Secret Ireland

Day 1 – September 3rd 2025    Start of the trip in Cork

For this trip I have chosen a starting point in Cork. I am happy to help organize a journey by train, bus or chauffeur from Dublin or Kerry Airport or even with an extension with a visit to Dublin or Cork.

After your arrival in the second largest city in the Irish Republic, you can take a look around on a stroll through the city center. We will spend the night in downtown Cork, perfect for a visit to a cosy pub or a wonderful restaurants nearby.

Overnight stay including breakfast at the Imperial Hotel in Cork

Day 2 – September 4th 2025 From Cork City to Bantry

During the morning we will give you an insight into the history of the city with its many river arms. Perhaps you would like to see St Finbarre’s Cathedral, designed by an inspired unconventional architect, a walk along the river takes us to the ‘Shakey Bridge’, an old suspension bridge with an interesting history and of course a visit to the English Market with all its delicacies is a must. In the afternoon we reach Bantry House, a country estate that has been owned by the White family since 1739. We will spend the night in the east wing of this stately house. During the rest of the afternoon we have plenty of time to explore our ‘home’ and its surroundings. From here it is a short walk to the town of Bantry, which invites you to have a good meal and a pub visit in the evening.

During our stay in Bantry House we can spend the evenings in the magnificent library in front of a cozy fire and look forward to the excellent breakfast. I am particularly pleased that I was able to book rooms here for this trip this year.

Overnight stay including breakfast in the historic Bantry House

Day 3 – September 5th 2025 The Beara Peninsula

We will spend this day on the Beara Peninsula. It is one of the most fascinating and beautiful places in Ireland. The Miskish and Caha mountains form the rugged backbone of the Beara Peninsula, which juts out into the wild Atlantic and ensures that the coast is omnipresent. Our journey takes us along small roads lined with endless hedges that meander between the cozy, colorful villages and communities of Beara. The economic importance of the sea is also clear here, Ireland’s largest fishing fleet is based in Castletownbere. ‘Fish and chips’ are certainly excellent here. Further out near Dursey Island, we have the opportunity to take a RIB boat* out to three small rocky islands and get to know the Atlantic up close. If the weather is inclement, there is an alternative trip from the port in Castletownbere.

* Guests who are not feeling comfortable on a boat can spend the time on the sandy beach or in Castletownbere.

Overnight stay including breakfast in the historic Bantry House

Day 4 – September 6th 2025    Mizen Head round trip

Today we drive out onto the Mizen Head peninsula. At the tip of the peninsula is the most south-westerly point of Ireland. A bridge over the cliffs and the wild sea, which was only open again after restorations since a few years ago, allows us to walk to a signal tower, where we can see what life was like for the lighthouse keepers in the past. The landscape here is wild and breathtaking. If the visibility is good, you can see the Fastnet lighthouse in the distance, which sits on a small rock in the wild surf, an outstanding feat of engineering. We learn more about it at an exhibition here in the Mizen Head visitor center. At midday we head inland again, perhaps stopping for a swim on one of the large sandy beaches here. Our further route takes us via the towns of Schull and Ballydehob, which invite you to have a snack or a stroll with their small colourful shops and cafes, back to Bantry.

Overnight stay including breakfast in the historic Bantry House

Day 5 – September 7th 2025     To Glengariff and from Bantry via Clonakilty to Kinsale

A special excursion is planned for this morning. We drive from Bantry to Glengariff, from here we take a boat across the quiet Bantry Bay to the garden island of Illnacullin, also often called Garinish. We are sure to see some of the many seals that make their home here, and perhaps one of the eagles that live on the island. Look forward to a magnificent flora, the climate here in the area is particularly mild. A landscape architect took advantage of this in the early 20th century and designed the entire island as a garden. On our further journey to Kinsale we can visit one of the newer whiskey distilleries in Clonakilty. On our further journey we see the ruins of the monastery of Timoleague, a Franciscan abbey from the 13th century. The monasteries of Ireland have played an important role in European history. This one is dedicated to Saint Molaga, the patron saint of bees. You will spend the night in the town of Kinsale and can explore this beautiful port town during the next days.

Overnight stay including breakfast at the Perryville Hotel, Kinsale

Day 6 – September 8th 2025    Cobh, Cork Harbour and the Titanic Experience

Today we drive east past the city of Cork to Cobh, where large ships still dock today. Often much larger, certainly less famous than the Titanic. Its sinking is one of the great tragic events that has touched many people, and not just since the film. It docked in the port of Cobh for the last time. In this second largest natural harbour lies an island steeped in history, Spike Island. At first a remote monastery was established here, then a fortress built to defend the ‘Empire’, then the island became a prison. You can find evidence of over 1,000 years of Irish history here. In addition, the island offers many walks in nature.

A ferry will take us to the island, it departs right next to the Titanic Experience. We will see if the tides are right and we can visit this museum too.

Certainly an interesting day with further insights into Irish maritime history. From here we drive back to Kinsale via Cork.

Overnight stay including breakfast at the Perryville Hotel, Kinsale

Day 7 – September 9th 2025    Around Kinsale

Today we get a deep insight into the port town of Kinsale on a walking tour and find out what makes it such a special place. Kinsale in its sheltered bay was originally an important port for the Anglo-Normans and one of the decisive battles in Irish history took place here at the beginning of the 17th century. Later, forts were built here to secure the port. You will have time to stroll around the town before we drive out to the Old Head of Kinsale. Here is one of the many signal towers on the Irish coast, in the museum we will find out why these towers were built and, in addition, here is the memorial to the sinking of the Lusitania, an important event for 20th century history. We end our day trip today with a short walk along the coast.

Overnight stay including breakfast at the Perryville Hotel, Kinsale

Day 8 – September 10th 2025    Departure – onward journey from Cork

If you intend to travel home today, there are various options from Cork City or maybe Cork Airport. Or maybe you would like to extend your trip with a stay in Cork or Dublin, please contact us for advice on options, we are happy to help.

Services included in the travel price:

– 1x overnight stay including breakfast at the Imperial Hotel in Cork

– 3x overnight stay including breakfast at the Bantry House

– 3x overnight stay including breakfast at the Perryville Hotel, Kinsale

– City tour of Kinsale

– Photography course with Dave Block (in English)

– Qualified Chauffeur Guide

– Round trip according to the program (program subject to change)

– All trips take place in a modern minibus

– Information material about your trip

Entrance fees:

✔ Lusitania Museum Old Head of Kinsale Signal Tower

✔ Visit to Bantry House and Gardens

✔ Boat trip and entry to Garinish Island

✔ Mizen Head Visitor Center

✔ Spike Island Tour

✔ Clonakilty Distillery

Services not included:

Flights, personal expenses, tips, food and drinks

For information about cost and to book your place please go to Dave’s booking link