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Route Rating Level 1 to Level 4

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TRIP NOTES

All meals included except 1 dinner.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please call our expert Trip Consultants at (800) GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) for more information.

Meet / Depart

Cork, Ireland

Special Interest

Culture & History, Natural Beauty &/or Wildlife, Spa

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Ireland Walking Vacations

Ireland Walking

The Marvels of County Kerry

This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. Looking for a similar trip? See Ireland Walking and Norway Walking. Or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.

"When it's gray and drizzly, the Irish say it's a 'soft' day. And after a while this softness works its way into your soul," claimed one veteran traveler to Ireland. "Ahh, but when the sun does emerge, the entire Earth smiles." We think you'll smile - rain or shine - during this Backroads ramble, where friend and guide Michael Murphy introduces you to the land and lore he's spent his life getting to know. Hike along the Dingle Peninsula's breathtaking coastline, stroll through Killarney National Park and explore the untouched Beara Peninsula. Add a cozy woolen sweater, a wee nip of whiskey and we're all as happy as leprechauns.

You are viewing the Classic Casual Inns version of this trip.
View the Classic Premiere Inns Itineraries.

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Days 1-2 Dingle

Meet in Cork and shuttle to the Dingle Peninsula, Europe's most western point  Enjoy a traditional pub lunch in Anascaul, then hike the famous Dingle Way past dramatic coastline and ruins of Minard Castle Set out for Slea Head to summit Mount Eagle  Uncover archaeological monuments along the trail, from Iron Age forts to early Christian clocháns (beehive huts used by errant monks and farmers since ancient times) Behold spectacular Atlantic Ocean vistas Delight in the traditional music and dance of Dingle.

Day 3 Killarney

Hop aboard a ferry (weather permitting) and sail to stunning Great Blasket Island  Discover the dramatic landscapes of this tranquil isle by foot and - if you're so inclined - trek to the top of its peak  Explore 25,000-acre Killarney National Park and visit 15th-century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake  Spend the evening getting to know the lovely town of Killarney.

Days 4-6 Kenmare

Join local guide Michael Murphy to explore more of Killarney National Park, as well as Muckross Estate and Torc Waterfall Wander through charming Kenmare, where you'll find shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, as well as row upon row of houses with cheerfully painted façades and ornate plasterwork Hike over Mount Knockagarrane on the rugged Beara Peninsula, with awe-inspiring views of the pristine lakes and glacier-carved mountains in Inchiquin Valley Taste local whiskeys with a local expert Follow quiet paths to one of the largest stone circles in County Kerry.

Route Rating What's this? Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Each offers options for more or less activity, so you can decide exactly how much you want to do day by day.

Lodging What's this? Our lodgings are divided into three different categories.

Premiere Inns:These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.

Casual Inns:These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the areawith such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.

Deluxe Camping:We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.

Detailed Itinerary

Guest Trip Reviews

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!
Ruby Gore - Scottsdale, AZ

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For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Ireland tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in Europe At Large, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Europe At Large walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe At Large biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Europe At Large multisport tours click here.

Ireland Walking

CHARM & COMFORT: Casual Inns

Dingle Bay Hotel

Dingle (2 nights): This family-owned boutique hotel is located in the heart of the fishing village of Dingle and offers spacious rooms.

Randles Court Hotel

Killarney (1 night): Originally a private home built in 1906, this tastefully restored historic inn complete with a spa is embellished with antiques and art.

Brook Lane Hotel

Kenmare (2 nights): This locally owned boutique hotel on the outskirts of Kenmare features contemporary décor, a cozy lounge, inviting bistro and attractive guest rooms with heated floors.

Ireland Walking Ireland Walking

Randles Court Hotel

You are viewing the Classic Casual Inns version of this trip.
View the Classic Premiere Inns Itineraries.

Ireland Walking

Route Rating

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
  • Levels 2 2 Route Options Available
  • 6.2 miles
  • 750 feet elevation gain
Day 2
  • Levels 2 to 5 2 Route Options Available
  • 6.8, 11.8 miles
  • 2000 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
  • Level 1  1 Route Option Available
  • 4 miles
  • 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
  • Levels 1 to 5 4 Route Options Available
  • 3, 8.5, 11.6, 15.2 miles
  • 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
  • Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
  • 5.8, 8.9 miles
  • 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
  • Level 1 1 Route Option Available
  • 3.5 miles
  • 400 feet elevation gain

We hike on boggy trails, pavement and dirt roads that can be wet and rocky at times. The terrain is gently to moderately hilly.

Ireland Walking Ireland Walking

Trips 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 Average Distance
    Biking Walking
& Hiking
1 2-3
hours		 10-20
miles		 2-5
miles
2 2-4
hours		 21-30
miles		 5-7
miles
3 3-5
hours		 31-40
miles		 7-9
miles
4 4-6
hours		 41-55
miles		 9-11
miles
5 5-7+
hours		 56-75+
miles		 11-13+
miles