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
The variety of the hotels, not to mention the scenery and terrain of each of the hikes, made for a well rounded and really wonderful vacation. Balance between activity and down time was just perfect for me. The high quality of the trip, not surprisingly, was due to our leaders. They were fantastic, and complemented each other perfectly - they were just very, very good at their jobs. When I went on my first Backroads trip last year, I was really dubious of the group thing. But the structure of the trip and the fact that the leaders really do go out of their way to ensure each guest gets what they need makes the price of the trip worth every penny.- New York, NY
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
We took other trips and quite a few other walking trips with different companies and have never had anything but a marvelous experience. The trip to Ireland, however, far out did any trip we've taken! This trip to Ireland was truly the very best! I am sure that most of it was due to the outstanding leaders and of course, the gorgeous country and just the right mix of people. Our accommodations were superb. We have had all of that on other trips but there was something magical about this trip and we THANK YOU for all that you put into it.- Pittsburgh, PA
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)
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Classic:
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-4
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 3.7* | 300 | 8.0 | 300 | ||||||
| 2 | 6.2* | 1200 | 10.3* | 1600 | ||||||
| 3 | 2.7* | 0 | 6.6 | 200 | ||||||
| 3.0* | 0 | |||||||||
| 4 | 8.5* | 1500 | 15.2 | 2100 | ||||||
| 5 | 6.1* | 700 | 8.9 | 1400 | ||||||
| 6 | 3.5 | 0 | ||||||||
The terrain on this trip includes rolling country lanes and peat-covered footpaths.
* Includes a shuttle
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For 34 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.
