THE HISTORY OF BLACKWATER CASTLE – IN DETAIL

MESOLITHIC IRELAND – 8,000 BC – 4,000 BC

The history of Blackwater Castle extends back some 10,000 years.   An extensive Flint Scattere from the early Mesolithic era was found in Kilcummer (on lands formerly owned by the Castle and just outside the current boundary of the estate)  confirming the area was settled at least 10,000 years ago.  In excess of 300 pieces of worked flint were discovered and as tiny chips and a core of flint were also found this confirms that the tools were made at this location so it was obviously a settlement of some description. This find represents the earliest evidence of human settlement in Cork and one of the very few such sites in Ireland.

Caves on the south bank of the Awbeg opposite the Castle were likely occupied by early human settlements as they were located on fertile ground near a freshwater spring and adjacent to an extensive river system for navigation which also provided a food source. All this confirms that the region was an established site of settlement in the early Mesolithic era making it one of the first areas in Ireland to be settled when our very first inhabitants likely made their way across a land bridge (or perhaps sailed) from modern day Britain 10,000 years ago or more. 

 Our understanding of Mesolithic settlements in Ireland has recently been thoroughly upended with the revelation that a  bear's knee bone which had been subjected to recent radio carbon dating revealed that it had been butchered by human hands in Ireland some 2,500 years earlier than the accepted date of the first human habitation. Accordingly we know from our flint scatter that the Castle grounds were occupied by humans some 10,000 years ago but in light of recent evidence may well have been occupied back in Paleolithic times. We would love to find something to shed some more light on this – oh to have the funds for an archaelogical dig!

This is a 9-day, 8-night vacation in the Sunny South of Ireland. You will have the full run of an ancient beautiful Castle, namely Blackwater Castle in Co Cork.

We will have a catered breakfast every morning before we take trips out to explore all the amazing places near and far away from the Castle. 

Rock of Cashel, Cork City, Titanic museum in Cobh, Blarney Castle, Ring of Beara, Ring of Kerry and so much more. 

You will be able to enjoy walks around the grounds and courtyard and the Castle is just a short walk away from a lovely little village called Castletownroache. 

We can eat evening meals while out exploring or if people wish to enjoy the use of the kitchen you can also do that. 

We will bring you down to visit Michael, the local barman who will sing a song for you and indeed you can join in and sing too. Always great to meet the locals and you will also meet the owner of the Castle Patrick. 

This tour is based on getting 10 couples booking. We will take a limited amount of people sharing.  

1  The company requires non-refundable deposits to be paid as per tour in a timely manner. By paying a deposit you are agreeing to the terms and conditions of the Company.

2  Our tours are all based on double occupancy. There will be an additional supplement for single travelers which will depend on tour taken. 

3  Payment for deposit will hold your place, final balance  payment will be 60 days before the start of your choice of  tour. If paying by credit card you will have bank charges.

4  Installment plans are available for anyone who would like to avail of them.

5  Travel insurance is something that the company requires all clients purchase to protect their travel investment.  Please find a package that covers you if you have to cancel close to the tour time because you will not get a refund. You can find links for Insurance companies on our website www.SecretIrelandToursLLC.com

6  Due to limited capacity on coaches, there may be a limit of one suitcase per passenger. 

7  Participants are responsible for all their property, luggage, backpacks, phone's, laptops etc. 

8  The company tour guide will give all participants phone no's of tour guides and driver at the start of the trip or in an email before the start of the trip, it is vital that you keep these in a safe place.

9  At the start of each day your tour guide will tell you what time you should be ready, or to be on the bus for the next day's journey, it is up to you to contact your guide if you missed announcements on times. 

10 You have 7 days after the Balance due date to cancel and ask for a refund, after that date we do not refund the balance. We require you to purchase travel insurance to cover your travel investment in the event that you have to cancel your trip closer to the travel date.

11  Some of our trips require walking over stony roads and pathways, it is advised to always bring strong waterproof walking shoes, and waterproof/windproof outer coats/jackets also.

12 We also advise all participants to let us know of food allergies they have. We also state that if there are walks on rough surfaces or up hills, if you don't think you can take part please let us know and you can stay on the bus with the driver.

13 Each participant is responsible for their baggage being brought from the Coach to their accommodation except in the case where the company have booked porterage. The group will be advised where porterage will take place.

14 Conditions, availability, or contractual obligations may warrant for dates, venues, lodging, talent/celebrity headliners/hosts/guests. Ambassadors, tour guides or transportation modes to be changed or cancelled. It is our intent and obligation, within the best of our ability, to substitute and /or accommodate equal or enhanced alternatives. We will not refund any deposits or payments towards the tour due to these conditions.

15 There is a certain fitness level required for this tour, if you feel that you cannot walk up hill or long walks, we will ask you to stay on the bus. 

16 Secret Ireland Tours operates on an 8 to 9 hour day policy. When we depart early, usually around 9 AM, we generally return to our accommodations between 6 PM and 7 PM. If we have evening excursions, we leave later in the day to comply with legal driving time regulations for our driver.

17 We do not hire additional drivers to extend the length of our tours. While some people may prefer tours lasting 10 to 12 hours, the majority do not.

18 We reserve the right to refuse service.

Blarney Castle

Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures.

Now that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of our tower. Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words.

Cork City:

The Rebel City has a strong independence and Corkonians are proud of their stomping ground. Experience a warm welcome as you walk through the busy Cork City centre streets.

Stop by Cork City Gaol and get to know the city's past and enjoy the incredible grounds. Refuel at an artisan coffee shop and discover the city’s food market. Visit a flea market in the Victorian Quarter and soak up the energetic atmosphere.  Cork City has been dubbed the ‘real’ capital of Ireland.

Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, availability and other conditions beyond our control.

Activity Level: Moderate

Rock of Cashel:

Set on a dramatic outcrop of limestone in the Golden Vale, the Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.

Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, according to legend St. Patrick himself came here to convert King Aenghus to Christianity. Brian Boru was crowned High King at Cashel in 978 and made it his capital.

In 1101 the site was granted to the church and Cashel swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most significant centres of ecclesiastical power in the country.

The surviving buildings are remarkable. Cormac’s Chapel, for example, contains the only surviving Romanesque frescoes in Ireland.

The Rock of Cashel is one of Ireland’s most spectacular and – deservedly – most visited tourist attractions.

Kilkenny Town:

County Kilkenny is a place to gather where culture and adventure, city and countryside, and friends and family meet. There is so much to explore in the medieval city and beyond.

Kilkenny City is home to one of the most recognizable landmarks in Ireland: the 12th-century Kilkenny Castle. Go back in time and explore Ireland’s Medieval Mile, a discovery trail running through Kilkenny city. The county is full of vibrant heritage and history at every turn, so there are many stories for you to uncover in Kilkenny. Take a tour of the attractions or book a place in a local walking or cycling tour to hear Kilkenny's history in a unique way!

Waterford Crystal:

Crafted since 1783, Waterford continues to be at the forefront of exquisitely designed and expertly crafted crystal creations. 

House of Waterford stands proudly as Waterford’s flagship store and showcases Waterford’s key values of craftsmanship, allowing visitors to experience the beauty of Waterford from initial concept to final product.  

The factory is the beating heart of Waterford’s crystal manufacture and is where the most intricate, authentic, and masterful crystal pieces come to life. The factory is located in the heart of Waterford City in Ireland, a Viking city built in 914 AD, and is surrounded by a cluster of museums which detail the proud history of this great city.
Itinerary subject to change due to weather, availability, or other conditions beyond our control.

Activity Level: Low

Bunratty Castle and Folk Park:

We will visit the acclaimed 15th Century iconic Bunratty Castle - the most complete and authentic castle in Ireland.

The site on which Bunratty Castle stands was in origin a Viking trading camp in 970. The present structure is the last of four castles to be built on the site. Take a tour of this iconic fortress; hear and see how the lords and ladies of this castle lived; hear stories of battles and bravery and enjoy stunning views across the idyllic Clare countryside.

Take a scroll through the beautiful folk park with houses as they were long ago, and learn how the people lived, worked and socilised.

Cliffs of Moher:

Visually spectacular, the Cliffs of Moher sit astride the striking landscape of the Burren on one side and the Wild Atlantic Ocean on the other. Rising out of the Atlantic waters to a height of over 700ft at O’Brien’s Tower and running along the coast of Clare for almost 14 kilometres, or 8 miles, the Cliffs of Moher were formed over 320 million years ago, and today form part of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark. The Cliffs of Moher is in a Special Protection Area for Birds and Wildlife. The magnificent Cliffs on the Wild Atlantic Way host major colonies of nesting sea birds and are one of the country’s most important bird-breeding sites. Borrow some binoculars from our information desk and do some bird watching. Enjoy the captivating spectacle of the vast array of sea birds, a delightful way to pass the hours.

Limerick city:

We will take a break on the way back to Blackwater Castle in Limerick City, you can enjoy a meal or do some shopping. 

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other conditions beyond our control.

Activity level:  Moderate

Ring of Kerry:

The Ring of Kerry is a 179km circular route around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry in South Western Ireland, It takes in the towns of Killarney, Beaufort, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem, and Kenmare. It’s often a narrow, winding route that, with only brief stops, will take a day to drive. 

You will enjoy all of the below while you travel the route.

• The Gap of Dunloe
• Derrynane House
• Staigue Fort
• Molls Gap
• Ladies View
• Torc Waterfall
• Muckross House

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather, and other conditions beyond our control.

Activity Level  Low

Kinsale:

The medieval town of Kinsale is not just about food, it’s also about traditional bars, beautiful buildings, narrow streets, shops and galleries and lots of activities on land and sea. You'll find Kinsale's not just a place - it's more a state of mind!

 Formerly a fishing and merchant town, today it is popular for sailing and gourmet food.  We will bring you to  Charles Fort to understand the importance of Kinsale’s location for trading and defense and then walk around some of the old streets.

Kinsale can easily claim its place amongst Ireland's most historic locations for this has been a centre of population, commerce, trade and fishing far beyond memory and record. In its earliest days the estuary of the Bandon River gave it great 

The Town nestles between the hills and the shoreline, a maze of narrow streets, never far from the water and little changed in many hundreds of years. Amongst buildings of later periods are those of another age with historical links to the French, Spanish, British and Americans.

Charles Fort:

This star-shaped military fortress was constructed between 1677 and 1682, during the reign of King Charles II, to protect the town and harbour of Kinsale in County Cork. William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham Dublin, and Superintendent of Fortifications, is credited with designing the fort.

As one of the largest military forts in the country, Charles Fort has been associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. These include the Williamite War in 1690 and the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. Charles Fort remained garrisoned by the British army until 1922.

Clonakilty:

Clonakilty is a must-see town in Cork that’s full of charm, colourful shop fronts with masterful, handpainted signs and warm welcomes. Visit the historic buildings and try the local specialities in the town.

Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, availability and other conditions beyond our control.

Activity level: Low. 

Titanic Museum:

On April 11th 1912, 123 passengers came to the busy harbour town of Queenstown (now known as Cobh), to board Titanic bound for New York.
Four days later they would find themselves fighting for their lives in one of the worlds most tragic maritime disasters.
With knowledgeable guides and immersive audio visual displays, we will take you on a unique and emotive journey back in time.

Midleton Distillery:

Take a journey to one of the top attractions in Cork and savour the remarkable story of the Jameson Distillery Midleton. The Jameson Distillery Midleton, located just 20 minutes drive from Cork City, is laid out over 15 acres with buildings dating back to 1794. 

Home of seven iconic brands, the passion behind every drop lives here. Immerse yourself in a world of rich heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable stories. 

Their recently revamped experience is now bigger, warmer, brighter and offers much more choice; with exciting new bars, café, and dedicated tasting rooms. 

Enjoy a fully guided distillery tour, premium whiskey tasting, cask opening experience, cocktail making class or extended duration tour, going behind-the-scenes across our historic 15-acre site. Come face-to-face with the largest pot still in the world, visit our micro-distillery, stroll through a live maturation warehouse, and sample some of the world’s most awarded Irish whiskeys.

Itinerary subject to change depending on availability, weather and other conditions beyond our control.

Activity Level: Low

Cahir Castle:

Cahir Castle is one of Ireland’s largest and best-preserved castles. It stands proudly on a rocky island on the River Suir.

The castle was built in the thirteenth century and served as the stronghold of the powerful Butler family. So effective was its design that it was believed to be impregnable, but it finally fell to the earl of Essex in 1599 when heavy artillery was used against it for the first time. During the Irish Confederate Wars it was besieged twice more.

At the time of building, Cahir Castle was at the cutting edge of defensive castle design and much of the original structure remains.

Swiss Cottage:

The Swiss Cottage, just outside the heritage town of Cahir, is a cottage orné – a fanciful realisation of an idealised countryside cottage used for picnics, small soirees and fishing and hunting parties and was also a peaceful retreat for those who lived in the nearby big house.

Built in the early 1800s by Richard Butler, 1st Earl of Glengall, who, we believe, managed to persuade world-famous Regency architect John Nash to design it. Originally, simply known as “The Cottage” it appears to have acquired its present name because it was thought to resemble an Alpine cottage.

Inside, there is a graceful spiral staircase and some exquisitely decorated rooms. The wallpaper is partly original and partly the fruit of a 1980s restoration project, in which the renowned fashion designer Sybil Connolly was responsible for the interiors.

Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, availability or other conditions beyond our control.

Activity level Low

Limerick City:

We take you to the city of Limerick today. You can explore yourselves and enjoy doing your own thing.

Embrace invigorating hospitality experiences with world-class hotels ready to revive you after a day of exploration, restaurants serving the authentic fare of the lush pastures blanketing Limerick county and the maritime flavours of the Wild Atlantic Way, and our city’s vibrant Streets and edgy music scene.

Visit King John's Castle, the Cathedral, The Hunt museum and so much more while there.

Itinerary subject to change depending on weather, availability or other conditions beyond our control.

Activity level: Moderate

Cork Airport: