September 6: Cork City
After your arrival in the second largest city in the Irish Republic, you can take a stroll around the city. We will be staying near the city centre in an area with nice pubs and restaurants. Overnight stay including breakfast at the Imperial Hotel in Cork.
September 7: Cork City - Bantry
In the morning we'll explore Cork city with its many river arms, visiting St Finbarre's Cathedral and perhaps walking along the river to the 'Shakey Bridge', an old suspension bridge with an interesting history and of course a visit to the historic English Market that has been in operation since 1788 for some street photography. In the afternoon we reach Bantry House, a country estate that has been owned by the White family since 1739. We will spend the night in the east wing of this stately house. We will spend the rest of the afternoon exploring our 'home' and the manor's tiered gardens. From here it is a short walk to the town of Bantry, which invites you to wander the historic streets, find some Irish life that stretches back centuries, and perhaps enjoy a good meal and a visit to the pub in the evening. During our stay we can spend the evenings in the great library in front of a cozy fire in the big open fireplace and look forward to an excellent breakfast. Overnight stay including breakfast in the historic Bantry House.
September 8: Beara Peninsula
We will spend our day today on the Beara Peninsula. It is one of the most fascinating and beautiful places in Ireland. The Miskish and Caha Mountains form the rugged spine of the Beara Peninsula, which juts out into the wild Atlantic and ensures the coastline is ever-present. Our journey takes us along small roads lined with endless hedges that wind between the cozy, colorful villages and communities of Beara. The economic importance of the sea is also clear here, Ireland's largest fishing fleet is based in Castletownbere. Further out west near Dursey Island, we will have the opportunity to take a RIB boat* out to three small rocky islands and get to know the Atlantic up close. If the weather is unfavorable, there is an alternative excursion from the port town of Castletownbere. *Guests who are not happy on a boat can spend time on a sandy beach or in Castletownbere. Overnight stay including breakfast in the historic Bantry House.
September 9: Mizen Head
Today we drive out to the Mizen Head peninsula; at its tip lies the most southwestern point in Ireland. A bridge over the cliffs and wild ocean was rebuilt a few years ago and allows us to walk to the iconic signal tower, where we can see what life was like for the lighthouse keepers in the past. The landscape here is wild and breathtaking. When visibility is good you can see the Fastnet lighthouse in the distance, sitting on a small rock amidst wild waves, an outstanding feat of engineering. At midday we head back inland, perhaps stopping along the way at one of the large sandy beaches we encounter. Our further route takes us back to Bantry via the towns of Schull and Ballydehob, with small shops and cafes, inviting you to have a snack or take a stroll. Overnight stay including breakfast in the historic Bantry House.
September 10: Glengariff and from Bantry via Clonakilty to Kinsale
Today we drive from Bantry to Glengariff, from here we take a boat that takes us across the quiet Bantry Bay to the garden island of Illnacullin, also often called Garinish. We'll certainly see some of the many seals that make their home here, and maybe even one of the eagles that live on the island. A landscape architect took advantage of the gentle climate of the area in the early 20th century and designed the entire island as a garden.
As we continue east, we can visit one of the newer whiskey distilleries in Clonakilty or alternatively take a walk around the Castlefreke country estate. As we continue our journey we will see the ruins of the monastery of Timoleague, a Franciscan abbey from the 13th century dedicated to Saint Molaga, the patron saint of bees. You will spend the night in the town of Kinsale and can explore this beautiful harbor town.
Overnight stay at the Perryville Hotel, Kinsale
September 11: Cobh and Cork Harbor
Today we drive east past the city of Cork to Cobh, where large ships still dock today. In this second largest natural harbor lies an island steeped in history, Spike Island. First a remote monastic site, then a fortress built to defend the 'Empire', then a prison island, here you can find evidence of over 1,000 years of Irish history and explore some of the many nature trails. Depending on weather and timing, we may have the option to visit the Queenstown Heritage Museum as well. From here we drive back to Kinsale via Cork.
Overnight stay at the Perryville Hotel, Kinsale
September 12: Around Kinsale
Today we get to know the port town of Kinsale on a tour and will hear about the history of this place and why it is praised in the gourmet world.
Kinsale, in its sheltered bay, was originally an important Anglo-Norman port and one of the decisive battles in Irish history took place here in the early 17th century. Later, fortresses were built here to secure the harbor. You will have time to stroll around the city before we head out to the Old Head of Kinsale. Here is one of the many signal towers on the Irish coast, and there is also a memorial and museum about the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915, an event that pulled US into the First World War.
We end our day with a short walk along the coast.
Overnight stay at the Perryville Hotel, Kinsale
September 13: Departure - or on to trip extensions
Onward journey from Cork. If you are flying home today we will take you to Cork airport. If you would like to extend your trip, in Cork or Dublin, please contact me. I would be happy to help you organize your further trip.