A Three day circular tour of approx. 430 miles (690km).

The suggested starting point is Cork - a charming city on the river Lee, excellent for shopping and offering first-class pubs and restaurants with entertainment for all ages. The city is excellently situated for exploring the Cork coast and river valleys and indeed the whole of south-west Ireland. Overnight in Dunmore House Hotel in the heart of the city before visiting Blarney Castle, with its famous Stone of Eloquence, which is just a ten-minute drive away. Stop there to kiss the stone before continuing to the pretty harbour town of Kinsale. This town is full of old-world charm and has a distinct Georgian feel with narrow winding streets and bow windowed houses. The town is noted for the number and quality of its restaurants and is widely regarded as the Gourmet capital of Ireland. The popular Kinsale Gourmet Festival takes place in the town every October. Drive on to Timoleague where you'll see the remains of the once largest friary in Ireland, then onwards, through beautiful countryside, to Clonakilty where you can overnight in Dunmore House Hotel with its breathtaking view of the Atlantic. 

The following morning continue through Rosscarbery, Glandore, Union Hall and Skibbereen and along the exceptionally scenic drive through Ballydehob, Schull, Toormore, Durrus and Bantry into the beautiful glen of Glengarriff where you can visit the Forest Park and Garinish Island, with its ornate gardens. Afterwards take the 'Tunnel Road' to Kenmare and head west over the Healy Pass. Some of the finest sea and mountain scenery in Ireland can be enjoyed on the next stage of the tour, around the 'Ring of Kerry' - through the pretty villages of Sneem, Castlecove, Derrynane, Waterville, Cahirciveen, Glenbeigh and Killorglin into Killarney.

During this part of your tour you can visit many historical and scenic sights including Valentia Island, and the Skellig Rocks. The Skellig Experience includes a visitor centre and is well worth a visit. There are also some lovely quiet beaches in this region - for example Rossbeigh near Glenbeigh. While in Killarney take the opportunity to visit Muckross House and Gardens, part of one of Ireland's national parks, the Gap of Dunloe, Torc Waterfall and many other wonderful sights. Finally continue on to Tralee and stay in the Carrig House.

From Tralee explore the Dingle Peninsula, the heart of the 'Ryan's Daughter country and boasting many magnificent coastal views. Places of interest along the route are Inch, Annascaul, Dingle, Ventry, Slea Head, Dunquin, The Blasket Islands, Ballyferriter and Murreagh. Return to Dingle and on through Stradbally and Camp to Tralee, an unforgettable drive of breathtaking beauty. While in Tralee take in the headquarters of Siamsa Tire, the National Folk Theatre of Ireland, which was founded in 1974 to project Irish traditional customs, songs and dance. There are performances during peak season.

A steam train and a ship canal connects Tralee with the bay at Blennerville, where the old windmill tower is picturesquely set against the peaks of the Slieve Mish Mountains. The windmill has been restored and now houses an exhibition telling the story of the emigration from Kerry through this port during the nineteenth century. Follow the coast, with its fine coastal scenery, from Tralee to Ardfert, Ballyheigue, Causeway, Ballyduff, Lisselton, Cross Roads, Ballylongford and Tarbert, where a car ferry operates to Killimer, County Clare.

Drive through Foynes, with its fine ruins, along the Shannon Estuary via Askeaton to Limerick - an old and historic city. King John's Castle in Limerick City is a fine example of medieval architecture and now houses a major exhibition and audio-visual show of the history of the castle and of Limerick City itself. Having spent some time looking around Limerick head back to Cork through Tipperary and Cashel, visiting the magnificent ruins of the Rock of Cashel - including a cathedral, castle, chapel and round tower set on a remarkable outcrop of limestone. It is one of Ireland's great historic sites. Enjoy the mountain views on the way to historic Cahir town, with its wonderful castle and guided tours, and return to Cork and Shandon Court by Clogheen, Lismore and Fermoy, providing a splendid trip through the scenic Knockmealdown Mountains. Alternatively you could overnight in Springfort Hall Country House in Mallow.