Due to the popularity of this tour and the exceptional feedback we receive each year, we are once again returning to the beautiful Parknasilla Resort on the ‘Ring of Kerry’ for a week of marvellous scenery, splendid gardens and uplifting music. All the best ingredients are here; magical scenery, gardens at their early summer best, opera performances in stunning settings and warm Irish hospitality in one of Ireland’s most renowned hotels.
Together with our good friends at London Festival Opera we can offer seven days of absolute bliss. There will be time to relax and enjoy the hotel’s excellent facilities as well as guided trips to some of Kerry’s and West Cork’s famous gardens. We will explore the ‘Ring of Kerry’ and drive over the mountains to Bantry House and Gardens. Here, after a guided tour of the gardens, we will enjoy a performance by London Festival Opera in the grand setting of Bantry House. Other highlights will include a visit to Garnish Island in West Cork, a spectacular garden of almost sub-tropical splendour and Muckross House by the Lakes of Killarney. In the main the tours will be limited to half days in order that you may enjoy the Parknasilla Resort and its breathtaking beautiful position.
-
Our View
The impressive Parknasilla Hotel is one of the most charming accommodations in the area offering a high quality of cuisine, excellent service and sumptuous afternoon teas. The large pool and first class wellness centre are perfect for those moments of relaxation and the many walkways overlooking the water offer stunning views close to the hotel. All this is combined with scenic excursions visiting a variety of gardens and guided tours of two heritage houses. Enjoy performances by London Festival Opera both at the hotel and an outstanding gala performance in the family library at ‘Bantry House’.
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. Drive to the Parknasilla Resort. Meet in the evening for welcome drinks and dinner.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. Enjoy the magnificent views across Kilmackillogue Harbour to the Caha Mountains before we return to the hotel for a few hours of relaxation. In the late afternoon there will be a performance by London Festival Opera followed by afternoon tea.
Day 3 Derrynane House & Kenmare.
This morning visit Derrynane House, the ancestral home of Daniel O’Connell. The house is a museum commemorating one of Ireland’s leading historical figures. In the afternoon a bus transfer will be provided to the local town of Kenmare for time to explore and shop at leisure.
Day 4 Lakes of Killarney & Muckross House.
Morning excursion to the Killarney National Park and the house and gardens of Muckross House. Tour the gardens and house which was once owned by the Herbert family who entertained Queen Victoria here in 1861. The setting by the lake shore with its mountain backdrop is stunning. Afternoon at leisure. In the late afternoon London Festival Opera will perform for us followed by afternoon tea.
Day 5 Parknasilla Resort.
It would be unforgivable to come to such a place as this and not have a complete day to enjoy the hotel and its extensive grounds. For the energetic there will be a choice of a guided short or long walk through the grounds and along the coast. Otherwise, relax with a good book in one of the many vantage points scattered throughout the grounds.
Day 6 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. These remarkable gardens 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. Continue to Bantry House, overlooking Bantry Bay. We will explore the house, one of the finest historic houses in Ireland along with the gardens. After a light lunch, London Festival Opera will perform their farewell concert in one of the grand rooms. Return to the Parknasilla Resort later this afternoon.
Day 7 Cork to London.
Transfer to the airport for your return scheduled flight to London.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy10 to 16 June 2024 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
West Wing Standard Double/Twin | £2750 | |
West Wing Superior Double/Twin | £2850 | |
Main House Manor Sea View Double/Twin | £3050 | |
Main House Superior Manor Sea View Double | £3150 | |
Main House Manor Suite | £3350 | |
West Wing Balcony Suite | £3550 | |
West Wing Parknasilla Suite with Balcony | £3550 | |
Main House Princess Grace Suite | £3650 | |
West Wing Standard Single | £3150 | |
West Wing Small Parknasilla Superior Single | £3350 |
Tour Reference Code: LAKERRY
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class return scheduled air travel • Six nights at the Parknasilla Resort with full Irish breakfast and dinner from a la carte menu daily • Two afternoon teas at Parknasilla Resort • Guided excursions • Performances by London Festival Opera • Tour Manager • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, lunches.
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.
Our View
The impressive Parknasilla Hotel is one of the most charming accommodations in the area offering a high quality of cuisine, excellent service and sumptuous afternoon teas. The large pool and first class wellness centre are perfect for those moments of relaxation and the many walkways overlooking the water offer stunning views close to the hotel. All this is combined with scenic excursions visiting a variety of gardens and guided tours of two heritage houses. Enjoy performances by London Festival Opera both at the hotel and an outstanding gala performance in the family library at ‘Bantry House’.
Travelling with You
-
London Festival Opera
We are delighted to be joined by London Festival Opera on many of our tours and cruises. We have long been associated with London Festival Opera and each year our music themed cruises grow in popularity. London Festival Opera have achieved a considerable reputation for presenting opera in palaces, castles, country houses, theatres, concert halls, embassies and private homes and gardens. Recent engagements have been throughout the UK, Europe and as far afield as Barbados, Marrakech and Moscow.
Particular attention is given to the design and quality of our costumes which are as authentic as possible. Whether it is a period evening dress, such as Regency or Victorian to enhance a gala performance or a full production, the costumes will be of the highest quality and style.
Bringing together artists from the major British opera companies including the Royal Opera, English National Opera and Glyndebourne Festival Opera, the company has a considerable reputation and has appeared in some of the world's leading venues including as a guest company in one of the Italy's greatest opera houses, La Fenice in Venice.
Also of Interest
The Landscapes & Gardens of Donegal
A six day exploration of North West Ireland with Gareth Austin & Chantal Cookson
Rathmullan House
Itinerary at a glance
- Belfast / Cluain na dTor / Glenveagh / Salthill / Lough Eske / St Columbs / Carrablagh / Greenfort / Belfast
Great Houses, Castles & Gardens of Ireland’s Ancient East
Explore Ireland’s Garden Counties of Wicklow, Carlow & Beyond with Mike Nelhams, Chantal Cookson & the Music of London Festival Opera
Marlfield House
Itinerary at a glance
- Dublin / Altamont Gardens / Huntington Castle / Kilmacurragh Botanic Garden / Mount Congreve / Lafcadio Hearn Japanese Garden / Hunting Brook Garden / Mount Usher
A Week in Friuli
An escorted tour to Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy’s intriguing borderland
Grand Hotel Duchi d'Aosta
Itinerary at a glance
- Trieste / Lippica / Muggia / Palmanova / San Daniele del Friuli / Castle of Miramare / Castle of Spessa
Opera at the Arena
A five night stay in Verona at the Hotel Indigo including two musical performances
Hotel Indigo Verona
Itinerary at a glance
- Verona / Valpolicella / Lake Garda
Opera in Venice
An escorted four night stay in Venice including two musical performances
Saturnia & International Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Venice / Murano / Burano /Torcello
Autumn in the Heart of the Lakes
A Celebration of the Nature, Art & Literature of the Lake District with Guest Speaker David Mitchell
Rothay Garden Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Grasmere / Hutton-in-the-Forest / Rydal Mount / Hilltop House / Beatrix Potter Gallery / Mirehouse / Steam Yacht Gondola / Brantwood House / Blackwell Arts and Crafts House / Levens Hall / Sizergh Castle
Galicia's Camellia Route
A week exploring the Gardens of Galicia with Rosemary Legrand
Galicia Accommodation
Itinerary at a glance
- Porto / Pontevedra / Pazo de Saleta / Pazo de Lourizan / Pazo de Faramello / Pazo de Oca / Pazo de Ribadulla / Santiago de Compostela
Historic Houses & Gardens of Kerry
A five night escorted visit to the beautiful Parknasilla Resort
Parknasilla Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Cork / Derreen Gardens / Beara Peninsula / Kells Bay Gardens / Dingle Bay / Lakes of Killarney / Muckross House / Garnish Island / Bantry House
Argyll - A Land of Mountains, Gardens & Coast 2025
A five night stay at the Loch Melfort Hotel with David Mitchell & Chantal Cookson
Loch Melfort Hotel
Itinerary at a glance
- Glasgow / Loch Melfort / Crarae Garden / Kilmartin Glen / Crarae Garden / Kilmartin Glen / Ardchattan Priory / Oban / Inverary Castle / Arduaine Garden / Loch Melfort
The Taming of Nature - 2025
Discover the Castles, gardens & Estates of North east Scotland with David Mitchell staying at Maryculter House
Maryculter House
Itinerary at a glance
- Aberdeen / Maryculter House / Glamis Castle / Drum Castle / Pitmedden Garden / Fyvie Castle / Leith Hall / Castle Fraser / Crathes Castle / Balmoral / Maryculter House / Aberdeen
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000