Walking Holidays in Ireland
Celtic Kerry Footsteps 
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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 Irish Music; Traditional Horse Drawn Carriages; Castles and Stately Homes; Horseriding; Water Divining; 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 airport transfers 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 - Killarney National Park
Distance; 10km/ 6 miles
Ascent: None
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 it's off to a cosy pub in the charming Killarney town centre. There will be 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 - Ring of Kerry, Torc Waterfall
Start your day with a stroll through Killarney National Park to the magnificent Torc Waterfall. Then hop on the bus and take the world famous Ring of Kerry route to the town of Caherdaniel. Here you'll visit the home of Daniel O' Connell and Derrynane National Park. Explore a 12th century Abbey on Abbey Island and take a stroll along the mass path and admire stunning views of the beaches. How about a walk on a famous blue flag beach or swim in the blue waters of the Atlantic.
Day 4 - On the Quest for Divine Water and the Celtic Harp!!
Distance; 5km/3 miles
Ascent:12m/370ft
Walk; Easy
Ascent; None
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 5 - Irish Art and Music
Distance: 5km/3miles
Ascent: 40m/133ft
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 6 - Atlantic Beach Walk, Sheep Dog Trials & Free Time!
Today you'll head for Killarney for the last two nights of your holiday. On the way along the Ring of Kerry Route to Killarney, you'll pass through a quaint village called Kells where you can witness some exciting real life sheep dog trials! Next you'll stop off at Rossbeight Beach where you can stretch your legs, enjoy a dip in the blue waters or take in some sun while relaxing on the beach. Back in Killarney, you can enjoy a free afternoon to wander the streets of Killarney and discover it for yourself!
Day 7 - Boat Trip Through the Lakes of Killarney
Experience an open top boat ride through the enchanting lakes of Killarney. At the end of it, you can either relax with an Irish coffee in the popular Kate Kearneys Cottage of maybe you'd like to take a walk through the magnificent Gap of Dunloe. ( You can also get a jaunting cart ride through the Gap for about €20-€30 per person).
That evening, enjoy a farewell Dinner where you can celebrate the end of a wonderful holiday and talk with other travellers about your experience in Ireland.
Day 8 - Departure
After your final Irish Breakfast in your guesthouse, optional transfer to either Kerry or Shannon Airports (see transfer times below).
Dates for 2009: May 16th, June 6th, June 20th, July 4th, July 25th, August 8th, August 29th, Sept 19th,
Price 2009: EUR1055 per person sharing
Single Supplement: EUR189 per person (limited availability).
Price Includes:
- Seven nights in Irish Tourist Board approved 3 star hotel based on two adults sharing with en-suite facilities*
- Full Irish breakfast on seven days
- Five packed lunches
- Six dinners
- Entrance to Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms
- Water Divining
- Boat Trip through the Lakes of Killarney
- Sheep Dog Trials
- Visit of pre historic ring fort with harp playing
- Bohdran Session
- Traditional Set Dancing and Music Session
- Return Ferry Crossing to Valentia
- Transfers to and from walks each day
- Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
Airport Transfers
Go Ireland Airport Transfers to/from Shannon Airport-
Shannon Airport to Kerry ( 9th May - 3rd October) at 12.00 on Saturdays from the information point in the arrivals hall. Return transfer arrives at Shannon Airport at 11.00am on Saturdays.
Shannon Airport to Killarney €50 (Single) €100 (Return)
Shannon Airport to Tralee €50 (Single) €100 (Return)
Shannon Airport to Camp €55 (Single) €110 (Return)
Shannon Airport to Glenbeigh €50 (Single) €100 (Return)
Public transport options-
You can catch a shuttle bus which operates frequently between Shannon and Limerick city. From Limerick city, you can then hop on a Bus Eireann bus to Killarney or Tralee.
Go Ireland Airport Transfers to/from Kerry Airport
Kerry Airport to accommodation transfers run throughout the year, between 07.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays. Return transfer arrives at Kerry Airport between 07.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays.
Kerry Airport to Killarney €15 (Single) €30 (Return)
Kerry Airport to Tralee €15 (Single) €30 (Return)
Kerry Airport to Camp €20 (Single)
Kerry Airport to Glenbeigh €25 (Single) €50 (Return)
Public Transport options-
There is a very frequent bus service operating from Kerry Airport to Killarney and Tralee daily.
Cork Airport
Hop on the shuttle bus that operates between Cork Airport and Cork bus station. Here you can get a bus to Killarney which should take about 1hr 20 minutes.
Dublin Airport
Fly with Ryanair to Kerry Airport or get a train from Hueston Station which will drop you to Killarney or Tralee.
Note: These prices are not included in the holiday price. Prices are based on per person and based on a minimum of 2 people per transfer. 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. Refunds are not provided for any unused portions of transfer. Arrangements can be made for a private taxi transfer (at clients own expense) should the Go Ireland transfer timetable/public transport timetable not suit.