Walking Holidays in Ireland
Kerry Jewels 
Tour Ref: KG
 This walking and hiking holiday is based in the South West of Ireland, in Glenbeigh, in Co. Kerry, affectionately known to us Kerry people as "The Kingdom". It offers you the convenience of a single accommodation base (no packing and unpacking each day) but with a sense of completing a journey.
Four legs of the Kerry Way, on old coach and butter roads, take you from the Atlantic Ocean, on the shore of Dingle Bay, through the wild valleys of Mid Kerry to the Killarney National Park. The experience of travelling on foot as in days of yore is complemented by superb views, unique flora and fauna and a landscape imbued with folklore.
Add ample opportunities to enjoy the craic (the fun) of evenings in an Irish pub and you get a satisfying cultural experience, as well as a wonderful walking and hiking tour. Glenbeigh is a beautiful vibrant village situated by the Atlantic Ocean at the foot of the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula, on the Ring of Kerry. The village has great pubs where you will have the opportunity to hear traditional Irish music or even partake in some dancing!
Your accommodation for the week is in Kerry Ocean Lodge, a quality 20 bedroom guesthouse, based in the centre of Glenbeigh, with every walkers' need catered for. Every room has a TV, tea/coffee making facilities and private bathroom.
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| DAY 1 |
Arrival.
Optional complimentary transfer from Kerry or Shannon Airports (see transfer times below). Arrive in your friendly family run guesthouse in the seaside village of Glenbeigh nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the foot of the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula, on the Ring of Kerry route. Meet your guide at 19.00 Hrs for a welcome briefing and your first home cooked meal together in your guesthouse. |
| DAY 2 |
Dooks Beach and 'Mountain'.
A gentle walk on road, bog road and beach allows you to experience a variety of habitats (blanket bog, sand dune, freshwater lake/stream and seashore) as well as to view peat cuttings. Option to end the walk with a visit to Ireland's only Bog Village museum where you can see how people lived in olden days. Dinner in your guesthouse. Distance: 12km/7.5miles Ascent: 50m/165ft |
| DAY 3 |
The Kerry Way (Kells-Glenbeigh)
Today's walking takes you on an early Christian route and medieval coaching road, with detours to view archaeological artefacts, views across Dingle Bay and a possible diversion to a beach for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean. Dinner in the oldest hotel in Kerry, the Glenbeigh Hotel. Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent: 300m/1,000ft |
| DAY 4 |
The Kerry Way (Glenbeigh-Glencar).
You walk from the seaside village of Glenbeigh, ascend gradually to circle Seefin Mountain and stroll downwards into the lush valley of the Caragh River in storied Glencar. Dinner in your guesthouse.
Via Windy Gap - Distance: 13km/ 8miles Ascent 350m/1,150ft
Via Treanmanagh - Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent 270m/ 900ft |
| DAY 5 |
Option/Rest Day.
Today is an opportunity for you to "do your own thing". Your guide will give you the information you need to organise a sightseeing day trip if you wish, such as a bus tour of the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula, or a boat trip to the spectacular Skelligs Rocks. Alternatively you may opt to take a bus into Killarney, for a little retail therapy and to make the most of the pubs and restaurants in this vibrant town. For the more active there are possibilities to go fishing, golfing, horse riding or hire a bike locally. Or just relax! Free evening to enjoy dinner as and where you wish |
| DAY 6 |
The Kerry Way (Black Valley) and the Gap of Dunloe.
After your rest day yesterday, we have some dramatic and romantic scenery in store for you today. There is a choice of routes through the dramatic, ice-carved Black Valley (the last place on mainland Ireland to be connected to electricity), followed by a walk up and through the internationally known Gap of Dunloe with excellent views over Killarney's Lakes. Dinner in a typical local pub, where Irish music is often played.
Bridia Valley to Gap of Dunloe - Distance: 16km/10miles Ascent: 400m/1,300ft
Derrycunnihy to Gap of Dunloe - Distance: 10.7km/6.6miles Ascent: 200m/ 660ft |
| DAY 7 |
The Kerry Way (Derrycunnihy to Muckross).
The final leg of the Kerry Way takes you into Killarney National Park - through ancient oak woods, along the Old Kenmare Road, with a descent beside the spectacular Torc Cascade and into the gardens of Muckross House (19 th century mansion), with its welcoming teashop. Optional extended walk to visit to the ruins of Muckross Friary (15 th century). For your last dinner, a final outing to a lively local pub and your final chance to enjoy the atmosphere of Glenbeigh village. |
| 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 2008 - April 12 May 10*,31 June 14, 21*, July 5*, 19, 26*, Aug 2, 9*, 16, 23, Sep 6*, 13, 27, Oct 11
* English/German speaking guide on these dates. All nationalities welcome on these bi-lingual weeks.
Special Solos Dates April 26, May 24, June 28, July 12, Sept 20.
These are exclusive dates for solo travellers, where there will be more single rooms available. The first 6 rooms booked are guaranteed a single room with no supplement. There will also be twin share option with someone of the same sex.
Please note the 5 day option is not available on Solo dates.
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 11.00am 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.
Famous Quote
An Irishman has an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustains him through temporary periods of joy!
Price 2008: (7 night) EUR810 per person sharing. (4 nights) EUR 540 per person sharing (not available on solo dates)
Single Supplement: EUR189 for 7 nights, EUR108 for 4 nights.
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 - five in your guesthouse and one in a restaurant
Transfers to and from walks each day
Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
Notes and maps by Sean O Suilleabhain
Airport Transfers
Shannon Airport to Kerry (May-September) at 12.00 on Saturdays from the information point in the arrivals hall. Return transfer arrives at Shannon Airport at 11.00am on Saturdays. Kerry Airport to accommodation, between 08.00 and 18.00 Hrs. Return transfer arrives at Kerry Airport between 08.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays. 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.
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