Undiscovered Ireland South (8 Day Tour)

DAY 1: MEET IN GALWAY, GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF ADARE, COUNTY LIMERICK

Terrain: town lanes, riverside track | Walking Distance 2 miles (3.2 km)

You will be met with a warm welcome at the Park House Hotel in central Galway City We then head south to the pretty thatched-cottage village of Adare in County Limerick. En route we will stop at Coole, County Galway for a short guided walk in the grounds of Coole Park. At Adare there will be time to take a stroll through what is known as one of the prettiest villages in Ireland.

Overnight: Adare, County Limerick. Meals Included:  Dinner.

DAY 2: DRIVE SOUTH TO KERRY, HIKE THE KERRY WAY AT GLENBEIGH AND ROSSBEIGH BEACH

Terrain: mountain trails, lanes and beach | Walking Distance 7 miles (11.3 km)

We will drive to Glenbeigh on the ring of Kerry, County. Kerry. Our walk today will take us along the lower slopes of the Kerry Way to observe fine views of the Kerry Mountains and the southern parts of Dingle Bay, culminating in a fine stroll out along Rossbeigh Beach. Enjoy the fine views of the sweeping expanse looking across the mountains of the Dingle Peninsula. Our accommodation is a wonderful family run hotel located on the edge of Killarney with magnificent views of the Killarney Lakes and mountains. We will spend three nights here enjoying the friendly atmosphere, fine views, excellent hiking and wonderful meals.

Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is seven miles long, but there is an option to walk just the beach for as long as you wish, then finish in a nearby cafe.

Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry. Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 3: HIKE THE OLD MASS PATH TO DERRYNANE AND VISIT ABBEY ISLAND

Terrain: quiet lanes, mountain track, old Mass path | Elev 900 ft. | Walking Distance 7 miles (11.3 km)

Today we walk from Derrynane House, the home of Daniel O’Connell (Ireland’s 19th century campaigner for Catholic Emancipation). Our walk will start in the beautiful landscaped grounds of the house, then we travel along lovely quiet beaches and out on to Abbey Island. We then head up along an ancient Mass Path through “nature’s rockery” – old red sandstone laden with the most awesome display of Kerry flora: montbretia, fuchsia, purple loosestrife, heather, mallow and honeysuckle. We then return to Derrynane via part of the Kerry Way.

Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is seven miles long, but there is an option to walk just the first couple of miles to Derrynane Beach. Then return along the same route to visit Derrynane House and gardens and enjoy some refreshment at the cafe.

Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry. Meals Included:  Breakfast and Lunch.

DAY 4: HIKE ALONG THE KERRY WAY FROM GALWAY’S BRIDGE TO MUCKROSS

Terrain: hilly paths, open heath, rocky track | Elev 700ft. | Walking Distance 10 miles (16.1 km)

Today our walking route takes us across the lower slopes of the Kerry Way. Commencing at Galway’s Bridge: we will enjoy amazing vistas along the Old Kenmare Road. This route guides us along fuchsia-lined lanes, green roads, crossing small streams and ancient tracks. We will finish the hike by walking directly back to our Hotel.

Alternative Walk Options: today’s hike is a long one. The alternative is to take a day of rest, or visit Killarney Town (1 km to town), or visit the Muckross Estate and / or Ross Castle.

Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry. Meals Included:  Breakfast and Lunch.

DAY 5: HIKE THE KERRY WAY, BOAT JOURNEY ACROSS THE KILLARNEY LAKES, DRIVE TO CASHEL

Terrain: mountain trail | Elev Gain 500 ft. | Walking Distance 4 miles (6.4 km)

We will walk part of the Kerry Way down to Lord Brandon’s cottage. Here we will have lunch and then be met by a boatman who will take us across three lakes: Upper Lake, Muckross Lake and Lough Leane, on a spectacular boat journey ending at the private pier of our hotel. We then travel on to Cashel in County Tipperary. Tonight we can enjoy an excellent meal at an award-winning restaurant.

Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is an easy four miles.

Overnight: Cashel, County Tipperary. Meals Included:  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 6: VISIT ROCK OF CASHEL, TRAVEL TO WICKLOW, HIKE IN THE WICKLOW MOUNTAINS

Terrain: riverside walk, mountain paths | Elev Gain 300 ft. | Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)

Before we leave Cashel this morning we will visit the magnificent St Patrick’s Rock for a guided tour. We then head east to County Wicklow and the Wicklow Mountains. Our accommodation is set in lovely countryside scenery in the village of Laragh, beside the monastic settlement of Glendalough. On arrival we will walk over the moors of Trooperstown Hill, then follow the winding Avonmore River on a beautiful pathway through native forest.

Alternative walk options: the full walk is six miles long. It is possible to hike for just two or three miles.

Overnight: Glendalough, County Wicklow. Meals Included:  Breakfast and Lunch.

DAY 7: HIKE GLENDALOUGH MONASTIC SETTLEMENT, THE SPINK, AND THE WICKLOW WAY

Terrain: well maintained mountain trails | Elev Gain 1200 ft. | Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9 km)

The Wicklow Mountains are the location of our walk today. Our local expert guide will tell us all about the ancient monastic ruins of Glendalough and the story of St Kevin. We will walk along the Spink (a dramatic cliff edge with lovely views over the two lakes) then down into the Glenealo Valley finishing alongside the Upper Lake. We will enjoy our final dinner together in one of the local restaurants.

Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is eight miles long. It is possible to hike for just two or three miles.

Overnight: Glendalough, County Wicklow. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 8

We must say Goodbye to Ireland after our drive back to Dublin.

Meals Included:  Breakfast.