Ireland: Hiking the Emerald Isle

Location: Europe
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $6,995
Activity Level: High Energy

Ireland: Hiking the Emerald Isle

Location: Europe
Duration: 9 Days
Price: From $6,995
Activity Level: High Energy

Overview

Embark on a mesmerizing journey across Ireland, starting in Dublin, a vibrant city known for its rich history, arts, and global significance. Your adventure begins with a breathtaking hike near the Rock of Cashel, through the Glen of Aherlow, and onto the Beara Peninsula, part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Experience authentic Irish culture by meeting local entrepreneurs, including a brewer and an oyster farming family. Discover the tranquil charm of Kenmare, known as “Neidin” or “little nest,” and explore the ancient relics and captivating landscapes of the Beara Peninsula, including a ferry ride to the enchanting Skellig Islands. Traverse the majestic Killarney National Park, crowned by the McGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Range, and revel in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Dingle. Conclude your trip with awe-inspiring views from the Cliffs of Moher, a visit to Doolin’s local pubs and music scene, and a special farewell dinner celebrating your unforgettable Irish adventure.

Main Attractions

Majestic Hikes and Scenic Wonders

Explore Ireland’s iconic landscapes with unforgettable hikes along the Cliffs of Moher, the stunning Dingle Peninsula, and the picturesque Killarney National Park.

Enchanting Skellig Michael Experience

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime visit to the Skellig Michael bird sanctuary.

Authentic Irish Culture and Craftsmanship

Immerse yourself in Ireland’s vibrant culture by meeting inspiring women in the arts and craft industries.

Map of Ireland with travel routes marked. Destinations include Doolin, Cliffs of Moher, Burren, Killimer, Tarbert, Dingle, Skellig Michael, Kenmare, Killarney, and Rock of Cashel.
Seven people sitting on a bench in front of a waterfall, surrounded by greenery. They are dressed in outdoor gear and appear to be on a hiking trip.
A brown cow stands on a grassy, rocky hillside with shrubs and trees under a cloudy sky.
Two people smiling in front of a coastal cliff landscape, with cloudy skies and calm ocean water. Both wear hats and outdoor jackets.
A woman in a red jacket stands with trekking poles on a grassy field, with people and sheep in the background. Hills and trees are visible under a cloudy sky.
A person wearing a cap and glasses stands smiling in front of a waterfall surrounded by greenery.
Seven people sitting on a bench in front of a waterfall, surrounded by greenery. They are dressed in outdoor gear and appear to be on a hiking trip.
A brown cow stands on a grassy, rocky hillside with shrubs and trees under a cloudy sky.
Two people smiling in front of a coastal cliff landscape, with cloudy skies and calm ocean water. Both wear hats and outdoor jackets.
A woman in a red jacket stands with trekking poles on a grassy field, with people and sheep in the background. Hills and trees are visible under a cloudy sky.
A person wearing a cap and glasses stands smiling in front of a waterfall surrounded by greenery.

Itinerary

Illuminated arched pedestrian bridge over a calm river at night, with nearby buildings and streetlights reflecting on the water.

Welcome to Dublin!

Fáilte go hÉireann—welcome to Ireland! Upon arrival in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland’s largest city, you’ll experience its vibrant blend of education, arts, and history. Meet your expert Irish guide and fellow travelers, setting the stage for an enriching adventure. After checking into your hotel, take some time to relax or explore nearby attractions like Trinity College and Christchurch Cathedral. The evening culminates in a lively welcome dinner where you’ll connect with your group and share your excitement for the journey ahead.

Meals dinner
A vibrant landscape with a grassy field and white wildflowers, surrounded by hills under a cloudy sky at sunset.

Journey to Kerry

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to County Kerry. Stop at the Rock of Cashel, an ancient fortress offering a glimpse into Ireland’s medieval past. Continue to the Glen of Aherlow for a 3-4 mile hike through lush woodlands with views of the Christ the King statue. After checking into your hotel, gather for dinner and unwind after a day of exploration. This hike covers uneven terrain and provides an introduction to Ireland’s stunning landscapes. Today’s hike spans 3 miles and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, traversing uneven dirt and gravel terrain.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Coastal landscape featuring rolling green hills and patchwork fields alongside a calm blue sea under a partly cloudy sky.

Exploring the Beara Peninsula

Today, explore the Beara Peninsula, renowned for its rich history and mythological significance. Hike through diverse landscapes including beaches and fields, guided by a female writer and historian who will share insights into the region’s lore and history. Enjoy lunch amidst the scenic beauty of abandoned mines and ocean views. After the hike, you have the evening free to dine on your own in Kenmare. 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.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A group of women holding an "Adventure Women" banner stands on a rocky coastal viewpoint with islands in the background.

Skellig Michael Adventure

Embark on a 40-minute ferry ride to Skellig Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic cliffs and ancient monastic ruins. Climb to the summit, passing puffins and seabirds, and explore the well-preserved 6th-century monastery. After a day of exploration and birdwatching, return to Kenmare for a relaxing evening. Enjoy dinner on your own, reflecting on the awe-inspiring beauty of Skellig Michael. Today’s hike involves climbing up 618 steps. Steps to the top are uneven with 600 feet of elevation gain.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A group of seven people pose among stone ruins, wearing outdoor clothing and backpacks. Some are smiling; the background is grassy.

Hiking in Killarney National Park

Drive to Killarney National Park and hike the Old Kenmare Road, a highlight of the Kerry Way. Ascend to Windy Gap for panoramic views of the park, the MacGillycuddy Reeks, and the Lakes of Killarney. After a packed lunch on the trail, finish at Muckross House, a Tudor-style mansion. Following the hike, drive to Dingle and enjoy dinner with your group. 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.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Two women sitting on stone steps outside, smiling at the camera. One is wearing a black jacket, and the other a gray jacket. Ivy grows on the stone wall beside them.

Discovering Dingle Peninsula

Take a scenic drive to the Great Blasket Island Center to learn about the island’s unique history. Enjoy a hike through the rugged landscape before visiting Ireland’s first female brewer, where you’ll tour the brewery and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, learn to bake traditional soda bread from a local family with a cherished recipe. Wrap up the day with a group dinner, celebrating the blend of culture and culinary skills. 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.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Cliffs meet the ocean under a cloudy sky, with dark rock faces and grassy tops extending into the distance. Waves gently crash against the cliff base.

Cliffs of Moher to Doolin

Begin your day with a drive, including a ferry across the Shannon River, to the Cliffs of Moher. Hike along the cliffs for stunning ocean views and pass the Visitor’s Center before reaching your hotel in Doolin. Spend the evening dining at local pubs and enjoying traditional music. 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.

Meals breakfast, lunch
A group of nine people, mostly women, sitting and standing on rocky terrain with a clear blue sky in the background. They're dressed in outdoor gear, some with backpacks and hiking poles.

Exploring Doolin and the Burren

Start the day with a visit to a local perfumery owned by a woman entrepreneur. Learn about perfume making and enjoy treats at the café. Then, hike through the unique Burren region, characterized by its lunar landscape and rich flora. The hike will take you past medieval churches and ancient wells. Conclude your adventure with a farewell dinner, celebrating the incredible experiences and hikes of your journey. Today’s 4–5-mile hike takes approximately 2.5-3 hours to complete, traversing very uneven terrain featuring grassy stretches and limestone surfaces.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Six women sit at a restaurant table with drinks and salads, smiling at the camera.

Departure

After breakfast, drive back to Dublin Airport for your departure. Your journey concludes with fond memories of Ireland’s stunning landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences.

Meals breakfast
A vibrant landscape with a green field of wildflowers under a dramatic sky of purple and blue hues, flanked by rolling hills.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Two-story beige building with a patio, black awnings, and a sign reading "The Lansdowne Kenmare." People sit outside at tables under a clear blue sky.

The Green Hotel

Recently renovated in 2024, The Green Hotel stands as Dublin’s leading 4-star boutique destination, located just steps from the famous St. Stephen’s Green and a short walk from Grafton Street. Offering a blend of modern comfort and style, The Green provides everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Guests can enjoy a variety of premium amenities, including 24/7 access to a state-of-the-art gym, a tranquil atrium for relaxation.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, coffee / tea maker, bottled water, electric kettle, cable / satellite TV, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

Hotel room with two twin beds, green headboards, lamps on each side, a small table with a plant, a desk with a chair, and a TV. Beige carpet and a window with curtains.

Brook Lane Hotel

The Brook Lane is a family run 4-star boutique hotel. Its staff are friendly and local, the design is contemporary, hospitality is instinctive, and the atmosphere is easygoing. And it’s all just a short walk from the pretty town of Kenmare on the Wild Atlantic Way. The perfect location to explore Kenmare!

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, flatscreen TV, safe, Wi-Fi, air conditioning

Front view of Benner’s Hotel with a gray exterior, white trim, and hanging plants flanking the entrance. Two upper-story windows have flower boxes.

Dingle Benners Hotel

The Dingle Benners offers a relaxed and cozy atmosphere in the heart of Dingle town. The hotel serves as a great base to explore the beauty and landscape of the Dingle Peninsula.

AMENITIES: complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, safe, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi

People sitting on a terrace outside a yellow building with a Guinness sign under a clear blue sky.

The Doolin Inn

A charming bed and breakfast with only 22 guest rooms, The Doolin Inn is nestled in the heart of Doolin at the start of the Cliffs of Moher walk.

Amenities: complimentary toiletries, safe, flatscreen TV, Wi-Fi

What People Are Saying

Our guides were wonderful, knowledgeable and personable. But the best part about the trip was spending time with women who are like minded, seeking an adventure in a safe environment, and full of excitement for what each day will bring.

What People Are Saying

I can’t say enough about the incredible journey I had in Ireland! From the moment we arrived in Dublin, the experience was flawlessly organized. The highlight was definitely the visit to Skellig Michael—its sheer beauty and historical significance left me in awe.

What People Are Saying

This Irish adventure exceeded all my expectations. Dublin’s vibrant energy set the stage for an amazing journey through the countryside. Each day was filled with new discoveries, from hiking the rugged Beara Peninsula to exploring the mystical Skellig Michael. I particularly enjoyed learning how to bake traditional soda bread and hearing stories from inspiring local women.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Jun 14 Jun 22
Space Available
$6,995*
Standard Room, Single
$8,995 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$6,995 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2025 Optional Single Accommodation: $2,000

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Jun 13 Jun 21
Space Available
$7,495*
Standard Room, Single
$9,295 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$7,495 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2026 Optional Single Accommodation: $1,800

Arrival: Arrive in Dublin, Ireland (DUB) on Day 1 before 12:00 PM

Departure: Depart Dublin, Ireland (DUB) on Day 9 after 3:00 PM

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • All ground transportation
  • Drinking water available from taps to refill personal bottles
  • All gratuities except guides and drivers

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Ireland
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women regardless of race, creed, or sexual preference, as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.