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TBEX FAM Press Tour Preview: POST-TBEX FAM Region: South West Dates: Arrive SW midday on Sat., 5th October and depart morning of Tuesday, 8th October Duration: 3 full days plus travel time

An Epic Journey along the Wild Atlantic Way South-West Ireland’s extraordinary South West corner, the ultimate place to get away from it all.. Right out on the edge of Europe, where Ireland’s highest mountains dip down into the wild Atlantic Ocean, is the ancient Kingdom of Kerry. This is the furthest west you can go in all of Ireland. “Next parish, Manhattan” they say here. And it’s partly this far-flung feel – that makes it so appealing. It’s a land where traditional Irish culture thrives, with thousands speaking Gaeilge – Irish – as their first language –But you won’t feel out of place here. The people of Kerry will greet you with a warm “fáilte romhat isteach –you’re most welcome here and you will be drawn under the spell of this of this romantic land of musicians, writers and sporting legends. Meanwhile according to Lonely Planet 2012 “Everything good about Ireland can be found in County Cork” Grounded, witty and irreverent, “The People’s Republic of Cork” likes to set itself apart from the rest of the country.. Day One - Saturday, 5th October Depart Dublin at 08:00 to arrive in Killarney by lunchtime Lunchtime: Arrive in Muckross House, Gardens & Traditional Farms (A Stately Home fit for a Queen) Let’s get things off to a regal start in the stunning setting of Muckross House, a fine 19th century stately house which is the focal point of Kerry National Park, just 6km from Killarney and surrounded by the world famous Lakes of Killarney, as well as mountains and woodlands. Famously the house was visited by Queen Victoria way back in 1861. A place close to her heart, we hope you, too, will be suitably impressed! Enjoy a leisurely lunch in the Garden Restaurant or in the Muckross Traditional Working Farms area (subject to availability and numbers). Afternoon/Early evening: The Fabulous,World-Famous Ring of Kerry Out at the very edge of Europe on South West Ireland’s Wild Atlantic seaboard, the Ring of Kerry circles the Iveragh Peninsula and refers to the 175km road along this vast, scenic leg of land. The Ring is one of Ireland’s best-known attractions. And with good reason, for it takes visitors through magnificent natural beauty. There’s the scale of nature, across the Ring: at Iveragh’s heart is Ireland’s highest mountain range and highest peak, Corrán Tuathail – part of an ancient glacial landscape that ranks among the best in Europe. Inland, the Ring crosses Killarney National Park – with heart-stopping views of lakes and peaks, waterfalls, ancient woods of oak and yew, and Ireland’s only herd of wild native red deer. But it’s the lovely contrast between the warmth of the people and the elemental nature of the place that makes it so special. Overnight and dinner in The Moorings, award-winning Guesthouse, Restaurant , and Traditional Irish Pub located in Portmagee. This beautiful little fishing village was winner of Ireland’s first Tourism Town in 2012 and you get a real sense of its people with its small family-run businesses,

local food producers, artists and craft people. Great night with local musicians and Irish dancers guaranteed and roaring fires to take away the autumn evening chill! Day Two – Sunday, 6th October “An incredible, impossible, mad place…..” George Bernard Shaw Morning: Voyage to the Skellig Islands and Visit an Extraordinary, Far Flung Place of Pilgrimage: Skellig Michael – one of the wonders of the modern world A voyage to the Skellig Islands is said to be one of the most exciting and inspiring trips you can make in Ireland. The magnificent Skellig Islands (UNESCO World Heritage Site) lie 8 miles off the coast of Portmagee. Rising majestically from the sea, Skellig Michael towers 714ft. above sea level and is dedicated to St. Michael, patron saint of high places. On the summit of this awe-inspiring rock is remarkably well preserved sixth century monastic settlement. 1300 years ago, early Christian monks built a remarkable hermitage at the top of the furthest limits of the known world. This mysterious and awe-inspiring place has been described by George Bernard Shaw as “part of our dream world” What must life have been like here? Quiet I suppose until the Vikings come for a party. And they have a fair reputation for hell raising. Not for the faint-hearted, there’s vertical ladder up onto the quay, then 650 steps to the summit of Skellig Mountain. Weather permitting you will get an opportunity to land on Skellig Mountain and climb the rock to the summit. South of Portmagee runs the Ring of Skellig, a quiet, scenic steep route taking in the wild and exposed St. Finian’s Bay… Follow the Warm Smells of Chocolate Making At St Finian’s Bay – down at the shoreline where the monks embarked en route for Skellig Michael – a very earthly pleasure awaits: a cup of hot chocolate at Europe’s most westerly chocolate factory. While surf crashes onto the tiny beach outside, you are enveloped in the warm smells of chocolatemaking, inside ebullient Colm Heany’s family-run Skelligs Chocolate factory, at the edge of the world. Heavenly! Learn more about chocolate-making, and get expert advice on decorating, making or designing your own chocolate masterpiece. Travel to the v popular town of Dingle 'Lonely Planet' lists the town of Dingle among its top ten 'things to see and do in Ireland'. Overnight in the Castlewood Guesthouse or Skellig Hotel (or similar accommodation) and dine in the award-winning Chart House Restaurant (evening venue TBC). Afterwards, head to one of Dingle’s traditional pubs to soak up its lively atmosphere and music.

Day 3 – Monday, 7th October Travel to Cork City Imagine never again being lost for words..(like most Irish people)! Travel to Blarney Castle, Co. Cork, Kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence.. “Blarney, Blarney, what he says he does not mean, It is the usual Blarney” So spoke Elizabeth I and a legend and tourist phenomenon was born. Built over 600 years ago by one of Ireland’s mighty chieftains Cormac McCarthy, it has become of Ireland’s greatest treasures. For over 200 years, world

statesmen, literary giants, and legends of the silver screen have joined the millions of pilgrims climbing the steps to kiss the Blarney Stone and gain the gift of eloquence.

“Everything good about Ireland can be found in County Cork” Lonely Planet 2012 Ireland’s southernmost city – capital of the beautiful south west – is high on the Lonely Planet’s list of favourite cities in the world. It’s a spirited, independent place. Cosmopolitan and creative too. And that’s hardly surprising. For Cork is an ancient maritime port that’s spent centuries trading with – and being influenced by – the wider world. Take a walk around the city to get our bearings and absorb the atmosphere. We easily spend a few hours exploring the many streets, side streets, nooks and crannies where we can find hidden gems and true Cork character. It is a very compact city easily explored on foot. Lunch is in the Farm Gate Café overlooking the bustling stalls of the English Market.. This beloved market is a gourmet hub, selling fresh produce such as quality meats, fish, spices, fruit, vegetables, baked delicacies, cheeses and much more. This was one of the stops made by HM Queen Elizabeth II visited during her trip to Cork in 2011. Wander around the array of stalls and pick up a gourmet sandwich and some homemade chocolate. Foodie heaven! Night kayaking on the River Lee Paddling in the dark with the city lights twinkling and the gentle to-ing and fro-ing of the city at night in the background. What more is there to say? Eh don’t fall in… Overnight Cork City in the Clarion Hotel (or similar city based accommodation) Day 4 – Departure day - Tuesday, 8th October Travel to Dublin and depart