Best of Cork & Countryside (Guided in French)

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

This unique, day-long tour has been perfectly designed for the first time visitor to Ireland, and begins with a scenic drive through the Irish country side, accompanied by your knowledgeable and friendly guide. Soak up the beautiful countryside with its rolling hills, expansive farmland and colorful houses, houses and stop for a photo oppotunity at Charles Fort where you will have stunning views over Kinsale Harbor before arriving in the town itself.

The delightful village of Kinsale boasts a broad and picturesque harbor along with a wealth of well-preserved, 18th-century houses. It was off the coast here that the liner 'RMS Lusitania' was torpedoed by a U-boat during World War I. You will be able to spend time independently exploring the town, or enjoying a coffee in one of the many river-side cafes, before meeting at the motorcoach for the next leg of the journey.

From Kinsale you will travel through the Irish countryside before reaching the outskirts Cork City and continuing to your lunch venue. Enjoy a traditional Irish lunch at a local hotel accompanied by a wonderful group of musicians.

Following lunch you will have the opportunity for a brief orientation tour of Cork City from the comfort of your coach before .

Your next stop on this fabulous day out is Blarney Castle, which sits high above Blarney village. Set in a sprawling park, this romantic ruin was once a stronghold of the McCarthy clan, and features 18-foot thick stone walls.The adventurous among you may join the line to enter the castle ruins or to kiss the famous Blarney stone - those who do are said to be endowed with the gift of eloquence (long lines may be expected).

After touring the castle, castle and the beautiful grounds, you can stroll to the nearby Blarney Woolen Mill Shop to enjoy shopping in this converted mill for traditional Irish goods. The shop here offers Waterford crystal, Irish linen, hand-loomed Donegal tweed, knitwear, bone china and Celtic brooches, so you will be spoiled for choice!
Your day ends with the scenic ride back to Cobh, enjoying the Irish countryside.

Special Notes:

Reaching the Blarney Stone requires climbing a great number of steps; the stairway is narrow, steep and twisting. Passengers with physical limitations need to take this into consideration. Passengers should expect crowds and delays when entering the castle. There is quite often a wait in line to climb the steps with wait times in excess of two hours; there may be insufficient time on the tour to enter the castle including seeing the Blarney Stone. Please wear comfortable, low-heeled and non-slip footwear. Air conditioned vehicles are not guaranteed.

Please wear comfortable, low-heeled and non-slip footwear.

Minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18.

Child Price:

12 years & under only