It’s no wonder that West Cork is called ‘A Place Apart’. Nature sets the pace in this beautiful southwest corner of Ireland – stretching from Kinsale to three rugged westerly peninsulas reaching into the wild Atlantic. Golden Ireland is delighted to present our Wonders of West Cork Tour in June 2024. With the Clonakilty Park Hotel as our ideal base, join us for three days of magnificent sightseeing and cultural highlights such as Bantry House, Garnish Island, Michael Collins House, Charles Fort, Kinsale and a Walking Tour of Cork City.

Monday, 17th June

Our coach departs from Dublin City Centre at 9.30am with Kerry Coaches.

Stop in Cork City for lunch and a Walking Tour of the City.

Led by a Fáilte Ireland-approved tourist guide, you will be taken on a leisurely walk around the compact 800-year-old city, where you will experience the smells and sounds of the English Market, stroll the busy lanes of the 18th century Huguenot Quarter and wonder at Burges’s magnificent French Neo-Gothic cathedral.

Note: For anybody living in the Munster region, there is the option to join the tour in Cork City – please enquire for more details: info@goldenireland.ie, T: (+353) 01 6855317

After learning more about Cork City’s history and culture, continue your journey to West Cork for a three-night stay in the 3 star Clonakilty Park Hotel. 

Enjoy three nights Bed & Breakfast and three evening meals in Clonakilty Park Hotel.

Entertainment is provided in the hotel on two nights of your stay.

Clonakilty Park Hotel’s leisure facilities include a 20-metre swimming pool, sauna, hot tub and fitness room. A 3-screen cinema is also within the complex.

Tuesday, 18th June

Get ready for today’s adventure to the heart of West Cork with our first stop of the day at Bantry House & Gardens. Enjoy a scenic journey via the villages of Roscarbey, Glandore and Skibbereen before arriving in the harbour town of Bantry.

Enjoy a guided tour of the stately Bantry House and soak up incredible views across the expansive bay. Bantry House is one of West Cork’s hidden gems.  Since 1946 the house and garden have been open to the public. The house has an important collection of art treasures mainly collected by the 2nd Earl of Bantry on his grand tour and the garden was inspired by his travels. It is laid out in the Italian style over seven terraces, with the house sitting on the third terrace. A Parterre facing south surrounding a wisteria circle which again surrounds a fountain was also created. From there rise the famous Hundred Steps, a monumental staircase built of local stone, set amidst azaleas and rhododendrons.

After you visit Bantry House, your coach awaits for departure to Glengarriff. From there it is a short 15-minute ferry trip to Garinish Island. The gardens of Garinish (also known as Garnish, or Ilnacullin) owe their existence to the creative partnership, some eighty years ago, of Annan and Violet Bryce, then owners of the island, and Harold Peto, acclaimed architect and garden designer. The island is renowned for its richness of plant form and colour, which change continuously with the seasons. Pathways wind around the landscape, leading to a number of fascinating garden buildings, such as the Grecian temple, the clock tower, the casita, and an original Martello Tower. Bryce House, the family residence on the island for many years, is presented as it would have appeared during their lifetime. A selection from their vast collection of important paintings, prints, drawings, and books can be seen on display inside.

Wednesday, 19th June

It’s time to stay local in the morning and explore Clonakilty – Clon is a vibrant, friendly and colourful town surrounded by beautiful beaches and home to a rich food and music culture. Start the day with a trip to one of its most famous beaches – beautiful Inchydoney where the sea vistas are spectacular.

From there it’s a short trip back to Clonakilty and a visit to The Michael Collins House Museum. Michael Collins House is a museum dedicated to Irish patriot and revolutionary hero, Michael Collins. Enjoy a private tour to learn about the “Big Fella” himself, his life story entwined with the history of the fight for Irish independence. The story is further brought to life through interactive displays, audiovisuals, information boards and historical artefacts in the setting of a fully restored Georgian townhouse.

The museum is presented in an accessible manner through guided tours, interactive displays, audio visuals, artefacts and more, bringing the history to life for all the family. For those looking to delve into the history further information boards, history talks and our highly qualified tour guides will more than happily engage in debate and answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy some free time in the town, before travelling to Kinsale which is 35km from Clonakilty. With its picturesque harbour, coastal footpaths and wealth of seafood restaurants, Kinsale ticks all the boxes when it comes to seaside towns. Take a walk along the narrow streets and you’ll find art galleries, and independent boutiques, not to mention some of the very best places to eat in the country.

Our last tour of the day is to Charles Fort, just outside Kinsale. Charles Fort Military Fortress is a 17th century star shaped military fortress that 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 Military Fortress 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 to 1923. Charles Fort Military Fortress remained garrisoned by the British army until 1922. The view from the walls and ramparts at Charles Fort Military Fortress looking out over Kinsale Harbour is spectacular.

After a busy day of sightseeing, it’s time to head back for some rest and relaxation at Clonakilty Park Hotel.

Thursday, 20th June

Return Coach to Dublin, with a scheduled stop in Cork City en route.

Tour Costs

€495 pps

(Limited Availability)

Single Occupancy – Fully Booked.

Includes:

• Private Luxury Coach Transfer To and From Dublin.
• 3 Nights B&B and Three Dinners in Clonakilty Park Hotel.
• Evening Entertainment on Two Evenings.
• Walking Tour of Cork City with Cork City Walks.
• Private Tour of Bantry House.
• Return Ferry to Garinish Island.
• Scenic Drive of West Cork.
• Guided tour of Michael Collins House.
• Guided Tour of Charles Fort.
• Services of an experienced Guide/Driver

For further information and to book this tour, please email: info@goldenireland.ie

Tel: 00 353 (01) 6855317

Subject to Change and Availability.