Ireland - Bantry Bay

Sunday

Following our pickups we head off, with a stop en route to Holyhead to meet the 3.15pm ferry. We arrive in Dublin at 6.30pm and make our way to our overnight hotel, the Seven Oaks Hotel, Carlow. We will be straight in for our evening meal on arrival - then time to relax!

Monday

We depart at 10.00am following a hearty breakfast to commence our journey to Bantry.
On our journey we have a stop in Blarney, you might want to visit Blarney Castle (entrance not included), home to the legendary Blarney Stone, said to give the "gift of the gab" to those who kiss it. Alternatively for those who have already developed 'the gift' you might fancy some retail therapy in the famous Blarney Woollen Mills or enjoy a snack.
We check in to the Maritime Hotel for our next four nights, hoping to arrive around 5pm giving us time to unpack before our evening meal. The 4 star Maritime Hotel occupies a prime position on the quayside. All bedrooms provide a high level of comfort, and each is equipped with a TV, hairdryer and tea/coffee making facilities. Serving excellent food, the restaurant overlooks the bay and there is a large bar with plenty of seating, including a cosy snug area. Leisure facilities include an indoor swimming pool, sauna, spa bath, steam room and gym.

Tuesday

Breakfast served. Today we enjoy a scenic drive along the Atlantic Ocean, through the rugged and spectacular Beara Peninsula, Ireland's best kept secret. Less well known than the Ring of Kerry, the Ring of Beara is full of lush natural beauty, wild landscapes, unspoilt seascapes and friendly locals. We take in historic and colourful villages, including Adrigole and Castletownbere (where we spend free time for lunch.)

Wednesday

A leisurely departure following breakfast this morning as we make our way to Glengarriff to meet the ferry for a visit to Garnish Island & Italianate garden. A little free time in Glengarriff this afternoon before heading back to Bantry to relax prior to our evening meal.

Thursday

Breakfast served. A more relaxing day today with free time in Bantry! We are booked in as a group to Bantry House & Garden which is a short flat walk from our hotel. Bantry House has been a family home for the past 300 years. We have free time to explore the house and stunning formal gardens; you could treat yourselves to a homemade lunch or snack in the tearoom here or wait & enjoy some refreshments while exploring Bantry.

Friday

This morning we say goodbye to Bantry Bay & commence our journey back towards Dublin. We have a stop en route in Cobh, a historic port town in County Cork, famous as the Titanic's last port of call and a major departure point for Irish emigrants, with colourful houses climbing hills to St. Colman's Cathedral. We carry on our journey to Waterford & check in to Dooleys hotel for our final night on our Bantry tour.

Saturday

After a leisurely breakfast we check out & make our way to Dublin to meet the 2.45pm ferry, arriving back in Holyhead at 6.20pm to commence our journey back to Leeds. Please note that our itinerary may be subject to change.