Highlights / General details
The Cork and Blarney tour features a guided coach tour of the Irish countryside, a visit to the folkloric Blarney castle with its Blarney Stone, a chance to explore the unofficial capital of Ireland- Cork City, as well as an introduction to a historically significant monastic site called the Rock of Cashel.
You depart early morning from Dublin heading south through the County Kildare which is horse breeding country and home to Saint Brigit - one of Ireland’s 3 major saints , with sweeping views of the Galtee mountains - Ireland’s highest inland mountains- and rolling hills along the way.
Blarney Castle, built by the McCarthy clan over 600 years ago, still retains its old world charm with its towers, battlements and gated entrance built on a rocky outcrop. Kiss the Blarney stone, situated on the parapets of the castle, to gain the gift of eloquence (that is the ability to persuade people and being able to talk yourself out of trouble…) Discovery Travel Channel lists kissing the Blarney Stone amongst its 99 things to do before you die! Rock close is a magical garden filled with enchanting druidic rock formations, water features and exotic plants. The grand Scottish baronial style Blarney House is reflects a bygone era of wealth and statesmanship.
Cork city is a cosmopolitan city with a young population. Maybe have some lunch at the English Market (now with a very international flavor), go marvel at the Gothic St. Finbar's Cathedral, or ring the bells of Shandon at St. Anne's church for a small fee. Cork is home to Murphy's Ale and the Ford Tractor factory.
The Rock of Cashel is a multi-period monastic site, which was a fortress before it became the seat of the bishop of the diocese of Cashel, and site where the historical Synod of Cashel was held. Visit the Great Cathedral, the Hall of Vicars Choral, Cormack's Chapel (with one of Ireland's best preserved Irish frescoes and Romanesque architecture) and a Round tower, all perched on a solid rock ringed by a curtain wall- most of it dating back from before the Cambro-Norman conquerors came to Ireland in the late 12th Century.
Inclusion
This price includes your entrance into the Rock of Cashel and also The Blarney Stone; Professional Driver Guide; Live commentary; Luxury Coach; we are the only company in Ireland to offer this.
Exclusion
Hotel pick-up or drop-off; Personal expenses; Gratuities; Optional activity costs; Meals and drinks.
Hours of operation
Tour departs at 6:50am and returns at approximately 7:00pm; Please arrive 10 minutes before departure. Tours not available December 25.
Duration
Approximately 12 hours.
Location
Tour meeting point is at The Old Stone Church, Suffolk Street, Dublin.
Itinerary
6:50am Depart Dublin from outside the old stone church in Suffolk Street.
10:30am after driving through some lush countryside you’ll arrive at Blarney Castle.
12:30pm Arrive at Cork City and have 2hrs to explore Ireland’s second capital.
3:30pm Arrive at The Rock Of Cashel.
4:45pm now it’s time to make our way back to Dublin.
7:00pm Arrive Dublin.
Policies
Cancellation: 1 day prior 100% penalty. No show 100% penalty.
Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.
**All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation**
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