Day 1: Cork to Kenmare via Kinsale & Bantry Bay
Depart Cork City, heading south to Kinsale, a historic, maritime town known for its narrow streets and gourmet food scene.
Stop at Timoleague Friary, a 13th-century Franciscan abbey with stunning coastal views.
Visit Drombeg Stone Circle, an enigmatic Bronze Age monument.
Continue to Garinish Island, a subtropical paradise famous for its gardens (boat trip from Glengarriff).
Drive through the Bonane Valley, rich in archaeology and folklore.
Overnight in Kenmare, a picturesque town nestled between the Ring of Kerry and the Beara Peninsula . Famous for its mild sub-tropical climate and excellent restaurants.
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Day 2: Beara Peninsula Adventure
Explore the Beara Peninsula, one of Ireland’s most rugged and scenic regions.
Stop in Castletownbere, Ireland’s largest whitefish port, for a stroll along the harbour and learn about The Doctor’s Sword, a true tale about the extraordinary life of a local man
Drive the spectacular Healy Pass, a twisting mountain route with breathtaking views.
Visit the mystical Uragh Stone Circle, set between lakes and mountains.
• Return to Kenmare for the night.
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Day 3: The Ring of Kerry
Drive the famous Ring of Kerry, a 179km scenic route around the Iveragh Peninsula.
Stop and visit picturesque villages such as Killorglan, Sneem and Waterville.
Stop in Portmagee for a seafood lunch and views of the Skellig Islands.
Continue through Cahersiveen, with its impressive Cathedral (or gin distillery!) and Waterville, Once a hub of world communications and now associated with Charlie Chaplin
Return to Kenmare for the night and enjoy the many excellent restaurants or traditional pubs
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Day 4: Kenmare to Dingle & Slea Head
Travel north to the Dingle Peninsula, stopping in Inch Beach for a photo opportunity.
Follow the Slea Head Drive, one of Ireland’s most scenic coastal routes, with stops overlooking Coomeenole Beach and Clogher, both film locations
Visit the Blasket Island Centre, learning about the unique history of the Blasket Islanders.
Visit Gallarus Oratory, a perfectly preserved dry-stone church on the Dingle Peninsula, dates back to the early medieval period and resembles an upturned boat, showcasing Ireland’s ancient building techniques.
Explore Dingle Town, a fishing port, known for its lively atmosphere, craft shops, seafood, and traditional pubs and shopfronts.
Return to Kenmare for the night via the Connor Pass*
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Day 5: Kenmare to Cork via Bantry & Gougane Barra
Depart Kenmare and visit Bantry House, a stately home with stunning gardens overlooking Bantry Bay.
Stop at Carriganass Castle, a 16th-century stronghold associated with the O’Sullivan Beare clan.
Visit Gougane Barra, a remote glacial valley with a famous lakeside chapel, once a church founded by the early Christian, St. Fin barr
Explore Kilrea Friary, a hauntingly beautiful medieval ruin.
End the tour in Cork City, with a final stop at UCC’s Stone Corridor, showcasing ancient ogham stones, before being dropped off at your hotel

Visit– Knockroe Passage Tomb (free visit)

A Neolithic passage tomb , older than the ancient pyramids of Egypt, with intricate megalithic rock art, and winter solstice alignment.

Continue to visit – Ahenny Early Christian High Crosses (Free Visit)

Iconic 8th-century Celtic crosses, some of Ireland’s finest examples.

Continue to the Slate Quarry at Windgap (Free visit)

Learn about the historical slate industry that shaped local architecture.

 – Lunch in Carrick-on-Suir

Visit the Ormond Castle, Carrick-on-Suir Entry fee €5

Discover the rich history of Ormond Castle, the finest Elizabethan manor house in
Ireland. Built in 1565 by Thomas, the 10th Earl of Ormond, in honour of his distant
cousin, Queen Elizabeth I, this remarkable site blends medieval fortifications with
Tudor elegance.

Step inside the magnificent great hall, a grand space adorned with some of the finest
stucco plasterwork in the country. Intricate designs depict Queen Elizabeth, her
brother Edward VI, and symbols of the Tudor monarchy, offering a glimpse into the
grandeur of the era.

This shore excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore Ireland’s Tudor past in a
beautifully preserved setting.

Explore Ireland’s only unfortified Tudor manor house, built by Thomas Butler,
Earl of Ormond.

Visit – Kilmogue Portal Tomb (Harristown Dolmen (Free visit)

One of the largest portal tombs in Ireland, with towering megaliths over 4
meters high. As well as being of a grander scale to most other portal tombs,
Kilmogue is a little unusual in that it has two capstones.  Portal tombs
generally date to the Neolithic period, or the New Stone Age (c.3800–3500
BC)

3:00 PM – Depart for Waterford through scenic countryside

3:45-4:00 PM – Arrive back in Waterford

Pickup

Depart Belview Pier or city centre

• Pick-up from Belview Pier in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

Dun Brody Famine Ship, New Ross (Photo Stop)

• Stop for a photo opportunity at the Dun Brody Famine Ship, a full-scale replica of
  an 1840s emigrant vessel, on the quay where John Fitzgerald Kennedy , first acting
  President of the United States to visit Ireland ,gave a speech in June 1963. His great-
  grandfather had emigrated from this pier at the height of the Great Famine
• Learn about the Irish emigration experience.

Scenic Drive to Inistioge

• Enjoy the charming countryside of County Kilkenny.
• Arrive in the picturesque village of Inistioge, known for its beautiful riverside setting
  and film locations.

Explore Jerpoint Abbey (Visit)

• Guided visit to Jerpoint Abbey, a well-preserved 12th-century Cistercian monastery
  with impressive stone carvings and medieval history set amongst the lush green
  countryside of Co. Kilkenny

Travel to Kilkenny

• Drive through the scenic countryside to the medieval city of Kilkenny.
• *Option of booking a  1 hour hurling Experience , (our National Sport) en route to
  Kilkenny, in an authentic, old country pub, handed down through the generations.
  This amazing and fun experience, which will possibly be the highlight of your time in
  Ireland, could be slotted in before Kilkenny Castle.
• Lunch option at Knockdrinna Farmhouse Café with home baked goods and fresh
  organic food

Visit Kilkenny Castle

• Tour the historic Kilkenny Castle, a magnificent 12th-century Norman castle set in
  stunning parkland, overlooking the River Nore.
• Enjoy free time to explore Kilkenny Design Centre, which offers unique Irish crafts,
  gifts, and high-quality shopping.
• Explore Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, on foot or by car

Return Journey to Belview Pier/Waterford

• Relax on the scenic drive back to Waterford, in your private limousine, with stories
  and commentary from your professional guide

Arrive at Belview Pier

• Drop-off at Belview pier in ample time for your departure.

Proposed Route & Timings

• 09:15 AM – Meet and Greet at the dockside at Cobh Cruise Terminal
• 09:30 AM – .(Departure time dependant on cruise ship arrival time)
• Travel to Kinsale

Stop 1: Kinsale & Charles Fort

Photo Stop at Charles Fort (5 min from Kinsale)

• Stunning 17th-century star fort overlooking the harbour.
• Duration: 15 mins

Arrive in Kinsale Town

• Quick coffee stop in one of Kinsale’s charming cafés.
• Short stroll through the colourful streets (optional).
• Duration: 60 mins

Stop 2: Blarney Castle & Woollen Mills

Arrive at Blarney Castle & Gardens:

• Kiss the Blarney Stone for the gift of eloquence!
• Explore the castle ruins, Poison Garden, and scenic Rock Close.
• Duration 2 hours

Lunch & Shopping at Blarney Woollen Mills

Enjoy lunch at Blarney Woollen Mills Café.

• Great soups, sandwiches, Irish stew & local produce.
• Browse Ireland’s largest gift store for souvenirs.
• Duration: 1 hour

Return

• 3:45 PM – Depart Blarney for Cobh
• 4:45-5:00 PM – Arrive back at the dock in Cobh Cruise Terminal. If time permits, we can have a spin around Cobh to see the views from the Cathedral over Cork Harbour and Spike Island

Depart Waterford

• Distance to Kilkenny: 55 km (~50 mins)
• Take the M9 motorway for a smooth and quick journey

Arrive in Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle

• Explore this magnificent Anglo-Norman castle, dating back to the 12th century.
• Walk through its stunning gardens and enjoy views of the River Nore.
• Learn about the powerful Butler family and their influence on Kilkenny.

Explore Medieval Mile

Walk along Kilkenny’s Medieval Mile, visiting key sights such as:

• St. Canice’s Cathedral & Round Tower (panoramic city views).
• Rothe House (a well-preserved Tudor merchant’s home).
• Kyteler’s Inn (linked to Ireland’s famous witch trial).

Depart Kilkenny for Rock of Cashel

• Distance: 59 km (~50 mins)
• Drive via the N76, passing through the scenic countryside of County Tipperary.

Arrive at Rock of Cashel

• One of Ireland’s most iconic historic sites.
• Explore Cormac’s Chapel, the Round Tower, and St. Patrick’s Cross.
• Discover the legendary connection to St. Patrick and Ireland’s ancient kings.

Lunch in Cashel

Recommended Options:

• Chez Hans (Fine Dining in a converted church).
• The Rock House (Traditional Irish cuisine).
• O’Neill’s Bistro (Casual, local flavors).

Depart Cashel for Waterford

• Distance: 98 km (~1 hr 20 mins)
• Drive via the M8 and N24, passing through Clonmel and the Suir Valley.

Waterford Viking Triangle

• Reginald’s Tower (Ireland’s oldest civic building).
• Bishop’s Palace Museum (Georgian history & Waterford Crystal).
• Medieval Museum (Rare 13th-century vestments and artifacts).

House of Waterford Crystal

• Take a guided factory tour to see master craftsmen create the world-famous crystal.
• Visit the showroom to view exquisite pieces or purchase souvenirs.

End of Tour

• Return to your accommodation in Waterford.
  Would you like any alternative stops or dining options?

08:45 Pick up from your hotel/meeting point in Killarney, or Dingle (For other pick-up points,contact info@jessiestoursofireland.com to discuss)

Arrive in Dingle, with photo stops along this section of the Wild Atlantic Way

Travel around the Slea Head Drive, one of the most scenic drives in Ireland, taking in stunning coastal cliffs, beaches, mountains and views of the Blasket Islands. Until the 1980’s, this area was very hard to reach; there was no tourism, there were no phones, no tv, and the language spoken was Gaelic or Irish. This means that the Gaelic Culture, song, music, dance and language is still thriving there today.

Visit the Blasket Island Heritage Centre with views to the islands and learn about the unique community of Irish speakers who eked out a living there until the harshness of island life forced them to come live on the mainland in the 1950’s

Visit Gallarus Oratory, constructed using the corbelling technique and looking like an upturned boat and/or Kilmalkedar Early Christian Church, built in the Romanesque style with its many archaeological and architectural features.

Lunch in a local pub

Enjoy free time in Dingle Town, a picturesque fishing port and bustling colourful fishing port, full of local character and characters! Dingle is full of traditional pubs, family run craft shops, from award winning crystal to jewellery inspired by local archaeology to art, leatherwork, candles and clothing . It hosts many festivals (food, music) throughout the year. In short, it is a shopping destination for discerning buyers who like to support local communities. Taste the local, Murphy’s Ice Cream, made exclusively with milk from the Kerry Cow, or down a pint of black stuff in Dick Mac’s famous Bar

Travel, if you dare, to the northside of the peninsula over the famous Conor Pass, in a Mordor-like landscape, carved by glaciers in the last Ice-Age. A head for heights is necessary here. Never fear, however, if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, we can travel on an alternative road, taking in a stop to commemorate Tom Crean, a famous Antarctic Explorer from a little village, in a pub once owned by him.

Return to Killarney/your hotel via desolate windswept mountain roads with sea views, where mindful sheep meditate, allowing you to take stunning photos you will cherish as the highlight of your stay in Ireland.

Tour the famous Ring of Kerry, a 179km scenic route around the Iveragh Peninsula.

09:00 Depart form Killarney towards the northern side of the Ivreagh Peninsula, or the Ring of Kerry. T

Travel through Killorglin, home to the quirkiest Puck Fair, towards the coast and stop to admire the Dingle Peninsula with its mountains to the north, across a drowned river valley

Experience bog roads, over peatlands and see the cut turf drying on the bog. Stop for an Irish Coffee at The Red Fox or visit a sheepdog demonstation before arriving in Cahersiveen, the home of the Great Liberator, Daniel O’Connell. (Also home to aa very famous Monseigneur, and an increasingly famous Gin Distillery!

Head for lunch in Portmagee  of Star Wars fame, or Waterville, once a hub of world communications and now associated with Charlie Chaplin
Continue through picturesque villages such as  Sneem, stoppig for photos at mountain viewing points or sandy beaches.

Passing through Moll’s Gap, head for home via the glaciated landscape of the Killarney National Park, home to our remaining indiginous oak and Yew forests, keeping an eye out for deer .

06:00 Return to your hotel in Killarney before heading out to its bustling  streets for fine food, drink or entertainment.