Our Director of Operations Neil Redler took part in a fact-finding tour of southwest Ireland organised by Fáilte Ireland, Ireland’s National Tourism Development Agency, and Tourism Ireland. As well as visiting Cork for the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, the tour included the iconic Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, home of the world-famous Blarney Stone, and pretty little Kinsale, before finishing in scenic Killarney. Here is Neil’s blog about the visit.

Events take place all over Ireland on St Patrick’s Day and there is no better time to explore the country, enjoying the craic and the warm Irish welcome. Our tour began in Dublin with a refreshing pint of Guinness and, after an early night in our Dublin Airport hotel, we set off on our journey to southwest Ireland. 

Our first stop was the iconic Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary, one of the many wonders that exist in Ireland’s Ancient East. Originally the seat of the kings of Munster, and set on a dramatic limestone outcrop, the Rock of Cashel is home to the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral and an abbey. A place to inspire anyone, the Rock of Cashel is surely one of the most picture perfect of Ireland’s landmarks.

Somewhere under the rainbow in County Tipperary!

Our next stop was Blarney Castle, famous the world over as the home of the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that if you kiss the Blarney Stone, you get the gift of the gab, and for over 200 years literary giants, stars of the silver screen, travellers and pilgrims have flocked to this historic site. At least visitors are no longer dangled by their ankles! 

As we made our way to Cork for the evening, we fitted in a stop at Cork City Gaol. A magnificent castle-like building which one housed 19th century prisoners, Cork City Gaol is now a popular attraction which allows visitors to step back in time and learn about life as an inmate. 

We were up bright and early on St Patrick’s Day to prepare for the parade and to enjoy some of the sights of Cork, including the prestigious Crawford Art Gallery, which houses over 3,000 works. The parade was great fun and fascinating to experience – the city really came alive with participants from all over the world! 

After our tour of southwest Ireland, our group was heading to County Kerry for Meitheal - the largest and most important trade event for Irish tourism, which brings international buyers together with hundreds of Ireland’s tourism businesses, so we joined the parade with our Meitheal banner. 

Our next destination was Kinsale and its distinctive Charles Fort, a huge 17th century star-shaped military installation overlooking Kinsale Harbour. The remains of the fort are well preserved and the views over the harbour are breathtaking.

Kinsale itself is a pretty seaside town with a beautiful natural harbour and a cruise gave us the chance to see things from a different perspective on the water. Kinsale is the end point of Ireland’s incredible Wild Atlantic Way, so is a popular destination for visitors. 

The Lusitania Museum and Signal Tower is located at the closest point of land to where the RMS Lusitania was torpedo and sunk in 1915, about 11 miles from Old Head of Kinsale, with the loss of over 1,000 passengers. The Museum and Memorial Garden, pictured below, tell the story of the ill-fated voyage. The historic Signal Tower dates back to Napoleonic times. 

Before we knew it, it was the final day of our four-day tour, and time to head to Kerry for Meitheal. On the way, we called at Skibbereen Heritage Centre to see two impressive exhibitions – one on the Great Famine, the second on Lough Hyne – Ireland’s first marine nature reserve. We then visited Molly Gallivan’s Traditional Cottage and Visitor Centre.

Molly Gallivan’s is a family run attraction in County Kerry, which gives visitors the chance to experience the simple country lifestyle of rural Ireland before the days of electricity and modern conveniences. This was a fantastic place to visit with lots to keep all ages entertained.

Our final activity was to tour Killarney town and Killarney National Park on a horse-drawn jaunting car. Jaunting cars are one of Ireland’s most traditional forms of transport and offer a great way to explore at a slower pace, getting off the beaten track and learning about the country from a knowledgeable driver. Not to be missed on a visit to Ireland!

If you or your group would like to enjoy a tailor-made tour of southwest Ireland, including visits to Cork, Kinsale and Killarney, as well as some of the many fabulous attractions along the way, please do contact our friendly team today.