8 Days in Ireland: Cork and Kerry Counties

Uncover the sheep-dotted hills, lush landscapes, and village heritage of southern Ireland on this eight-day road trip from Dublin to Kinsale, Kenmare, and Killarney.

Country
Ireland
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
From
$7,500 /person
Customize this trip

Your trip at a glance

Top Activities

Uncovering Kinsale's secrets via ghost tour, food crawl, and fort visit

Savoring fresh cheeses and meeting Irish buffalo at a local dairy farm

Foraging through Kenmare's wild landscapes for a rewarding campfire meal

Landing on the UNESCO-recognized Skellig Michael on a boat trip to County Kerry's Skellig Islands

Cruising through Killarney National Park on a lake boat tour

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Preview:

Charles Fort and Culinary Kinsale

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Overview

Rise and shine for your first full day in Kinsale! After breakfast, walk to the historic Charles Fort — a 17th-century military fortress that stretches across the cliffs and all the way down to the seashore. Here, you’ll learn about the turbulent years of the Williamite War and hear the haunting tale of the White Lady, gleaning fascinating context for the city you’ve seen thus far. Later in the day, you’ll switch gears to focus on Kinsale's food, discovering an array of culinary delights on a guided walking tour. At the edge of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, Kinsale has garnered a reputation as an Irish foodie haven, attracting some of the country’s most culinary-minded chefs. To truly tap into this claim to fame, you’ll meet a local expert guide for a fun and formative culinary journey, where every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and local flavor. As your guide regales you with stories of the town, you’ll enjoy fresh seafood, artisan cheeses, and vibrant produce sourced from nearby farms. Once you’re satiated, you’ll have the rest of the afternoon and evening free. Return to your hotel, and consider sipping a cocktail in the blooming courtyard garden — the best way to revel in Kinsale's pace of life. (Breakfast)

Highlights

Charles Fort

This star-shaped fort reflects Kinsale’s military legacy, though you don’t have to be a history buff to appreciate a visit. This morning, you'll wander the grounds of Charles Fort, feeling centuries of history beneath your very feet. It’s one of Ireland’s largest military installations that has witnessed major moments in time, from events of the Irish Civil War to the Jacobite-Williamite war. It’s also quite the looker, with lush, green lands and a perch along the water.

Kinsale Food Tour

What better way to meet a new place than through its cuisine? Just in time for lunch, you’ll meet a local expert guide for a delicious, food-themed walking tour around Kinsale, a city bursting with flavors. Over the course of roughly three hours, you’ll try the city’s staple dishes — oysters, fish, and various form of seafood thrive here — with a few surprises thrown in, too.

Accommodations

Actons Hotel (or similar)

A harborside haven with both style and soul, Actons Hotel has welcomed guests to Kinsale for more than 75 years. This glamorous and remote property celebrates the region's special combination of coast and countryside throughout its boutique rooms. Grounded in local knowledge, fabulous food, and fresh air, the property therefore promises coastal fun with contemporary comforts — a simple ethos for a simply spectacular stay.

Location:

Actons Hotel, Pier Rd, Kinsale, County Cork P17, Ireland

Phone:

+353214779900

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How it works

01

Fill out request form

Provide your ideal trip dates and details to be matched with one of our local planning experts.

02

Meet your expert

Schedule a call with your expert to confirm dates, pricing and any recommended edits to the itinerary.

03

Book your trip

Once your itinerary is set, it’s time to pay the deposit to secure your trip.

04

Take-off

Let the journey begin! Your expert will offer real-time support and concierge service while traveling.

Ready to Go?

Let our local experts plan your dream trip.

What's included

Included in the final price

  • Roadbook with local tips and expert recommendations
  • 24/7 on-the-ground support
  • On-trip concierge service
  • Personalized trip crafting
  • Entry and exit information and assistance
  • Accommodations for seven nights, with daily breakfast
  • All meals and culinary experiences mentioned in the itinerary
  • Private airport transfer on Day 1
  • All entrance fees, guided tours, and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Private ghost tour in Kinsale
  • Private food tour in Kinsale
  • Entry to Charles Fort
  • Private farm tour and cheese tasting
  • Private foraging experience
  • Landing tour on Skellig Michael
  • Private boat tour in Killarney National Park
  • Car rental of a standard automatic SUV (Kia Sportage or similar)

Not included in the final price

  • International arrival and departure flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and gratuities
  • Anything not mentioned or listed as optional in the itinerary

Ready to see the full itinerary?

Submit a free request to talk with our local experts.

Let's Go

Day 1:
Céad Míle Fáilte: One Hundred Thousand Welcomes!
Day 2:
Ghosts of Kinsale
Day 3:
Charles Fort and Culinary Kinsale
Day 4:
Local Characters and Local Cheeses
Day 5:
Forage and Feast
Day 6:
Skellig Islands: UNESCO Heritage, Monastic Trails, and Gannet Birds
Day 7:
Killarney National Park: Lakes and Boat Cruise
Day 8:
Until the Next Time!