Bantry Bay, Mizen Head & Gulf Stream Coast

Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens

The Irish National Stud belongs to the people of Ireland but prides itself on being enjoyed and appreciated by visitors from all parts of the globe. The stud is a unique attraction of outstanding natural beauty that is home to some of the most magnificent horses and sumptuous gardens to be found anywhere in the world. Racehorses are conceived, born and raised on Tully's famous stud farm, which has long been and continues to be the source of thoroughbred champions. 

The Irish National Stud's Japanese Gardens, renowned throughout the world and the finest of their kind in Europe, are far more than simply a treat for the eye. They also provide comfort to the soul, achieving exactly the objective that was set out when the gardens were created between 1906 and 1910. Devised by Colonel William Hall Walker, a wealthy Scotsman from a famous brewing family, the gardens were laid out by Japanese master horticulturist Tassa Eida and his son Minoru. Their aim was, through trees, plants, flowers, lawns, rocks and water, to symbolise the 'Life of Man'. That plan was executed to perfection and Eida's legacy is now admired by the 150,000 visitors who soak up the peace of the gardens every year.

 

Beara Peninsula & Healy Pass

The Beara Peninsula straddles the border of Cork and Kerry in South-West Ireland. It is the next peninsula south of the famous Ring of Kerry but quieter & more relaxed, an area for completely getting away from everything on the rugged atlantic coastline. Directly south from the village of Kilmakillogue you cross the peninsula via the Healy pass. It offers stunning views along with some serious descents! If you enjoy huge vistas then this route is highly recommended.

Garnish Island

Garnish Island (Ilnacullin Garinish or Garnish) is located in the sheltered harbour of Glengarriff in Bantry Bay. Garnish is world renowned for its gardens which are laid out in beautiful walks and it has some stunning specimen plants which are rare in this climate.

Take the Garnish Island Ferry from Glengarriff Pier to visit this amazing island garden. The very sheltered ferry trip includes a wonderful visit to seal island where you will visit the very tame seal colony.

The island was bequeathed to the Irish people in 1953, and was subsequently entrusted to the care of the Commissioners of Public Works.

For history buffs the Island also boasts a Martello tower on its southern shores which has been restored by the OPW. There is an amazing view of the bay from the battlements of the tower.

 

Bantry

Famous in song, Bantry in West Cork is of legendary beauty. Bantry, at the head of the bay, is a busy market town & fishing port and was twice entered by French fleets in 1689 to support James II against William of Orange and in 1796 to aid Wolfe Tone and an Irish uprising. A storm dispersed the 1796 fleet and few of the ships made the Bay.

There is an abundance of award winning restaurants in Bantry town centre, situated around the Wolf Tone plaza. Take some time to explore Bantry Town and take a leisurely walk around, walk up town to Bridge Street to see the old Water Wheel by the Library. To complete your visit to Bantry a tour of the magnificent Bantry House, is a must.

Bantry House

Bantry House,  is spectacularly situated and exuberantly furnished. It is one of Ireland's most attractive Great Houses, full of treasures collected by various generations of Earls of Bantry from all parts of the world. In the courtyard of Bantry House, The French Armada ExhibitionCentre has been developed, this features the ill-fated French Armada invasion of December 1796.

 

Mizen Head

Mizen Head is located at the extremity of the peninsula and it is one of the extreme points of the island of Ireland and is a major tourist attraction, noted for its dramatic cliff scenery. One of the main transatlantic shipping routes passes close by to the south, and Mizen Head was, for many seafarers, the first (or last) sight of Europe. The tip of the peninsula is almost an island, cut off by a deep chasm, now spanned by a bridge; this gives access to an old signal station, a weather station, and a lighthouse. The signal station, once permanently manned, is now a museum housing displays relating to the site's strategic significance for transatlantic shipping and communications, including the pioneering efforts of Guglielmo Marconi. The "99 steps" which formed part of the original access route have been supplemented by a series of paths and viewing platforms, and a full range of visitor facilities is available at the entrance to the site. Mizen Head is not the most southerly point on the mainland of Ireland; nearby Brow Head holds that title. Nevertheless, geography books have long measured the length of Ireland "from Fair Head to Mizen Head" or "from Malin Head to Mizen Head.

 

Cashel

Cashel is home to the iconic Rock of Cashel, a spectacular group of Medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone. One of the most spectacular tourist attractions in Ireland and one of the most visited. Cashel's rich history is reflected in its built heritage, from prehistoric raths to medieval monasteries and fortified town houses, a Georgian Cathedral and a 21st century Library.

Wilton Hotel, Bray

The bright, casual rooms feature en suite bathrooms with bath & shower, free WiFi and TVs, as well as tea and coffee making equipment. Minifridge available on request.

There's an airy restaurant serving Irish-influenced dishes, and a bar with a fireplace offering light meals. 

 

The Maritime Hotel

The stylish Maritime Hotel is set on Bantry Bay amid the three rugged peninsulas of Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head and Beara.

The Head Chef, and his team in The Ocean Restaurant have produced a world of flavours and influences and together with the finest local ingredients created a modern Irish dining experience like no other Bantry Restaurant. A superb Irish breakfast is available every day, enjoy a leisurely start to the day with the papers and an ocean view. The Maritime Bar has a full selection of beer, wine, spirits, and minerals waters and is also a favorite spot in Bantry and West Cork for live entertainment. There is live entertainment weekly with local musicians playing great contemporary sets or traditional Irish evenings.

The hotel features over 100 designer bedrooms, many of which boast spectacular sea views of Bantry Bay and balconies, while others overlook the mature woods of Bantry House. All rooms feature Complimentary broadband/Wi-Fi Internet access, plasma screen TV, iron and ironing board, tea and coffee making facilities, bottled water, hairdryer, luxury toiletries and in-room Safe. All Maritime bedrooms are non-smoking.

Opened in 2007 Club Maritime boosts a 19m pool complete with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam and hydro-pool facilities, as well as a fully-equipped gymnasium.

You Time Spa offers a range of relaxing & rejuvenating treatments. 

Maritime Hotel Bantry Bay Bantry Bay Mizen Head Beara Peninsula