Southern Ireland – Bantry Bay & The Beara Peninsula

Staying at The Maritime Hotel, Bantry Bay

7 DAYS | 5th September 2026

Ireland’s natural landscapes are undeniably beautiful; mist-shrouded mountains, rolling green hills, trout-filled streams, and the stunning Atlantic coastline form the backdrop to a rich and ancient cultural heritage, as well as the home to a warm-hearted people. Come and immerse yourself in this location-packed and insightful tour of Ireland’s wonders!

West Cork is a little piece of paradise, the warm waters and mild winds of the Gulf Stream have bathed Ireland’s south west for centuries. The landscape contains semi-tropical plants and palm trees, with mountain streams flowing down to an intricate coastline. Bantry lies at its centre, blessed with a magnificent natural harbour and our base for the tour.

The Maritime Hotel is situated on the quayside; comfortable yet contemporary, it offers the ultimate in luxury accommodation with modern facilities that include a choice of places to wine and dine. Boasting a fabulously appointed leisure centre with indoor pool, all the bedrooms are en-suite and have a TV, WiFi and courtesy tea tray.

SATURDAY

We depart Macclesfield calling for coffee enroute to Holyhead where we catch the early afternoon ferry to Dublin. We then head south to Stillgoran where we arrive in time for dinner and make our overnight stop at The Talbot Hotel, a modern establishment with all the usual facilities.

SUNDAY

After breakfast we continue our journey south calling at the pretty town of Cashel for morning coffee. We then continue to Cobh and the Heritage centre, where we will discover the ‘Queenstown Story’ of Irish Immigration and the Titanic exhibition. After lunch we continue to Bantry Bay and our hotel.

MONDAY

Our visit today takes us to Garnish Island. After a leisurely breakfast we head to Glengarriff where we board the island ferry for the short journey across to the 37-acre garden island, known for its colony of playful seals, Italianate landscaping, Martello Tower views, and unique microclimate that supports exotic plants. You will have ample time to stroll at leisure and enjoy morning coffee or a light lunch before returning to the hotel early afternoon. The remainder of the day is yours to spend as you please.

TUESDAY

Our excursion today takes us to the beautiful Beara Peninsula; Ireland’s best kept secret, it is steeped in myth and legend and dotted with traditional fishing villages and sandy bays. Taking the scenic drive along the Atlantic Coast, through the rugged and spectacular landscape we start with a visit to Molly Gallivan’s Cottage and Farm for morning coffee. We then make our way to Kenmare Bay heading towards Eyeries and down to Castletownbere making a lunch stop en-route. We continue on the coastal route once more taking us back to Bantry Bay.

WEDNESDAY

A day at leisure. Why not visit Bantry Museum for a wonderful insight in Bantry’s past or take the short boat trip across to Whiddy Island?

THURSDAY

We begin today with a scenic drive down to Mizen Head, from where you can spot Fastnet Rock, also known as Ireland’s ‘tear drop.’ After a break for coffee, we visit the Georgian splendour of Bantry House and Garden, a family home for the past 300 years. Enjoy ample time for lunch and to explore the house and stunning formal gardens before we return to our hotel.

FRIDAY

After breakfast we take the route north calling for coffee en-route to Dublin Port for our ferry back to Holyhead. Taking the quickest route home, we aim to arrive in the Macclesfield area late evening.