8 Night Irish Castles and Manors Silver Tour

Arrive at Shannon Airport and meet your friendly driver/guide. Head south, with a short stop in Foynes and visit the Flying Boat Museum. The museum recalls the era when the Pan Am Clipper’s used to fly transatlantic between 1939 and 1945 and where chef Joe Sheridan made the first Irish coffee to warm up some damp & miserable passengers in 1942. Continue on to your hotel in Killarney for check-in. Depending on your time of arrival, you could play Killarney Golf Club, Killeen Course. The Killeen course is very much the flagship course at the club. The Killarney lakes and high mountain range provide an imposing backdrop to this Championship course. Re-opened in June 2006 the course is slightly longer with faster greens that have been brought closer to the water hazards around the course. At 6564 metres (7178 yards) it will challenge long hitters, with accuracy being vital as there is water on virtually every hole. Nick Faldo on winning The Irish Open in 1991 was one of only three players to finish under par. The challenging golf is matched by the spectacular views, with the 10th being a firm favourite where you are playing virtually onto the lake. Welcome dinner at your hotel. Overnight Killarney DBB

After breakfast, leave your hotel for the short journey to Tralee Golf Club. Designed and built by Arnold Palmer, this stunning setting represents a true paradise for those willing to challenge what is widely acclaimed as one of the finest links courses in the world. Smitten at first sight, Palmer would later go on record with this memorable quote: “I may have designed the first nine, but surely God designed the back nine”. It comes as no surprise to learn that, due to the majestic beauty of this setting, Palmer choose it to be his first and, arguably, his finest golf course in Europe. In the afternoon tour the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. Perhaps not as well known as the Ivergah Peninsula where the Ring of Kerry is located, the Dingle Peninsula is less busy but every bit as beautiful. The town of Dingle is a small fishing port where you will find plenty of pubs and cafes. Continue to the west of the town where the scenery is particularly rugged with views out to the formerly inhabited Blasket Islands. Return to Killarney via the Connor Pass. Overnight Killarney DBB

Play Ballybunion Golf Club - Old Course today. The Old Course at Ballybunion exudes a majestic feel that simply cannot be compared to any other course on earth. With beautifully contoured fairways that tumble down through a blanket of grassy dunes, it's no wonder these challenging holes have been consistently rated among the top courses in the world. Overnight Killarney DBB

Kill two birds with one stone today by driving around the Ring of Kerry, stopping on the way round to play the superb links at Waterville Golf Club. Golf at Waterville is a mystical experience – the beauty of classic links land, surrounded by the sea, yet forever challenged and shaped by the elements. Over 100 years old, Waterville is rated among the top 5 courses in Ireland and the top 20 links courses in the world. Links golf combines sand dunes, gorse and native grasses, firm fairways, sod faced bunkers and subtle putting surfaces all intertwined by the ever changing weather. At Waterville, you should forget the lob wedge and think bump and run and creative shot making. Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of Irelands earliest golfers? After this amazing challenging course, sit back and enjoy a relaxing journey around the rest of the Ring of Kerry where breathtaking views await you at every turn. Overnight Killarney DBB

After checking out this morning, drive south to enjoy the spectacular scenery along the Beara Peninsula with a visit to Bantry House And Gardens and take a short boat ride from Glengarriff out to Garinish Island, home to the magnificent gardens of Illnacullin. Continue east along the coast road into County Cork for the town of Kinsale. Kinsale is a charming harbour town that is regarded as the ‘Gourmet Capital of Ireland’. It is home to a number of excellent restaurants, cafes and lively pubs as well as interesting shops and galleries that line its narrow streets. This evening, explore this wonderful town and have dinner at one of its fine restaurants. Overnight Kinsale BB

In the morning play one of the two courses at Kinsale Golf Club. The Farrangalway course was designed by architect Jack Kenneally and is beautifully situated in the meadowlands of the Bandon river valley. Measuring 6,609 yards long and consisting of two loops, the course starts and finishes at the Clubhouse, situated on the highest point of the course. Set in a peaceful and picturesque location overlooking the Belgooly river estuary, the Ringenane course is a little shorter at 5585 yards. Sloping down to the riverbanks, and occupying a small circular peninsula, a demanding round of golf awaits on this tight course, playing into the natural slopes of the land. Following the golf, continue to the Old Midleton Distillery which tells the story of Irish Whiskey. View the largest pot still in the world prior to sampling the internationally renowned Jameson Whiskey in the bar or perhaps have the opportunity of becoming a qualified Irish whiskey taster, with presentation of certificate, before browsing in the exclusive Jameson merchandise outlet and craft shops. Overnight in Kinsale DBB

Depart Kinsale and head north around Cork City to visit one of Ireland’s most popular attractions, Blarney Castle, where you may kiss the stone which according to legend will give you the “gift of eloquence”. Also visit the Blarney Woollen Mills which offer excellent Irish made products. From Blarney continue north into County Limerick for the village of Adare, which is regarded as one of the prettiest villages in Ireland with its thatched cottages and ancient church. Overnight Adare Manor DBB

Play the superb Adare Golf Club this morning – in our opinion it is the finest parkland course in Ireland. The Adare Golf Club is an 18 hole championship golf course which opened in 1995 and is set on the 840 acre estate of Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort in Co. Limerick, Ireland. This was the last major golf course designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones, Senior. This majestic design has gained international acclaim as one of his finest creations. In the afternoon enjoy the amenities at the Manor, which include a spa and swimming pool. If you all feel more energetic take the 10-minute drive to Limerick City where you could visit King Johns Castle and the renowned Hunt Museum. Overnight Adare Manor DBB

Check out this morning Drive north to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher, stopping at the Visitor’s Centre where you will see the Atlantic Edge Exhibition which brings to life the story of the Cliffs. Continue along the coast into the unique landscape of The Burren, an area composed of limestone hills that is home to many rare flowers as well as the Poulnabrone Dolmen and the Ailwee Caves, Ireland’s largest cave complex. Return southwards to your hotel in Bunratty. After checking in, walk the short distance to Bunratty Castle for a farewell Bunratty Medieval Banquet. Overnight Bunratty or Limerick BB

After a hearty Irish breakfast, depart your Hotel for Shannon Airport to arrive in plenty of time for your return flight home.

BB = Bed & Irish Breakfast DBB = Dinner, Bed & Irish Breakfast