7 Day West Cork Experience 2024
Fifteen hundred years ago, St Brendan the Navigator set off from a little cove in Kerry in search of the Garden of Eden. If only he knew that paradise lay no more than a day’s walk away, south in a place we now call West Cork. The environmental brilliance of the place has attracted writers and artists from across the globe, and so unique are its towns and villages that you can find Michelin-star restaurants in two of its more remote locations! But beware, once you arrive you may never want to leave. Unfortunately we are booked out for 2023, but please contact us via email to discuss your 2024 vacation.
Day 1
For those travelling from abroad we meet you at either Cork, Shannon or Dublin Airports. From Dublin, we visit the legendry Rock of Cashel and enjoy whiskey tasting on a guided tour of Jameson Distillery. Those arriving at Shannon will visit Bunratty Castle and Folk Village before heading south through the magnificent Killarney National Park. From Cork Airport, we take a guided tour of the Jameson Distillery and visit the famous Blarney Castle. Whatever your arrival point, we finish the day in the charming West Cork village of Schull.
Day 2
After a hearty Irish breakfast, and perhaps a saunter around the harbour, we head out to Muntervary (Sheep’s Head Peninsula), a European Destination of Excellence (we have so much to tell you about this dramatic part of Ireland). We then make our way around the coast and visit spectacular Mizen Head - Ireland’s most south-westerly point - for a guided tour of the signal station. This is a wild environment so keep your eyes peeled for whales and dolphins. And when we say wild we really mean it, so prepare yourselves for tales of pirates over lunch and a pint in Crookhaven! We drift back to Schull via the 4500 year old Alter Wedge Tomb and take a few shots of the iconic Fastnet Rock Lighthouse along the way.
Day 3
Unless you’re much mistaken you might think nothing can compare to yesterday. You are much mistaken because today we are taking a little boat trip to Ilnacullin - more popularly known as Garnish Island. The flora and fauna will astonish you (yes, that is a White-tailed Sea Eagle flying overhead), not to mention the scenery and history of the island. We might grab a coffee in Glengarriff before taking the road west to the mighty Beara Peninsula. This peninsula is a Wagnerian opera soaked in history and flamboyant geography, and it’s the final resting place of the fabled Children of Lir. We overnight in Glengarriff, former home of Hollywood icon, Maureen O’Hara.
Day 4
Our first stop today is at the Heritage Centre in Skibbereen. A tragic yet rich history has shaped what is now a modern and vibrant town - we’ll tell you about it as we drive alongside the Ilen River. We move on down the coast to magical Lough Hyne, Ireland’s first marine nature reserve. After lunch in Baltimore - the scene of infamy in the seventeenth century when it was sacked by Barbary slavers - we embark on a sea safari in search of whales and dolphins, or in the unlikely event of inclement weather, a trip to Cape Clear Island. Overnight in the enigmatic market town of Bantry.
Day 5
Today we are going to visit some of West Cork’s ancient and contemporary history from fifteenth century castles to twentieth century Irish War of Independence battle sites. We visit Bantry House and Garden – former home to the Earl of Bantry - before heading out to Béal na Bláth, the infamous ambush site where Michael Collins was assassinated. Kilmichael is next, scene of a major battle in the War of Independence. Make sure you have a reserve camera battery because after that we’re going to Gougane Barra, one of the most beautiful forest parks in Ireland if not the world. We return to Schull with enough time for a decent walk before dinner, or an amble around the town (and a pub or two).
Day 6
We’re off to Kinsale, the gourmet capital of Ireland, but first we visit the little village of Castlehaven – once home to celebrated writer, Edith Sommerville – before making our way around the coast to beautiful Glandore for lunch. Megalithic Drombeg Stone Circle is our next stop, followed by a drive-by of Castlefreke on our way to Galley Head. We continue around the coast to the Old Head of Kinsale. Overnight in Kinsale.
Day 7
After an opportunity to explore the enchanting little streets of Kinsale, we take a trip up to 17th Century Charles Fort. For Dublin, Limerick or Shannon bound guests we move on to Blarney Castle and Woollen Mills. Those going to Cork airport can look forward to a trip to Fota Island.
We tailor our tours to your budget so please contact us for a quote.