7 DAY KERRY UNCORKED TOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY

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1 7 DAY KERRY UNCORKED TOUR SAMPLE ITINERARY IMPORTANT: Please note that this itinerary is a framework for the tour. This means that: 1. The overnights are pretty much set in stone and then we base each tour on the items in the list below. 2. Your guide will discuss the options with you throughout the tour and plan from there. This gives us flexibility to adapt each tour to suit you and fit in with the weather conditions. 3. This of course means that some things may not be included in your tour, but if there is something that you particularly want to do or see on your tour, mention it to your guide and he or she will see if it can be included. HIGHLIGHTS: Immerse yourself in some hands-on authentic local experiences: Meet local artisan craftsmen and see how their skills are very much alive Experience the bond between shepherd and dog as they round up the flock Stay in family run hotels where hospitality has been a way of life for generations Sample the wares of a local craft brewery or distillery Refresh body and soul with the fresh Atlantic air Revel at some of Europe s very best scenery, including: Ireland s highest mountain range The Macgillycuddy Reeks The green fields and stone walls of Dingle Ireland s wild and rugged Atlantic coastline The Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula The hidden inlets and coves of West Cork The green inland scenery of areas such as the Golden Vale in Tipperary

2 Enjoy some of Ireland s most popular and worthwhile tourist destinations: Blarney Castle to kiss the magical Blarney Stone Killarney National Park Wonder at some of Ireland s historical treasures and experience the rich historical past of the region, from Stone Age man to the modern age. Visit Cahir Castle Ancient Neolithic stone circles, castles, monastic sites and built tombs Take some free time to explore local communities and meet the Irish people in locations such as: The galleries and pubs (about 54 in total!) in Dingle town (pop. about 2500) Ireland s gourmet capital, Kinsale and its world class restaurants The shops and boutiques of picturesque Kenmare And at night: Live music and excellent food in some of Ireland s best pubs and restaurants Spend two nights in Ireland s gourmet capital, Kinsale

3 DAY 1 Dublin to Clare Depart at 8.20am from The Grand Canal Hotel, Dublin 4 and we re off! Today we head west, all the way from Dublin to the wilds of the west coast. This is a full day and along the way we have some fantastic highlights. From Galway to the ancient province of Munster and the unique Karst Glacial lunar landscape of the Burren, rich in archaeology and edged with one of Ireland s most famous natural wonders - the Cliffs of Moher. Arrive in Galway city to explore the cultural capital of Ireland and grab some lunch. Kinvara village with Dunguaire Castle ancient seat of the High Kings of Munster and Hookers Local sailing boat of the area. Drive up and through the Burren Region, and its Limestone Lunar landscape Stop at the Poulnabrone Dolmen a Megalithic tomb, one of Ireland s greatest gems A tour highlight, it s off to the Cliffs of Moher 700 ft sea cliffs (entrance fee included in tour price) (Average driving time: 4 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in the Armada Hotel, Spanish Point, overlooking the Atlantic

4 DAY 2 Clare to Dingle Today we head south across the mighty River Shannon, straddled by the Counties of Clare and Kerry, towards the Dingle Peninsula. There is a bit more driving today, but still loads to see and do. Coastal drive through Clare Take the ferry across the River Shannon into County Kerry (ferry ticket included) Possible lunch stop in Tralee, home of the Rose of Tralee beauty pageant or in the pleasant market town of Listowel Have a pint in the South Pole Inn, established by intrepid three-time Antarctic explorer, and Annascaul s most famous son, Tom Crean Round off the day with one of the world s most scenic drives along Slea Head, whilst indulging in ancient history and architecture. (Average drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in Emlagh House in Dingle Town a town of 2500 people and 54 pubs

5 DAY 3 Dingle to Kenmare It s time to say goodbye to Dingle and head for the famous Ring of Kerry. Today we weave our way around Dingle Bay, exchanging the gently rolling mountains of the Dingle Peninsula for the majesty of McGillycuddy Reeks, the highest mountains in Ireland. We join the Ring half way through the day, when all the coaches have gone, so we will have it to ourselves. As we depart, a quick photo stop on Ireland s highest road, at the Conor Pass. Take in the Atlantic air with a stroll along the beach at Inch Strand Visit Killarney National Park and Muckross House & Gardens. Stroll to Torc Waterfall take an optional Jaunting Car (traditional Irish horse and carriage) ride through the Park ( 15) Explore the restored ruins of Muckross Abbey Leaving Killarney behind and heading into the hills we have a photo stop opportunities (normally weather dependent) and Visit a working sheep farm and be amazed by the bond between shepherd and dog (included in tour price) (Average drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in The Coachman s Inn, Kenmare - a wonderful picturesque town with the opportunity of great live music and some shopping.

6 DAY 4 Kenmare to West Cork Heading out from Kenmare, we meander out on the undiscovered Beara Peninsula, one of Ireland s least visited but most beautiful areas. It's rugged and wild and totally off the beaten track. Go back to the Bronze Age at the Uragh Stone circle Drive up and over the Healy Pass, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland Hear the true story of a local man and a WWII Japanese Samurai over lunch at MacCarthy's Bar in Castletownbere Boat trip to Garnish Island and its Italian formal gardens (Optional extra: 16) or free time in Glengarriff Visit the stately Bantry House, one of the few grand homes still in private hands, owned by the Shellswell-White family since the 18th century (included in tour price) Leave the Atlantic Coastline at Bantry Bay and head inland to the tranquil location of Gougane Barra (Average drive time: 3 hours) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in Gougane Barra Hotel

7 DAY 5 West Cork to Kinsale Start the day with a gentle post-breakfast stroll through wooded glades - then: Visit Bantry House (if not visited the day before) Head towards the coast and visit Skibbereen Heritage Centre and lunch Drombeg Stone circle (if one not already visited) with a Celtic cooking pit Timoleague Abbey - a 13th century abbey built on the site of a 6th century monastery (Average drive time: 2 hours 45 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in the Coastal Gourmet town of Kinsale in either The Blue Haven Hotel or Actons Hotel Kinsale

8 DAY 6 Kinsale No need to pack up as we have the whole day to explore historic Kinsale and the surrounding area. There is loads to do and see, or you can chill out and relax around the town. Charles Fort the massive 17 th Century fort overlooking the town The International Museum of Wine Pay a visit to the Ringfinnan Garden of Remembrance in honour of the NYFD firefighters who lost their lives in the 9/11 Attacks Witness first hand the skills of a master craftsman at Kinsale Crystal Visit a craft Brewery - Black s Brewery Enjoy a whiskey tasting in a local pub - Folks House Venue There may be other options available (such as sea fishing or golf), which your Guide will do their best to arrange if you wish. (Average drive time: 1 hour 30 minutes) ACCOMMODATION: Overnight in the Coastal Gourmet town of Kinsale in either The Blue Haven Hotel or Actons Hotel Kinsale.

9 DAY 7 Kinsale to Dublin Sadly, it s time to go home, but we still have things to do and see along our way Depart hotel after breakfast before heading northeast through counties Cork, Limerick, Tipperary, Kildare and Dublin Kiss the world-famous Blarney Stone or get away from the crowds and explore the extensive grounds and gardens. (Included in tour price ) Visit the Medieval Castle at Cahir - the origins of which date back over 800 years (included in tour price) and see how dry cleaning originated Drive through the Curragh Racecourse once used as the Braveheart film set (Average drive time: 4 hours 30 minutes )

10 Tour Price: 1,699 pps for For 2019 prices, click here. Single Supplement: 300 What s included: Journey of discovery in a Driftwood mini coach tour vehicle Services of highly trained professional Driftwood tour guide 7 full days on tour 6 nights accommodation 6 full Irish breakfasts Most daily activities and visits Entrance fees to Blarney Castle, Sheep demonstration All relevant taxes Guaranteed departure and tour price from the moment you make your deposit Loads of laughs Optional Extras: Prices are correct at time of publication of Itinerary Garnish Island and its Italian formal gardens 16 Killarney National Park: take an optional Jaunting 15 Car (traditional Irish horse and carriage) ride through the Park Blacks Brewery Kinsale:A tour of the brewery 12 along with beer and spirit tasting sessions

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