A walking tour of the Southern Counties of Ireland. Walk the village of Adare in County Limerick, hike the Kerry Way, take a boat across the Lakes of Killarney, visit the colourful town of Kenmare, and the pretty coastal town of Kinsale in County Cork.
Itinerary Information
| Undiscovered Ireland South Tour Details for 2027 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Thu 24 June to Thu 1 July 2027 12 Places Available | Pick up Ennis, County Clare 12 noon Drop off Cork Airport 12 noon Duration 8 Days | US$5899 US$999 Single Supp |
| Sun 11 July to Sun 18 July 2027 12 Places Available | ||
| Sun 5 Sept to Sun 12 Sept 2027 12 Places Available | ||
Tour Highlights
Included In Tour
DAY 1: MEET IN ENNIS, VISIT THE TOWN OF ADARE, WALK AT KNOCKFIERNA, COUNTY LIMERICK
Terrain: town lanes, riverside track | Walking Distance 2 miles (3.2 km)
You will be met with a warm welcome at an hotel in central Ennis. We then head south to the pretty thatched-cottage village of Adare in County Limerick. At Adare there will be time to take a stroll through what is known as one of the prettiest villages in Ireland. We then carry on to hike the slopes of Knockfierna, where we can learn about the Great Famine. There are fine views from the top beyond Limerick to parts of Clare, Kerry, Tipperary and Cork.
Overnight: Ballingarry, County Limerick. Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 2: DRIVE SOUTH TO KERRY, HIKE THE KERRY WAY AT GLENBEIGH AND ROSSBEIGH BEACH
Terrain: mountain trails, lanes and beach | Walking Distance 4.5 miles (7.25 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.
Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 3: HIKE THE KERRY WAY, BOAT JOURNEY ACROSS THE KILLARNEY LAKES
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.
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is an easy four miles.
Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
DAY 4: HIKE THROUGH THE MUCKROSS ESTATE
Terrain: lakeside paths, open heath, rocky track | Elev 400ft. | Walking Distance 6 miles (10 km)
Today our walking route takes us straight from our hotel through the Muckross Estate beginning at Muckross Abbey. We will then make our way through the beautiful landscaped gardens to the main house, returning by the lakeside paths.
Alternative Walk Options: The alternative is to take a day of rest, or visit Killarney Town (1 km to town),
Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 5: HIKE THE OLD MASS PATH FROM DERRYNANE AND VISIT ABBEY ISLAND
Terrain: quiet lanes, hills, mountain track, old Mass path | Elev 600 ft. | Walking Distance 6 miles (10 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 six 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: Kenmare, County Kerry. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 6: HIKE FROM KENMARE ALONG THE KERRY WAY, DRIVE TO KINSALE
Terrain: quiet lanes, mountain track, | Elev 600 ft. | Walking Distance 4 miles (6.4 km)
Today we walk from Gowlane Bridge in the wilderness beyond Kenmare to join the Kerry Way again. Joining an old coach road at Gowlane, we climb steadily to a gap between Peakeen Mountain and Knockanaguish. Looking back to the south are fine views across Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula. We will then drive on to Kinsale, County Cork.
Overnight: Kinsale, County Cork. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.
DAY 7: GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF KINSALE, HIKE OUT TO CHARLES FORT AND BEYOND
Terrain: town footpaths and well maintained coastal trails | Elev Gain 400 ft. | Walking Distance 7 miles (11.3 km)
We begin with a guided walking tour of the town of Kinsale. We then walk through town to Summercove via Charles Fort, a star-shaped bastion fort built in 1682. Our beautiful coastal path then brings us out to Lower Cove and Eastern Point, returning the same way.
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is seven miles long. It is possible to hike for just two or three miles.
Overnight: Kinsale, County Cork. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
DAY 8 DRIVE FROM KINSALE TO CORK AIRPORT
We must say Goodbye to Kinsale and drive to Cork Airport where the tour ends.
Meals Included: Breakfast.
Southern Ireland Hiking Vacations
Undiscovered Ireland South – Cashel, Killarney, Torc Waterfall, Ring of Kerry,
Derrynane, Wicklow Mountains. Joyce’s Ireland