The Ring of Kerry and South West Ireland
Newmarket Holidays is offering up to 15% off all tours until Friday, 13 March.
6days from
£1,067*per person
Overview
Take this opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful corners of the Emerald Isle as you explore the lakes and mountains of the Ring of Kerry.
Enter a stunning region of Ireland, crammed with breathtaking highlights. Enjoy a collection of unforgettable excursions in the company of a knowledgeable tour manager, including a visit to delightful Bantry House overlooking the eponymous bay, and the lively southwest gateway of Cork. You'll also enjoy a boat trip to the renowned gardens on Garnish Island and the not-to-be-missed tour of the Ring of Kerry.
Enter a stunning region of Ireland, crammed with breathtaking highlights. Enjoy a collection of unforgettable excursions in the company of a knowledgeable tour manager, including a visit to delightful Bantry House overlooking the eponymous bay, and the lively southwest gateway of Cork. You'll also enjoy a boat trip to the renowned gardens on Garnish Island and the not-to-be-missed tour of the Ring of Kerry.
Itinerary
- Fly to Cork - Upon arrival in Ireland, meet your tour manager and transfer by coach to your hotel.
- Included visits to Bantry House, Glengarriff and Garnish Island - 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 house showcases 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 subtropical 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 the tour crosses the bay, you’ll also visit Seal Island, with its resident colony of seals who love to pose for photographs.
- Included Killarney National Park tour and Lough Leane cruise - Life slows right down this morning as we head to Killarney National Park. Here, you'll enjoy an hour-long ride in a horse-drawn jaunting car (Ireland's most traditional mode of transport, and the only kind allowed in the National Park). As you ramble along, you’ll learn about the history, legends, and folklore of the region. The ride ends at the edge of Lough Leane, close to Ross Castle, where you’ll board the Pride of the Lakes for a cruise on the Lough, to discover its scattered islands and lovely views while your experienced skipper regales you with facts about the flora, fauna, and historical heritage of the area. There really is no better way to enjoy the hidden delights of the park and the famous Killarney Lakes. You’ll then have a couple of hours free to enjoy the delightful town of Killarney at your leisure. Watch the world go by in one of the many pubs and cafés, or perhaps visit the magnificent St Mary’s cathedral.
- Included visits to Cork and Cobh - Today, you’ll head to lively, cosmopolitan Cork. The waterways, narrow alleys, Georgian avenues, and myriad of bridges make this historic maritime city a delight to explore. Highlights 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 the 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.
- Tour the Ring of Kerry - 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 breathtaking 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.
- Fly back to the UK - Head back to the airport at the end of a wonderful few days in this beautiful and unspoiled part of Ireland.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
- Visit the fascinating Cobh Heritage Centre, learning about Irish immigration
- Explore the pretty village of Glengarriff overlooking Bantry Bay
- Traverse the enchanting landscapes surrounding the Ring of Kerry
- Spot seals on a scenic boat trip to Garnish Island and its famous gardens
- Stroll around the historic Bantry House with time to view its delightful Italian-inspired gardens
- Take to the waters of Lough Leane on a leisurely boat ride
- Discover the delightful city of Cork, laden with intriguing landmarks
- Ramble on a horse-drawn jaunting car through Killarney National Park
Our Price Includes
- Five nights' dinner, bed and Irish breakfast accommodation at the four-star Westlodge Hotel, Bantry
- Five breakfasts and five dinners
- Visit to Bantry House, Glengariff and Garnish Island
- Horse-drawn jaunting car ride through Killarney National Park and cruise on Lough Leaneed by a friendly, experienced tour manager
- Visits to Cork and Cobh (no entrance fees included)
- Return flights to Cork
- Comfortable coach travel and transfers throughout
- Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager
- All local taxes, fees and charges
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
Westlodge Hotel, Bantry -
Introduction
The four-star Westlodge Hotel, with views of Bantry Bay, stands in landscaped gardens on the outskirts of the town.
Facilities & Amenities
A casual bistro and bar offer an outdoor terrace, and a formal restaurant looks out over the bay. An on-site leisure centre features a sauna, a Jacuzzi, a steam room, an indoor swimming pool, a gym, an outdoor tennis court, and a pitch and putt course. There is free Wi-Fi in the property’s public areas.
Rooms
The guestrooms are comfortable, and each has a TV, tea/coffee-making facilities, a hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi.
Other Information
Special requirements
If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.
Disabled access
The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
Combining hotel transfers
We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.
Itinerary changes
Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.
Tipping
We are often asked about gratuities on our Irish holidays. At the end of a tour it is customary to give a coach driver around £2-3 per person per day and a Tour Manager around £3-5 per person per day; a gratuity of £1 per person per day for dining/waiting staff in your hotel will also be greatly appreciated. In a restaurant leave about 10% of a bill (no need to tip in a bar) and around £2 for services such as hairdressing.
Hotel spa treatments
To avoid disappointment, please book any treatments direct with the hotel prior to arrival.
Hotel transfer times
The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour and 30 minutes.
Holiday code
N2364Holiday provided by Newmarket Holidays (for Metro Travel Offers)
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Newmarket Holidays (ABTOT 5509, ATOL 2325, ABTA V7812), you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.