Ireland’s spectacular south west offers dramatic uplands and seascapes that form one of the most stunning coastlines in the world. All the best ingredients are here for a relaxing and enjoyable break, from magical scenery and historic houses in stunning settings to lush gardens at their early summer best and our tour of the region promises to be five nights of absolute bliss. For our stay we will be based at the wonderful Parknasilla Resort on the ‘Ring of Kerry’ and when not exploring there will be free time to relax and enjoy the warm Irish hospitality in one of Ireland’s most renowned hotels.
Our programme will include guided trips to Kerry’s and West Cork’s most splendid gardens as well as to some of the region’s highlights. We will explore the ‘Ring of Kerry’ and drive over the mountains to Bantry House and Gardens for a guided tour of the gardens. Other visits will include Garnish Island in West Cork, a spectacular garden of almost sub-tropical splendour, Muckross House by the Lakes of Killarney, and Kells Bay House and Gardens, winner of a Gold Medal at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show. In the main the tours will be limited to half days in order that you may enjoy the Parknasilla Resort and its breathtakingly beautiful position.
Parknasilla Hotel
For generations this very special place has captured the imagination of many including such literary luminaries as George Bernard Shaw. Pictures can only do limited justice to its location where water, islands and mountains create something spellbinding. Being the West Coast of Ireland, we cannot promise you long sunny days for your entire stay. In fact you are likely to experience the full spectrum of weather in one day, but it is this maritime climate and warming Atlantic influences that create the almost sub-tropical landscape. Situated in 500 acres, Parknasilla Resort is situated in the middle of some of Kerry’s finest scenery. Here you will find interesting walks and tiny sandy coves for those who wish to swim in the sea.
Itinerary
Day 1 London to Cork, Ireland.
Fly by scheduled flight. Upon arrival transfer to the Parknasilla Resort and enjoy welcome drinks and dinner this evening. (D)
Day 2 Derreen Gardens & Beara Peninsula.
After breakfast depart on a morning drive to Derreen Gardens. Designed and planted by the fifth Marquis of Lansdowne in the 1870s, it is now owned and managed by his great-grandson, David Bigham, and his wife Anthea. Derreen is famous for its tree ferns as well as azaleas and rhododendrons. Admire the magnificent views across Kilmackillogue Harbour to the Caha Mountains before we return to the hotel to relax and enjoy an afternoon tea. (B, T, D)
Day 3 Kells Bay Gardens & Dingle Bay.
Today we will drive to the other side of the Iveragh Peninsula to Kells Bay House and Gardens overlooking Dingle Bay. Winner of a Gold Medal at the 2023 Chelsea Flower Show, the gardens are home to a large collection of rare sub-tropical plants that thrive in the unique microclimate created by the Gulf Stream. We will explore the Primeval Forest with its collection of ferns brought over from Australia in the mid 19th century, the Ladies Walled Garden, home to tender exotics and new species, and admire the spectacular backdrop of Dingle Bay. After a local lunch, we will return to the hotel later this afternoon. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Lakes of Killarney & Muckross House.
Enjoy a morning excursion to the Killarney National Park and Muckross House and gardens. We will take a tour of the house, which was once owned by the Herbert family who entertained Queen Victoria here in 1861, and the gardens. The setting by the lake shore with its mountain backdrop is stunning. Return to the hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (B, D)
Day 5 Garnish Island & Bantry House.
Drive over the mountains to Bantry Bay on a full day excursion that will include a morning visit to Garnish Island and the beautiful Ilnacullin Gardens. Local boats will take us to these remarkable gardens that owe their existence to the creative partnership some eighty years ago of John Annan Bryce, then owner of the island, and Harold Peto, architect and garden designer. The sheltered position and Gulf Stream is favourable to the growth of ornamental plants, many normally only found in sub-tropical or Mediterranean climates. Following lunch in Glengarriff, we will continue to Bantry House, overlooking Bantry Bay. We will explore the house, one of the finest historic houses in Ireland along with the gardens. Return to the Parknasilla Resort later this afternoon. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Cork to London.
Transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London. (B)
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy2 to 7 June 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
West Wing Superior Double/Twin | £2795 | |
Main House Manor Sea View Double/Twin | £2995 | |
Main House Superior Manor Sea View Double | £3095 | |
Main House Manor Suite | £3295 | |
West Wing Balcony Suite | £3495 | |
West Wing Parknasilla Suite with Balcony | £3495 | |
Main House Princess Grace Suite | £3695 | |
West Wing Standard Single | £3395 | |
West Wing Small Parknasilla Superior Single | £3595 |
1 to 6 June 2026 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
West Wing Superior Double/Twin | £2995 | |
Main House Manor Sea View Double/Twin | £3195 | |
Main House Superior Manor Sea View Double | £3295 | |
Main House Manor Suite | £3495 | |
West Wing Balcony Suite | £3695 | |
West Wing Parknasilla Suite with Balcony | £3695 | |
Main House Princess Grace Suite | £3895 | |
West Wing Standard Single | £3595 | |
West Wing Small Parknasilla Superior Single | £3795 |
Tour Reference Code: LAKERRYGARDEN
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Five nights accommodation at the Parknasilla Resort • Meals as indicated (B – Full Irish breakfast, L – Lunch, T – Afternoon tea, D – Dinner) • Wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Guided excursions • Noble Caledonia Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
Parknasilla Hotel
For generations this very special place has captured the imagination of many including such literary luminaries as George Bernard Shaw. Pictures can only do limited justice to its location where water, islands and mountains create something spellbinding. Being the West Coast of Ireland, we cannot promise you long sunny days for your entire stay. In fact you are likely to experience the full spectrum of weather in one day, but it is this maritime climate and warming Atlantic influences that create the almost sub-tropical landscape. Situated in 500 acres, Parknasilla Resort is situated in the middle of some of Kerry’s finest scenery. Here you will find interesting walks and tiny sandy coves for those who wish to swim in the sea.
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Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000