Short breaks to Ireland: West Cork Experience from £465pp for 5 nts

This corner of the southwest of Ireland has been a popular holiday destination for the locals for decades, while foreign tourists have tended to head on to Kerry. Our short break is designed so you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere, great food and the beautiful coastal scenery of this rather special area.

Day One - Kinsale

Your first destination is the popular village of Kinsale,  less  than an hour from Cork, now firmly established as one of Ireland's premier destinations for foodies, with a host of restaurants covering all styles and preferences.

Your hotel in Kinsale

This unique, personally run, bed and breakfast is in the heart of Kinsale, yet with its peaceful garden and gated entrances offers true haven away from the bustle of the village. All rooms are very tastefully decorated, with a focus on natural textures and colours, with dark wood floors, white walls and beautiful art-work giving an immediate sense of sophistication. However, this is perfectly balanced with the warm reception that you will receive from your hosts, who are mines if information on the numerous local eateries.

Day Two - Exploring

Time to explore this historic, and very colourful village, or take a trip along the coast, where you will find plenty of beaches and welcoming villages. Perhaps head into the nearby city of Cork and visit the world-famous English Market

Day Three - to Baltimore

Your second base is the village of Baltimore, less than two hours further south, with its bustling natural harbour a haven for yachts and ferries to local islands, as well as offering a range of excellent restaurants and friendly bars.

Your hotel

Just on the outskirts of the village, this traditional inn features a bar area crammed with memorabilia of years gone by, leading into a bright and airy restaurant. Sup on sumptuously-fresh seafood as you gaze out to the boats bobbing on the water, or chat over a Murphy’s with the locals. Rooms are extremely spacious, and neatly decorated with splashes of cheery colours. A feeling of being beside the seaside pervades the place, and the welcome is every bit as friendly as you’d expect.

Day Four - On board a luxury yacht

Perhaps the highlight of your holiday will be a day spent on a luxury 50 foot yacht with your own skipper, exploring the through the islands of West Cork or sail around the Fastnet rock. Guaranteed sheltered water with magnificent scenery and wildlife. You will enjoy lunch on board, or perhaps on a remote beach and tea/coffee and snacks are all included.  If you have sailed before you can even sail the boat,  with the skipper navigating. If it is your first time sailing the crew will show you how to steer the boat and work the winches. After the day you will not only know what "trimming the sails", "tack" and "gybe" mean, you may even to do them! What's more with a wide choice of destinations, including plenty of sheltered water even reluctant sailors will be able to enjoy their day.

Day Five- exploring West Cork

Time to explore on your own, perhaps heading further west to the village of Schull, with its colourful craft shops, drive to Mizen Head, visit the imposing Bantry House and estate, or enjoy one the numerous coastal walks in the Baltimore area.

Day Six - Return Home.

Prices & Dates

This holiday can be arranged from early April to mid October 2012.

The price is £465 per person for April & October, £525 per person for May, June, July, August & September, for 5 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, which includes a full day private yacht charter with lunch.

Travel to Ireland

We would be delighted to book your travel to Ireland for this holiday.

The most convenient ferry routes are the overnight Swansea to Cork service or the Pembroke or Fishguard to Rosslare day- time services.

There are direct flight connections to Cork from many UK airports including London airports, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Manchester, Luton, Southampton and Edinburgh.

All our holidays include a map of Ireland with recommended routes from your specified starting point, suggestions on places to see and visit depending on your personal interests and our expertise to help you get the most from your holiday.

All itineraries and room types are presented subject to availability at specific hotels.

The McKinlay Kidd Guarantee

All our holiday prices include a service charge of £8 per person per night towards the costs we incur in researching, planning and designing your holiday.

We guarantee to refund this service charge if you believe that arranging your holiday through McKinlay Kidd has not met your expectations for value. All we ask is that you write to us within 7 days of your return and explain your reason for claiming the refund. This will ensure that we can improve the experience for all our future guests.

 

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