Day Four - East Cork & Waterford
Depart from Cork City driving in an easterly direction to the town of Midleton, which is a small rural town to visit the Old Midleton Whiskey Distillery. The Distillery comprises of 11 acres of grounds, which is both architecturally and historically unique. Now visitors to Ireland can trace the history of the magical spirit. Prior to 1825 the site was used as a Woolen Mill that commenced production in 1795. Today the original distillery - carefully and lovingly restored - is the only self-contained 18th century industrial complex of its kind in Britain and Ireland.
Of the many artifacts still remaining, pride of place goes to the largest Pot still in the world, which has a capacity of more than 30,000 gallons and is preserved in the building where it has been located for more than 150 years. A tour of the Midleton Distillery is a journey through the history of Irish whiskey. Mapping out the journey are historic illustrations and photographs, audio visual shows, exhibitions, demonstrations, graphic panels, intriguing display cabinets, timeless artifacts and working models. The visitor also encounters superbly restored machinery and dramatic recreations of many of the stages in whiskey production.
Continue further east to the historic town of Youghal at the mouth of the Blackwater River. The town dates from early Christian times and mirrors all facets of Irish History, blending the heritage of the centuries with a modern seaside holiday resort. Youghal is the site of the filming of the film Moby Dick in 1954. Continue along the coast via Dungarvan to Waterford.
Waterford City itself is a fine example of a walled city. The walled city withstood siege on several occasions in the past but fell to the Normans in 1170 AD. It prospered under the Normans and emerged as the second city of Ireland after Dublin. The city was the chief port of Ireland throughout the middle ages. In Waterford you will enjoy a visit to Waterford Crystal factory - this world renowned crystal is made here in the city by a skilled team of workers. Visitors are guided through the production area, where they can see the birth of crystal from a white-hot furnace, and then witness its transformation by dedicated blowers, cutters and engravers into beautiful sparkling crystal. On your return from the tour, visitors are shown around the Crystal Gallery, which houses one of the world’s finest displays of crystal.
Returning to Blarney you will have an evening at leisure.
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