Walking Holidays in Ireland
Celtic Kerry Footsteps 
Tour Ref: CKF
This itinerary is unique - easy, gentle walking in some of the most spectacular scenery in South West Ireland, combined with some amazing, unique, fascinating and fun activities.
We are talking about an Irish Coffee Tasting Evening; Irish Music; Traditional Horse Drawn Carriages; Castles and Stately Homes; Horseriding; Water Divining; Gold Panning in the mountains; Bog Wood and Textile Art; Learning to play the ancient Irish drum the Bodhran; Irish Set Dancing; Island Walks or Cycles and a Magical Night Walk to the Sound of an Irish Harp.
This is the essence of Ireland captured in one glorious week. Read on!
Day 1 Arrival
Optional complimentary transfer from Kerry or Shannon Airports (see transfer times below). Arrive in your friendly family run guesthouse in the vibrant town of Killarney set in the heart of the National Park in Kerry in South West Ireland. Meet your guide at 19.00 for a welcome briefing and your first home cooked meal together in your guesthouse.
Day 2 - Muckross, the Killarney National Park and the World of Irish Whiskey
Today's walking will take you into the magnificent Killarney National Park to visit 19th century Muckross House, 15th century Muckross Abbey and the Muckross Traditional Farms, where old farming traditions have been brought back to life. Then transfer by traditional horse drawn carriage to the oldest pub in Killarney for an evening. Lots of Irish stories and Irish toasts guaranteed! Then enjoy an excellent meal in your pub and an evening of traditional Irish music.
Day 3 - Ross Castle and Killarney Town
15th century Ross Castle, majestically set on the shores of the Killarney Lakes is your first stop this morning. After your visit, take a guided walk around the old mining trail of Ross Island for some magnificent views over the lakes and the Killarney Mountains. A welcome picnic lunch and then the afternoon is yours to make the most of the vibrant streets, tourist attractions and many shops in Killarney. You will also enjoy a free evening to discover for yourself the many excellent restaurants in the town, before returning to your guesthouse for your final night in Killarney.
Day 4 - Glenbeigh and the Majestic Atlantic Ocean
After your Irish Breakfast, transfer along the Ring of Kerry route to Rossbeigh Beach for a gentle walk along the beach and magnificent Atlantic Coastline. After your picnic lunch, a choice of activities await you: horseriding (suitable for beginners Euro 15 extra) on the beach, finding your way through an old fashioned maze or a game of crazy golf, swimming on Rossbeigh Beach (invigorating!) or a guided walk with your guide to Ross Behy Hill. Before transferring to Caherciveen you will visit a small working Irish farm. In Caherciveen, a small friendly market town on the Ring of Kerry, your hosts await you in their family run guesthouse with some good home cooked food and that famous Irish hospitality.
Day 5 - On the Quest for Divine Water and the Celtic Harp!!
Today will truly be a day - and night - with a difference..... A water diviner awaits you to show you the age-old skill of water divining. You will try your hand at this ancient skill with a divining rod and then walk to an Irish Holy Well to practise your skills. After your picnic lunch, transfer to meet a local potter and the opportunity to admire his craft and maybe try your hand at some pottery. Dinner awaits you in your guesthouse and then a truly magical evening. An evening walk to an ancient Irish Ring Fort where an Irish harpist awaits you. Magical, unique and simply unforgettable.
Day 6 - Irish Art and Music
Your morning's walk will take you along a peaceful country lane to two beautiful Irish cottages, homes of two artists who have revived the art of Bog Sculptures and Felting Textile Design. Their craft is truly unique and beautiful. After your picnic lunch, transfer back to Caherciveen Town to meet a Master Bohdran Player. The Bohdran is the ancient Irish drum and this afternoon you will learn how to play this instrument in a fun and informal session. After dinner in your guesthouse, we offer you the option to join in a traditional Irish music and set dancing session in one of the pubs. Meet the locals, discover that famous Irish humour and zest for life, dance a jig and why not..... maybe practise a little Bodhran playing!
Day 7 - Valentia Island
Today you have the option of a guided walk or self-guided cycle around Valentia Island, known locally as Treasure Island. Rich in wild and marine life, standing stones, sub-tropical flora, this island will offer you a journey of discovery. Cyclists may opt to cycle all around the island (approx. 25km/16 miles), while walkers will enjoy some spectacular walks along the coastal and inland paths. Your final night in Ireland will be spent in an excellent restaurant in Caherciveen for a memorable farewell gourmet dinner.
Farewell Dinner: your final dinner will be in an excellent restaurant in Caherciveen, where seafood and modern Irish cuisine await you.
Day 8 - Departure
After your final Irish Breakfast in your guesthouse, optional complimentary transfer to either Kerry or Shannon Airports (see transfer times below).
Dates for 2008: May 17, June 7, 21, July 5, 26, August 9, 30, Sept 20
Price 2008: EUR995 per person sharing
Single Supplement: EUR189 per person (limited availability).
Price Includes:
- Seven nights in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouse based on two adults sharing with en-suite facilities*
- Full Irish breakfast on seven days
- Five packed lunches
- Six dinners - 4 in your guesthouse and 2 in restaurants
- Entrance to Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms
- Traditional Jaunting Car ride through Killarney National Park
- Entrance to Ross Castle
- Hedge Maze, Crazy Golf in Glenbeigh - horseriding is Euro 15 extra per person payable directly on the day.
- Water Divining
- Bohdran Session
- Traditional Set Dancing and Music Session in Caherciveen
- Bike Hire for Day 6
- Return Ferry Crossing to Valentia
- Transfers to and from walks each day
- Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
Airport Transfer Times
Shannon Airport to Kerry (May-September) at 12.00 on Saturdays from the information point in the arrivals hall.
Return transfers to Shannon arrive at Shannon Airport at 12.00am on Saturdays.
Kerry Airport: transfers between 08.00 and 18.00 hours on Saturdays only.
Note: These transfers must be confirmed at time of booking with flight numbers and times for arrival and departure. If these transfers aren't confirmed at time of booking we will assume they are making their own way to their first nights accommodation. Arrangements can be made for a private taxi transfer (at clients own expense) should the Go Ireland transfer timetable not suit.