Ireland Walking & Hiking
- Ireland’s spectacular natural beauty seen during country road rambles and coastal cliff walks
- Explore Killarney's craft shops, elegant boutiques and lively pubs
- Evening with a well-known Irish storyteller
- Hike in wild Killarney National Park, with windswept mountains, deep lakes and gorges
- Private whiskey tasting
- Go behind the scenes with seasoned local guide Mike Murphy, who has joined us on our Ireland walks since the early '90s
The Marvels of County Kerry
Appreciate the artistry of a stone wall. The warmth of a wool sweater. The charm of an afternoon pint. The laughter of strangers. Recognize a beautiful day can be cloudy with a chance of rain. And that vacations don’t need to be measured in tan lines. Ireland is unmistakable. In its culture, its landscape, its weather, its charm and its worldwide appreciation. Walk quiet centuries-old footpaths with us to discover your very own inner Irishman.
Days 1-2 Ireland's spectacular natural beauty seen during country road rambles and coastal cliff walks 
Hike along Caragh Lake with views of the striking glacier-carved Glencar Valley From the top of aptly named Windy Gap, gaze at Dingle Bay - and hold on to your hat!
Day 3 Explore historic Killarney's craft shops, elegant boutiques and lively pubs The oaks of Tomies Woods shade our route to O’Sullivan’s Cascade Stroll to 15th-century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake Delight in the lost art of storytelling as a local seanachie spins enchanting tales.
Day 4 Hike in wild Killarney National Park, with windswept mountains, deep lakes and gorges, alongside our longtime friend and local guide Michael Murphy Visit Muckross Estate, famed for its collection of exotic plants, and Torc Waterfall before arriving in charming Kenmare, where rows of houses sport cheerfully painted façades and ornate plasterwork Up for some indulgence? The hotel spa delivers!
Days 5-6 Private whiskey tasting with aficionado John Moriarty On the rugged Beara Peninsula, trek over Mount Knockagarrane, taking in awe-inspiring views of the pristine lakes and sculpted mountains of Inchiquin Valley Quiet paths lead to one of the largest stone circles in County Kerry.
Guests Reviews About This Trip
Backroads never fails to provide a unique travel experience, one I can brag about to all my friends. It is difficult to put a price on all that is learned and experienced on a Backroads trip, and it is hard to convey to others not on the trip all the feelings we gather on such a trip. They will just have to come along next time and see for themselves.- Stillwater, MN
Our vacation was much more than we expected. Everything - leaders, hotels, food, itinerary, pubs - was just perfect. Our local guide was superb - his stories and information made his days with us memorable. Pub lunch was great; the beer tasting confirmed that I do enjoy Guinness. And the pub visit after dinner one evening just put a great finish to our first Ireland visit. When John (a local) broke out in song, the whole pub went silent as we were just taken with the voice and story of the song. Perfect. And the picnic lunch in the pasture beneath the waterfalls fit in with the rest of the detailed perfections of the week.- Dallas TX
I loved our Irish experience! Everything about the trip was first-rate. I particularly appreciated the local guides, who were really tops, sharing insights and good fun with all of us. Our leaderssimply were outstanding in every way. Their professionalism in organizing our daily schedules, interacting with us, and handling problems big and small far exceeded my expectations. Congratulations to all of you!- Scottsdale, AZ
Premiere Inns
Carrig Country House
Caragh Lake (2 nights) Enjoy the gracious hospitality of Mary and Frank Slattery at this restored Victorian gem - originally a hunting lodge - beautifully set on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.
Killarney Park Hotel
Killarney (1 night) A handsome family-owned hotel, promising and delivering "warmth beyond the smile," in the heart of Killarney. (pool, spa)
Park Hotel Kenmare
Kenmare (2 nights) It’s just a short walk to the pubs and shops from this regal Victorian estate, nestled amid magnificent parkland on Kenmare Bay. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
This Trip Is Rated Level 2-5
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Road Bike Average | Mountain Bike Average* | Walk & Hike Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 10-15 miles | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 16-20 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 21-25 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 26-30 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 31+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
*Mountain bikes are used in locations where the best riding is on a combination of dirt and paved roads. View trip locations
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 3
2 Route Options Available
- 3.7, 8 miles
- 0 - 330 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 2 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 6.2, 10.3 miles
- 1200 - 1550 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 2 2 Route Options Available
- 2.7, 5.7 miles
- 0 - 900 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 3, 8.5, 11.6, 15.2 miles
- 0 - 2050 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 6.1, 8.9 miles
- 700 - 1400 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 3.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Terrain Description
Rolling country lanes, peat-covered footpaths.More Recommended Trips
Other Trips
For 33 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Ireland tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large walking tours and hiking tours, Europe At Large biking tours and Europe At Large multisport tours.
