Arrive in Ireland via the Fishguard- Rosslare ferry crossing, then just a few miles to Wexford for dinner, bed & breakfast at the Maldron Hotel.
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Into Co Cork at Youghal. A momentous event took place here at Myrtle Grove, the home of Sir Walter Raleigh - the first potatoes were planted in Europe. Lunchtime halt in Kinsale, where locally landed fish are cooked in some of Ireland's best restaurants. Coastal drive to Bantry Bay in the afternoon. 3 nights dinner, bed & breakfast in the Eccles Hotel, Glengariff.
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Enjoy the scenery of Bantry Bay where a highly recommended boat trip is available to Garinish Island for the Italian Gardens. A remarkable collection of flowers, shrubs and trees flourish in an equable climate. There are decorative Greek and Italian temples and a Martello Tower dating from the Napoleonic Wars when, in 1798, 15,000 French troops tried to invade.
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The Pass of Kelmaneigh, then follow the River Lee to Cork for shopping and sightseeing in Ireland's second city. Visit Cobh (pronounced 'cove') as well. This major port on one of the world's biggest natural harbours has played an important role in Ireland's history; some 2 ½ million people emigrated from here to America between 1848 and 1850. It was also the last port of call for 'Titanic' on its ill-fated transatlantic journey.
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Back across the country stopping at Blarney Castle for the stone and the woollen mill. Waterford Crystal too on the way to the Maldron Hotel. Wexford for dinner, bed & Breakfast
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Early breakfast, then the morning ferry to Fishguard and home.
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