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    Family Adventure

    Deluxe Legends of The Southwest

    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £3,400.00

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Patricia Doe
    View Patricia's Profile

    Region: South West – Cork & Kerry
    Trip Type: Family
    Accommodation: Deluxe
    Deposit From: £850

    Grading: Your Own Pace

    Carbon Footprint: 186kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Explore legendary peninsulas, villages, islands and coastlines as you learn about the wildlife, pirates, smugglers, monks (even Jedi!) who’ve called this place home.

    On this exciting family tour of southwest Ireland, discover the legends of the rugged southwest landscapes, taste local cuisine in Ireland’s gourmet region and enjoy comfortable, family-friendly accommodation in West Cork and Kerry.

    Your personal guide on your family tour of southwest Ireland will help you make the most of your journey by interpreting the landscape, sharing local myths and legends, introducing you to local characters, and showing you an authentic, off-the-beaten-track southwest Ireland. With your own private guide, activities can be tailored to meet your family’s needs, preferences and expectations.

    Note on minimum ages: This family tour of southwest Ireland is designed to suit children from 6-15 years old. Please note that depending on factors such as weather and the height of your child, some activities may be restricted. This is a guided private departure and therefore the activities can be tailored to the needs and abilities of you and your children. This trip may be taken any time during the year (choose the dates best for your family), though please keep in mind that some of the activities may be modified in winter, especially the water sports.

    Trip Highlights

    • Your own private guided trip, each activity tailored to match your family's preferences.
    • Create hand-made toys & learn about the past on a ghost tour.
    • Climb Skellig Michael, ancient home to monks and Star Wars Jedi.
    • Hike and kayak in the shadow of smugglers and pirates.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Meet the Ghosts of Kinsale

    Our first stop on our family adventure is the historical fishing town of Kinsale. Famous as the gourmet capital of Ireland, this colourful town is brimming with activity from art galleries to elegant yachts. Our accommodation is in a central location overlooking the sea. This evening, we’ll have a unique introduction to the town via a ghost tour led by local actors. You’ll learn about Kinsale’s vibrant history while meeting the colourful characters of Kinsale’s past as they come alive during an entertaining evening stroll through Kinsale. (L, D)

    Day 2 – Smugglers, Forts & Battles

    This morning, while listening to tales of conquests, wine smugglers and the town’s exotic local characters, we’ll head out along the coast with our guide. Set on the water’s edge, Charles Fort is one of the best-preserved examples of a 17th-century star-shaped fort and is associated with some of the most momentous events in Irish history. There are plenty of lookouts to climb to and tunnels to explore. We’ll all enjoy lunch in an award-winning local Irish pub. (B, L)

    Day 3 – Sea Kayaking & Seashore Picnic

    Kinsale was often visited by pirates over the centuries and today we’ll kayak along the seashore to where the pirates once landed. With the water lapping quietly at the side of our kayaks, and the seabed slowly passing by underneath the surface, enjoy this wonderfully relaxing way to travel. Your expert guide will provide guidance to everyone and set the standard of the trip to best suit your family. Weather permitting, we will all enjoy a picnic on the seashore. (B, L) 

    Day 4 – The Ring of Kerry & Toy Factory

    This morning, we transfer to the Kingdom of Kerry, stopping en route at the Toy Soldier Factory. The whole family will have the opportunity to make and paint their own figures, be it a model soldier, fairy, chess piece, animal or dozens of other choices. This is a great activity to get the whole family involved and come away with your very own creation. Afterwards, we’ll continue onto the famous Ring of Kerry to enjoy its panoramic vistas, arriving at our next accommodation overlooking the glittering Kenmare Bay. (B, L)

    Day 5 – Fairies in the Woods

    Today, take the time to enjoy your location in your own time. Your accommodation is perfectly set up for children, with activities galore and so much to explore. There’s a nature trail treasure hunt to complete, a playground to visit, an indoor play zone and of course the miniature fairy houses to find hidden in the woods. Parents can choose to enjoy the spa or any of the other activities on offer. Your guide will be on hand to assist with bookings, take people for a walk in the hills or go foraging along the seashore. (B) 

    Day 6 – Skellig Michael

    Today, we shall follow Kerry’s rugged coast to the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula where we’ll catch a boat on the Atlantic Ocean. Rising dramatically out of the crashing Atlantic are the jagged pinnacles of the Skellig Islands.* In ancient times, Skellig Michael was home to monks seeking solitude. At the island’s summit 714 ft (218m) above sea level, a remarkably well-preserved 6th-century monastic settlement clings to the steep slopes. However, today they are more well-known as part of a galaxy far, far away; this was the filming location for Star Wars Episodes VII and VIII. Get up close to these islands to encounter both the diverse island wildlife as well as the ancient historical sites. We’ll enjoy a celebratory final dinner together tonight. (B, L, D)

    *Please note that the Skellig boats only run weather-permitting from May to September.

    Day 7 – Departure

    This morning we shall say goodbye to the wild, rugged coasts of West Cork and Kerry and transfer back to Killarney Train Station where you can transfer back to Dublin or stay on to explore Killarney National Park. If you prefer we can leave you to your chosen finishing point, be it the airport or Dublin City. (B)

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    Family
    Legends of The Southwest

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    Price from: €3,400
    Duration: 7 Days 6 Nights

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This is a deluxe standard trip. On your coast-to-coast adventure, our trip designers have hand-picked Deluxe accommodations that are each recognised for their cosiness, luxury and comfort each night as well as their excellent location, service and comfort.

    Every family is different, so please contact us in regards to accommodation.

    Representative pricing for this trip is based on a family of 4 adults and 2 children under 12 years old sharing one classic family room. The exact final cost and rooming configuration will depend on your family’s specific needs as well as hotel room availability at the time of booking. Your adventure consultant will discuss your preferred rooming set-up and available options with you.

    Meals Read More

    Evening meals will be taken either in a local town, which offers a good choice of restaurants to suit every taste, or perhaps in a different location depending on the day’s activity.

    Each morning, enjoy a homemade breakfast of your choice at your accommodation. Lunch will be taken in cafes or a Wilderness Picnic along your route. Throughout the day, your guide will provide water and tasty, Irish snacks. Evening meals are included on the first and last nights only. For all other evenings, your Wilderness Guide can provide expert recommendations or you can dine in at your lodging.

    Inclusions Read More

    This trip includes the following:

    • 6 nights accommodation in hand-picked, family-run guesthouses, B&Bs & boutique hotels
    • Most meals, incl. all Breakfasts and most lunches and dinners as indicated in the itinerary (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable hiking guide/driver throughout
    • All transport throughout the trip
    • Activities stated in the itinerary

    This trip includes all accommodation, guiding and travel, as well as most meals. It does not include drinks or gratuity for your Wilderness Guide.

    Trip Grading Read More

    At Your Own Pace

    With your own private guide, activities can be tailored to meet your family’s needs, preferences and expectations, and therefore this trip can be enjoyed at your own family’s pace.

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    Arrival Info

    Your Guide will meet you at your choice of Cork Kent Train Station, Dublin or Shannon Airport on day one of your trip.

    Departure Info

    You will be returned to Killarney Train Station on the final day of your trip or to a finish point of your choice.

    Upgrade and Customise Your Trip Read More

    Extend Your Stay

    Why not extend your stay in Ireland with further exciting adventures? Simply ask your Adventure Consultant to find out more about extending your tour.

    Car Hire

    Planning to hire a car here in Ireland? Make your life easier by leaving the car rental process up to us. Just tell us your preferences and we’ll take care of the rest.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Patricia Doe

    An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets – she particularly loves the under-appreciated regions of Mayo, Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. Having spent nearly a decade in the hospitality industry, Patricia is an expert on Ireland’s luxury and unique accommodations. As Wilderness Ireland’s General Manager and head of the sales team, Patricia is ready to help make your Irish adventure spectacular!

    Ask Patricia a Question

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    With your own private guide, activities can be tailored to meet your family’s needs, preferences and expectations, and therefore this trip can be enjoyed at your own family’s pace.

    It is your responsibility to ensure you are appropriately fit and capable of doing the described hikes in the expected times. Please refer to the grading section on our website for more details. If you are unsure we encourage you to speak to us first.

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