10-day Ultimate Ireland Small Group Tour

We leave Dublin behind and make our way to our first destination, Rock of Cashel, dubbed as the largest collection of medieval buildings left in Ireland this is sure to put you in the right mood for what we have in store. Then it’s off for a bit of kissing and to the famous Blarney Stone. Legend has it that whoever kisses it, gets the gift of the gab, and your fellow bus buddies will be sure to tell you if it works! Follow us as we head to the fishing village of Kinsale, a gourmet’s utopia. Head to The Spaniard, an olde world inn perched high above Kinsale, serving up Spanish Ruby Ports and West Cork black pudding or if it’s all fish you want, how about Fishy, Fishy? Meander the picturesque streets and find silversmiths, galleries and antique shops before settling in for the evening at The Armada bar or The Silent Banjo, which unlike the name suggests, is jumping with music and ‘jammers’ (packed) with locals Known as one of the best food hubs in Ireland. Meet up with our friend Barry for a guided historical amble through the narrow streets of Kinsale before grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many renowned restaurants on the water.  Total driving time: 3 hours 15 minutes Excluding stops 

It’s bye-bye Kinsale and hello to some of the sights of the Ring of Kerry; Stop off in Kenmare, a village full of treacle scones, Guinness breads, quirky shops and curiosities. Have your phones fully charged to take photos of Moll’s Gap, Torc waterfall and Ross castle in Killarney National Park. Built in the 15th century, this stronghold is said to have a resident ghost, that of O’Donoghue Ross, the chieftain who came to an untimely end, when he allegedly fell out of one of its windows!  The rest of the day belongs to Dingle, home to Inch is a strand with miles of beaches.  Tóg go bóg é (take it easy) and wander round its craft shops selling Irish flutes and seaweed cheeses. As evening draws in, take a trip to hardware store, Foxy John’s. But don’t be alarmed, the only DIY you’ll be doing is ordering a drink from its fully stocked bar. And did we tell you about the Leather Shop, Dick Mac’s? It comes with a pub, a gang of lively locals and a charismatic bartenders.  Total estimated driving time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Start your day with a kayak around Dingle Bay and explore the nearby caves too. If you haven’t got sea legs, stay on terra firma with a hike up Mount Brandon, where panoramic views of the bay and Castlegregory, will be your reward.  Heading for the Slea Head Drive, we’ll go on a journey through Irish-speaking villages, and famous Hollywood film locations. Then it’s back for another night in Dingle and a spot of DIY in the local hardware store, Foxy Johns (wink, wink). Estimated driving time: 2.5 hours Excluding stops