Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: We will meet at Shannon Airport from where we will transfer the group to Glenbeigh; our base for next 3 nights. (The journey takes approx 2.5 hour.)

 
Day 2 - Walk along the Kerry Way following an old coaching road across the hillside, offering great views across Dingle Bay to the mountains of Dingle. (14 km, 400 m ascent)

 
Day 3 - Travel west to Valentia Island – walk out to the northern coast of the island and up to the Bray Head Signal Tower. It is a commanding viewpoint looking out to the Blasket Islands and Skellig islands in addition to the great views across the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula. (13 km, 250 m ascent)

 
Day 4 - The Skellig Islands - UNESCO World Heritage site- Drive around the Ring of Kerry to Portmagee, in the west of the peninsula. A small fishing boat (cost aqprox €35.00) may be hired to take you 13 km out into the Atlantic to visit one of the most remarkable islands in Ireland. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hour. The Skelligs are a pair of rocky islands rising steeply from the Ocean. The first of the islands, Little Skellig, is home to 23,000 pairs of nesting Gannets, in addition to many other sea birds and Atlantic Seals. We will visit the second island, Skellig Michael (Archangel Michael’s Rock) which is a larger island, rising to 230 m. Many puffins nest on the island during the early summer along with a host of other sea birds, but the island is probably most noteworthy for its remarkable sixth century monastery that perches just below the summit of the island.
Please note that the crossing to the island is subject to wind and weather conditions and may, in some cases be taken earlier in the week at the discretion of the guide.
Transfer to Dingle town.

 
Day 5 - Walk along the Dingle Way from Ventry, then around the flanks of Mount Eagle past the old Celtic stone beehive dwellings around Slea Head to Cumeenole Beach at the very western tip of the peninsula. (14 km, 210m ascent)

 
Day 6 - The Blasket Islands are a group of islands off the tip of the peninsula. The Islands were inhabited until the population dwindled in the mid 20th Century forcing evacuation to the mainland in 1953. Great Blasket is the largest of the group and boats regularly run visitors out during the summer months. The walk over the 300m crest of the island is one of the very best in SW Ireland. (Up to 15 km, 500m ascent)

 
Day 7 - Typical of many of the western seaboard of Ireland the Dingle peninsula is littered with many old ecclesiastic antiquities around its western extremities. Today you will follow a section of the Saint's Road, a route that links together many of the ancient old sites such as Kilmakeadar Church, and Gallarus Oratory; an early Christian oratory and is one of the best preserved Romanesque buildings in Ireland . (13 km, 150m ascent)

 
Day 8: Journey home/set transfer to Shannon Airport for 12.00 noon (approx 2.5 hour).
Please Note that the itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the guide and that the walks listed may not always take place in the sequence indicated as determining factors such as weather conditions, tides may prevail.

Day 2: Mullaghmore - (13km, 400m ascent)
Starting at Gortlecka in the Burren National Park , walk on a narrow lane between Turloughs then across limestone pavements with pavement and hazel woodland flora, to climb through limestone crags to the summit of the modest Mullaghmore Mountain , regarded by many as the spiritual heart of the Burren.

Day 3: Black Head - (17 km, 300 m ascent)
You walk in the north western corner of the Burren. You begin walking up an old path onto the limestone pavements. A hazel scrub vegetation threatens to cover the whole of this area. You may spot one of the herds of feral goats who live wild in the area and thrive on the hazel and fulfil an important function in preventing the scrub from enveloping the thin soils of the region. You walk through the pass and then descend to the Gleninagh valley before joining the Burren Way . The walk continues down a lane alongside the Caher River . The final section of the walk follows a green road around Black Head with beautiful views over Galway Bay to the Aran Islands and the distant Connemara Mountains.

 
Day 4: Cliffs of Moher and Kylemore Abbey, Connemara
Transfer to the Cliffs of Moher, where you can enjoy a short walk along the spectacular cliffs.
Transfer by minibus to Connemara where we will visit Kylemore Abbey. The mock Gothic castle was a wedding gift from a wealthy Liverpool businessman to his wife in 1868. Since 1920 it has been the home of the Benedictine nuns who run a girl boarding school at the Abbey. There will be time to visit the Abbey, Church and Victorian garden.

 
Day 5: Killary Harbour - (13km, 190m ascent)
Walk from Bunowen along the shores of Killary Harbour overlooking the whole fjord and Mweelrea Mountain, the highest in Connaught. Cross through an old deserted settlement along old path once used by the community to carry their dead to the cemetery. Descend to the Little Killary and walk around to Rosroe Pier to the Youth Hostel that the philosopher Wittgenstein once stayed in when seeking darkness! Return along the old shoreline path to Bunowen.

 
Day 6: The Aran Islands - (11km, 310m ascent)
At 9.00 am drive south through Connemara to Rossaveal on the south coast. From Rossaveal take the ferry (cost €20) out to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands (30 mins). The cliff path leads to Dun Aengus, a 3000 year old stone ring fort built right up to the 100 metre cliff edge. The fort is one of the finest Iron Age ring forts in Europe with two outer walls in addition to the central cashel. After exploring the fort you will take a minibus back to Cill Ronain, where you will have some time before catching the boat back to Rossaveal, then on to Leenane by minibus.

BEARA PENINSULA

7 night independent tour

All the treks start in the colourful bustling town of Kenmare, yet within minutes you are alone in the wild beauty of Beara. You walk past loughs and rivers with views across the fjord-like Kenmare River to the mountains of Iveragh. As you penetrate the peninsula the rugged rocky mountains that make up the spine of Beara vie for your attention with the ever-widening seascapes. The villages of Lauragh, Eyeries and Allihies provide overnight stops. From Allihies you trek through the old copper mines across the mountains to Castletownbere, an attractive fishing port overlooking Bear Island and Bantry Bay. You can take the ferry out to Bear Island and enjoy walking out to the lighthouse and past disused fortifications including the Napoleonic signal tower with great views to the mainland on both sides of Bantry Bay.

Day 1 - Travel to Kenmare for the start of the holiday
Taxi transfers can be arranged from Killarney, Kerry Airport or Cork Airport.
B&B in Kenmare

Day 2 - Kenmare to Tuosist (17.5 km, 440m ascent)
Walk out on quiet lanes and across farmland, passing loughs to Tuosist.
Pub B&B in Tuosist (non ensuite rooms)

Day 3 - Tuosist to Lauragh (14.5 km, 260m ascent)
Walk along lanes and then across a pass through the hills gradually getting enclosed within the mountains. B&B just outside Lauragh, dinner included tonight

Day 4 - Lauragh to Eyeries (a more strenuous day) (23 km, 360m ascent)
Walk along paths and lanes through rolling pastures
B&B in Eyeries, dinner included tonight

Day 5 - Eyeries to Allihies (10 km, 200m ascent)
Follow an old green road through the hills and down past the old copper mines.
3 Star guesthouse in Allihies

Day 6 - Allihies to Castletownbere (14 km, 400m ascent)
Walk though a mountain pass and descend the south side of the peninsula to the fishing port, Castletownbere, passing an old stone circle en route. B&B in Castletownbere

Day 7 - Bear Island (11 km, 460m ascent or more for the ambitious!)
Take the morning ferry out across to Bear Island and follow paths out to the southern shore and up to the Signal Tower with superb views overlooking Bantry Bay
B&B in Castletownbere

Day 8 - Return home

Tour includes:

7 nights bed & breakfast accommodation (a mixture of guesthouses and hotels)
All rooms have an ensuite except the second night of the tour

Two dinners in Lauragh & Eyeries
Five packed lunches
Luggage transfer between your accommodation stops
Full route details with a map of the tour

Beara Peninsula Dates:

Daily from spring through fall.

Tour Price:   Cad $950.00 per person, based on double occ.

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DINGLE WAY

7 night independent tour

The Dingle peninsula is a narrow mountainous finger of land reaching to Europe's most westerly point. At the western end stands one of Ireland’s finest mountains, Mount Brandon. This forms the focus for several days’ walking as you follow old roads and effusive fuchsia lined lanes around the peninsula before climbing over the shoulder of this noble peak.

Day 1 – Travel to Camp for the start of the holiday
Taxi transfers available on request from Killarney, Kerry Airport or Cork Airport.
Accommodation – B&B just outside the village of Camp

Day 2 – Camp to Anascaul
Leave Camp on a minor road and across the slopes of Corrin Mountain. Walk above the village of Inch with its wonderful sandspit reaching 7 km out into Dingle Bay. Climb up through the Maum gap and past a large standing stone then down to the village of Anascaul. (18 km, 450 m ascent)
Accommodation - Pub B&B in the centre of Anascaul

Day 3 – Anascaul to Dingle
Minor roads are followed from Anascaul down to the bouldery Kilmurry Bay with the remains of Minard Castle standing above. Old tracks and lanes are followed to Lispole before the route picks a way through farms under the mountains before descending the old Conor Pass route into Dingle town. (21 km, 430 m ascent)
Accommodation – 3 star guesthouse in Dingle

Day 4 - Dingle to Dunquin
Walk along tracks and minor roads to Ventry then across the Ventry strand to follow tracks up to the lower slopes of Mount Eagle. A fine walk above the small farms and ancient old stone clochans leads around Slea Head with fine views out to the evocative Blasket Islands. (21 km, 320 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B outside Dunquin

Day 5 – Dunquin to Ballydavid
Follow tracks and lanes past Clogher Head and beneath the Three Sisters cliffs. A detour to the tops of the cliffs is very rewarding. The route then walks around the strand of Smerwick Harbour to Ballydavid. A short detour inland would allow a visit to Gallarus Oratory, one of Ireland's most famous early churches. (19 km, 140 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B and restaurant in Ballydavid

Day 6 – Ballydavid to Cloghane
The walk leads below Ballydavid, then climbs to the highest point of the walk at 650 m on the old military pass between Masatiompan and Brandon Mountains with great views over the peninsula. The route then leads to Brandon village and finally Cloghane. On a fine day there is an option over Mount Brandon which affords some of the finest views to be found in Kerry. (27 km, 790 m ascent)
Accommodation - A Pub/Guesthouse in Cloghane

Day 7 – Cloghane to Anascaul
The route follows quiet lanes around Brandon Bay then follows an old drove route up through the delightful Maghanaboe glen and over the pass and down the zig-zag track to Lough Anascaul before following tracks and lanes down to Anascaul village. (16 km, 370 m ascent)
Accommodation - Pub B&B in Anascaul

Day 8 – Journey home

Tour includes:

7 nights bed & breakfast accommodation (a mixture of guesthouses and hotels)
All rooms have an ensuite bathroom
Four packed lunches
Luggage transfer between your accommodation stops
Full route details with a map of the tour

Dingle Way Dates:

Daily from spring through fall.

Tour Price:   Cad $950.00 per person, based on double occ. or single share

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KERRY WAY

7 night independent tour

All the Kerry Way treks combine the stately MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range scenery with stunning coastal views out across Dingle Bay. Starting in the west of Kerry you have an opportunity to walk on the beautiful Valentia Island before following old turf and coaching roads through the villages of Glenbeigh and Glencar to the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Walk over passes to the Black Valley, around the Killarney Lakes and through the National Park to Muckross House and Killarney.

Day 1 - Travel to Cahersiveen for the start of the holiday
Taxi transfers available on request from Killarney, Kerry Airport or Cork Airport.
Accomodation - B&B on the western edge of Cahersiveen

Day 2 - Valentia Island
Walk down to the pier from the B&B and take the ferry out to Valentia Island. Enjoy a coastal walk over the island with glorious coastal views.
Accomodation - B&B on the western edge of Cahersiveen

Day 3 - Filemore to Glenbeigh
Walk along quiet lanes before following an old coaching road through the hills to Glenbeigh. There are opportunities to follow over the top of the hill or take an easier option around. (19 km, 420m ascent)
Accomodation - B&B in Glenbeigh

Day 4 - Rest day in Glenbeigh
The day is left free for you to explore the village and environs. You can stroll out to the beach and explore the sand spit nature reserve. You can go to the local stables and go pony trekking or take a round of golf at the local course.
Accomodation - B&B in Glenbeigh

Day 5 - Glenbeigh to Lough Acoose
Leave the village on quiet lanes before climbing a green road up through the windy gap and then through forest and alongside the river to Glencar. The final section follows a quiet road up to the B&B overlooking Lough Acoose and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. (19km, 310m ascent)
Accomodation - B&B at Lough Acoose

Day 6 - Lough Acoose to Black Valley
Walk around Lough Acoose before following an old pass out of the glen and into the Bridia Valley. After a short section along the valley floor a track leads up another pass through MacGillycuddy's Reeks and into the Black Valley. (18km, 320m ascent)
Accomodation - Farm B&B in the Black Valley

Day 7 - Black Valley to Killarney
Follow a quiet lane through the glen past the Gap of Dunloe then enter the Killarney National Park and walk around the Upper Lake and through the ancient oak forest. Then follow the track through the mountains to the Torc Waterfall and on to Muckross House and Killarney. (22.5 km, 360 ascent)
Accomodation - 3 Star guesthouse on the edge of Killarney

Day 8 - Journey home

Tour includes:

7 nights bed & breakfast accommodation (a mixture of guesthouses and hotels)
All rooms have an ensuite bathroom

Two dinners in Lough Acoose and Black Valley
Two packed lunches
Luggage transfer between your accommodation stops
Full route details with a map of the tour

Dates:

Daily from spring through fall.

Tour Price:   Cad $980.00 per person, based on double occ. or single share

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SHEEPS HEAD WAY

7 night independent tour

Although the Sheep’s Head is the smallest of the south-western peninsulas, the walk around it has been described as the finest long distance path in Ireland. The peninsula is formed by a narrow finger of hills stretching nearly 25 miles into the Atlantic, but less than four miles wide. Agriculture along the Way is simple, imbuing the landscape with a sense of timelessness.

Treks begin at either Bantry or Durrus at the neck of the peninsula. You climb up onto the hillside heading west past the stone circle of Ahakista. Follow the south coast to the small town of Kilcrohane, then around the dramatic headland to the Sheep’s Head lighthouse. The craggy coastline of the northern shore is followed east to the Horseshoe Road and up to Finn MacCool’s seat. You conclude by walking the crest of the hills affording spectacular views across the whole peninsula to the mountains of Beara and beyond as you wend your way back to Bantry.

Day 1 - Travel to Bantry
A taxi is available (if requested) to take you from Cork Airport to Bantry. Alternatively you may make your own way to Bantry by public transport.
Accommodation – B&B in Bantry

Day 2 - Bantry to Durrus
The first day contains more tarmac walking than we would typically arrange. The lanes, however, are quiet and allow you to adjust to this corner of Ireland. There are splendid views across Bantry Bay and the route meanders through farmland and forests. (19km, 360m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Bantry

Day 3 – Durrus to Ahakista
The route offers fine views over Dunmanus Bay, and you will be passing Gorteanish stone circle on the way to Ahakista. (13 km, 210 m ascent)
Accommodation –B&B in Ahakista

Day 4 – Ahakista to Tooreen
Follow the traditional funeral route from the church to the burial ground at the ruined Kilcrohane church. The route then meanders between the shoreline across fields, along old fisherman’s paths. Then you follow the course of the old road over Ballyroon Mountain, 232 m, where there are ruins of an old signal tower built in 1632. (19 km, 430 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Ahakista

Day 5 – Tooreen to Finn MacCool’s Seat
The route provides the finest coastal scenery of the whole walk. You begin by walking out to the lighthouse. A choice of routes then gives an opportunity to follow a cliff path up to the old Gortavallig copper mine. You continue with good views across Bantry Bay along the horseshoe road to Finn MacCool’s seat. (18 km, 370 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Ahakista

Day 6 – MacCool’s Seat to Glanlough
The route today follows the main spine of the peninsula reaching the highest point of the walk, Gouladane, 310 m. From the ridge there are excellent views to the Fastnet Rock Lighthouse in the south around the Kerry Mountains to the north. (11 km, 420 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Glanlough

Day 7 – Glanlough to Bantry
The trail again heads over the spine of the peninsula with fine views over Bantry Bay. The way finally descends as you follow a mixture of tracks and lanes back to Bantry House and town. (15 km, 250 m ascent)
Accommodation – B&B in Bantry

Day 8 - Return home

Tour includes:

Country homes provide accommodation in Durrus and Bantry and two farmhouses are the base for four nights on the peninsula. Each of the guest houses is only a short walk from shops and bars. All rooms have shower and WC en suite.
All breakfasts
Three packed lunches
Three dinners in Ahakista
Luggage transfer between your accommodation stops
Full route details with a map of the tour
                

Sheepshead tour Dates:

Daily from spring through fall.

Tour Price:   Cad $990.00 per person, based on double occ. or single share

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DUBLIN / WICKLOW WAY

7 night independent tour
                   

The Wicklow Mountains form a granite chain of hills stretching fifty miles from Dublin to Wexford. The Wicklow Way is the oldest long distance path in Ireland, and follows good tracks and paths alongside rivers, through glens and over hills. This route is ideal for those walking in Ireland for the first time.

The route runs from south to north beginning in the beautiful rolling pastoral hills of southern Wicklow leading to the grander more mountainous scenery of northern Wicklow. Passing through the famous Glendalough with the haunting remains of the monastery of St. Kevin with its origins going back to the 6th Century. It is fine walk using good tracks to cross the hills. Much of the higher section is through the Wicklow Mountains National Park

Day 1 - Travel to Tinahely
The Dublin (Departing from Conolly Station) to Rosslare train line runs through Rathdrum to Arklow. A courtesy taxi transfer is available from Arklow station if booked in advance.
Accommodation - B&B in Tinahely

Day 2 - Shillelagh to Tinahely
You will be dropped in Tinahely at the start of the day. You then walk through the gentle rolling hills of Southern Wicklow to Tinahely along a mixture of green roads, forest tracks and quiet lanes. (12 km, 180 m ascent; OR 18 km, 350 m ascent)
Accommodation - B&B in Tinahely

Day 3 - Tinahely to Moyne
Follow green roads and quiet lanes through the rolling pastoral scenery to Moyne. (13.5 km, 350 m ascent)
Accommodation - B&B in a quiet rural location.

Day 4 – Moyne to Glenmalure
Follow forest tracks up out of the gentle rolling landscape to the wild and stark mountain scenery of Glenmalure. (21.5 km, 570 m ascent)
Accommodation - Pub B&B

Day 5 - Glenmalure to Laragh
Walk up the easy angled tracks above Glenmalure before cutting through the trees almost to the top of Mullacor Mountain. A choice is then made either to walk down through the forest, or follow the ridge around the mountain to descend over the upper lake to Glendalough. From Glendalough you climb out on forest tracks to drop down to the village of Laragh. (17 km, 600 m ascent)
Accommodation - B&B in Laragh

Day 6 - Laragh to Roundwood
Climb from the village through the forest across the slopes of the mountain, an option will allow you to climb to the summit, then dropping down to the hamlet before following lanes into Roundwood. (10 km, 250 m ascent)
Accommodation - B&B outside Roundwood

Day 7 - Roundwood to Enniskerry
Leave the village and join the mountain road to gain the higher ground before branching off to join a good path over the mountains above the Powerscourt estate. You descend from the high slopes through the forest to follow lanes into the village. (22 km, 480 m ascent)
Accommodation - B&B in Enniskerry

Day 8 - Return home

Tour includes:

Country homes provide accommodation in Durrus and Bantry and two farmhouses are the base for four nights on the peninsula. Each of the guest houses is only a short walk from shops and bars. All rooms have shower and WC en suite.
All breakfasts
Three packed lunches
Three dinners in Ahakista
Luggage transfer between your accommodation stops
Full route details with a map of the tour
                    

Wicklow Way tour Dates:

Daily from spring through fall.

Tour Price:   Cad $980.00 per person, based on double occ. or saingle share

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