Ireland's Enchanting South

  • Kilkenny
  • West Cork
  • Cashel
  • Thomastown
  • Kinsale
  • Ballylickey

Dates

September 14 – 24, 2025

Highlights

  • Evocative stories: from ancient Celts, Christian monks, to heroes of Irish independence
  • Small group intimacy—limited to 12 participants
  • Multi-night stays in high-standard hotels, each in a unique and inspiring setting
  • Classic Irish site visits: the Rock of Cashel, Mizen Head, Garinish Island, Healy Pass, and the Drombeg Stone Circle
  • A delightful culinary scene; opportunities to hear trad music

Trip Description

From medieval Kilkenny to West Cork’s stunning scenery, Ireland is one of Explore Up Close’s “special places,” and this is our latest iteration of an ultimate Ireland itinerary. This trip will be limited to 12 travelers, so it’s an intimate experience in naturally intimate places.

We’ll fly in and out of Cork city, located in the heart of Ireland’s South. Upon landing, we’ll drive to Cashel—a mountainous outcrop (“the Rock of Cashel”) that was the traditional coronation place for ancient Irish kings. Welcome to Ireland! We’ll alight later in the day in the heart of medieval Kilkenny, spanning the River Nore. It’s our jumping off place to visit Jerpoint Abbey (one of Ireland’s most evocative monastic sites), and the lovely village of Thomastown. After two nights in Kilkenny, we’ll travel lovely backroads to the pretty towns of Lismore, Midleton, and Cobh, en route to our home for the next three nights—Kinsale. Stories will range from Cobh’s maritime history, entwined with emigration and the stories of great ships—the Titanic and the Lusitania; to Spanish allies and massive coastal forts; to Jameson’s distillery. Our adventure will naturally build . . . as we enter the headlands-hidden, beach-quaint village world of West Cork. We’ll shift our lodging from Kinsale to Ballylickey, and we’ll see gardens in bloom, ancient stone formations, lovely estates, and village life. We’ll also hear stories on location about Michael Collins and Irish Home Rule, the Great Famine, and Fastnet Rock. The natural beauty is off the charts and will feature mountain vistas and some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

We’ll relocate for the last night of our trip in the city of Cork—one of Europe’s emerging stars and a growing tech capital of western Europe.

Featured Experiences

Pembroke Kilkenny

Ireland's Best Hotel Breakfast

In Kilkenny's most ideal location, you will find the Pembroke Hotel, located on Patrick Street. This 4-star hotel is surrounded by the city’s most notable landmarks, including Kilkenny Castle, Butler House, and Kilkenny Design. You'll be able to immerse yourself in the rich medieval heritage and vibrant arts scene that make this city in Ireland's Ancient East truly special.

The staff takes pride in their homemade, freshly cooked breakfast dishes which are crafted with love by talented chefs, using many locally sourced ingredients from the most reputable and certified suppliers. They were awarded ‘Ireland’s Best Hotel Breakfast’ 2022, by renowned food critic Georgina Campbell.

The Old Bank Townhouse

The Old Bank Townhouse is an award-winning Luxury Boutique Townhouse located in the heart of Kinsale. It is within walking distance from some of Kinsale’s most famous attractions such as Kinsale Harbour, Desmond Castle, Charles Fort, and James Fort as well as the town's iconic boutiques, restaurants, and local attractions.

The heritage of the building dates back to the 1700s and preserves many of the original features with a beautiful Georgian facade, impressive high ceilings, sash windows, and stone fireplaces.

The Townhouse is a proud winner of the Georgina Campbell ‘Guest House of the Year' and a member of the Historic Hotels of Europe. The property has also been recommended by food and hospitality critics Lucinda O'Sullivan and Georgina Campbell and featured in McKenna's Guide.

The Old Bank Townhouse is part of the Blue Haven Collection, providing boutique luxury accommodation in the centre of Kinsale.

Seaview House Hotel

Offering award-winning cuisine, luxurious B&B and a modern Spa & Bath House.

The Seaview House Hotel is delightful 4 star country house hotel full of character, set in private and well tended grounds in the quiet village of Ballylickey beside Bantry in the heart of West Cork.

Ideally located in the countryside but just 4 km from Bantry Town and a short-hop to Glengarriff in an area famed for its tranquillity and unique beauty, this lovely country house hotel is charm and character personified and is a welcome retreat for the leisure and business traveller alike. Located on the Wild Atlantic Way near Ballylickey Bridge over the Ouvane River it commands wonderful views of Bantry Bay from the main rooms.

With a wealth of leisure and sporting activities on our door step as well as close access to Sheep's head, Mizen head and at the gateway to the Beara pennisula, it’s the perfect spot to refresh body and soul... come and experience our piece of heaven.,with its stunning subtropical gardens and elegant interiors.

The Lansdowne Kenmare

The Lansdowne Kenmare has been part of the history of Kenmare since it was built as the town residence of William Petty Fitzmaurice in 1790, the 2nd Earl of Shelburne, and is one of the oldest landmarks in Kenmare. It now stands as a beacon welcoming guests to wander the streets of this quaint town and to explore the breath-taking scenery that surrounds it.

At the heart of The Lansdowne Kenmare is a passionate team, dedicated to creating great memories for our guests who return time and again for escapes to Kenmare. For us hospitality begins with a warm welcome and ends with a friendly goodbye, with great service, stylish décor and tasty food .

Neidin is the Irish name for Kenmare and translates to Little Nest. A Little Nest is exactly what was envisaged in 1790 when The Lansdowne first opened its door.

What's Included

  • Comfortable ground transportation
  • Accommodation for 9 nights
  • Breakfast, 4 lunches and 5 dinners
  • All touring per the itinerary
  • Guide and concierge service throughout the trip

Trip Price

$6,549 / person (double occupancy; single supplement, $1,335)

What's Not Included

Price does not include airfare, alcohol, other meals, or optional trip insurance.

. . . well-planned, from interesting and fun excursions planned each day to comfortable lodging and transportation. Our trip leaders, Chumley and Khal, were impressive with their knowledge of each area we explored and gracious in their planning of every aspect of our respective trips.
I highly recommend Explore Up Close. Not only did we enjoy some beautiful cities and landscapes, we learned so much history. They are memory makers!
If you want first-class service within a small group of traveling companions that you can really get to know, then definitely consider Explore Up Close.

Trip insurance safeguards your travel investment, your belongings, and most importantly, you. Trip insurance is required for all international trips, in the event you have to cancel or leave a trip for any reason. Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing travel insurance or airline tickets. Please confirm with Explore Up Close before making any additional travel arrangements.

Once you have received confirmation from Explore Up Close, we recommend contacting a travel insurance provider directly to request a quote and compare pricing and features. You can find other providers that may fit your needs at www.insuremytrip.com, or we can gladly connect you with our travel agent.

Please note, all trip participants should wait for confirmation from Explore Up Close that the trip has the minimum sign-up required to be a “go” before purchasing airline tickets.

Explore Up Close will provide a recommended flight itinerary for your consideration, which is intended as a helpful suggestion. We encourage travelers to choose airfare depending on their personal preferences, as some travelers may prefer to travel independently and meet at our destination, or may wish to extend their travels at the beginning or end of the trip. Our travel agent is available to assist you with booking flights and trip insurance.

Again, please confirm with Explore Up Close before purchasing your airline tickets or making additional travel arrangements!

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