Blarney Castle and Kinsale Tour from Cork

Enjoy three hours at Ireland's premier fairytale castle - Blarney. Climb the battlements, kiss the stone (or cheer on the crazy ones who do), walk in the gardens and shop tax free at the famous Woolen Mills. VIP Skip the Line access has already been arranged for you - so no worries about the long lines on days when the world's biggest cruise ships are at nearby Cobh.

Next up is the spectacular 17th century pentagon shaped fortress, Charles Fort - named after Charles II. Built when Ireland was the second seat of the British Empire, Charles Fort was a major British Army and Royal Navy base overlooking the approach to Kinsale for 200 years. The structure, grounds and coastal vistas will excite both adults and kids and provide excellent opportunities for photos. Look out for marine wildlife from strategic vantage points where cannons used to perch. Your entrance fee (EUR 5.00 adult / EUR 3.00 student & senior) is included with the cost of your tour!

The resort town of Kinsale is a delight and a highlight for many this afternoon. Nicknamed "Ireland's Riviera" the town features a marina full of yachts, winding cobbled streets with galleries and pubs and one of the best gastronomy scenes in the region. Enjoy 80 minutes at leisure to stroll around soaking up the atmosphere or pop into a good pub for a pint of Murphy's Cork Stout and a plate of trawler fresh seafood. You'll find plenty of delicious options to choose from including pubs, cafe's and sandwich shops. Some of our favourite's include The Spaniard Inn, The Bulman Bar, Lord Kingsale and Fishy Fishy. (For those who prefer to explore or to shop, feel free to take a packed lunch or to grab a sandwich at Blarney)

Our last stop of the afternoon is in the historic port of Cobh. Scene of many tearful goodbyes for generations of Irish emigrants on their way to the United States and Canada, these days Cobh hosts the biggest cruise ships in the world on blue skied summer days. If you have Irish ancestors who left the Emerald Isle before the 1950s it's likely you're now standing on the same soil as they did all those years ago. Check out the Titanic Museum (optional) in the White Star Line ticket office, check out the colourful houses and streets with a casual stroll or pop in to the spectacular St Colman's Roman Catholic Cathedral which dominates the skyline.

llocated to this "attraction" of the total 9.5 hours is spent touring in the bus through the countryside of Cork during the day).