First thing this morning, explore the famous English Market. First opened in 1788, the English Market is one of the oldest municipal markets in the world. As soon as you enter, you’ll feel the energy of this buzzing foodie space. Local vendors sell fruits, vegetables, cheese, charcuterie and more at colourful stalls – many maintaining traditions that have lasted generations. You’ll encounter traditional Cork foods such as drisheen (blood sausage) and tripe, as well as local favourites including The Real Olive Company’s fresh pesto and olive oil, Frank Hedderman’s smoked salmon and Toonsbridge Dairy cheeses.

Drive 20 minutes outside of Cork for an exclusive visit to Hegarty’s Farm. You will be met by the owner, Dan Hegarty, for a tour and tasting. Since 2001, Hegartys have produced award winning cheeses using only the milk produced by their herd of Irish Friesian cows, making their cheese fully traceable from the field to the finished product.

Continue on to Blarney Castle, the home of the Blarney Stone. Built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland’s greatest chieftans, Cormac MacCarthy, it has been attracting attention ever since. Over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney making it a world landmark and one of Ireland’s greatest treasures. That might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower. Kiss it and you’ll never again be lost for words.

After touring the castle and gardens, enjoy time at leisure at Blarney Woolen Mills for lunch and a bit of shopping.

Begin the afternoon with a visit to The Butter Museum. The Butter Museum is a unique institution, celebrating one of the great success stories of Ireland, the butter trade. Located in the historic Shandon area of Cork city, the story begins with the central role of dairy culture in the Island of Saints and Scholars. The Museum goes on to describe the internationally important Butter Exchange in nineteenth century Cork, the traditional craft of home butter making and the modern success of the Kerrygold brand.

Continue the drive South to Kinsale. Originally a medieval fishing port, the coastal enclave of Kinsale (from the Irish, Ceann tSaile – ‘Head of the Sea’) is fabled far and wide for its beauty and rich history. Your Tour Director will take you on a short walking tour of the town. You will be captivated by its spectacular waterfront setting and mediaeval influences. Brightly coloured buildings vie for attention with the glorious harbour which sustains the town.

For decades, Kinsale has attracted a plethora of talented artists and innovative entrepreneurs. This is reflected in the stunning boutique stores, cute and creative design shops and endless galleries and bookstores. Not only is Kinsale one of the most picturesque and oldest towns in Ireland, it is also internationally renowned for the number and quality of its famous eateries. It has been hailed as ‘The Gourmet Capital of Ireland’, with no shortage of cafés, pubs and restaurants.