West Cork and Kerry Cycling Tour

There is no better place to start your honeymoon tour of Ireland, than in our capital city, Dublin! Honeymooners who love theatre, art and music will appreciate their time in Dublin. Stroll around Trinity College, one of Dublin’s most famous buildings which educated the likes of Oscar Wilde and Samuel Beckett. Catch a show in Dublin’s famous Abbey theatre or soak up the atmosphere in one of Dublin’s famous music pubs such as the Cobblestone and the Auld Dubliner. These are just some of the many things to do in Dublin city, your Irish Tourism detailed itinerary will provide you with many more options. This evening check into Brooks hotel, a contemporary but luxurious four star hotel, close to Dublin’s many touring attractions.

You have a number of choices for your route to Waterford and your Irish Tourism itinerary will help you to decide which one to take. The most direct route takes you by historic Kilkenny which is considered by many to be Ireland’s loveliest inland city, due to its cobbled stone streets and authentic medieval buildings such as Kilkenny Castle.  The Castle is well worth a visit and is open to visitors throughout the year. You may instead decide to travel to Waterford via what is commonly referred to as the Garden of Ireland, Wicklow. Taking this route you could spend a few hours in Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains where there are a number of romantic woodland walks to be taken or stop at the Vale of Avoca which is famous for its hand weavers and its scenic countryside. It was here that Thomas Moore penned the Irish Song, The Meeting of the Waters – ‘There is not in this wide world a valley so sweet, as that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet’. When you arrive in Waterford, check into the Waterford Castle Hotel. Siting prettily on its own private Island, the castle provides a luxury setting for your stay in Waterford.

Waterford is Ireland’s oldest City, dating back to the Viking period of 914, parts of the old city walls remain. Although its roots are set firmly in the Viking period, many of the buildings that remain are from the Georgian period notably Christchurch Cathedral and the lovely Cathedral Square. Other sites of interest include the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Reginald’s Tower and the House of Waterford Crystal which tracks the history of one of Ireland’s most famous exports. When you return to Waterford Castle, why not enjoy the delights of Afternoon Tea in the Castle’s Conservatory while overlooking the formal gardens and the Islands grounds.  You might instead prefer to take a walk around the three hundred Acre estate where walking trails have been developed to allow you appreciate the array of Wild Life and Fauna that have taken up residence on the Island.

You have two options for your journey to Kerry; the most direct route via Cahir or the slightly longer route which will take you by the famous Blarney Castle with all its historic charm and romance. If you chose the former, you can visit Cahir Castle, one of the most formidable castles in Ireland as well as a popular film set. You could visit Cahir Abbey or the Swiss Cottage, an ornamental cottage built for Lord and Lady Cahir for entertaining guests. If you take the route via Blarney Castle, leave in plenty of time as the castle gets very busy during the summer season. Kissing the stone at the top of the castle is a long standing tradition and those that kiss it are said to then magically gain the ‘gift of the gab’! If you do visit Blarney, be sure to wander into the Rock Close, part of the gorgeous but often ignored gardens. On arrival in Kerry check into Carrig House, a wonderful stop on your honeymoon in Ireland due to its picturesque lakeside position and luxury accommodations. Carrig House was built originally as a hunting lodge for visiting British Aristocracy in the 1800’s and remarkably restored to its former glory by the Slattery Family in 1996. Your tour includes a stay in Carrig House’s amazing Presidential Suite.

The highlight of your honeymoon in Ireland may well be your journey around the spectacular Ring of Kerry. You will pass captivating mountains and stunningly beautiful coastal scenery, dotted with villages and towns that have retained much of their unique Irish culture. Stops we recommend include Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh Strand which is arguably the best beach in Kerry, perfect for long romantic walks! Visit Cahersiveen, the principle town of the peninsula and from here take the ferry across to Valentia Island, where you will find a striking mix of period buildings & houses most notably The Royal Hotel and the former Transatlantic Cable Buildings on the waterfront. Drive to the top of Geokaun Mountain and Learn about the social and cultural history of the island while enjoying the spectacular views. Continuing around the ring, the next town you come to is Ballinskelligs which has another beautiful sandy beach and on from there, Waterville, a favourite holiday spot of Charlie Chaplin who visited frequently with his family.

You have a number of options for your return journey to Dublin and your detailed Irish tourism itinerary will help you choose which one to take. The most direct route takes you via the pretty town of Adare with its authentic Irish thatched cottages and several notable historic buildings or the longer route takes you via Cahir with its famous Castle and the Rock of Cashel which was the crowing place of kings including Ireland’s famous high king, Brian Boru.  You may simply decide to travel directly to Dublin in order to get some more Dublin sightseeing in before you leave. On arrival check into Brook’s Hotel and spend your final night of your honeymoon in Ireland in luxury surroundings.