Blackwater Castle Vacation Sunny South of Ireland

The Blackwater Castle Vacation is a 9-day / 8-night small-group tour running October 1–9, 2027, centered on an exclusive stay at Blackwater Castle in County Cork — an ancient estate with human settlement dating back 10,000 years to the Mesolithic era, making it one of the earliest recorded sites of human habitation in Ireland. Rather than a traditional hotel tour, this vacation gives the entire group exclusive use of the castle for the duration of the stay, including access to its kitchen, common rooms, courtyard, and beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms. The tour is designed for up to 10 couples, keeping the atmosphere relaxed, private, and genuinely house-party in feel. The castle sits a short walk from the charming village of Castletownroche, and guests will have the chance to meet Patrick, the castle's owner, and Michael, the local singing barman.

Daily guided excursions fan out across the South of Ireland, covering an outstanding variety of experiences. Highlights include Blarney Castle, the Rock of Cashel, Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, the Cliffs of Moher, the Ring of Kerry, Kinsale and Charles Fort, the Cobh Titanic Museum, Midleton Distillery (home of Jameson Whiskey), Waterford Crystal, Kilkenny's Medieval Mile, Cahir Castle, the Swiss Cottage, and a free day in Limerick City. The pace is deliberately unhurried — most days are rated low to moderate in activity — and evenings can be spent out exploring or back at the castle making use of the kitchen.

Included in the price are airport transfers to and from Cork Airport, 8 hearty breakfasts, exclusive use of Blackwater Castle and all its facilities, all venue entry fees on the itinerary, a comfortable motor coach with expert driver, a Secret Ireland Tours guide, snacks and soft drinks on the bus, and all accommodation and transport taxes. Lunches, evening meals, international flights, travel insurance, and tips are not covered. Guests requiring travel insurance will find links on the operator's website. Full balance is due 60 days before departure, and installment plans are available on request.

Location: South and Southwest Ireland, covering County Cork (Cork City, Blarney Castle, Blackwater Castle/Castletownroche, Kinsale, Charles Fort, Clonakilty, Cobh Titanic Museum, Midleton Distillery), County Tipperary (Rock of Cashel, Cahir Castle, Swiss Cottage), County Kilkenny (Kilkenny Town and Castle), County Waterford (Waterford Crystal), County Clare (Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher), County Kerry (Ring of Kerry — Killarney, Gap of Dunloe, Waterville, Moll's Gap, Torc Waterfall, Muckross House, Derrynane House, Staigue Fort), and County Limerick (Limerick City).

Duration: 9 days / 8 nights, October 1–9, 2027.

Activity Type: This is a sightseeing and cultural tour with a relaxed pace, predominantly rated low to moderate in activity. Most days involve light to moderate walking through castle grounds, town centers, distilleries, and coastal viewpoints. The Cliffs of Moher and Ring of Kerry involve more time outdoors and on uneven terrain — waterproof walking shoes and windproof outerwear are recommended. Guests who cannot manage hill walks or rough terrain can remain on the coach. Day 8 in Limerick is entirely self-guided and at the guest's own pace.

Accommodation: The group has exclusive use of Blackwater Castle in County Cork for all 8 nights — a historic castle estate with en-suite bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, communal rooms, and a courtyard. Airport transfers operate to and from Cork Airport. No additional hotel stays are listed in the source material.

• Double Room (couple sharing, one bed, en-suite) — $3,495 per person | Deposit: $400 | Deadline: March 17, 2027
• Twin Room (two people sharing, two beds) — $3,495 per person | Deposit: $400 | Deadline: not listed in source

A $400 deposit is required to secure a spot. Full balance is due 60 days before departure. Installment plans are available on request. No single occupancy option is listed in the source material.

Day 1 — Cork City & Blarney Castle

Guests are collected from Cork Airport and head first to Blarney Castle, home of the legendary Stone of Eloquence — said to bestow the gift of the gab on all who kiss it. The group then explores Cork City, "the Rebel City," taking in Cork City Gaol, the Victorian Quarter, artisan food markets, and the buzzing city center streets before settling into Blackwater Castle for the first night.

Day 2 — Rock of Cashel, Kilkenny Town & Waterford Crystal

A day of medieval grandeur begins at the Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary — one of Ireland's most spectacular sites, featuring a round tower, Romanesque chapel with Ireland's only surviving medieval frescoes, Gothic cathedral, and abbey. The group then explores Kilkenny's Medieval Mile before a visit to the Waterford Crystal factory, where master craftsmen hand-cut crystal as they have since 1783.

Day 3 — Bunratty Castle, Cliffs of Moher & Limerick

The group visits the iconic 15th-century Bunratty Castle and its adjoining Folk Park in County Clare, before continuing to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher — rising over 700 feet above the Atlantic and stretching almost 14 kilometers along the Wild Atlantic Way. A break in Limerick City on the return journey offers time to eat or shop.

Day 4 — Ring of Kerry

A full day on the 179km Ring of Kerry circuit around the Iveragh Peninsula, taking in the Gap of Dunloe, Derrynane House, Staigue Fort, Moll's Gap, Ladies View, Torc Waterfall, and Muckross House, with the scenic road winding through some of Ireland's most celebrated coastal and mountain landscapes.

Day 5 — Kinsale, Charles Fort & Clonakilty

The group explores the charming medieval harbour town of Kinsale — famous for its gourmet food scene, traditional pubs, and colorful narrow streets — before visiting Charles Fort, the impressive star-shaped military fortress built between 1677 and 1682 to protect Kinsale Harbour. The day closes with a visit to the colorful market town of Clonakilty in West Cork.

Day 6 — Cobh Titanic Museum & Midleton Distillery

A moving visit to the Cobh Titanic Museum marks the last port of call for the 123 passengers who boarded the Titanic there in April 1912. The afternoon continues at Midleton Distillery — home of Jameson Irish Whiskey, spread across a 15-acre historic site — with tours, tastings, and behind-the-scenes experiences of one of the world's most awarded whiskey operations.

Day 7 — Cahir Castle & Swiss Cottage

The group visits Cahir Castle in County Tipperary — one of Ireland's largest and best-preserved castles, built in the 13th century on a rocky island in the River Suir. The afternoon brings a visit to the Swiss Cottage just outside Cahir, an exquisite Regency-era cottage orné designed by renowned architect John Nash in the early 1800s, with a graceful spiral staircase and richly decorated interiors.

Day 8 — Free Day in Limerick City

A fully free day in Limerick City for independent exploration. Suggested highlights include King John's Castle, St. Mary's Cathedral, the Hunt Museum, and the city's vibrant restaurant and music scene.

Day 9 — Departure from Cork Airport

Guests are transferred to Cork Airport for return flights home.

• Airport transport

We pick you up at Cork Airport an an appointed time which we will let you know about closer to our trip.

• Breakfasts

8 hearty breakfasts to keep you going.

• Guide

Secret Ireland Tour guides to look after you while you are in Ireland. You will be met at the airport and our guide will be with you until you leave to return home again.

• Driver

We have an expert driver to look after your excursions each day. We have a 8/9 hour day only.

• Coach

We will supply a very comfortable coach for your travel each day.

• Castle Accommodation

The group has the run of the castle for the duration of the tour. You can use the kitchen, laundry, beautiful rooms to hang out in and lovely en suite bedrooms too.

• Snacks and soft drinks

We supply soft drinks and snacks on long journeys while traveling to keep you going.

• Entry fees

All venues on the itinerary entry fees are covered.

• All taxes and charges

Associated with accommodation, bus and venues.

• Flights

We do not deal with flights

• Venues

Any venue that is not on the itinerary is not included.

• Laundry

You can do laundry in the Castle if you wish.

• Meals

Lunch or evening meals are not included

• Insurance

We require you to purchase travel insurance to protect your travel investment. Sometimes problems arise close to your tour where you cannot join us and we cannot refund any moneys at that stage.

• Tips

The Driver and Tour Guide really appreciate any tip you might want to offer them.