Corners of Southern Ireland

First today, we’ll take a walking tour through Ennis’ character-filled avenues, hearing enthralling tales of rebellions and riots, myths and mysteries along the way. Then, prepare to be amazed at the Cliffs of Moher. The keen-eyed among us – or perhaps just those who packed binoculars – may even spot a resident puffin. Next, we’ll head to Killarney – the gateway to the panoramic Ring of Kerry. Accommodation: Randles Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast

Welcome to the Ring of Kerry – an area that boasts edge-of-the-world seascapes, rippling green lands, ancient forts and welcoming villages that rub shoulders with mysterious ruins. After viewing Staigue Stone Fort, a partly ruined stone ringfort that is thought to have been built between 300 and 400 AD, we’ll get an insight into the lives of the early Christian monks that broke bread at the site of the Skellig Michael monastery. Accommodation: Randles Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Our first stop of the day is Molly Gallivan’s Cottage. More than 200 years ago, the enterprising Mrs Gallivan supported her seven children by brewing illicit whiskey, and her home was in fact a clandestine pub. Our next stop will take us to the medieval town of Kinsale. Sea and sand views, cosy pubs and brightly coloured houses make our final stop of the day a very picturesque port of call. Accommodation: Actons Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast

The cobbled streets that curve around Kinsale’s pretty bay are just begging to be explored, so we’ll spend the morning on a walking tour. After taking in the must-see sights, we’ll then depart for the coast. Kinsale was the departure point for the last 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic, and you’ll notice poignant markers of this around the town. When we reach Midleton, we’ll pay a visit to the Old Midleton Distillery to see how the iconic whiskey is crafted – and sample its smooth character for ourselves. We’ll get one last cultural fix as we absorb the medieval charm of Kilkenny before indulging in a final feast fit for a king. Accommodation: Rivercourt Hotel (or similar)

• Meals
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner

Before heading back to Dublin, there’s plenty of time for a stroll around charismatic Kilkenny, where we’ll visit the famous castle. Keep your camera poised as our coach climbs heather-clad hills and crosses fairytale glens that carpet the Wicklow Mountains. At the heart of the dramatic scenery is Avoca, where we’ll pay homage to an Irish institution – Ballykissangel. You can even pull up a stool in Fitzgerald’s Pub, the one made famous by the BBC TV series. Then, there’s a chance to pick up one final memento of your travels at the Woollen Mills before we say goodbye to the group.

• Meals
  • Breakfast