Home
Europe
Ireland
Ireland Walking & Hiking Tour

Ireland Walking & Hiking Tour

Cork, Killarney & Ancient Celtic Sites

From $4,099 - $4,349 pp dbl. occ. | 6 days / 5 nights

(+$640 for sgl. occ.)

Relish the artistry of a stone wall. The warmth of a wool sweater. The charm of a centuries-old footpath. The pleasure of an afternoon pint. The laughter of strangers. The drama of a seanachie's story. Discover that a beautiful day can be cloudy with a chance of rain. And that vacations don't need to be measured in tan lines. Find your bliss in Ireland.

Highlights

Revel in the renowned beauty of the Emerald Isle on treks through varied landscapes, from dramatic coastline to country lands
Connect with our local guide Mike Murphy, who has joined our Ireland walks since the early 1990s
Join a private whiskey tasting with a local expert and an evening listening to yarns spun by a well-known Irish storyteller
Admire the dramatic peaks, scintillating lakes, green hills and vast gorges in wild and scenic Killarney National Park

Ireland

Start/End Cork

Itinerary

Days 1-2 Take in Ireland's spectacular natural beauty 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 the inspiring panorama of Dingle Bay | Delight in the art of storytelling as a local seanachie spins enchanting tales.

Day 3 Our longtime friend and local guide Michael Murphy shares secrets of Muckross Estate, its ruined abbey and Torc Waterfall | Explore historic Killarney's craft shops, boutiques and lively pubs | Stroll to 15th-century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake and tour its restored tower.

Day 4 Alongside our local expert, hike in wild Killarney National Park, with windswept mountains, deep lakes and gorges | Climb Torc Mountain for 360-degree views before arriving in charming Kenmare, where rows of houses sport cheerfully painted façades.

Days 5-6 On the rugged Beara Peninsula, trek over Mount Knockagarrane, taking in awe-inspiring views of lakes and mountains | The undeveloped Beara Peninsula probably looks today like it did to the ancient Celts | Join a private whiskey tasting with aficionado John Moriarty | Peaceful paths lead past old-growth trees and saltwater marshes to one of County Kerry's largest stone circles, a Druid site dating from 2000 BC.

Next: Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please review the grid below:

Number of Days Prior to Trip Start	Cancellation Fees (per person)	Departure Dates
96+ days	$200	2019 5/27, 6/3, 6/10, 6/24, 7/12, 7/15, 7/19, 8/5, 8/9, 8/19, 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/23
61-95 days	30%
31-60 days	60%
0-30 days	100%
156+ days	$600	2019 6/17, 7/1, 7/8
126-155 days	30%
96-125 days	50%
61-95 days	75%
31-60 days	100%
0-30 days	100%

For information on our trip transfers see here.

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Available
to Book i
Going
Fast i
Contact
Us i
Private Trip
– Reserved i

C Classic Dates

2019 May

5/27–6/1

2019 June

6/3–6/8

6/10–6/15

6/17–6/22

6/24–6/29

2019 July

7/1–7/6

7/8–7/13

7/12–7/17

7/15–7/20

7/19–7/24

2019 August

8/5–8/10

8/9–8/14

8/19–8/24

8/26–8/31

2019 September

9/2–9/7

9/9–9/14

9/16–9/21

9/23–9/28

View Private Dates

Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities. You can pick from the selection of dates below for your group; some dates are only available for 16 or more guests while other dates are available for 8 or more guests. If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you. Call or email us to reserve your date.

2019 Private Trip Pricing

10 or more guests: from $4,099 pp dbl occ
8 - 9 guests: from $4,799 pp dbl occ
6 - 7 guests: from $6,099 pp dbl occ
4 - 5 guests: from $7,199 pp dbl occ
2 - 3 guests: from $8,999 pp dbl occ

Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.

Don't see your ideal travel date? Make a Date

8 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 8 or more guests
12 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 12 or more guests
16 AVAILABLE TO BOOK
for 16 or more guests
Reserved

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

The sky’s the limit! Tell us what your dream trip would be and we'll make it happen! Whether you're looking for a honeymoon trip for 2, a 30-person family reunion or a 100-person corporate trip, we can do it all. A dedicated Custom Trip Consultant will work closely with you to bring your dreams to reality. Call us at 800-462-2848 to speak with your Custom Trip Consultant or click on the button below.

REQUEST YOUR CUSTOM TRIP NOW

Previous: Overview

Dates

C Couples, Friends & Solos Tours

2019
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep

View Scheduled Dates
Go Private
Go Custom

Prices

From $4,099 - $4,349 pp dbl. occ.
6 days / 5 nights

(+$640 for sgl. occ.)

Reviews

Read the Reviews
Write a Review

Premiere Hotels

Carrig Country House

Caragh Lake (2 nights)

Killarney Park Hotel

Killarney (1 night)

Park Hotel Kenmare

Kenmare (2 nights)

See Lodging Details

Activity Level

This trip is rated Levels 1-4

See Daily Route Options

What's Included

Services and equipment are included.

See how we include more

Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Ireland

Find out What sets us apart

More On This Trip

View more photos

Watch videos

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Reviews by Power Reviews ®

Load More Load Less

Next: Lodging

Premiere Hotels

Accommodations may vary based on departure date. Any difference from what is listed below can be found by clicking on your desired date on the View Scheduled Dates or Private Dates tabs.

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—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 Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)

Previous: Reviews

Next: Activity Level

This Trip Is Rated Levels 1-4

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 (drag to see full )

Day	EASYGOING				ACTIVE				AVID
Daily Route Options
	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	4*	300			8	600
2					6	1200	10*	2000
3	3*	0	6*	0
4					7*	1500			13	2400
5			5*	700	7	1400
6	2	0

Note: The terrain on this trip includes a mix of level to rolling garden pathways, paved country lanes and peat-covered mountain trails, with some moderate climbs and descents.

* Includes shuttle.

Learn more about how we determine our activity level and fully support a range of abilities and interests.

Please note that our distance and elevation figures come from Ride with GPS. Other sources may give differing elevation figures due to different GPS and mapping technologies and other external factors.

Previous: Lodging

Next: What's Included

Meals

All breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Also Included

Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
Snacks and beverages between meals
Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
Park and other entry fees
Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
Select coach transfers
Baggage transfers and porterage

Previous: Activity Level

Next: Straight Talk

Next: Why Backroads

Get the Straight Talk about This Trip

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Two Leaders

We ordinarily staff our trips with three leaders: two leaders out on the trail offering support—allowing everyone to have the experience they want, whether it's an easygoing interpretative walk or a rigorous hike—while the third leader moves the van from trailhead to trail end. This trip is a little different in that our routes are a combination of loop hikes and out-and-back trails that begin and end in the same location. This means that you'll still have the same two leaders providing excellent trail support without the need for a third leader to move the van.

Previous: What's Included

Next: Why Backroads

Why Travel with Backroads in Ireland

A Variety of Routes Each Day

In Ireland you head off each morning after choosing among several expertly designed routes—all with detailed directions, mileage and shuttle options. Unlike trips with one fixed daily route (or worse, one guide that everyone's obliged to follow), you're free to enjoy the best of the region at your pace, stopping wherever you want to explore further.

The Right Local Pairings

Our Trip Leaders combine deep local expertise with a firm grasp of North American expectations around quality of service. By the same token, we pair experienced Backroads leaders with local guides who know how to cater to your needs while cracking open the culture or natural history in ways that are meaningful, memorable and often magical.

Only the Best Hotels

On this trip featuring Premiere Hotels, you can count on the best lodgings Ireland has to offer. In fact, the hotels we've chosen in this region have higher retail room rates than those offered by any other active travel company—even when their trips cost more.

Everyone at Their Own Pace

We design and support our Ireland trips to suit mixed abilities and varied interests—so you can set your own pace, then change things up as the day unfolds. And all guests are free to do the same, traveling together or apart, with no one cramping anyone else's style. Which sounds easy in theory, but it's hard to pull off. Here's more on how we do it.

Your Trip Will Run. Period.

Under our Book with Confidence policy, your Backroads trip will run even for one or two people (or a family of three or four), subject to a nominal extra fee. Or transfer to another trip, and we'll give you a credit. It's all part of our trademark commitment to treating guests with integrity, transparency and total accountability. Read all the details.

Our Cultural Roots Run Deep

Thanks to our extensive connections in Ireland, Backroads takes you off the beaten track and deep into the region's culture in ways that traditional travel can never hope to do. We know the people and their customs, the legacy of art and architecture, the complex history and politic—and if we're not sure, our amazing local experts can fill in the blanks.

The Best Leaders in Ireland

Backroads has the best-qualified people to lead your trip in Ireland, and our guests back that up, rating our Trip Leaders an average of 9.75 out of 10 for all-around quality of performance. Get the facts (and no fluff) on how we recruit and develop the very best people for your trip.

Signature Backroads Picnics

Guests rave about our picnic spreads. Enjoy a welcome break in a scenic spot, or a quick refuel stop if you don't want to lose momentum. And because we have two vans, one can host lunch while the other is out providing support along the route.

We Live in the Neighborhood

Our Trip Leaders in Ireland live in the area and are deeply engaged in their communities, giving them unique inside knowledge they're happy to share in making your experience that much richer. They'll introduce you to people, customs and parts of town you'd likely never encounter on your own—and teach you a few local phrases to help break the ice.

We've Set the Standard

For nearly four decades we've worked to earn and maintain our right to call Backroads the world's #1 active travel company. In pursuing that vision on behalf of our guests, we believe we've set the standard for our industry—captured in the Backroads Quality Guide, which clearly sets out the benchmarks of excellence, choice and support that we live by

In Europe Since 1988

Backroads has been welcoming active travelers to Europe since before the Berlin Wall came down. Today it's virtually our second home. We know the perfect roads and trails, the most scenic valleys and hilltop towns, the hidden churches and gem-like museums, the up-and-coming vintners and celebrated chefs—and, of course, all the best places to stay.

We Know Where We're Going

Tom Hale has been keeping Backroads on track, with one eye on the horizon, since 1979. His passion for active travel, and for ensuring the highest-quality travel experience, is evident in every detail we add to make a guest's trip unforgettable—and the fact he's right there in the office, making it happen. To hear Tom describe his vision, watch our video.

Previous: Straight Talk

Previous: What's Included

Detailed Itinerary Reserve This Trip

Backroads Photo Gallery

Guest Photo Gallery

Videos

The Backroads Experience

Our Expert Leaders

Why Walking & Hiking Trips?

Featured Blog Story

Master Mike Murphy: An Irish Gem

We're grateful to have Mike Murphy--a singing, storytelling Irish gem--as a highlight of our Ireland trips for nearly 20 years.

Straight Talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Ireland Walking & Hiking Tour