Explore the beautiful counties of Cork and Kerry, featuring stunning landscapes that run down to the sea in the south west corner of Ireland. This area is renowned for its spectacularly dramatic scenery, top class cuisine and it is steeped in history..
Experience Cork city and enjoy visits to the must-see attractions in this vibrant city. The Old English Market is a definite must see, and if top notch food is your thing, then the Gourmet Food Tour of Cork is worth considering too!.
Just a short drive away is the beautiful coastal town of Kinsale. Originally a medieval fishing port, historic Kinsale (from the Irish, Ceann tSaile – ‘Head of the Sea’) is one of the most picturesque, popular and historic towns on the south west coast of Ireland. Visitors to Kinsale are captivated by its beautiful setting; its long waterfront, yacht-filled harbour, narrow winding streets and brightly painted galleries, shops and houses.
East of Cork is a historically important region of Ireland and it has some great adventures in history and whiskey tasting. The heritage town of Cobh erdefines charming with its rows of candy-colored homes along the water and towering cathedral standing sentry over the harbor. It was the last port of call for the RMS Titanic and tells the story of emigration from Ireland to America and Australia in the 19th century.
For whiskey-lovers, the Old Midleton Distillery is where the wonderful Jameson and Redbreast whiskies are produced. It’s hard not to stop … especially when you have your own driver!
Heading west from Cork towards Killarney, the West Cork coastal drive shows you the spectacular coastline that runs along the Wild Atlantic Way, a truly unforgettable experience.
Killarney offers the most stunning scenery with beautiful lakes surrounded by stunning mountains, national park and historic estates. Its bustling nightlife is ripe for discovery!
From here, experience the famed Gap of Dunloe by foot, jaunting cart or bike with a picnic along the way.
For Star Wars fans, you are sure to feel the force as you gaze out towards Skellig Michael…so much so you might have to visit!
Map
Cork
Cobh
Midleton
Kinsale
Killarney
Skelligs
ACCOMMODATION
Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Killarney Park Hotel, Kerry
5 Star Hotels Ireland
Wild Atlantic Way
Cork and Kerry Southwest
Experiences
Why not enhance your tour with some of these recommended Experiences along the way! These can be arranged with your Travel Advisor when customizing your itinerary (please note Experiences are not included unless requested)
Old English Market, Cork
Cork’s Old English Market is the most celebrated food market in Ireland. The unique covered food and artisan market dates back to the Middle Ages. The center is populated with some of Ireland’s finest gourmet restaurants and a trip to the English Market the heart of the city is a must.
Charles Fort & James Fort, Kinsale
Perhaps the best-known historical attraction in Kinsale, Charles Fort, is on the road just beyond Summercove. It is open all year, and regular guided tours are available. Charles Fort is one of the finest surviving examples of a 17th Century star-shaped fort, and much of the construction begun in 1678 remains. The fort has two enormous bastions overlooking the estuary, and three facing inland. Within its walls were all the barracks and ancillary facilities to support the fort’s garrison. The fort continued in military use until 1922.
Midleton Distillery
At Jameson Distillery Midleton you’ll come face to face with the largest pot still in the world, see the new micro distillery in action, experience the live maturation warehouse and taste whiskeys along the way. You’ll even get the chance to make new friends at the bar. Private tours and tastings can be arranged.
The West Cork Coastal Drive
The southernmost stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way zigzags gently, past gardens lush with sub-tropical plants. Between hedgerows thick with fuschia and monbretia. By hundreds of inlets, tiny coves, safe harbours and Blue Flag beaches, just right for long days spent in the salty air - beachcombing, island-hopping, whale-watching, learning to sail, kayaking on a saltwater lake in the moonlight, or simply enjoying a pint on the quayside while the fishing boats land their catch. Your Driver Guide will arrange it all!
Fireside Storytelling
Ireland is the land folklore, legends and storytelling. At Ireland Chauffeur Travel, we adore Ireland’s famed fireside storytelling sessions and we want to share that with you. We will arrange an authentic, engaging and private storytelling and music session with one of our favourite famed storytellers … and all in the comfort of your hotel or local pub
Muckross House & Gardens
Muckross House and Gardens is the finest Victorian Mansion and Estate in Ireland. Its position overlooking the Lakes of Killarney becomes impossibly romantic when the Rhododendrons are in full bloom. The House documents the history of all the influential families who dominated local life and politics for centuries. The estate can be walked on foot or admired from the many jaunting cars which are about.
Skellig Ring Tour
The Skellig Ring region just off the Ring of Kerry route has some of the best scenery seen anywhere in Ireland and Europe. It is loaded with history, tradition, religion, innovation, landmarks, pre-Christian monuments, 385-million-year-old footprints and some breathtaking scenery. Whew! It won’t disappoint.
Skellig Michael Landing Tour
Although the boat ride out to Skellig Michael from the coast of Kerry can be a rocky one, it is well worth the effort. The craggy, emerald-green island houses the remains of a 6th monastery, which you can explore after ascending a steep 600-step climb. Marvel at the beehive style huts and you might even find a brooding Luke Skywalker among the puffins.
*Due to limited availability during the season (Mid May – September), we would highly recommend that you if you would like to include this experience on your tour, please request at the time of booking.
Spaces are not released until March each year and they do fill up very quickly so booking well in advance is a must!
Farm Friends
Ask anyone in Ireland if they are related to a farmer and they’ll surely say yes! We have built great relationships with some of the extra fun people whose live and breath agriculture and they’ll be happy to welcome you onto their working farm. Depending on the season, meet new-born lambs, watch sheepdogs at work, clamber over freshly baled hay or see traditional ploughing in action.
Foraging on Land and Sea
Foraging is a great way of gathering tasty and natural ingredients from hedgerows, fields, woods, country lanes and pathways of Ireland, not to mention the seaweed on the coast! If you would like to spend a few hours outdoors and slowly exploring the countryside and beaches, let us introduce you to one of our foraging friends!
