Touring Ireland: Discover Cork & Kerry from £425pp for 6nts

Spend a week exploring the southwest of Ireland, with its many peninsulas "pointing" to the open Atlantic, creating sheltered bays, small islands to explore, sandy beaches and small coastal villages. A great touring area, from the famous Ring of Kerry to many often overlooked alternatives, such as Mizen Head and Ring of Beara. Watch out for the settings of the latest Neil Jordan film "Ondine", starring Colin Farrell.

Day One - West Cork

Your first 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 Baltimore, 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 Two & Three - exploring West Cork

Time to explore on your own, perhaps heading further west to the village of Schull, with its colourful craft shops. Take a drive to Mizen Head, or visit the imposing Bantry House and estate, or enjoy one the numerous coastal walks in the Baltimore area, including a visit to the dramatic white beacon which stands sentry over the lough entrance.

Day Four - to Kerry

Your journey now takes you further west, with options to explore one or more of the fingers of land at the south of Ireland, including the Bere peninsula, before reaching the famous Ring of Kerry, and your next base.

Your hotel

Right by the water’s edge, and far from the madding crowds of tourist hotspots such as Kilkenny, this idyllic spot offers the perfect relaxing base from which to explore the Ring of Kerry. Or, if you are anything like us, you might just decide to spend your days wandering in the 14 acres of wooded and landscaped grounds, and splashing about in the little rowing boat in search of basking seals. It’s impossible not to be captivated by the gorgeous views, the elegant statues and the swaying palm trees. Rooms are simple yet spacious, split between two buildings with quirky art deco, 1950s and 1960s touches. Your hosts welcome you into their home, and will make every effort to ensure that you see the best of the local area. Light suppers are available on request, or take a short drive into Sneem or Kenmare for a choice of restaurants.

Day Five & Six - Exploring Kerry

Many will take this chance to drive the famous Ring of Kerry, the 120 mile circular drive and one of the country's most popular tourist trails. Although busy, there are plenty of options to avoid most of the crowds and still enjoy the open views of the mountains, coast and islands of the area. Weather-permitting, the boat trip to view the dramatic island monastery at Skellig Michael is highly recommended and there are also plenty of walking trails around.

Day Seven - Return home

Prices & Dates

This holiday is available from March to end October 2012.

The price is £425 per person for March, April & October holidays and £495 per person for May, June & September, and £525 per person for July, August, for 6 nights on a bed & breakfast basis in a double or twin room ensuite.

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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