COBH, IRELAND

Departing from Cobh we shall travel towards the city of Cork. Before reaching the city, we will turn in a northerly direction through the towns of Fermoy and Mallow before entering the picturesque county that is Tipperary.

Departing from Cobh we shall travel towards the city of Cork. Before reaching the city, we will turn in a northerly direction through the towns of Fermoy and Mallow before entering the picturesque county that is Tipperary. It is Ireland’s largest inland county and has richly varied breathtaking scenery in its hills and mountains, plains and river valleys. Renowned for its rich pasturelands, Tipperary boasts the best Irish dairy products on the island. Rich in ancient heritage, Tipperary was once the home to Ireland’s High Kings. Before we reach the town of Cashel, the rock that bears its name appears on the skyline, rearing up from the landscape in a series of limestone ridges and topped by the serenely beautiful Cathedral of St Patrick. A visit will be made to the Rock of Cashel – an impressive pre-Christian settlement. Cashel has long been a place of great significance and was the royal seat of the kings of Munster from the 4th century. St Patrick arrived in about 432 and converted King Aengus, who became Ireland’s first Christian ruler. We will also have free time here, before lunch is enjoyed in a restaurant located beside the impressive Rock. Following lunch, we will travel to Cahir, located on the River Suir. A visit will be made to Cahir Castle, which dates mainly from the 15th century. The castle was formerly a stronghold of the powerful local Anglo-Norman Butler family as well as Dukes and Earls of Ormond. The huge walls enclose three separate wards with the inner one guarded by a portcullis. Rooms in the keep are whitewashed and contain displays of armour and period furnishings from the 16th and 17th centuries. Our return journey is via the picturesque Vee Road. This road climbs in a zigzag course to the gap, has a series of magnificent views and descends into the town of Lismore in County Waterford. From Lismore we continue via Tallow and Midleton to Cobh.

This tour is not recommended for passengers with limited mobility or wheelchair users. There is approximately two hours of walking in total – with approximately 500 metres at the Rock of Cashel and 300 metres at Cahir Castle. Both of these stops have uneven terrain and steps will be encountered. It should be noted that up to two and a half hours could be spent on the coach at any time. Lunch will typically be a three course meal with tea or coffee.

THIS DESCRIPTION IS CORRECT FOR 2007 CRUISES