Ring of Kerry and Wonderful Western Ireland

Fly into Cork airport, meet your tour manager and transfer by coach to your hotel.

After checking in, you'll have the rest of the day free to spend as you wish.

Our day begins with a drive through Clonakilty, birthplace of Irish hero Michael Collins, before we reach the village of Timoleague, where the ruins of its 13th-century abbey stand proudly at the water's edge. The abbey is one of very few early Franciscan foundations with extensive remains still standing in Ireland.

From here we'll continue to the attractive harbour town of Kinsale, where a maze of narrow streets lined with galleries and shops are overlooked by its mighty 17th-century fort. Enjoy lunch with a view at the quayside (payable locally), where you'll find a wonderful choice of cafes and restaurants.

Afterwards, you’ll return to the hotel where dinner is served.

A long but memorable day awaits, today, as you head to the celebrated Ring of Kerry. Stretching west from the picturesque town of Kenmare, this 110-mile circular route around the sublimely beautiful Iveragh Peninsula takes in a beguiling mix of stunning views and charming towns, rugged forest landscapes, tumbling waterfalls and the raging waters of the Atlantic. It's a rollercoaster of scenic wonder, and a feast of breath-taking land- and seascapes.

During the day you’ll cross the magnificent Coomakista Pass, with its views of the Kenmare River, see Macgillycuddy’s Reeks from Molls Gap and catch sight of the monastic marvel of Skellig Michael out in the Atlantic. You'll also have the chance to explore pretty Waterville and rugged Cahersiveen.

Today you’ll head to lively, cosmopolitan Cork. The waterways, narrow alleys, Georgian avenues and myriad bridges make this historic maritime city a delight to explore. Highlights will include triple-spired St Finn Barre’s cathedral and the English Market, where you'll discover an astonishing array of fresh produce.

Afterwards, you’ll head to the historic and delightful seaside town of Cobh (pronounced Cove), the departure point for over three million Irish emigrants and final port of call, in April 1912, for the ill-fated RMS Titanic. After time to enjoy lunch, you may choose to visit the excellent Heritage Centre (entrance fee payable locally), where a multi-media exhibition tells the emotive story of Irish emigration through to the 1950s, and traces the town’s history back to the 1600s.

This morning, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Bantry House, the ancestral home of the Earls of Bantry, and still lived in by the family. Wonderfully situated overlooking the eponymous bay, and set in magnificent Italian gardens inspired by the travels of the 2nd Earl, this gem of a house is full of history, and showcasing eclectic antiques and artefacts from around the world.

You’ll then head to Glengarriff. This delightful village, overlooking the waters of Bantry Bay and set against the backdrop of the rugged Caha Mountains, is a green oasis enjoying a balmy microclimate in which sub-tropical plants and even bamboos flourish. Explore its bars, cafés and gift shops before taking a short boat trip across the bay to the renowned island gardens of Garnish. The gardens here are laid out in beautiful walks, and offer floral colour from May right through until October. As we cross the bay, you’ll also visit Seal Island, with its resident colony of seals who love to pose for photos!

Depending on the time of your flight, you may have a few hours to make the most of the hotel’s delightful surroundings before you head back to the airport at the end of a wonderful few days in this beautiful and unspoilt part of Ireland.