Walking Holidays in Ireland West Cork Islands

Walking Holidays in Ireland West Cork Islands ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR Tour Ref: BW West Cork is one of the most scenic areas in Ireland, yet because of its remoteness, it has been so far left untouched by mass tourism. For those who enjoy history, there is a tangible sense of the past here. Archaeological remains from pre-history mingle with romantic castle ruins, stone circles, wedge graves and ring forts are all set in dramatic scenery mountain, lake, rock and sea. It is a unique place that has something to offer everyone � cross a raging stretch of sea in Ireland�s only cable car, or visit Garnish Island, a once barren, rocky island that has been transformed into a beautiful exotic garden with a Grecian temple, a rich variety of wild birds and wildlife. Altogether, the Beara Peninsula is magical, a place that will tempt you to return again and again. This week-long tour is two centred staying in the pretty town of Glengarriff & the thriving fishing port of Castletownbere. Routes, with a variety of ground underfoot, are from 10 to 14km (6 to 10 miles) each day and take you along sections of the Beara Way.
DAY 1	Optional complimentary transfer leaving Killarney Bus/Train station at 18.30 hrs (which links with our complimentary transfer leaving Shannon airport at 16.00 hrs). Arrival at accommodation in Glengariff, a very scenic coastal village set in the sub-tropical vegetation of West Cork. Briefing and dinner at 20.30 hrs with your guide in your guesthouse. You can make the most of the local pubs and atmosphere in Glengariff before returning to your family run B&B for your first night�s accommodation.
DAY 2	Bonane to Glengarriff: Walk from Bonane to Glengarriff. The route takes you up the flanks of Esk Mountain where your climb is rewarded by great views into the broad valley of the Baureagh River surrounded by the open countryside before your descent via Rossnashunsoge to Glengarriff. In the afternoon you will be taken by ferry to visit the famous gardens of Garnish Island renowned for its unique natural beauty. Admire the Greek Sun Temple, an Italian Design Garden, De Medici Tower and its her it herbaceous borders. Overnight and dinner in Glengarriff.
DAY 3	Glengarriff to Adrigole: The first leg of the Beara Way is from Glengarriff to Adrigole. Through the woods of Magannagan, over the saddle/col under the Sugar Loaf Mountain, and by the road to Adrigole, gaining views of the inner end of the blue expanse of Bantry Bay. Transfer and overnight in a family run guesthouse in Castletownbere. Dinner in Castletownbere, a small fishing port on the Southern side of the Beara Peninsula.
DAY 4	Boat trip to Beara Island. A number of circuits allow the day�s walk to be tailored to meet the desires of the group. Perhaps a coastal walk to Ardnakinna Point lighthouse and up to the hilltop ruins of a signal tower will satisfy all.
DAY 5	Option Day: You can laze around the town of Castletownbere (haven) or take a gentle stroll or cycle to visit the local castle ruins. Shore fishing and golfing also are options. For those interested in gardens, there are a number of famous ones within reach.
DAY 6	Carraduff via Commagappla to Castletownbere: The leg of the Way between Curraduff and Castletownbere is completed today. The Beara Way now takes you into Comnagapple Glen, a primordial landscape of rock and bog overlooked by Hungry Hill and its outliners. Bog roads take you through areas where turf (peat) was cut extensively for domestic fuel over the last few centuries to provide warmth in winter to the inhabitants of Castletownbere. The Beara way loops around past a megalithic tomb and descends the valley of the Ahikista river into Castletownbere. Overnight and dinner in Castletownbere.
DAY 7	Dursey Island: We follow the Southern route and return via Northern Beara Way, including the Signal Tower. Being the most south westerly point of Ireland, Dursey Island was recently designated a Natural Heritage area, often a landfall for birds that have accidentally crossed from America, and popular site for bird watchers who are interested in spotting extremely rate North American vagrants. Overnight and farewell dinner in Castletownbere.
DAY 8	Departure: After your final Irish breakfast, optional complimentary transfer to Killarney Bus/Train Station (transfer arrives at 08:00hrs), where you can then link up to our complimentary transfer to Shannon airport.
Note that, for weather or other reasons, on occasion the guide may have to change the sequence of walks or the walks themselves.
Dates for 2006:	Price:	Special Features:
Saturday 10th June Saturday 22nd July Saturday 12th August	€895.00	7 nights accommodation in Irish Tourist Board approved guest house 7 full Irish breakfasts 5 packed lunches 6 dinners Experienced guide Transfers to and from walks Half day trip (by ferry boat) to Garnish Island Day trip (by ferry boat) to Beara Island Courtesy transfer from Shannon/Kerry airports and/or Killarney Bus/Train station on Saturday of arrival and departure. Note: The minimum number required for the above itinerary is 6 persons. Recommended reading: Hungry Hill by Daphne du Maurier and The Tailor and Ansty by Eric Cross.

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