro.