Charles Fort (image by Raymond Fogarty)
Sample the culture of Cork and Kerry on this 8-day tour of Ireland's second city, largest county and stunning coastline. Visit Blarney Castle, kiss the Blarney Stone and take in the rich culture of Killarney and Dingle for this unbeatable price.
Book by 15th January 2025*
*CIE tours and Knitting tours not included.
The second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, Cork has long been renowned as one of the country's cultural hotspots and celebrates its rich maritime heritage with a range of events and festivals throughout the year.
This 8 day Ireland fly drive tour lets you sample the very best of the South West during your vacation in Ireland , exploring famous attractions like Blarney Castle and the region's stunning coastal peninsulas along with picturesque Killarney and Dingle in neighbouring Co. Kerry.
Our Cultural Cork and Kerry Self Drive vacation in Ireland makes the ideal honeymoon in Ireland, so if you are thinking of embarking on this vacation for your Ireland honeymoon, speak to one of our vacation specialists for more information.
To book or customize this tour please chat to one of our experienced tour operators in Ireland:
Alternatively, submit your inquiry by completing our short enquiry form.
Rental of a economy-size car. Included with your car is all compulsory insurances - Collision Damage Waiver insurance (CDW with an excess/deductible), theft protection insurance, location fee of €30, Road fund tax, sales tax at 13.5%, unlimited free mileage, third party liability insurance, 24 hour peace of mind breakdown cover.
Prices are per person based on 2 persons in each room with full Irish breakfast and taxes included. A single supplement will apply to rooms and car rental in the case of single occupancy.
Please note that we charge in Euros (€). Prices in other currencies are for indication only and subject to fluctuation.
Arrive in Cork and take a tour of the city and its attractions. Visit the Crawford Municipal Art Gallery, amble around the English Market and ring the Shandon Bells before venturing further a field to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle, sample the "Uisce Beatha" at Midleton Whiskey Distillery and visit the town of Cobh and learn about those 2.5million who left Ireland from here, for new lives across the Atlantic. At night-time, catch a show and sample the cheerful craic of Cork City.
From Cork take the road into the neighbouring county of Kerry and out onto Ireland's most westerly point the Dingle Peninsula, a place of rugged timeless charm, where the film "Ryan's Daughter" was set. Explore Dingle's stunning sandy beaches, mountain roads and maybe meet up with the famous dolphin of Dingle Bay.
From Dingle you'll head back east to one of Ireland's most popular spots; Killarney, set beside the stunning Lakeland scenery of the Killarney National Park. Take the day to explore this picturesque spot, with a horse and trap ride through the Gap of Dungloe, visit Muckross House and take a boat trip to the mystical Isle of Innisfallen.
A day of driving around the Ring of Kerry, the scenic coastal drive around the Inveragh Peninsula. You'll pass picturesque locations like, Ballinskelligs, Valencia Island and Derrynane and pretty towns like Killorglin, Cahirciveen, Portmagee, Sneem and Kenmare, before bringing you back over the mountains into Killarney.
Leaving Killarney, you'll take the mountain road back through Kenmare and into Co. Cork, taking a slight detour around the breathtaking Beara Peninsula, before heading out to Ireland's most southerly point; Mizen Head. Sticking to the coast you'll take the road through the fishing village of Schull, and on around the bay to the pretty little port of Baltimore.
From Baltimore head to the town of Skibbereen to discover this town and West Cork's sad heritage during the famine years. Then continuing on the road back to Cork City, turn off towards the pretty towns of Timoleague and Ballinspittle before you come to the port of Kinsale. Visit its 17th Century fortress; Charles Fort, before spending the evening dining out in town, regarded as the culinary capital of Ireland.
Return home from Cork Airport.