County Cork is situated in the South West of Ireland, it is the largest of all the Irish counties and in many ways the most varied. Rich farmlands and river valleys contrast with the wild sandstone hills of the west, and above all there is the magnificent coastline scooped and fretted by the Atlantic into great bays and secret coves, strewn with rocky headlands and long soft golden sands.

Cork, or Corcaigh or 'The Great Marsh of Munster' had its historic beginning in the 7th century when St. Finbarr founded his monastic settlement on what is now Gillabbey Rock. The physical shape of Cork derives from its island beginnings. Water and tides, birds and boys fishing, bridges and Amsterdam-like house-fronts, all cajole the walker and casual visitor to the city. Up to the 1770s Cork was a city of waterways. Patrick Street was seriously damaged in the dying days of the War of Independence but much of the remaining fabric of the city remains as it was in the 19th Century. Cork has many physical qualities, steps, steeples and hidden squares and lanes. Over the years the medieval plot size and street pattern have been retained, despite much of the city being rebuilt in the 18th and 19th Centuries.

Cork people are energetic and fun-loving by nature. A quality of life has been retained within Cork that is attractive to the visitor and citizen alike. Nowadays an optimistic populace live within a calm and protected medieval island-city, a city reborn through major programmes of renewal and regeneration.

Strategically positioned by a deep harbour of the North Atlantic, Cork is essentially a city of trade. The city's motto Statio Bene Fida Carinis - A Safe Harbour for Ships - reveals the essential nature of port and city. Great volumes of traffic from the sea, import and export, emigration and immigration, have been the characteristic strength of the city for over a thousand years.

As well as music, theatre, literature and sport, Food is also an essential element in the mix of Cork life. By the 1770s food exports out of Cork were larger than those of Dublin. At the beginning of the 20th century Cork Corporation owned and supervised five Markets and nowadays the City Council supervises two markets, The English Market and The Coal Quay. In recent years there has been a resurgence of interest in fine food, in wholesome and organic provisioning. This renewal of interest and the widespread enthusiasm to establish high standards for Food Markets marks the return to the pioneering seriousness and professionalism of the 18th Century Butter Merchants. The city and its hinterland has a necklace of the most incredible restaurants.

A port city of trade and commerce, a major regional cultural centre with a deeply embedded artistic community, Cork is a city primed for a thousand welcomes. Galleries and arts centres, concert halls and cinemas, pubs and restaurants, all are available and eager to host the stranger and the returning friend. Cork people are curious and open, inquisitive and welcoming. It is within the welcoming hearts of Cork people themselves, a people used to great floodings from the sea, that Europe will discover yet another safe harbour for art and culture.

This morning, a private driver/guide will meet you & bring you on an orientation tour of Cork City. Built on a marsh, the city proper is inter-laced with winding canals and rivers, which give it a distinctly European air. The River Lee divides the city in two and is perhaps best reflected in the well-patterned architectural development incorporating the best of old and new.

Across the Western road is the entrance to University College Cork. The buildings are styled after the Tudor Gothic period and visitors can walk the corridors in the path of famous people such as George Boole, whose Boolean Logic has become the basis of modern day computer science. Your tour will then continue past the magnificent St. Finbarr's Cathedral, designed in mini-Gothic style by William Burgess and built on the site of St. Finbarr's original settlement (606 AD). This Early French Gothic structure is built proportionately to scale and features highly ornamented, beautiful mosaic work and rich carvings. William Burgess was obsessed with all things medieval - witness the detail - the soffits, gargoyles, birds and beasts, the rose-window, and the multitude of ornate carvings. The present building replaces two earlier churches and was completed in 1870.

Following the road back to the river, cross over the bridge on to the South Main Street, and on your left is the Beamish and Crawfords Brewery. This brewery building is recognisable by its half-timbered Tudor frontage and interesting cupola, weathervane and clock. This is the home of Carling Lager and local Beamish Stout (milder and fuller than Guinness). A little further down the South Main Street turn right to the Grand Parade. The City Library is on your right and at the end of the Grand Parade by the river is the National Monument. This memorial commemorates the Irish Rebels of the 1798 and 1867 Uprisings. Surrounding the Maid of Erin, leaning on a broken cross, are four of Ireland's leading patriots - Thomas Davis, Michael O'Dwyer, O'Neill-Crowley, and Wolfe Tone. It includes the crests of the four provinces of Ireland - Connaught, Leinster, Munster and Ulster.

Nearby, also beside the river, is a War Memorial to the dead of two world wars, in particular the Royal Munster Fusiliers. In the 1st World War or 'Great War', more Irishmen per head of population died in Flanders than other participating nations. The Hiroshima Memorial, an uncarved granite stone, lies nearby. Turn left to the South Mall; this street is the business and financial centre of Cork, containing many interesting buildings. Many have steps leading from what was once an open flowing river channel, with boat houses below at street level. Houses No. 53 and 74 South Mall are two examples of houses built with Dutch brick which arrived in Cork as ballast on board ships trading with Holland.

At the end of the South Mall looking across the river from Connolly Hall is the City Hall. Constructed from large limestone blocks the City Hall was opened by President Eamon De Valera in 1936. The funds were provided by the British Government in reparation for the burning of the original city hall by English Crown Forces on December 20th/21st 1920 during the Irish War of Independence. Continue then to Patrick Street until you come to Academy Street turning off to the right; at the top of Academy Street to the right is the Crawford Art Gallery. Located in Emmet Place the Crawford Gallery houses old masters and modern Irish artists. The northern portion dates from 1724 (facing the Opera House), It was formerly the city's Custom House when ships could enter the square where the Opera House Fountain sits today. The right wing was designed by Richard Hill and added in 1866 - a faithfully copied "marriage in stone".

Turn left into the Paul Street area; a former back street now tastefully converted into a thriving shopping area with restaurants, boutiques, craft and bookshops, in the heart of old Cork. The Church of St. Peter and St. Paul is a beautiful 19th century Catholic church in an ornate neo-Gothic style - call in to quietly experience another world! The Paul Street area has many French associations........ being part of the Old French Quarter. The Huguenots were French Protestants forced to flee their own country because of persecution in the 17th century. In Cork they congregated in Paul Street, French Church Street, and Carey's Lane. In French Church Street services were performed in French into the present century.

As native Catholics were prevented by the Penal Laws from becoming involved in trade, the French settlers filled the vacuum as wholesale merchants, beef and butter exporters, tallow-chandlers, brewers and coopers. Follow French Church Street or Carey's Lane back down to Patrick Street and cross over into Princes Street where the entrance to the English Market is located. This thriving covered market with its variety of stalls selling goods and fresh produce dates to a Charter of James 1 in 1610. The present building, 1786, was damaged by fire in 1980 and was refurbished by Cork Corporation to an award-winning design by T.F. MacNamara, the City Architect. Foodstuffs peculiar to Cork may be purchased here. The Drisheen is a mixture of dried sheep's blood and herbs made up like puddings in skins, but of considerable length. Crubeen are pig's feet boiled 'with the hoof on'. Troters are sheep's feet boiled in water!

This afternoon, you will enjoy a visit to the famous Blarney Castle. En route to the castle, you will stop to visit the Cork City Gaol. The Cork City Gaol in Sunday's Well, was designed to replace the old Gaol at the Northgate Bridge in the heart of the city. The old gaol was nearly 100 yrs. old, on a confined site, overcrowded & unhygienic. In 1806 an Act of Parliament was passed and monies levied locally to allow the building of a new City Gaol. The first site chosen was at Distillery Fields - an area prone to frequent flooding!! This fact, and enlightened thinking that hilly, airy sites were best for containing gaol fever probably influenced the change to the present site.

The new Cork City Gaol opened in 1824 & was reported as being "the finest in 3 Kingdoms". In 1870 the west wing was remodelled into a double-sided cell wing & in 1878 under the General Prisons (Ireland) Act, the Gaol became an all-female prison which it remained until male anti-treaty supporters were incarcerated in 1922/1923. The Gaol closed in August 1923, with all remaining prisoners either released or transferred to other gaols. The top floor of the Governor's House was used as a radio broadcasting station by the national radio station - Radio Eireann (now RTE) from 1927 until the 1950's. From 1923 to 1993, apart from the foregoing, and some storage use of the exterior grounds by the Dept. Posts & Telegraphs, the Gaol complex was allowed to become totally derelict until its innovative restoration and reopening to the Public as a visitor attraction in 1993.

In the afternoon, visit Blarney Castle. To visit the castle is to step back in time, and feel the enchantment of a long and heroic past. Here is one of the great historical sites of Ireland, renowned throughout the world. The view from the entrance gate sets the scene immediately, with fine vistas of parkland crowned by Blarney castle rising up in its entire ancient splendour, framed by clumps of trees.

People the world over have stopped at this internationally known tourist centre to kiss the Blarney Stone, which traditionally imparts the ‘gift of eloquence’ on all who kiss it. The famous Stone is located just below the battlement in Blarney Castle, built in 1446. In order to kiss the Stone, it is necessary to hang ones head downwards over the battlements having climbed 110 steep steps by the original spiral staircase to the summit of the castle.

Afterwards, your driver will return you to Cork City, where you will enjoy dinner at Jacob’s on the Mall, contempory style Restaurant in the heart of Cork City's financial district, with its own private dining room and piano bar, serving modern European food, with an emphasis on locally sourced free range and organic produce.

Your accommodation for the next two nights is the Hayfield Manor Hotel, Cork's premier 5* hotel. Located in a leafy corner opposite University College Cork, this 2 acre site allows our guests to relax and unwind in luxury. Choose from 2 restaurants, Orchids or Perrotts. Private dining rooms are perfect for any occasion. Our residents are our priority at the Beautique at Hayfield Manor which features treatments, relaxation suite, indoor headed pool, outdoor jacuzzi, steam room and gym. Awarded hotel of the Year 2005.

DAY 2- COBH & CORK CITY TOUR

 This morning, your driver will take you to visit the lovely port of Cobh (pronounced ‘Cove”), with its imposing Cathedral. The town is steeped in the history of ships and shipping and the saga of emigration, a story captured and explored in the Cobh heritage centre – The Queenstown Story.

The American War of Independence put Cobh on the map. Napoleon kept it there and in the reign of Queen Victoria the town grew and prospered. It was as Queenstown that the port rose to prominence as a vital link in trans-Atlantic liner traffic in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Its name was changed again in 1920 and as Cobh it continues to serve as an important port of call for the majestic liners travelling the north Atlantic route. Emigrants departed from Cobh's quays on board vessels of the great shipping lines, such as Cunard and White Star.

The "Titanic" sailed from Cobh, never to touch land again. The Heritage Centre will tell these stories in a way that is fitting and sympathetic of the endeavour and trauma of the people who were involved.

Return to Cork City for the afternoon, where you may like to do some shopping. Although Cork City is a busy industrial city, it is also an important shopping centre. The principal streets are lined with fashion houses and department stores stocking quality Irish goods.

Return to the Hayfield Manor for overnight.

DAY 3-CORK CITY-KINSALE-INCHYDONEY ISLAND

Your driver will pick you this morning and you will depart Cork City to head south. Along the way, you will stop in Kinsale, a small fishing village situated approximately 16 miles from Cork City. It is renowned for its pubs and restaurants and is known as the ‘Gourmet Capital’ of Ireland. Every visitor to Kinsale is captivated by its beautiful setting, with the long waterfront, narrow winding streets and Compass Hill rising sharply behind the town. The old fortifications of Charles Fort and James Fort guard the narrow entrance to Kinsale from the sea.

The town has poignant memories of the sinking of the liner ‘Lusitania’ in 1915, off the Old Head of Kinsale, and it was in the courthouse the inquest into the incident took place. Visit Charles Fort, constructed in the early 1680’s in honour of King Charles II by William Robinson, architect of the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham in Dublin, Charles Fort is a classic example of a star shaped fort. In use until 1921 the fort, which protected the trading town of Kinsale, gives a unique insight into Irish fortifications. Besieged in 1690 by the Duke of Marlborough and destroyed in 1922 during the Civil War, Charles Fort reflects the turbulence of Ireland’s past. It was declared a National Monument in 1973. Across the estuary is James Fort, an earlier structure, which was designed by Paul Ivy in 1602.

You may like to enjoy lunch here today before continuing onward to your final destination today at Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa. Situated on the idyllic island of Inchydoney, between two EU blue flag beaches, the hotel offers deluxe rooms, a fully equipped thalassotherapy (seawater spa), restaurant, Dunes pub and function and meeting facilities. Within a short distance guests can enjoy sailing, golf at the Old Head of Kinsale, riding and deep sea fishing. The style of cooking in the Gulfstream Restaurant reflects the wide availability of fresh seafoods and organically grown vegtables.

DAY 4-INCHYDONEY ISLAND

Today, you will the chance to enjoy and absorb everything that Inchydoney has to offer. From horse-riding and whale watching to lavish spa treatments and phenomenal scenery, we invite you to indulge yourself today.

Overnight at the Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa.

DAY 5-WEST CORK TOURING

Today, you will enjoy the scenery of the southwest. Pass through many charming villages, Rosscarbery, Glandore, Union Hall and Castletownshend, set in picturesque surroundings and sharing their appeal between sylvan beauties and the call of the sea. Your driver will drive via Skibbereen, possibly, the most colourful town in Ireland. Each building, whether shop or home, forms part of a complete rainbow of colour, mauve next to green alongside purple adjacent to yellow. There is none of your bland west-coast whitewash here! The buildings are like a string of Celtic jewels that jar, then delight the eye with agreeable surprise, especially on a drab rainy day.

You may like to take a detour to the most southerly point in Ireland, the Mizen Head. Mizen Head Signal Station is open to the public for the first time since it was completed in 1910. The Mizen Vision! Visitor Centre in the Keeper's House and the Engine Room, the famous Suspension Bridge, the 99 Steps and the views up the South and West Coasts combined with the exhilaration and excitement of the wild Atlantic waves and ancient tortured rocks guarantee a unique and authentic experience. In any weather the Magic of the Mizen is spellbinding. Mizen Vision the Mizen Head Signal Station Visitor centre has been open since June 1st, 1994. In April 1993 the fog signal station was demanned and went automatic. A local co-operative, Mizen Tourism, was formed to develop the location into a visitor centre to create rural employment. In July 1993 a lease was signed with the Irish Lights and the exciting Mizen Vision! Became a reality. There are spectacular views on the Bridge and at the end of the peninsula and the houses have been equipped with an audio-visual room, a map and archive room; the Keeper's kitchen and bedroom have been retained and there is a bird and sea watch room. Imagination takes over in the Mizen environment cave, the Fastnet Room, the Underwater Room and the Storm Room. You are very welcome to the Mizen! Don't miss it!

Continue along via Bantry to Ballylickey. There are many attractive views of the scenery of the surrounding district from the sea. The surrounding waters are quite rich in wildlife, the seals which frequent the rocks on the southern shore being of particular interest to many.

Overnight at the Ballylickey Manor House. This 4 star guesthouse on the boundary of Cork and Kerry is set amidst ten acres of award winning flower gardens and parkland. It is surrounded by mountains and moorland it enjoys a stunning romantic setting overlooking Bantry Bay. There is an aura of quiet luxury about the Manor with its drawing rooms, breakfast room and five sumptuous suites. Across the gardens just out of sight are the swimming pool and a cluster of comfortable rustic Cottages, which offer a choice of suites of bedroom bathroom accommodation.

DAY 6-DEPART CORK

This morning before you depart, if time permits, you may like to explore the Gougane Barra region. Gougane Barra was Ireland's first National Park when it opened to the public in 1966. This contributes greatly to the reputation, which Gougane Barra has as an area of wild and beautiful scenery. The magnificent Forest Park covers an area of over 1,000 acres.

Alas, it is now time to bid farewell to Cork. Slan Abhaile (Safe Home)!