Walking Holidays in Ireland
Majestic Kerry 
Tour Ref: MK
 A luxurious multi centre, guided walk on The Dingle and Kerry Ways, staying in a wonderful selection of manor houses, hotels and guesthouses in villages throughout Kerry. We limit maximum number of participants on this Tour to 8 guests, and groups are usually even smaller.
The southwest of Ireland, washed by the Gulf Stream, has a mild climate - natives call it sub-tropical. This is reflected in the rich vegetation, particularly the wild flowers and hedgerows, which contrasts with the rugged, craggy coastline and inland mountains and lakes. This tour gives an opportunity to explore the spectacular landscape (including its history and archaeology) of two fingers projecting into the Atlantic Ocean - the Dingle and Iveragh Peninsulas in Kerry, using legs of the waymarked long-distance walking routes, The Dingle Way and The Kerry Way
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| DAY 1 |
Arrival in Dingle
Dingle is a pretty harbour town, once fortified and seeped in history. Ryan's Daughter was filmed in the area 30 years ago. The town also is the gateway to the Gaeltacht, where Gaelic is the first language.
If you arrive early you may want to opt for one of the following: - Boat trip in Dingle Harbour to see Fungi, the friendly dolphin, Harbour walk to Hussey's Folly; Visit to Ocean World marine centre; Stroll through historic Dingle and visit the numerous craft shops, pubs and restaurants.
Overnight in a Luxury Guesthouse overlooking Dingle Bay. Dinner and briefing with your guide in one of the many excellent restaurants in Dingle, specialising in seafood and nouvelle Irish cuisine. Dingle is renowned for having over 50 pubs, and the next 3 evenings will give you ample opportunity to make the most of the local atmosphere and Irish music sessions in this lively town. |
| DAY 2 |
The Dingle Way Distance: 6 miles Ascent: 600 ft.
Gaeltacht walk from Ventry Harbour (site of an ancient battle which folklore says lasted a year and a day), along the slopes of Mount Eagle to dramatic Slea Head and Dunquin ("the nearest parish to America"). Detour to visit Dunbeg pre-historic fort and other archaeological sites. Visit local pottery. Coach trip back to Dingle can include visits to early Christian sites - Reask and Gallarus. Overnight in your luxury guesthouse in Dingle and dinner in another of Dingle's best restaurants. |
| DAY 3 |
Mount Brandon Area Distance: 3-7 miles Ascent: 825 ft.
Coach trip through scenic Connor Pass, which is the highest road in Ireland. Return to Dingle by an old walking path over the Brandon Range through Mullaghaveal. This may have been used as the route to the workhouse in famine times. Final night in your luxury guesthouse in Dingle and dinner in another fine restaurant. Last opportunity to enjoy the pubs in Dingle! |
| DAY 4 |
Transfer/Beach Walk Distance: optional Ascent: none
Coach transfer along northern and southern shores of Dingle Bay. Your route will then take you on the renowned and scenic coaching route, the Ring of Kerry, to the pretty village of Sneem, on the Southern end of the Peninsula. Mid-day break and walk on Rossbeigh Beach, washed by the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight in a very friendly family run guesthouse in Sneem - your host Mary, usually awaits you with freshly made scones and an Irish Coffee. Your guesthouse boasts a pond where you can fish or relax and a tennis court. Home cooked dinner in your guesthouse. |
| DAY 5 |
Staigue Fort - Sneem Distance: 5.75 miles/9km Ascent: 700ft/210m Time: 4-5 hours
This leg of the Kerry Way on an old coaching road, also termed a butter road, affords wonderful coastal views over Kenmare Bay and the Beara Peninsula. Staigue Fort dates back to 1000BC and is the best example of many stone forts in the area. Buildings were erected inside so that humans and cattle would be safe. To be admired at Staigue Fort are the quality of stonework, the sloping back walls, the massive lintels and the architectural flourish of the sets of steps inside. Overnight and dinner in your family guesthouse in Sneem.
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| DAY 6 |
Killarney National Park (Half Day)
Morning - Transfer to Killarney. Visit the Muckross House and Gardens and the romantic ruins of Muckross Friary. Discover the unique flora and fauna of the parkland, perhaps see some of the last remaining Irish Red Deer. Lunch in the Muckross House Tea rooms. Transfer into Killarney via jaunting car, the traditional horsedrawn carriage in Killarney. Afternoon - free for shopping and general sightseeing in Killarney.
Overnight in a luxurious old Manor House Hotel beside the Killarney National Park. This hotel is famous for its excellent restaurant, open fireplaces and relaxing drawing rooms. After dinner, you may want to discover Killarney by night and the many pubs and traditional music sessions in the town. |
| DAY 7 |
Boat Trip through the Three Lakes of KillarneyDistance: 6 miles / 10km Ascent :640ft / 200m
The boat trip is by the traditional 12 passenger open wooden boats, and takes approximately 2 hours. It will take you through the majestic and romantic scenery of the 3 Lakes of Killarney. This is followed by a 6 mile walk through the dramatically ice carved gorge of the Gap of Dunloe. Finish your afternoon with an Irish Coffee in Kate Kearney's Cottage. Final night and farewell gourmet dinner in your luxury Manor House Hotel in Killarney. |
| DAY 8 |
Departure
After your final Irish breakfast, optional complimentary transfer to Shannon or Kerry Airport (see transfer times below)
Note that, for weather or other reasons, on occasion the guide may have to change the sequence of walks or the walks themselves.
Price 2008: EUR1795 per person sharing
Single Supplement: EUR400 for the week
Price Includes:
- Courtesy transfer from and to Kerry or Shannon Airports (Please see below)
- 7 nights accommodation, with en-suite facilities
- 7 full Irish breakfasts
- 6 packed lunches
- 7 four course gourmet dinners
- Expert local guide
- Notes and maps
- Luggage transfer
- Jaunting Car trip from Muckross House to Killarney (Day 6)
- Boat trip through the Lakes of Killarney (Day 7)
Dates 2008 - June 14, June 28, July 19, Aug 23
Airport Transfer Times
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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