Spectacular Southwest and East (9 Day Tour)

DAY 1: ARRIVAL, TRAVEL TO NIRE VALLEY, SHORT WALK

Terrain: forest trails, open moorland | Elev gain: 600ft | Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)

We begin with a drive directly south east from Shannon to the Nire Valley in County Waterford. We’ll spend our first three nights at the lovely Hanora’s Cottage: an award-winning guest house and restaurant in the heart of the Comeragh Mountains. Hanora’s Cottage is located deep in the stunning Nire Valley where dippers bob on stones in the river lined with willow and hawthorn. After settling in at the guest house, we will take a light lunch followed by our first walk in the mountains.

Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles, there is an alternative option of just taking a stroll in the lanes around the guest house as it is located in a beautiful setting.

Overnight: The Nire Valley, Comeragh Mountains, County Waterford. Meals Included:  Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 2: WALK IN THE NIRE VALLEY AND COMERAGH MOUNTAINS

Terrain: mountain tracks, forest trails | Elev gain 700ft | Walking Distance 9 miles (14.5 km)

The Comeraghs are a mountain range in the south east of County Waterford. They have always been very popular with hikers. They are located between the towns of Carrick on Suir and Clonmel. Today we set off for a relatively easy lower level hike of approximately 9 miles.

Walk Options: the full walk is 9 miles long, there is an alternative option of just 2-3 miles available.

Overnight: The Nire Valley, Comeragh Mountains, County Waterford.  Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 3: WALK IN THE NIRE VALLEY AND COMERAGH MOUNTAINS

Terrain: steep mountain tracks, forest trails | Elev gain 700ft | Walking Distance 9 miles (14.5 km)

We set off from the Nire Valley for another walk in the Comeragh Mountains. The Nire valley runs eastwards into the Comeragh mountains meeting the mountains under the Nire lakes. Weather-depending, we hope to set off to Coumshingaun: the finest example of a corrie lake in the British Isles. Back at the lovely Hanora’s Cottage, you will be delighted with a delicious evening meal in the award-winning restaurant.

Walk Options: the full walk is 9 miles long, there is an alternative option of just 3-4 miles available.

Overnight: The Nire Valley, County Waterford. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

DAY 4: WALK AT ARDMORE, TRAVEL TO BALTIMORE

Terrain: quiet lanes, cliff path | Elev gain 300ft | Walking Distance 4 miles (6.4 km)

Today we set off for West Cork. On leaving the Nire Valley we’ll travel down to the coast of County Waterford and along the cliff path and beaches at Ardmore. Strolling through the village we can visit the 12th century round tower, said to be the best preserved round tower in Ireland. We then head for Baltimore, County Cork where we’ll spend the next two nights at a lovely, family-run small hotel.

Walk Options: the full walk is 3-4 miles long. There is an alternative of just strolling at leisure in the lovely village of Ardmore and visiting the Round Tower.

Overnight: Baltimore, County Cork. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

DAY 5: FERRY OUT TO CAPE CLEAR, WALK THE ISLAND

Terrain quiet lanes, open moorland, cliff paths | Elev gain 500ft | Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)

This morning we take the ferry to Cape Clear Island……Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island. Cape Clear lies eight miles off the coast of West Cork and the boat journey across Roaringwater Bay takes 45 mins. The island is three miles long and one mile wide, it is remote and wild and is an important centre for bird watching in Ireland. Whales, turtles, sharks and sun fish are spotted every year off the coast, and dolphins are seen on a regular basis. The island is far removed from the bustle of mainland life and a visit to Cape combines peace, nature, relaxation and that “away-from-it-all” feeling.

Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just strolling around the island at your own pace (you won’t get lost!).

Overnight: Baltimore, County Cork. Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch.

DAY 6: DEPART BALTIMORE, TRAVEL TO KILLARNEY, WALK PART OF THE KERRY WAY

Terrain: open moorland trails, boardwalk | Elev gain 600ft | Walking Distance 9 miles

We make an early departure from Baltimore to drive through magnificent scenery to County Kerry and the Killarney National Park. We will walk from the outskirts of Kenmare to travel the Old Kenmare Road towards Killarney, walking part of the Kerry Way.   We then make our way to accommodation for the next three nights: a beautiful family-run hotel in a spectacular setting.  We can then enjoy an excellent meal in the hotel restaurant overlooking the lake.

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

DAY 7: TRAVEL THE RING OF KERRY AND WALK THE KERRY WAY

Terrain: boardwalk, paths, rocky tracks | Elev Gain: 1200ft | Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9 km)

Today we will walk part of the Kerry Way across the broad expanse of moorland below the surrounding mountains at the Esknamucky Glen. In this valley, evidence of pre-famine cottages are still visible, providing a stark reminder of harsh times gone by. The views of the mountains are spectacular. We will take a rest beside Sullivan’s Cascades and enjoy the views. The walk descends beside Torc Waterfall through Killarney National Park, and then we continue on to the Muckross House estate where there is time to explore the grounds and the arboretum.

Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just relaxing or strolling in to Killarney Town and / or visiting Ross Castle.

Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

DAY 8: WALK THE COAST PATH FROM DINGLE TOWN, VISIT INCH BEACH

Terrain: rocky track, fields, cliff path | Elev gain 400ft | Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)

Today we will travel north to Dingle Town where we will walk out the coastal path to the old lighthouse and lookout tower. The views of Dingle harbour are magnificent. We will make our way out across a track to higher points where we can look down on various small coves and beaches. There will then be time to browse the shops in Dingle Town. On our return journey to Killarney we will stop to visit Inch Beach, made famous in the movie Ryan’s Daughter.

Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just relaxing and strolling in lovely Dingle Town, and just walking as far as you like on Inch Beach.

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

DAY 9: TRAVEL BACK TO SHANNON AIRPORT

After our final breakfast we drive to Shannon Airport where we say our Goodbyes.

Meals Included:  Breakfast.