Day 1: Arrival
in the beautiful harbour town of Dingle.
Dingle is a harbour town, once fortified
and seeped in history. Ryan’s Daughter was filmed
in the area 30 years ago. The town also is the gateway
to the Gaeltacht, where Gaelic is the first language.
Overnight in Dingle.
Options for afternoon: - Boat trip
in Dingle Harbour to see Fungi, the friendly dolphin.
Harbour walk to Hussey’s Folly; Visit to Ocean
World marine centre; Stroll through historic Dingle
and visit the numerous craft shops, pubs and restaurants. |
Day 2: The Dingle Way -
Distance: 6 miles Ascent: 600ft
Gaeltacht walk from Ventry Harbour (site of an ancient
battle which folklore says lasted a year and a day),
along the slopes of Mount Eagle to dramatic Slea Head
and Dunquin (“the nearest parish to America”).
Detour to visit Dunbeg pre-historic fort and other
archaeological sites. Visit local pottery. Coach trip
back to Dingle can include visits to early Christian
sites - Reask and Gallarus. Overnight in Dingle. |
Day 3: Mount Brandon Area
- Distance: 3-7 miles Ascent: 825ft
Coach trip through scenic Connor Pass. Return to Dingle
by old walking path over the Brandon Range through
Mullaghaveal. This may have been used as the route
to the workhouse in famine times. Overnight in Dingle. |
Day 4: Transfer/Beach Walk
- Distance: optional Ascent: none
Coach transfer along northern and southern shores of
Dingle Bay and continuing on the renowned coaching route,
the Ring of Kerry to Sneem. Mid-day break and walk on
Rossbeigh Beach. Overnight in Portmagee. |
Day 5: Great Skellig Island -
Distance: 1.6km/1miles (steep) Ascent: 180m/600ft
We take a boat trip to a World Heritage Site, the monastic
island of Sceilg Mhichíl, (Great Skellig Island),
habited in 8th century by Irish monks. We pass the worlds
largest Gannet colony on Little Skellig island. Overnight
Portmagee. |
Alternative: -
Distance: 7-10km/ 4-6 miles Minimal Ascent.
If weather conditions are unsuitable we will walk on
Valentia island, noted for it’s lush vegetation,
and stroll by the inlets and islands of the coast. |
Day 6: Killarney National Park
[Half Day]
Morning – Transfer to Killarney.
Visit the ruins of Muckross Friary and Muckross House
and gardens. Discover the unique flora and fauna of
the parkland; perhaps see some of the last remaining
Irish Red Deer. Lunch in the Muckross House Tea rooms.
Transfer into Killarney via jaunting car.
Afternoon -free for shopping and
general sightseeing in Killarney.
Evening - after dinner enjoy an Irish
Whiskey Tasting session followed by an evening of traditional
music. Overnight in Killarney. |
Day 7: Boat Trip through Lakes
of Killarney - Distance: 6.5 miles/11km Ascent:
640ft/200m
The boat trip is by the traditional 12 passenger open
wooden boats, and takes approximately 2 hours. This
is followed by a 6 mile walk through the dramatically
ice carved gorge of the Gap of Dunloe. Finish the
day with an Irish Coffee in Kate Kearney’s Cottage.
Other non-walking options: Travel by
boat and return the same way to Killarney. Time to visit
Ross Castle (15th Century, recently restored), shopping
in Killarney. After the boat trip get a jarvey car and
ride through the Gap of Dunloe. Farewell Dinner. Overnight
in Killarney. |
| Day 8: Departure Day |
GRADE:
 |
Easy
walks of 3 - 6miles (5 - 10km)
with gradual ascents of up to 825ft (250m) approx. |
|
Ireland
Vacations Information:
