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Best of Cork & Countryside for Small Groups
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Kinsale
The delightful village of Kinsale boasts a broad and picturesque harbor, the 17th-century star-shaped Charles Fort, a medieval church, and a wealth of well-preserved, 18th-century houses. Explore independently the labyrinth of narrow lanes taking in Kinsale's seaside beauty and relaxed vibe. Peruse the quaint boutiques, have a hot chocolate in a riverside café, and gain a deeper appreciation for what is considered one of the most stylish resorts on the southwest coast of Ireland.
Blarney Castle
Perched high above Blarney village, a sprawling park is home to the romantic ruins of 15th-century Blarney Castle. Once a stronghold of the McCarthy clan, it features 18-foot-thick stone walls and the legendary Blarney Stone; those who kiss it are said to be endowed with the gift of eloquence. To reach the stone, you'll climb narrow and steep stairs to the battlements where the stone is embedded in the castle wall. The castle grounds offer stellar views, beautiful foliage and the Rock Close, formed by a circle of stones.
What you will see along the way:
Gaze out the window on your scenic drive through the Irish countryside, with its rolling hills, expansive farmland and colorful houses. Arrive in Kinsale for independent exploration, then continue your drive to the outskirts of Cork City, which you will view on a driving tour. Your day concludes with a scenic ride back to Cobh.
Photo Opportunity:
Charles Fort
Fill your camera with images of this pristine, star-shaped fort with extensive fortified walls. The fort was a British artillery stronghold named for Charles II, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland when it was constructed between 1677 and 1682.
Lunch:
In Cork City, savor a traditional Irish lunch served in a local hotel and accompanied by a wonderful group of musicians. Sample menus include mixed salad, traditional Irish stew, homemade cheesecake or vegetable soup, pan-fried chicken, selection of vegetables and potatoes, and homemade pavlova with tropical fruits. Tea/coffee and one drink of choice per person (glass of beer or soft drink) is included.
Shopping:
The Blarney Woolen Mill Shop is a converted mill and one of Ireland's largest Irish gift stores. Here, you'll find a splendid array of authentic Irish goods, including Waterford crystal, Irish linen, hand-loomed Donegal tweed, knitwear, bone china and Celtic brooches.
Points of interest
Blarney Castle
Blarney Woolen Mill Shop
Kinsale
Schedule
Special Notes
Small Groups tours visit the same sites and venues as the standard tours with the added benefit of being in a small group, however at the sites and venues you may be exposed to other groups visiting sites and attractions at the same time.
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.
Minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18.
Exceptional Value
Book shore excursions with confidence! We offer competitive pricing, friendly service and unmatched destination expertise.
Moderate Activity
Includes meal
Shopping Opportunities
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
What you will visit:
Kinsale
The delightful village of Kinsale boasts a broad and picturesque harbor, the 17th-century star-shaped Charles Fort, a medieval church, and a wealth of well-preserved, 18th-century houses. Explore independently the labyrinth of narrow lanes taking in Kinsale's seaside beauty and relaxed vibe. Peruse the quaint boutiques, have a hot chocolate in a riverside café, and gain a deeper appreciation for what is considered one of the most stylish resorts on the southwest coast of Ireland.
Blarney Castle
Perched high above Blarney village, a sprawling park is home to the romantic ruins of 15th-century Blarney Castle. Once a stronghold of the McCarthy clan, it features 18-foot-thick stone walls and the legendary Blarney Stone; those who kiss it are said to be endowed with the gift of eloquence. To reach the stone, you'll climb narrow and steep stairs to the battlements where the stone is embedded in the castle wall. The castle grounds offer stellar views, beautiful foliage and the Rock Close, formed by a circle of stones.
What you will see along the way:
Gaze out the window on your scenic drive through the Irish countryside, with its rolling hills, expansive farmland and colorful houses. Arrive in Kinsale for independent exploration, then continue your drive to the outskirts of Cork City, which you will view on a driving tour. Your day concludes with a scenic ride back to Cobh.
Photo Opportunity:
Charles Fort
Fill your camera with images of this pristine, star-shaped fort with extensive fortified walls. The fort was a British artillery stronghold named for Charles II, King of England, Scotland, and Ireland when it was constructed between 1677 and 1682.
Lunch:
In Cork City, savor a traditional Irish lunch served in a local hotel and accompanied by a wonderful group of musicians. Sample menus include mixed salad, traditional Irish stew, homemade cheesecake or vegetable soup, pan-fried chicken, selection of vegetables and potatoes, and homemade pavlova with tropical fruits. Tea/coffee and one drink of choice per person (glass of beer or soft drink) is included.
Shopping:
The Blarney Woolen Mill Shop is a converted mill and one of Ireland's largest Irish gift stores. Here, you'll find a splendid array of authentic Irish goods, including Waterford crystal, Irish linen, hand-loomed Donegal tweed, knitwear, bone china and Celtic brooches.
Points of interest
Blarney Castle
Blarney Woolen Mill Shop
Kinsale
Schedule
Special Notes
Small Groups tours visit the same sites and venues as the standard tours with the added benefit of being in a small group, however at the sites and venues you may be exposed to other groups visiting sites and attractions at the same time.
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.
Minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18.