Ireland's Beautiful South West for Solo Travellers

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Ireland's Beautiful South West for Solo Travellers

EXCLUSIVELY FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS

Combine Ireland's landscapes and seascapes with some fascinating visits in a breathtakingly beautiful corner of Ireland, and the chance to enjoy the company of a group of friendly solo travellers. Step back in time as you take a horse-drawn jaunting-car ride and a boat trip through to the spectacular lakeland scenery of the Killarney National Park. Enjoy tours of the Dingle Peninsula, once described as "the most beautiful place on earth" by the National Geographic Society, of the glorious Ring of Kerry, and around the lakes-and-mountains paradise of the Iveragh Peninsula. Discover the spectacular medieval castle of Bunratty, and visit Adare - one of Ireland’s loveliest villages.

Holiday Highlights

A tour of the beautiful Dingle Peninsula
A coach tour around the Ring of Kerry's stunning mountains and seascapes
A horse-drawn jaunting-car trip through Killarney National Park and a cruise on Loch Leane
A visit to historic Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, where Irish life a century ago is recreated
A visit to Adare, one of Ireland’s loveliest villages

What's Included

Five nights' dinner, bed and Irish breakfast accommodation at the four-star Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee
Entry to the Blasket Island Heritage Centre and Bunratty Castle
A horse-drawn jaunting car and Loch Leane cruise experience
Full-day excursions to the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula
A Welcome Drink on your first evening
Return flights to Cork
Comfortable coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Itinerary

Day 1

Following your flight to Cork, you'll meet your tour manager and enjoy the scenic transfer west to Tralee and the Meadowlands Hotel. After checking in you'll have the rest of the day free to unpack, relax and explore. Tralee has a number of attractions, including the excellent Kerry County Museum and the restored Blennerville Windmill, which has an interesting audio-visual presentation as well as a bird-watching platform with a telescope. This evening, enjoy a Welcome Drink with your tour manager and fellow guests before settling down for your first dinner.

Day 2

Today you'll head to the beautiful and rugged Dingle Peninsula. Inspiration for such films as Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away, the Peninsula has some of Ireland's most outstanding mountain and coastal scenery, with mile upon mile of spectacular seascapes. At Slea Head, Europe’s most westerly point, you’ll visit Blasket Island Heritage Centre. Situated in a magnificent building, with breathtaking views out to the islands, the exhibition gives a fascinating insight into the unique community who inhabited the islands until their evacuation in 1953. There will also be time to explore the lively fishing port of Dingle, where the streets are packed with arts and crafts shops as well as pubs, cafés and award-winning seafood restaurants.

Day 3

Life slows right down this morning as we head to Killarney National Park. Here you 'll enjoy an hour-long ride in a horse-drawn jaunting car (Ireland's most traditional mode of transport, and the only kind allowed in the National Park). As you ramble along you’ll learn about the history, legends and folklore of the region. The ride ends at the edge of Lough Leane, close to Ross Castle, where you board the Pride of the Lakes for a cruise on the Lough, to discover its scattered islands and lovely views while your experienced skipper regales you with facts about the flora, fauna and historical heritage of the area. There really is no better way to enjoy the hidden delights of the Park and the famous Killarney Lakes. You will then have a couple of hours free to enjoy the delightful town of Killarney at leisure. Watch the world go by in one of the many pubs and cafés, or perhaps visit magnificent St Mary’s cathedral.

Day 4

Today you're off to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. Dating from the 15th Century, the castle is the most complete and authentic medieval castle in Ireland, and has been carefully restored to its former splendour. Irish village life at the turn of the century has been recreated in the Folk Park adjoining the castle. Set on 26 acres, the park features a fascinating collection of over 30 buildings brought from all over Ireland. From the school, post office and hardware shop to a rural farmhouse and a humble one-roomed dwelling, you will be able to experience Ireland as it was over a century ago. A visit to Adare, one of Ireland’s loveliest villages, completes your day. Dating back to 1200, the village is steeped in history. It is home to arts and crafts shops and a wealth of architectural styles, including thatched cottages, beautiful stone buildings and medieval monasteries.

Day 5

One of the highlights of any holiday to this corner of Ireland is a tour around the spectacular Ring of Kerry, taking in some of Ireland’s most wonderful scenery. Tracing a roughly oval route round the Iveragh Peninsula, the Ring offers a first-hand sight of the natural beauty of this very special place, as well as the chance to visit the towns that dot the route. Perfect picture-postcard scenes abound at virtually every turn, but the highlights are (perhaps) magnificent Coomakista Pass and its views of the Kenmare River, the Scariff and Deenish Islands, and Molls Gap for the views of the Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and the glaciated Black Valley.

Day 6

Depending upon the time of your flight, you may be able to spend a final few hours resting and relaxing at the hotel, or perhaps exploring the local area, before you transfer to the airport at the end of a wonderful few days.

Meadowlands Hotel, Tralee

With its own lovely gardens, in a quiet residential area of Tralee about a kilometre from the town centre, this family-owned and managed hotel offers a warm welcome.

Hotel Facilities & Amenities

The Meadowlands Hotel combines old-world ambience with modern convenience. Hotel guests can enjoy complimentary use of the 15-metre pool and gym at the Tralee Leisure Centre, which is located 700 metres from the hotel. The hotel has a library and an inviting bar. Included meals are typically served in the ballroom.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately two hours and 30 minutes.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Ryanair ID requirements

Some of the flights on this tour use Ryanair, who only accept a valid passport as ID when checking in. They will not accept a driving license as ID on any of their flights, including within the UK and Ireland. Newmarket cannot be held responsible if you fail to meet the airline's ID requirements.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Tipping

We are often asked about gratuities on our Irish holidays. At the end of a tour it is customary to give a coach driver around £2-3 per person per day and a Tour Manager around £3-5 per person per day; a gratuity of £1 per person per day for dining/waiting staff in your hotel will also be greatly appreciated. In a restaurant leave about 10% of a bill (no need to tip in a bar) and around £2 for services such as hairdressing.

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