Cork, pronounced ‘Corcaigh’ in Irish, comes from the word ‘corcach’ meaning ‘marsh’. It is located in the southwest region of Ireland in the province of Munster. It is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and an essential part of any Customized Tours Ireland package. We have put together a snap shot of the very best that Cork has to offer visitors, from signature sightseeing destinations to much sought after golfing experiences.

The Blarney Stone & Woollen Mills

Kissing the Blarney Stone | Luxury Family Vacations Ireland

For any family vacations Ireland packages, we would highly recommend a trip to world famous Blarney Stone. It is a really fun thing for all the family to do and guarantees to be an unforgettable day. Ledgend has it that kissing the Blarney Stone bequeaths the gift of eloquence and is an excursion seized by countless visitors throughout the world; it is as enjoyable as it is fascinating. The Blarney Stone is situated in the wall under the battlements. In order to kiss it, you must lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk.

Blarney Castle | Luxury Chauffeur Tours Ireland

Nearby, Blarney Castle extends resplendent grounds & gardens which encompass the castle. Beside the castle lies the Blarney Woollen Mills which sell authentic Irish linens, lace & Waterford Crystal (Duty Free prices). They will even ship them directly to your house !!!

Jameson Whiskey Factory | Deluxe Small Group Tour Ireland| Executive Tours Ireland

To experience the true Irish spirit (sorry for the pun), you must visit the world famous Jameson Whiskey Distillery in Middleton where they make the finest whiskey in the world. John Jameson arrived in Ireland from Scotland on a ship and set up the Distillery in Bow Street in Dublin in 1780.

Yes, you read that correctly, Ireland’s most famous whisky was created by a Scotsman.

In 1975 the Distillery operations were moved to a premises in Midleton, Co Cork, that dates back to the 1800’s. This building was also used to mature Cork Distillery Whisky currently known as Paddy Whisky.

Visitors to the distillery can take a tour of the interior and exterior of the grounds. Inside the distillery you can enjoy viewing pictures of the original kilns and pots used in the 1800’s and exploring the famous warehouse that has been in operation for over two centuries. You can also view the cooperage center where you can lean about the tolls and techniques of making casks (wood barrel in which the whisky is stored) where you will see thousands of casks in which they store the ageing whiskey.

The guided tour of the Distillery includes film, a walking tour and a drink of the famous golden liquid.

Kinsale

Kinsale | Private Driver Tours of Ireland

Our Ireland Driver Guides will take you to the remarkable town of Kinsale, a historic port and fishing town with a significant military history in Country Cork. The Irish word for Kinsale is ‘Cionn tSáile’ and is located at the mouth of the River Bandon. This charming and quaint fishing village is found on essentially every post card in Ireland and we highly recommend the countless beautiful walks that nature has provided a plenty.

Kinsale is the gourmet capital of Ireland as we know it. There are innumerable world famous seafood restaurants from which to choose but we are huge advocates of ‘Fishy Fishy’.

Fishy Fishy Restaurant

Fishy Fishy Restaurant | Private Driver Customised Tours Ireland

Although it has a strange and humorous name, the food is truthfully incredible while the atmosphere is relaxing and authentic. Fishy Fishy Restaurant is located on the threshold of the harbor and spread over two floors with additional al fresco dining for the summer months.

Martin Shanahan launched Fishy Fishy in the late nineties and its unrelenting success propelled the restaurant to move to a larger premises in 2006. The restaurant applies its long standing ethos of “using and cooking local, fresh, seasonal fish served in an informal context”.

The menus reflect the variety of the seafood caught in the locality which include oysters, lobster, monkfish and John Dory from which outstanding risottos, chilled platters, seafood chowder, Surf & Turf, Lobster Thermidor and Fishy Fishy Pie, among other dishes, are made. There is also an extensive selection of vegetarian options from which to choose.

Cobh

Cobh | Ireland Driver Guides

A Luxury Chauffeur Tours Ireland package will take you to the heritage town of Cobh. Know in Irish as ‘Cóbh’ and was also known as Queenstown until the late 1920’s. The town was the last port of call for the Titanic before the famous deadly voyage.

Titanic Museum

Titanic Museum Cobh | Luxury Family Tours Ireland

Of special interest in Cobh is the Titanic Museum which is located in Casement Square in the center of the town and is steeped in nineteenth century history. The tour of the museum is truly authentic because as soon as you arrive you will be given a boarding card which has details of one of the 123 passengers who boarded the White Star Line on that fatal Thursday the 11^th of April 1912.

You will be taken on a virtual tour on board the Titanic on her maiden voyage to New York. You will be able to see the Heartbreak Pier and experience third and first class life for passengers on board. This very-real tour allows you to experience the terror of the ships sinking through cinematography. Finally, there is an exhibition area where you will find audio-visual presentations and story boards of the ships sinking and the role the RMS Capathia played in rescuing the survivors and the the enquiry into the tragic deaths of the passengers. The museum also features lots of artifacts from Carpathis, The Odell Family Collection and many 20^th century pieces from the White Star Line

The Hayfield Manor Hotel

Hayfield Manor | Deluxe Small Group Tours Ireland

The 5 Star Hayfield Manor Hotel is located in south west Cork and is one of the most superb instances of a family owned, boutique luxury hotel in Ireland. It is resident to truthfully, the most magnificent example of an Irish walled garden.

Accommodation | The Hayfield Manor | Luxury Tour Operator Ireland

Accommodation at the Hayfield is a truly exceptional encounter with capacious bedrooms independently designed and individually discerning in its own way. Different rooms comprise resplendent antique fittings and terrific fabrics; undoubtedly comfort and opulence is priority for guest who stay at this hotel.

Afternoon Tea at The Hayfield Manor | Deluxe Honeymoon Tours Ireland

For a little bit of essential afternoon extravagance, afternoon tea at Hayfield Manor Hotel comes highly recommended. You can elect to partake in either the voluminous Lobby or peaceful Drawing Room which exudes the manor’s ambience. The delightful variety of freshly baked pastries and cakes include tea-breads, miniature pastries and cakes, scones with fruit preserves & fresh cream, a selection of finger sandwiches and homemade chocolates. These are accompanied by a pot of tea, freshly brewed coffee or a glass of Prosecco/Champagne.

Dining at The Hayfield Manor | Deluxe Tour Ireland

Guests are pampered with a choice of menus at two restaurants at the Hayfield Manor and indulge their quests with the very best in Irish and artisan cuisine. Firstly, The Orchids Restaurant gazes out over the enchanting private gardens of the hotel while the softly lit interior and irresolute flicker of candles offer a calming ambiance in which to enjoy the modern Irish cuisine.

Secondly, The Perrotts Garden Bistro is positioned in the conservatory and while it has a bright and open ambience, it has a very relaxed atmosphere. The main feature of the Bistro is its vast range of Mediterranean and international specialty dishes.

The Spa at The Hayfield Manor | Private Chauffeur Ireland

Finally, The Beautique Spa bestows a retreat for small group tour after a long days sightseeing in Ireland. Treatment rooms introduce chandeliers and traditional furnishings that instantly leave you feeling calm. The Spa extends a variety of Elemis Spa essential oil treatments in its six distinctive treatment rooms. The spa has an indoor heated pool, an outdoor Jacuzzi, a stream room and detoxifying sauna.

Old Head Golf Links

Old Head Golf Links | Customised Golf Vacation Ireland

Old Head Golf Links is Ireland’s most unique and panoramas. The course is situated on the southwest coast of Ireland and an ideal place to begin any customized golf tour of Ireland. The course is unique to the world as the headland is practically an island in itself with the two-mile peninsula jetting into the Atlantic. It was founded by Brothers, John and Patrick O’Connor and is one of the most pursued golf experiences in Ireland.

The adjusting sea breezes make this a brilliant course of fortitude for golf pros and high handicappers. Intended as a walking course, Old Head persuades guests to walk the course and take in the copious tremendous views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Old Head Lighthouse.

……Something a Little Bit Special | Ireland Golf Trips

For an extra special touch, the Course Dining Services offers an exclusive on-course dining “to-go” service that provides a collection of decadent snacks that include oysters & champagne or salmon & Guinness. The Food Cart is also available throughout the round and provides beverages, light snacks and cigars.

Accommodation at Old Head Resort| Private Golfing Tours Ireland

The golf links is supplemented with 15 deluxe suites which consists of fourteen Seaview Suites and a Presidential Suite. The Suites are a medley of extravagance and sumptuousness and offer outstanding balcony views.

Dining at Old Head Golf Links

Dining at Old Head | Deluxe Golf Vacations Ireland

There are a multitude of dining options at Old Head from which to choose so it is an ideal choice for family vacations in Ireland. Firstly, The Club House has an exceptional five-star a la carte menu at the De Courcey Dining Room which offers gastronomic marvels such as lobster, fish, poultry and game, complimented with an all-embracing wine list.

Alternatively, The Terrace offers al fresco dining with awesome views while the Lusitania Bar permits guests to enjoy meals in a more peaceful backdrop.

Old Head Thermal Spa

Old Head Thermal Spa | Ireland Golf Transport

Old Head houses one of the most serene and pacifying thermal spas in the southwest and offers a spa, sauna, an aroma-infused steam room, light therapy, footbaths and a heated lounger on which to ease sore or tired post-golf muscles. The Spa offers two treatment rooms with provide massages, a must after a stimulating round of golf on a private golf tour of Ireland. All skin treatments use VOYA skincare brand and incorporate massages, facials and body treatments.

Old Head also offers a Fitness Suite in which guests can benefit from a workout using the most innovative cardiovascular and resistance equipment available to the market.

Ireland Golf Transport

Ireland Golf Transport | Private Golf Tours of Ireland

Your Driver…Our golf transport drivers have been with us right from the start and are some of the best guides in the country with a vast knowledge of our beautiful country, courses and restaurants.

Mercedes Vehicles | chauffeur Driver Guided Transport Ireland

What sets them apart from the rest is how extremely friendly and flexible they are. Our private drivers in Ireland will guide, inform and entertain you and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring you get to experience your Irish golf vacation in a very special way. Our drivers can recommend and reserve the best hotels and restaurants in Ireland and we can guarantee the best prices and golf tee times. The warmth of the Irish people will become clear the minute you see our drivers waiting to greet you with the biggest smile.

That ends our Private Tours of Cork, Ireland. If you are looking for a Private Escorted Tour of Ireland and would like more information about sights to see in Dublin, then please click here to contact Mike Ryan at Executive Tours Ireland.

If you would like to talk to Mike Ryan directly from the US or Canada, call TOLL FREE: 1888 7930416 0r 00353 877930447

All the Best,

Mike Ryan

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