Coming in 2021
8 days & 7 nights in Ireland’s Southwest Coast
US$1,800 ($2,000 Single ROom)-Includes Lodging, Transportation, Activities, & some meals
airfare and restaurant meals are Additional
Explore back lanes and walking trails in the rural west of Ireland. This tour is based in County Kerry and the Burren in County Clare.
While County Kerry is well known for some of the most demanding and rewarding hikes in the country, this tour is designed for those of us who want to enjoy the unrivaled beauty of Kerry without extreme conditions. We will take in some of the extraordinarily rugged and beautiful parts of the county from the mountain vistas to winding ocean cliff paths. Each day will feature a different walking route, taken at a comfortable pace. These excursions will also incorporate stops at historic sites, gardens, and lingering meals at tea rooms and pubs. We will partner with local experts on several of our hikes, who will share their knowledge of the history and ecology of the area.
Leaving the rugged mountains of County Kerry, we travel north across the Shannon River to County Clare. Weather permitting, we will enjoy a cliffside walk from Hag’s Head to the Cliffs of Moher on our way to the Burren. Our last two days will be spent walking and learning about this unique geologic landform, while also taking in the sights in the area. Possibilities include castles, ring forts, dolmens, and gardens.
How can you tell if this tour is a good match for your fitness level? We envision this tour for those of us who enjoy walking and are not daunted by walking for several hours, but who are not necessarily in top form. These walks are designed to bring us to spectacular sights and leave us ready for a hearty meal and good night’s rest. How do you feel about spending an afternoon walking? Climbing up hills and down? Returning from your walk tired out but with great memories and photographs? Walking through sunshine and showers and maybe getting caught in a downpour? If this sounds fun, you are a good candidate for this tour!
The first five days of this tour is based in Derrynane, at the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The Kerry Way walking route passes just above the houses where we will stay, and a trackway winds up the mountain behind us. We will explore this area with a local naturalist and gifted story teller who will identify the flora and fauna we see, and give historical context to the sites we pass. From rocky shoreline to mountain views, we will dig deep into the complex and varied ecosystems of Derrynane as we explore the byways and trails of the area.
Distance: approximately 4-8 miles, with variations possible. Terrain includes a footpath along the shore with some climbing, an uphill climb on a quiet bog road, and a walking path through fields and forest.
Ireland’s highest mountains are the backdrop for the Killarney National Park, and while we won’t go mountaineering up these rugged peaks, we will enjoy the views along the drive to Killarney, and their jagged silhouette as we walk through the park. The main walking route on this day will take us around Muckross Lake, with a stop at the 15th century Muckross Abbey, a stretch of land along the narrow peninsula between lakes, oak and yew woods, and the Torc waterfall. The park offers many options however, with extensive gardens and shorter spurs.
Distance: Highly variable. 1 mile to 9 miles.
The Canglass Blow Hole can only be reached by walking along the ocean’s edge through sheep pastures and bogs. Though this walk will not provide us with a well groomed path, the scenery is spectacular as we make our way along the northern edge of the Iveragh peninsula. Across the bay is the Dingle peninsula and just off shore the Blasket Islands are visible. The ocean has carved the cliffs into fantastical crevasses, and the sheep wander freely in this remote area.
An hour or two of slow paced walking over uneven ground will bring us to the stunning blow hole itself, which is a huge gaping hole carved out by centuries of grinding from the pounding sea, with an arched opening to the ocean. You can read more about our first visit to this hidden gem (in 2018) in my blog posting here.
Distance: approximately 5 miles over uneven ground.
Hog’s Head is a narrow peninsula of land that separates Ballinskelligs Bay from Derrynane Bay. Our walk will begin at Loher stone fort and take us along quiet lanes through green fields and farm land. As we start along the peninsula, the land rises slowly, until we pass through a gap between hills and into the Derrynane viewshed. This side of the peninsula offers views of Deenish and Scariff Islands, and over to County Cork in the distance. For those wishing for an additional climb, there is a walk up hill to the ruins of an 1800s era stone barracks with excellent views.
Distance: approximately 6 miles, along quiet lanes, with a possible extension spur to the old barracks.
On our final two days of the tour, we will head north to explore walking routes in the Burren. This geologically unique landscape of exposed limestone clints and grykes appears arrestingly barren, but the cracks in the stone harbor flora from sub-Arctic to Mediterranean species. We will explore old Green Roads and farm trails, passing through fields and limestone pavements. We will learn about the geology, ecology, and history of the area on a walking tour with a local guide, and if time allows we may visit a garden in the Caher River Valley.
Distance: 3-6 miles, on pathways and farm roads each day.
Weather will determine how many other walks we fit in to our week. Possibilities include:
A climb up the old Bog Road above Caherdaniel which winds up Cahernageeha Mountain and rewards us with a view into Ballinskelligs Bay at the top.
The Walk of the Planets follows the Kerry Way from Caherdaniel village in the direction of Staigue Fort.
Learning about archeology of the region with an expert on prehistoric rock art of the area.
Take the Bray Head looped walk on Valentia Island with views out to the Skelligs.
Enjoy the stunning views at the Top of the Rock viewing Platform near Cahersiveen.
Follow the garden path at Kells Bay Gardens.