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Ireland Walking Tour Itinerary
DOWNLOAD THIS ITINERARY (pdf) (2008 Sample Itinerary)
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.
DAY 1
Killarney National Park
Walk – easy, 2-3 hours.
We depart Shannon this morning for Killarney National Park. This section of the Kingdom of Kerry is one of the few areas of Ireland that remains forested, and MacGillicuddy’s Reeks are among the highest mountains in the country. Nestled between the base of the mountains and the town are the Lakes of Killarney, the centerpiece of Killarney National Park. We begin our exploration by walking the Muckross Peninsula. This beautiful, pastoral walk encircles Muckross Lake and brings us past the 200-year old Dinish Cottage and the Old Weir Bridge. Nearby we pass the “meeting of the waters,” where a stream feeds Muckross from the other two lakes. If we are lucky, we may also see the Irish red deer, the only surviving herd of native deer in the country.
Later this afternoon we check into our home for the next two nights, a lovely four-star hotel in the heart of colorful Killarney.
Killarney Royal Hotel, Killarney
DAY 2
Old Kenmare Road
Walk – easy to moderate, 3-4 hours.
Old Kenmare Road is a local favorite. We begin our hike at Torc Waterfall, a beautiful multi-tiered cascade in a forested glen. From here, we approach Derricunnihy Church and Lord Brandon’s Cottage, the impressive hunting retreat of an 18th-century aristocrat. We return to our starting point by boarding an open boat for a scenic two-hour trip through Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and Upper Lake, the perfect way to end our time in the park. This afternoon we visit Muckross House, a Victorian mansion surrounded by traditional gardens that recreate rural Irish life in the early 20th century.
Tonight we enjoy dinner at a fine Killarney restaurant.
Killarney Royal Hotel, Killarney
DAY 3
Transfer to Dingle
Walk – easy to moderate, about 3 hours.
This morning we make our way west to the Dingle Peninsula, where we have a variety of walking and hiking options to choose from. Depending on conditions, we may approach Dingle over Conor Pass, hiking from this scenic vantage point down into the town below, enjoying amazing coastal views along the way. Or, we may stop at Inch Strand. This beach is a local favorite, and we may even see a few border collies on a day off from shepherding duties, playing in the surf.
Our hotel for the next three nights is well-located in the heart of charming Dingle. Tonight we enjoy dinner at one of Dingle’s fine restaurants, featuring fresh seafood and traditional fare.
Benners Hotel, Dingle
DAY 4
Ventry Beach to Slea Head
Walk – easy to moderate, 4-5 hours.
A drive along the coast brings us to our trailhead at Ventry Beach, a beautiful, crescent-shaped white strand. As we begin our ascent from Ventry Beach, our path is dotted with wildflowers. We ascend and then level out high above the ocean. This lovely, quintessential Irish landscape has appeared in such films as Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away. Along the trail, we pass beehive shaped stone huts that are believed to be the humble abodes of early Christian monks. As we walk further, amazing views of the Atlantic and the Blasket Islands are revealed far below. The views of Great Blasket Island (where we will walk tomorrow if the weather cooperates) improve steadily as we descend to Slea Head.
Tonight you are free to choose from one of Dingle’s numerous restaurants for dinner. Our guides will be happy to make suggestions for you.
Benners Hotel, Dingle
DAY 5
Great Blasket Island
Walk – difficulty and elevation gain variable, about 4 hours.
Today we take a trip backward, to a time before cars, cell phones, and computers. If the seas permit, we will board a ferry from Dingle to Great Blasket Island, the largest of a group of islands clustered off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. Made famous by local author and Blasket native Tómas Ó’Criomhthain, the people of the Blaskets eeked out a tough existence of fishing, turf-cutting, and taking advantage of odd shipwrecks in their waters. The population has dwindled, but Great Blasket Island still offers excellent options for walking and hiking, or perhaps just relaxing and imagining life on these islands in centuries past. (Please note: ferry service to Great Blasket Island is highly dependent on weather conditions. If it is not possible to ferry to the island, our local guides know numerous excellent walking and hiking options around the peninsula, each with their own special highlights.)
Dinner tonight is at another favorite local restaurant in Dingle. After dinner those who wish can seek out any of a number of “sessions” taking place in the local pubs. In Dingle, it is still common for talented musicians to spend their evenings playing together in a local pub, and it is a delight to witness this Irish tradition.
Benners Hotel, Dingle
DAY 6
Transfer to Ballyvaughan; Corcomroe Abbey and Abbey Hills
Walk – easy to moderate, about 2 hours.
We depart Dingle early this morning and make our way north to Ballyvaughan. Our drive on the narrow country roads is scenic, and we cross the Shannon Estuary by ferry, stopping for lunch along the way.
As we approach Ballyvaughan, the landscape changes completely. Here we are entering the Burren (literally “rocky place” in Gaelic). The Burren is a vast limestone landscape, an ideal environment for wildflowers, including dozens of species of orchids. The history of the human impact on this area is fascinating, as centuries of farming and the removal of trees and turf have led to the austere beauty of the Burren today. We stop at the Burren Center in Kilfenora, where informational displays introduce us to the region. We then begin our walk at the ruins of Corcomroe Abbey, a ruined 12th-century Cistercian monastery. After time to explore the ruins, we ascend into the surrounding hills, and enjoy expansive views over the abbey and the neighboring farmland.
This afternoon we arrive at our final hotel, a lovingly-restored four-star country house.
Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan
DAY 7
The Burren
Walk – easy to moderate, 4-6 hours.
After breakfast, we head for the small parish of Fanore, where we begin our walk on a greenway (an old farm road) through the Burren. To the west and north are views of the Atlantic and Galway Bay, and on a clear day we will see the Aran Islands in the distance. Ancient stone walls mark our way through the rolling hills, and if we are lucky, we may see one of the many herds of wild goats that roam here.
Tonight we enjoy a final celebratory dinner at our hotel.
Gregans Castle Hotel, Ballyvaughan
DAY 8
Transfer to Shannon
After a final Irish breakfast we depart for Shannon airport, where we bid each other farewell.