South of Ireland with Private Transportation

This tour of the South of Ireland with private transportation offers your group various aspects of the south of Ireland. See the main sights of Ireland's second city, Cork, experience the fishing village of Kinsale, and enjoy the freedom to explore the legendary village of Blarney with its famed castle on your own.

As you begin, your guide will introduce to you Cobh, which was the last sight of Ireland for so many people in the latter part of the 19th century when the Irish sought a new life in the "New World." Your tour proceeds to Kinsale, approximately one hour's drive, passing through the Lee Tunnel and a photo stop at Charles Fort.

During your free time, enjoy a walk around the town of Kinsale with its very attractive harbor and yachting center.

Drive from Kinsale through rolling pasture lands to Cork city, where you will view the main sights of the city including the University, St Finbar's Cathedral and the city's main streets. Free time will be taken for lunch on your own.

Continue to the village of Blarney, home to Blarney Castle - one of the most famous attractions in Ireland where the stone bestows the "gift of eloquence" to those who kiss it. The Blarney Stone is housed on the summit of the ruin and is approached by climbing 100 steep steps. From the summit, one has fine vistas of parkland and Blarney House in the distance.

You will then have approximately one hour and 45 minutes of free time in Blarney to visit the castle, explore the village, or browse the well-stocked Blarney Woolen Mills shop. The shop houses a wide variety of quality Irish products including crystal, cashmere, crafts, candles, pottery, ceramics, and of course traditional woolen knits.

You will then return to Cobh via the Ring Road.

Please Note: The visit to Blarney Castle is self-guided.