Region Overviews: Ireland Travel Guide: Overview
Ireland is an enchanting place, and the serene, beautiful scenery features breathtaking views and stunning landscapes throughout the whole country.
Walking & Hiking
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Ireland Walking & Hiking Tour
Cork, Killarney & Ancient Celtic Gems
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.
THIS ITINERARY: 6 days, 5 nights
ACCOMMODATIONS: Premiere Hotels
FROM:
$4,499 pp dbl occ
($800 for sgl occ)
Ireland
Start/End Cork
Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
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
Videos
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Take in Ireland's spectacular natural beauty during country road rambles and coastal cliff walks | Hike in the Gap of Dunloe—a striking glaciated valley | After a climb, arrive at a viewpoint over verdant Kerry farmlands and the mountain ranges of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, home to some of Ireland's highest peaks | From the top of aptly named Windy Gap, gaze at the inspiring panorama of Caragh Lake and Dingle Bay | Delight in the art of storytelling as a local seanachie spins enchanting tales | Victorian décor charms at our lakeside Ring of Kerry lodge.
Carrig Country House
Caragh Lake
| Premiere Hotel 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.
Day 3
Our longtime friend and local guide Michael Murphy shares secrets of Muckross Estate, its ruined abbey and Torc Waterfall | Stroll to 15th-century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake and tour its restored tower | Explore historic Killarney's craft shops, boutiques and lively pubs.
Killarney Park Hotel
Killarney
| Premiere Hotel A handsome family-owned hotel, promising and delivering "warmth beyond the smile," in the heart of Killarney. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
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 | Visit our hotel’s state-of-the-art spa | On the rugged Beara Peninsula, trek over Mount Knockagarrane, taking in awe-inspiring views of lakes and mountains | The undeveloped 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.
Park Hotel Kenmare
Kenmare
| Premiere Hotel 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)
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
SMALL GROUP? TRY RENDEZVOUS | An extra leader and van for even more flexibility | Call us to book your Rendezvous.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy.
Available to book
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Private Trip - Reserved
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Activity Level: 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. LEARN MORE.
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.
What's Included
- All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners
- 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
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.
Air-Conditioning
While the Premiere Hotels on this trip offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guestrooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
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