Walking Holidays in Ireland
Kerry Jewels 
ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR
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 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 transfer to either Kerry or Shannon Airports (see transfer times below).
Tour - 8 or 5 days
Dates 2009 - May 23rd, May 30th, June 20th, June 27th, July 4th, July 25th, Aug 1st, Aug 15th, Aug 22nd, Sept 5th, Sept 12th, Sept 26th, Oct 10th
Special Solos Dates 2009 - April 25th, May 9th, June 13th, July 11th, Sept 19th
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.
Famous Quote
An Irishman has an abiding sense of tragedy, which sustains him through temporary periods of joy!
Price 2009: (7 night) EUR870 per person sharing. (4 nights) EUR620 per person sharing (not available on solo dates)
Single Supplement: EUR189 for 7 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
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.
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