Ring of Beara - Ireland's Best Kept Secret

Day 1

We depart early morning and travel to Pembroke for our afternoon sailing to Rosslare. On arrival in Ireland, we head directly to our accommodation in County Wexford.

Day 2

Today, we make our way to the delightful Youghal - one half a medieval walled town and the other a Victorian Beach Resort. We continue to Kinsale, with sailboats in the harbour, colourful houses and narrow streets, Kinsale is a town so "typically Irish it almost hurts". Start with a walk through town, and then a slow drift into any establishment that takes your fancy!

Our hotel for the next 4 Nights is tthe Celtic Ross with beautiful views over Rosscarbery Bay.

Day 3

This morning, we visit Bantry House and its stunnning formal gardens, a family home for the past 300 years. The remainder of the day we spend exploring the stunning resort of Bantry, with its semi-tropical flowers, palm trees, high mountain ridges and cascading mountain streams leading to an azure blue sea.

Day 4

This morning we travel to the breathtaking Mizen Head, Ireland’s most southwesterly point, on the Wild Atlantic Way. We’re in for some unforgettable views here; at the end of the Mizen Peninsula, the dramatic cliffs of Mizen Head tower above the Atlantic Ocean, with waves crashing below. We explore the Visitor Centre, complete with interesting exhibits and maritime displays. From here, we take a 10 minute walk along a coastal path, down the famous 99 steps and across the striking Arched Bridge. Look out for seals and their pups in the swell below to reach the Signal Station, which was built in 1910. Now home to a fascinating museum, we explore the Station Keeper’s Quarters, the Workmen’s Quarters and the Engine Room for an insight into this magnificent station, used to warn ships of the treacherous rocks.

Day 5

Today, we discover the rugged and spectacular Beara Peninsula. We make our way to Glengarriff, where we take a short, but scenic, boat ride to Garinish Island - with its Italian Garden and sub-tropical climate. Our scenic journey continues along the awe-inspiring Serpentine Pass, before we head into Castletownbere - the principle town on the Peninsula. It is the 2nd largest natural harbour in the world and a haven for all types of water sport.

Day 6

We head firstly to Cork, packed with grand Georgian avenues, cramped 17th-century alleys, modern masterpieces such as the opera house, and narrow streets crammed with pubs, shops, cafes and restaurants, fed by arguably the best foodie scene in the country. This afternoon, we visit New Ross and include a guided tour of the 'Dunbrody Famine Ship'. Our final night is spent in Enniscorthy, County Wexford.

Day 7

This morning, we bid farewell and head back to Rosslare for our crossing home.

B=Breakfast Included, D=Dinner Included