Lush, green and bucolic, Ireland’s lesser known south and east are the go-to corners of the Emerald Isle to discover what makes this nation tick. Expect Neolithic tombs, monastic sites, medieval castles and tales of emigration in Ireland’s sunniest climes.

Day 1

Go West!

Cutting across Ireland’s heart pull up at the Irish National Stud with its beautifully curated gardens, pause in the city of Limerick, its mighty castle towering over the River Shannon, before reaching alluring Killarney deep in the Kingdom of Kerry.

Day 2

The Ring of Kerry

The celebrated ‘Ring of Kerry’ peninsula drive deserves time and attention to soak up an array of tiny villages and eye-popping viewpoints. Alternatively, stay put in Killarney’s National Park amidst mountains, rushing waterfalls and picturesque loughs.

Day 3

‘People’s Republic of Cork’

Follow in the footsteps of St Finbarre, Cork’s patron saint, from magical Gougane Barra to today’s buzzy, cosmopolitan and compact city swinging by famous Blarney Castle and its inexplicably popular kissable stone.

Day 4

Food and fortune

Tootle on south to Kinsale for a seafood lunch or bimble beside its bobbing yacht filled marina before fording the River Lee to Cobh, the ill-fated Titanic’s last port of call and jumping-off point for those America bound by way of the notorious Spike Island.

Day 5

Copper Coast

Head east along the geologically unique and historically interesting Copper Coast with its clutch of chocolate box fishing villages and strong mining heritage to Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city with a Viking past and world class reputation for fine crystal.

Day 6

Wexford Wander

Meander from historical landmarks to movie set to explore this cultural nook, boarding a replica famine ship and combing the ‘Normandy Landing’ beach of Private Ryan to wind up on the magical medieval mile of Kilkenny’s ‘Marble City’.

Day 7

Ireland’s Ancient East

Shaped by invasion and counter-rebellion, this is centuries old castle-tastic country where Cahir’s mighty C13th defensive powerhouse and the idyllic, whimsically conceived Tudor era Swiss Cottage reside harmoniously side by side.

Day 8

Return to Dublin

Ireland’s largest national park with its intriguing C6th monastic site of Glendalough and top-notch scenic driving route, the Old Military Road, is an unmissable highlight on the final approach through the Wicklow Mountains to the ‘fair city’ of Dublin.