Southern discovery for the culturally curious


Day One: Cork

Morning

Kinsale Heritage Town Walk

Location: Kinsale
Duration: 1 hour

Information and entertainment is the key to the success of Kinsale Heritage Walks which provide a unique insight into the history and heritage of Kinsale, a town that mirrors the history of Ireland. It is an illustrated town walk, with a selection of unique photographs and maps which bring the past to life for the visitors. Dermot Ryan is a native of the town who can also portray life there since the 1940s. Kinsale Heritage Town Walks take place daily at 10.30am or by appointment.

Lunch

Kinsale Food and Foraging Tour

Location: Kinsale

Enjoy the tastes of Kinsale on this food and foraging tour that takes you to the coast foraging for wild seaweed, shellfish and plants. Ideal for the outdoor enthusiast and foodie. Visitors will meet at Sandycove where a sumptuous picnic will be waiting for them. It’s time to relax, take in the stunning views and enjoy some delicious food.

Afternoon

West Cork Farm Tours

Location Rosscarbery
Duration: 2 hours

These West Cork farming families will be delighted to welcome you and share their stories as you walk with them on the land they hold in trust for future generations. Whether you take a two-hour tour, or sign up for a more in-depth experience, you will quickly discover that their farming lives are intertwined with the seasons and landscapes of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Immerse yourself in the stories and scenery of a once famine-ravaged region now renowned for its delicious produce, and connect with the rhythms of rural life in a community where tradition and innovation go hand in hand. 

Dinner

Whale’s Tail Restaurant at Clonakilty Distillery Location

Location: Clonakilty

Before dinner enjoy a one hour fully guided evening tour including a cinematic experience and the opportunity to immerse your senses in a behind the scenes tour of a working distillery. Visitors will learn about the importance of the distillery’s Wild Atlantic location and the influence of this environment on their unique spirit collection. Then finish your day by dining in the award-winning the Whale’s Tail restaurant

Evening activity

Atlantic Sea Kayaking Night-time Trips

Location: Lough Hyne, Skibbereen or Reen Pier, Union Hall
Duration: 2.5 hours

Experience being out on the water from dusk until darkness. There is always something to make you gasp on this trip, the sounds of seabirds coming into roost, the sunset, the rising moon, the aromas of honeysuckle and gorse on the breeze, the panoply of stars overhead, the astonishing bio-luminescence, and the deep, dark peace and serenity of night. It is a trip which feeds body and soul.

Accommodation 

Inchydoney Island Lodge and Spa Grade (4*)

Location: Inchydoney, Clonakilty
 

Day Two: Cork - Kerry

Morning

Bantry House and Gardens

Location: Bantry
Duration: 1.5 hours 

Bantry House and Garden is a stately home situated on the Wild Atlantic Way overlooking Bantry Bay in the south west of Ireland. The house has been home to the Whites since 1739 and was opened to the public in 1946. Explore the formal garden, visit the house, enjoy a picnic basket from their tea room, and take in the important private collection of furniture and art. 

Lunch

Boathouse Bistro

Location: Kenmare

Afternoon 

Drive the Ring of Kerry

Location: Ring of Kerry
Duration: 4 hours + 

Cruise along the Ring of Kerry taking in the incredible experiences on offer along the Skellig Coast. Spot the majestic Skellig Islands from numerous vantage points along the route. Stop off with Atlantic Irish Seaweed in Caherdaniel to forage, find and feast on different seaweeds on Derrynane Beach. Or visit the Skellig Experience Centre which brings to life the incredible story of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Tour around Valentia Island, visiting the Lighthouse at Cromwell point and taking the car ferry back to the mainland.

Call into Skellig Six 18 Distillery and Visitor Experience to take a tour of the distillery and savour the tastes of the Atlantic as you pass through Cahersiveen. 

Dinner

Sol y Sombra

Location: Killorglin

Evening

Night-time Stand Up Paddleboarding in a Dark Sky Reserve

Location: Caragh Lake, Killorglin
Duration: 2 hours 

Experience stand up paddling under some of the best star gazing fields on the planet! The Kerry Dark Sky Reserve is the only gold tier reserve in the northern hemisphere and offers star gazing opportunities like no other on this wild SUP tour on Caragh Lake. Gliding out onto the glassy surface of the lake, the night sky blazing above in all its splendour, this is one of those moments you will never forget. It’s a gentle paddle, giving time to reflect and soak in the majesty of the universe. After paddling back to shore, the kettle goes on, the marshmallows come out and the fire warms your chilled toes. 

Accommodation 

Ard na Sidhe Grade (4*)

Location: Caragh Lake, Killorglin 

Day Three: Kerry - Limerick

Morning

Hire Electric Bikes and cycle the many paths in Killarney National Park

Location: Killarney National Park
Duration: 2 hours

Take in the stunning views of Killarney National Park by bike. Whether you prefer pedal power or electric, Killarney Rent-a-Bike can advise the best routes around the park for all ages. Cycle out to Muckross house or along the banks of Lough Leane. There are paths and trails to suit all abilities.

Lunch

Canteen

Location: 26 Catherine St, Limerick

Afternoon 

King John's Castle

Location: Nicholas Street, Medieval Quarter, Limerick
Duration: 90 minutes 

An interactive visitor experience that brings together the castle’s remarkable archaeology through 21st century technology to help you discover the history of Limerick and King John’s Castle. Discover the stories of ruthless King John, the noble knights, and rebellious natives. In the impressive castle courtyard experience medieval games, stories, and activities. Take in the breath-taking views of Limerick and the majestic River Shannon from the castle’s turrets. 

Or

The People's Museum of Limerick

Location: Georgian Quarter, Limerick
Duration: 1 hour 

The People’s Museum of Limerick aims to reflect the diverse lives of the people, buildings, and streets of the city. Showcasing the eclectic and fascinating collection of items in the care of Limerick Civic Trust, as well as artefacts that are visiting from elsewhere. A rotating series of exhibitions means that there is always something new to see. 

Dinner

House

Location: Howley’s Quay, Limerick City. 

Evening

Treaty City Brewery

Location: Nicholas Street, Limerick.
Duration: 50 minutes  

Enjoy a tour of an artisan craft brewery located in a historical building in the heart of the medieval quarter dating back over 1000 years. Hear from an experienced master brewer who will explain the process and ingredients used to create our craft beer while learning about the history of brewing in Limerick which dates to the 1700's. Enjoy a complimentary beer from the highly secretive experimental series. 

Accommodation 

No.1 Pery Square Grade (4*) boutique hotel

Location: Georgian Quarter, Limerick

Or

Limerick Strand Hotel Star (4*)

Location: Ennis Road, Limerick City. 

Day Four: Limerick - Clare

Morning

Lough Gur Heritage Centre

Location: Bruff, Co. Limerick
Duration: 40 minutes 

Dating back to Neolithic times, with over 6,000 years of history, Lough Gur is a prehistoric site of renowned international importance. It is the only site in Ireland where the unbroken history of humankind, from the very beginning to the modern day, can be experienced. Home to over 1,000 ancient monuments, Lough Gur spans a five-kilometre radius and is home to Ireland’s oldest and largest stone circle. Moreover, Lough Gur is also a protected sanctuary for wildlife, located amidst the sheer beauty of the Lough Gur lake waters. 

Lunch

The Ivy Cottage

Location: Fisher Street, Doolin, Co. Clare

Afternoon 

Burren Farm Experience

Location: Kylekreen, Boston Tubber, Co. Clare
Duration: 3 hours

Join the O’Rourke family and experience first-hand what Irish family farm life is really like. Begin your journey with a ride on their tractor trailer before taking a hike through the Burren National Park and ancient woodland overlooking majestic Lough Bunny. Rest and rejuvenate over a rustic picnic taking in the spectacular surroundings and fresh air. This is unique authentic experience of Irish family farm life, age old farm practices. 

Dinner

Anthony's Restaurant at Doolin Inn

Location: Fisher Street, Doolin, Co. Clare

Evening activity 

Doolin Music House

Location: Carnane, Doolin, Co. Clare
Duration: 90 minutes

Doolin Music House hosts evenings of traditional Irish music in the home of Sheila Quinn and Christy Barry the renowned flute player. The evenings are relaxed with great music and stories about the tunes and the history of music in the region. Sheila and Christy create an intimate atmosphere with a blazing turf fire in their living room. Guests enjoy an evening filled with music, stories, laughter and local food. 

Accommodation

Hotel Doolin (4*)

Location: Fitz Cross, Doolin, Co. Clare

Day Five: Clare - Galway

Morning

Burren Mountain Tours

Location: Fanore, Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare
Duration: 90 minutes

Your guide, Anne, will drive you through this lessor known area of the Burren, which sits within their own working farm, giving you her local knowledge. Experience the tranquillity of the vast expanse of limestone paving with views of Galway Bay, the Aran Islands and Connemara from the mountain top are breadth taking. Meet and greet the fluffy alpacas and feel their soft fleece. 

Lunch

Monks Seafood Restaurant & Bar

Location: The Pier, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare

Afternoon 

Aillwee Cave and Birds of Prey Centre

Location: Ballyvaughan, The Burren, Co Clare
Duration: 1hr 45 mins

A guided tour of Aillwee Cave shares intriguing insights into the Burren’s topography, geology and formation of this cave. Aillwee evolved from an underground river source that ultimately dried up at the end of the last Ice Age. The Birds of Prey Centre at Aillwee has been educating and entertaining visitors as they see these magnificent birds soar against the open skies and dramatic Burren landscape. 

Dinner

Kai Restaurant

Location: Sea Road, Galway City. 

Evening 

Micil Distillery

Location: Micil Distillery at Oslo Bar, Upper Salthill Road, Galway.
Duration: 60 minutes

Experience six generations of Micil family heritage - the tastes, smells and sights of Galway’s only working distillery. You will hear some family history, from the original founder Micil Mac Chearra in 1848 through to his great-great-great grandson, Pádraic, the current head distiller. Learn how poitín & gin are made, and what makes our own products so unique and enjoy a tasting on the tour served with premium mixers and garnishes. 

Accommodation 

The Galmont Hotel & Spa Star Grading (4*)

Location: Lough Atalia Road, Galway

Day Six: Galway

Morning

Galway Bay Boat Tours

Location: The Claddagh, Galway City
Duration: 60 minutes

Experience this completely unique boat tour of Galway Bay with Skipper Ciaran Oliver who will share his family's history of the 7th Century Claddagh fishing community and the heritage associated with the iconic Galway Hooker Boats. With this historical backdrop you will experience Galway from a unique sea perspective, including the distant limestone landscape of the Burren. Take in seascapes that have inspired generations of poets, artists and musicians. 


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