Normans and Gaels Southern Tour
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Cork Ferryport or Airport Arrival and Departure - 4 Nights/5 Days

Day 1/Cork
A city built on hills and renowned for the famous Shandon Bells, Cork is an ideal starting point to tour the south of Ireland. Anyone interested in the Irish 'gift of the gab' must make a visit to Blarney Castle their first priority and kiss the famous 'Stone of Eloquence' set in the walls below the battlements. Also visit Fota House and Gardens, on the northern shore of Cork Harbour. The lovely 18th Century house was designed by the famous Morrison architects and the arboretum and gardens are of international repute for their collection of rare and tender trees and shrubs. A short distance away is the Heritage Town of Cobh, last port of call for the ill fated Titanic, and where the Queenstown Story tells the history of the Irish Emigration of the 19th Century.

Day 2/West Cork & Killarney
Depart for Killarney via the lovely coastal area of West Cork, dotted with quaint fishing villages, renowned these days for fine restaurants, gourmet speciality dairy products and distinct local crafts. First visit the Heritage Town of Kinsale, known as Ireland's Gourmet Capital. Continue the scenic route via Skibbereen, Bantry and Glengariff. Visit the Skibbereen Heritage Centre, housed in the Old Gasworks Building, which features the Great Famine Commemoration Exhibition as well as an audio visual insight into Ireland's first Marine Nature Reserve. Another "must see" visit is to Mizen Head Signal Station at Mizen Head, the most south westerly point in Ireland, to explore the magnificent and spectacular cliffs and see the history of Fastnet Rock Lighthouse and learn about the lonely life of the Irish Lights Keepers. Also visit Bantry House and Gardens, one of the finest stately homes in Ireland, whose restored gardens are home to many sub-tropical plants and shrubs. Enjoy one of the most beautiful views in Ireland, looking across Bantry Bay to the Cork/Kerry Mountains. Then on to Killarney via Kenmare through the magnificent Kerry Mountains and the legendary Lakes of Killarney.
Overnight Killarney.

Day 3/Limerick & Tipperary
Traveling north from Killarney via Castleisland for a fascinating exploration of the underground magic of Crag Cave and the picturesque village of Adare to visit the Adare Heritage Centre. Continue to Limerick and visit King John's Castle where the history of Ireland can be told through stories of political upheaval, war and famine. Also visit the nearby Hunt Museum which houses a fascinating and eclectic private Art Collection. Also of great interest is the historical collection of city treasures at Limerick Museum. Drive through Ireland's 'Golden Vale' via the Heritage Town of Tipperary, a 19th Century market town retaining its old world charm. Continue to Cashel, also a designated Heritage Town, known not only for the famous Rock of Cashel but also for Brú Ború - a cultural village and home to the study and celebration of Irish music, song, dance, theatre and Celtic studies. Overnight in Cashel.

Day 4/Waterford & Cork
Drive to the great port city of Waterford, made famous by Waterford Crystal at whose Visitor Centre the blowers, cutters and engravers are happy to display their unique skills. Also visit Waterford Museum of Treasures and Reginald's Tower which houses many interesting artifacts dating back many centuries. Continue to Cork via the coastal route and the Heritage Town of Youghal, one of the best examples of a Norman walled port in Ireland. Lastly visit the Old Midleton Distillery for a warm Irish farewell and a taste of good Irish whiskey.
Return to Cork for overnight.

Day 5/Cork
Departure from Cork airport or ferryport.