Ireland | Ireland Walking & Hiking
Guided Walking with premier accommodation
The marvels of County Kerry. Appreciate the artistry of a stone wall. The warmth of a wool sweater. The charm of an afternoon pint. The laughter of strangers. Recognise a beautiful day can be cloudy with a chance of rain. And that holidays don't need to be measured in tan lines. Ireland is unmistakable. In its culture, its landscape, its weather, its charm and its worldwide appreciation. Walk quiet centuries-old footpaths with us to discover your very own inner Irishman.
| Duration: | 6 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW408 |
| Trip Style: | Deluxe - 5 star |
| Departure Dates: | 10 Jun 2012, 24 Jun 2012, 15 Jul 2012, 05 Aug 2012, 26 Aug 2012, 09 Sep 2012, 23 Sep 2012 |
| Price: | From $4,170 |
| Single Supplement: | $700 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
This trip is about embracing what life has to offer, living the experience as it unfolds and at the same time creating memories that will last forever. About half of the people who travel are between the ages of 35 and 55. Older and younger travellers are also well represented. The average group size is 16 and there is a mix of solo travellers, families and couples. They'll exhibit a diversity of interests and occupations and share a love of active travel and the outdoors.
If you would like a roommate, we will endeavor to pair you with one (same gender). If you sign up more than 95 days in advance of departure and no roommate is available, 50% of the private room charge will be due at final payment. Should a roommate be found before your trip departs, the private room charge will be refunded. If you sign up less than 95 days in advance of departure and no roommate is available, the full private room charge will apply. If a roommate is found before your trip departs, the private room charge will be refunded. On some trips, twin room availability is limited; a private room charge applies if a shared room is not available, regardless of the number of days before departure.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 16 average
BRIEF ITINERARY
Days 1-2
Ireland's spectacular natural beauty seen during country road rambles and coastal cliff walks. Hike along Caragh Lake with views of the striking glacier-carved Glencar Valley. From the top of aptly named Windy Gap, gaze at Dingle Bay - and hold on to your hat!
Day 3
Explore historic Killarney's craft shops, elegant boutiques and lively pubs. The oaks of Tomies Woods shade our route to O'Sullivan's Cascade. Stroll to 15th century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake. Delight in the lost art of storytelling as a local seanachie spins enchanting tales.
Day 4
Hike in wild Killarney National Park, with windswept mountains, deep lakes and gorges, alongside our longtime friend and local guide Michael Murphy. Visit Muckross Estate, famed for its collection of exotic plants, and Torc Waterfall before arriving in charming Kenmare, where rows of houses sport cheerfully painted façades and ornate plasterwork. Up for some indulgence? The hotel spa delivers!
Days 5-6
Private whiskey tasting with aficionado John Moriarty. On the rugged Beara Peninsula, trek over Mount Knockagarrane, taking in awe-inspiring views of the pristine lakes and sculpted mountains of Inchiquin Valley. Quiet paths lead to one of the largest stone circles in County Kerry.
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 1
Shuttle to Caragh Lake 2 Hrs
Caragh Lake Loop 8 Miles (330ft elevation gain)
Shorter Option: 3.7 Miles with Shuttle (330ft elevation gain)
Welcome to Ireland, where spectacular natural settings, incredible history and lively village culture combine to make a terrific week of walking, hiking and exploring. After meeting in Cork, we shuttle to Caragh Lake in County Kerry. Weather permitting, we're treated to a picnic in the gardens of the Carrig House before heading out on our first hike.
Today's route follows paved country roads under old growth trees for stunning views of Caragh Lake and the Dingle Peninsula. Returning to the comfortable Carrig House, we're greeted by owners Frank and Mary Slattery, whose personal attention makes any stay special. The restaurant here is a local favorite, garnering rave reviews for its excellent countryhouse cooking, and offers wonderful views of Caragh Lake ringed by the Kerry Mountains.
Lodging: Carrig House
DAY 2
Glenbeigh Hike 6.2 Miles with Shuttle (1,200ft elevation gain)
Longer Option: Rossbeigh 10.3 Miles with Shuttle (1,550ft elevation gain)
If you're an early riser with an appetite, start the day with a traditional Irish breakfast, including porridge, bacon, sausage, eggs, scones and homemade warm brown bread. (Continental options are available for lighter eaters.) After a brief shuttle, we set out on the famous Kerry Way, Ireland's longest marked footpath. Today's route highlights Ireland's spectacular natural beauty. Climb along the northeastern slope of Seefin Mountain up to Windy Gap for incredible views of Caragh Lake and Dingle Bay.
After we enjoy a pub lunch in the quaint town of Glenbeigh, shuttle to stunning Rossbeigh Beach, or continue on foot along a path that takes you through lush forest, down quiet country roads and along dramatic coastal cliffs. Otherwise, you can head back to the hotel to drink a cup of tea, wander around the gardens or just relax. Tonight, get ready for another fantastic dinner at the Carrig House restaurant-we recommend the fresh salmon or trout, caught daily from the lake. Afterward, you can unwind by the fireplace with an Irish coffee or hot whiskey before bed.
Lodging: Carrig House
DAY 3
Shuttle to Trailhead 30 Mins
Tomies Woods Walk 5.7 Miles with Shuttle (900ft elevation gain)
Optional: Ross Castle Walk 2.7 Miles with Shuttle
After breakfast, we shuttle to the Tomies Woods trailhead for our hike into Killarney National Park. The route provides views of Lough Leane (The Lake of Learning), named for the abbey built in the 7th Century on the island at the lake's center. You'll also pass beautiful O'Sullivan's Cascade, which, if you believe the local lore, once ran with whiskey instead of water.
After the hike, we shuttle into Killarney for a look at its traditional crafts shops and elegant boutiques. There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and pubs to choose from for lunch on your own. If you're feeling energetic after lunch, walk on paved trails to Ross Castle on the shore of Lough Leane. The ruins, dating from the 15th Century, consist of a tower surrounded by a bawn (fortified enclosure).
Or, you can enjoy the luxurious Killarney Park Hotel, which Bridgestone Guides named one of Ireland's 100 best hotels in 2008. Relax by the indoor pool and hot tub or indulge in a massage, facial or body treatment. (Please note that spa treatments are not included in the trip price, and we recommend making reservations well in advance).
If you're not ready to settle in, head to town and get to know Killarney's lively Irish pub scene, or do some shopping. Before dinner in the hotel's elegant dining room, we're joined by a well known Irish seanachie. A seanachie (SHAWN-a-key) is a dying breed of storyteller a spinner of tales who was once responsible for passing Irish history and legend from generation to generation. Our time with this distinctive Irish narrator is a trip highlight.
Lodging: Killarney Park Hotel
DAY 4
Muckross Estate Interpretive Walk 3 Miles with Shuttle
Killarney Derrycunnihy Church Route 8.5 Miles with Shuttle (1,500ft elevation gain)
Longer Options: Gowlane Cross 11.6 Miles with Shuttle (1,850ft elevation gain) or Park Hotel Kenmare Route 15.2 Miles (2,050ft elevation gain)
Today, local guide and Irishman Michael Murphy joins us for a return to beautiful Killarney National Park. After a brief shuttle, our interpretive walk begins at the serene Muckross Abbey, proceeds through Muckross Estate and its gardens to the impressive Torc Waterfall. From here, you can choose to shuttle to Kenmare and our home for the next two nights, the Park Hotel Kenmare.
The Park, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World wins awards and accolades each year and deserves its reputation as one of Ireland's finest places to stay. You may wish to reward yourself with a spa treatment at Sámas, the Gaelic word for indulgence of the senses. Or, perhaps you'd like to play a round of golf. (Spa treatments and golf are not included in the trip price, and we recommend making reservations well in advance).
If you'd prefer to spend the afternoon hiking, head out from the Torc Waterfall, ascending into the remote and historic stretches along the Old Killarney Kenmare Road, once the only road connecting the two cities. The route continues through Esknamucky Glen, past the remains of abandoned houses dating to the time of the Irish Clearances, a period when landlords evicted tenants in order to clear land for deer hunting. Eventually, the path descends through an oak forest to Derrycunnihy Church.
Spend the rest of the day strolling through Kenmare, exploring crafts shops, clothing stores and cafés. You might also peruse the menus at the town's many restaurants, since you'll be on your own for dinner this evening.
Lodging: Park Hotel Kenmare
DAY 5
Shuttle to Trailhead 30 Mins
Glen Inchiquin Hike 6.1 Miles with Shuttle (700ft elevation gain)
Longer Option: Waterfall Loop 8.9 Miles (1,400ft elevation gain)
Our friend Michael Murphy joins us on another journey through the countryside, this time to the rugged coast of the sparsely populated Beara Peninsula, named for a Spanish princess who fell in love with an Irish warrior. According to legend, Beara, one of Ireland's warmest areas, is the land of fertility. The majority of the peninsula is still undeveloped and probably looks today like it did to the ancient Celts.
After a shuttle to the trailhead, hike along the Beara Way and up to Mount Knockagarrane for views of the peninsula, bay, lakes and glacier carved mountains. At the ridgetop, enjoy sweeping views of Lough Inchiquin and the Inchiquin Valley, then continue along paved roads to our picnic spot at the base of a waterfall.
If you're feeling energetic after lunch, hike on a trail overlooking the waterfall for endless views of the mountains, or wander the town of Kenmare. Otherwise, spend the afternoon at the hotel perhaps a visit to the spa is in order. If you'd prefer to spend the day golfing, feel free to skip the hike.
On our last night together on the Emerald Isle, we gather for cocktails with John Moriarty, our resident whiskey aficionado, who conducts a private tasting of Ireland's finest spirit. Raise your glass and wish your neighbor slàinte! (good health!). Dinner in the hotel's highly regarded restaurant is sure to be a treat.
Lodging: Park Hotel Kenmare
DAY 6
Woodland Walk and Stone Circle Loop 3.5 Miles
Shuttle to Cork 2 Hrs
There's time this morning for an easy walk through Reenagross Park. Passing old growth trees, exotic plants and saltwater marshes, continue past the pier to the Stone Circle, one of the largest in southwest Ireland. At the center of this Druid's circle, which dates to 2000 B.C., lies a dolmen, a megalithic tomb topped with a capstone.
Our walk ends in downtown Kenmare, where you can fit in last minute shopping, check out the heritage center or return to the hotel to relax. We meet at the hotel for a tasty brunch before saying our goodbyes.
ACCOMMODATION
Carrig Country House, Caragh Lake (2 nights)
Enjoy the gracious hospitality of Mary and Frank Slattery at this restored Victorian gem - originally a hunting lodge - beautifully set on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.
Killarney Park Hotel, Killarney (1 night)
A handsome family-owned hotel, promising and delivering "warmth beyond the smile," in the heart of Killarney. (pool, spa)
Park Hotel Kenmare, Kenmare (2 nights)
It's just a short walk to the pubs and shops from this regal Victorian estate, nestled amid magnificent parkland on Kenmare Bay. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
Inclusions
- All accommodation
- All breakfasts, most lunches and all dinners except for one
- Expertise and services of experienced Trip Leaders
- Snacks and beverages between meals
- Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
- Private guided tours as noted in the Travel Planner
- All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
- Baggage transfers and porterage
- Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
- Water bottle
Terms & Conditions
Click here for our Terms & Conditions
For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
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