21 SEP 16 - WEDNESDAY THE ROAD SOUTH – EAST CORK After breakfast, depart for the Old Jameson Distillery. On your way, view the Rock of Cashel.
Cashel (photo stop only)
St. Patrick’s Rock or the “Rock of Cashel”, is reputedly the site of the conversion of Aenghus, the King of Munster, by St. Patrick in the 5th century AD. The Rock of Cashel comprises a spectacular group of medieval buildings set on an outcrop of limestone in the Golden
Vale. This includes a 12th century round tower, High Cross and Romanesque Chapel, 13th century Gothic cathedral, 15th century Castle and the restored Hall of the Vicars Choral.
Old Jameson Distillery Midleton
Set on 15 acres and beautifully restored Old Jameson Distillery Midleton is where the true heart of Irish whiskey beats. This distillery is a unique experience with some of the buildings dating back to 1795. Take a journey through history and see the old kilns, mills and malting, water wheel and old warehouses. The Jameson Experience in Midleton is one of the top attractions in Cork, as rated by Trip Advisor. Expert guides will lead you through the extraordinary story of Jameson Irish Whiskey. A short film sets the scene before our tour guides walk you through the old distillery. Guided tours last one hour and end with a complimentary glass of Jameson Whiskey and a chance to take part in a tutored whiskey tasting to become a certified Irish Whiskey Taster!
In the afternoon, pay a visit to the little seaside village of Cobh and also take a tour of the Cobh Heritage Site where you’ll learn how this small town has a significant history connected greatly with emigration, and especially the Titanic.
Cobh
The town of Cobh is located just east of Cork City and can provide the perfect place to spend the afternoon along with a fine lunch. County Cork produces a large amount of food and craft produce, and this seaside town with its steep streets provides an opportunity to experience all this. Aside from its fine food offering, Cobh, once known as Queenstown, has a rich maritime history. It has a deep and sheltered harbor, and the story of the many peo ple who left Ireland through this port (especially for the United States) is documented in a fine museum in the town. The infamous Titanic stopped at the port on her maiden and only voyage in 1912. On the docks there are commemorative statues to many who lost their lives at sea near here, but equally to Annie Moore and her brothers, the first emigrants ever to be processed in Ellis Island, New York when it opened in January 1892.
Cobh Heritage Centre
This beautiful, informative and sometimes emotive cultural Centre is inventively situated within Cobh’s restored Victorian railway station, a building holding its own historic story.
Because so many people from Ireland’s past travelled through Cobh, one of the world’s finest natural harbours, visitors can learn about the stories of these emigrants. Over 3 million Irish people emigrated from this port, many to leave because of the Great famine, many in search of a new life in a land of opportunity, and many more who left involuntarily as convicts to Australia or as forced labour to the colonies and the West Indies.
The Queenstown Story relays the stories about the maritime, naval and military history of the area, the fortification of the various forts in the harbour such as Hawlbowline, Spike Island, and Fort Camden and takes you on an emigration journey from the 1600’s right through to the 1950’s.
Everything from the early emigrants to Virginia the Carolinas and Canada, the forgotten Irish who endured forced labour in the West Indies during and after Cromwellian times to the sinking of the Titanic and The Lusitania, are inventively displayed in a variety of modern, tasteful and artistic ways.
Now continue to Cork City where you will overnight in the Clarion Hotel, right on the water’s edge!
Cork City
Steeped in history, Cork City is fast gaining a reputation as one of Europe's hippest cities. Like Venice, the city is built upon water, and the city centre is built on an island in the River Lee, just upstream of Cork Harbour. The two channels of the River Lee which embrace the city centre are spanned by many bridges, and this gives the city a distinctive continental air. You will discover unique shopping and dining options, including the English Market, with its stalls selling foods from all over the world, and numerous pedestrian walkways and sidewalks flanked by smart boutiques and major department stores. At every corner you'll come across another panoramic view, another interesting architectural feature and some of the best art galleries. (B)