Ireland: Hiking the Emerald Isle

Arrive in Dublin

Fáilte go hÉireann—Welcome to Ireland! Dublin is the largest city in the Republic of Ireland and is home to around 1.8 million people. Dublin has always been a center for education, arts, economics, industry, and history. Its importance on the international stage has made it one of the few cities that have achieved global city status.

During your adventure, you’ll get to know your expert Irish guide, who will help you discover this amazing land. You’ll meet other incredible individuals on your journey. They will help make your experience a fun and personally fulfilling adventure and will cheer you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone and embrace new challenges!

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland (DUB) before 12:00 PM today. A 12:00PM group transfer to your hotel is included; private transfers at other days and times are available for purchase.

Check into your hotel at 3:00PM today and take some time to relax before dinner tonight. You can also decide to explore the city. It’s a short walk to Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral and a host of other attractions

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman on your trip is excited to explore Ireland!

Dinner

Overnight: The Green Hotel

Dublin to Kerry

After breakfast this morning, set out on a drive as you make your way to the Kingdom of Kerry. Along the way, stop at the Rock of Cashel, the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster that has been of strategic importance for thousands of years. Take in the 12th and 13th century buildings and graveyards that lie within the ancient walls.

Following a stop for lunch with the group and another 30 minutes of driving, you’ll arrive in the Glen of Aherlow, a verdant valley that sits below the Christ the King statue. Enjoy a 3-4 mile walk through old growth woodlands before making the final drive to your hotel for the next 3 nights.

Arrive at your hotel and check in before enjoying dinner with the group tonight.

(Today’s hike spans 3 miles and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, traversing uneven dirt and gravel terrain).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Brook Lane Hotel

County Kerry

Today you will explore the Beara Peninsula, an area that is rich in ancient history and is a central location in Irish mythology.

As you hike along a 6-7 mile trail that covers beach, fields, and minor roads en route to the mountain, you will be joined by a female writer and historian, who will introduce you to the modern and ancient history, mythology, and spirituality of the region.

You will pass abandoned mine buildings while you take in the ocean and mountain views during this easy-to-moderate hike. Enjoy lunch with the group along the way today.

Take some time for dinner on your own tonight after a full day of hiking and exploration.

(Today’s hike is approximately 5-6 miles, and typically takes 4 to 5.5 hours to complete, traversing uneven terrain of sand, dirt, gravel. Grass with a small rock scramble and steel stepladders can also be found along the way).

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Brook Lane Hotel

County Kerry

Take a forty-minute ferry ride to the mysterious and enchanting Skellig islands. These floating pyramids of sandstone have been home to some of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland as well as providing sanctuary to fantastic birdlife in the area.

Land on Skellig Michael, which rises to 714ft. The climb to the summit takes you past hundreds of Puffins, Kittiwakes, and other seabirds. Near its summit nestles the well-preserved remains of its 6th century monastary, with its beehive-shaped huts, tiny stone oratory and walled garden. The remains of the monastary and most of the island were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Enjoy a boxed lunch with the group along the way.

After a full day at the birding sanctuary, return to Kenmare via boat before enjoying dinner on your own this evening.

(Today’s hike involves climbing up 618 steps. Steps to the top are uneven with 600 feet of elevation gain).

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Brook Lane Hotel

Killarney National Park

After a short drive, walk The Kerry Way into Killarney National Park. Hike the Old Kenmare Road, one of the most popular walks in Ireland, and part of the Kerry Way. As you hike, be alert for wildlife such as deer, eagles, and the elusive pine marten. Ascend to Windy Gap, at a little over 1,000 feet, the highest point of the walk. You will have spectacular views of Killarney National Park, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Lakes of Killarney, Kenmare Bay, and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a packed lunch during the journey today. Hike to the shores of Lough Leane and finish at Muckross House, a 65-room, Tudor-style mansion built in the mid-1800s for the watercolor painter Mary Balfour Herbert and her husband.

Following the hike, start your 90-minute drive to Dingle.

Enjoy dinner with your group at the hotel tonight.

(Today’s hike is approximately 8 miles, and typically takes 4 to 5.5 hours to complete, and involves 1,200 feet of elevation gain).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Dingle Benners Hotel

Dingle Peninsula

Take a scenic drive to visit the Great Blasket Island Center, which is a fascinating heritage and cultural center/museum honoring the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Islands until their evacuation in 1953. From there, you will set off on a 3-mile hike.

Stop by the brewery of Ireland’s first female brewer today, where you’ll have the chance to speak with her and tour the brewery before settling in for lunch with the group.

In the afternoon, you will learn how to bake traditional soda bread from a local family who will teach you their special recipe that has been handed down through many generations.

Have dinner with the group after your cooking lesson.

(Today’s hike is approximately 2.5-3.0 miles, and typically takes 1.5-2 hours, traversing uneven terrain with 500 feet of elevation gain).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Dingle Benners Hotel

Dingle to Doolin

This morning after breakfast, head out on a northern drive that will be broken up by a ferry crossing of Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon River. After lunch with the group, continue driving up the Wild Atlantic Way via the Cliffs of Moher.

Hop out of the van for a hike along the Cliffs of Moher to your hotel in Doolin where you will stay for the next 2 nights. Stop at the Visitor’s Center along the way.

Dine on your own in one of the many pubs and restaurants in Doolin this evening. There is also a lot of opportunies to listen to the finest traditional musicians in local pubs.

(The hike scheduled for today covers around 6-7 miles and is expected to take approximately 3.5-4 hours, navigating through packed dirt, loose gravel, and stone steps).

Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: The Doolin Inn

Doolin

Before your hike, you will stop by a perfumery which is owned and run by a local woman. Learn about the art of making perfume during your behind-the-scenes visit and enjoy some fresh-from the-kitchen treats for lunch in the cafe.

Set out on your hike through the Burren region. The lunar-like landscape of this area has given rise to a unique way of life over many generations. While you hike, notice the wildflowers hidden in the nooks and crevices, some of which are only found in this region. You will hike past medieval churches and ancient healing wells along the way.

Enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions in a local restaurant, and celebrate all the incredible sights and amazing hiking you experienced during your time in Ireland!

(Today’s 4-5 mile hike takes approximately 2.5-3 hours to complete, traversing very uneven terrain featuring grassy stretches and limestone surfaces).

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: The Doolin Inn

Depart Ireland

After breakfast this morning, begin the drive back to the Dublin airport for your flights home. Depart Dublin, Ireland (DUB) any time after 3:00 PM today.

Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants.