Ireland Walking & Hiking Tour
- Ireland's spectacular natural beauty seen during country road rambles and coastal cliff walks
- Explore Killarney's craft shops, elegant boutiques and lively pubs
- Private whiskey tasting and an evening with a well-known Irish storyteller
- Hike in wild Killarney National Park, with windswept mountains, deep lakes and gorges
- 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
Relish 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.
Itinerary
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! Delight in the lost art of storytelling as a local seanachie spins enchanting tales.
Day
3 Explore historic Killarney's craft shops, elegant boutiques and lively pubs Our longtime friend and local guide, Michael Murphy, shares secrets of Muckross Estate, its ruined abbey and Torc Waterfall as we explore the estate's rich garden and grounds Stroll to 15th-century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake and tour its restored tower.
Day
4 Hike in wild Killarney National Park, with windswept mountains, deep lakes and gorges, alongside Michael Murphy Climb Torc Mountain for 360-degree views 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 Glen Inchiquin Valley 
Raise your glass and wish your neighbor sláinte! Peaceful paths lead past old-growth trees, exotic plants and saltwater marshes to one of County Kerry's largest stone circles, a Druid site dating from 2000 BC.
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 Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa, tennis, golf)
Guest 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 leaders simply 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
Trip Dates & Prices
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
2015 CLASSIC DATES
June 2015
- 6/1 - 6/6 ( $4398 per person, double occ., +$610 for single occ.
- 6/22 - 6/27 ( $4398 per person, double occ., +$610 for single occ.
July 2015
- 7/14 - 7/19 ( $4398 per person, double occ., +$610 for single occ.
- 7/27 - 8/1 ( $4198 per person, double occ., +$610 for single occ.
August 2015
- 8/23 - 8/28 ( $4198 per person, double occ., +$610 for single occ.
- 8/30 - 9/4 ( $4198 per person, double occ., +$610 for single occ.
September 2015
- 9/6 - 9/11 ( $4398 per person, double occ., +$610 for single occ.
- 9/13 - 9/18 ( $4198 per person, double occ., +$610 for single occ.
- 9/20 - 9/25 ( $3998 per person, double occ., +$610 for single occ.
Don't see your ideal travel date? Call us at 800-462-2848 for Private Trip date availability.
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 | 4* | 300 | 8 | 300 | ||||||
| 2 | 6 | 1200 | 10* | 1600 | ||||||
| 3 | 3* | 0 | 6* | 0 | ||||||
| 3* | 0 | |||||||||
| 4 | 9* | 1500 | 15 | 2100 | ||||||
| 5 | 6* | 700 | 9 | 1400 | ||||||
| 6 | 4 | 0 | ||||||||
The terrain on this trip includes rolling country lanes and peat-covered footpaths.
* Includes a shuttle
Private Trips Options & Pricing
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 a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.
If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Pricing for Private Trips (prices may vary based on departure date)
2015
| 2 - 3 guests from $6,898 pp dbl. occ. | 8 - 9 guests from $4,998 pp dbl. occ. |
| 4 - 5 guests from $5,898 pp dbl. occ. | 10 - 11 guests from $4,298 pp dbl. occ. |
| 6 - 7 guests from $5,298 pp dbl. occ. | 12 or more guests from $3,998 pp dbl. occ. |
All Private Singles-Solos trips require a minimum of 16 guests.
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For 35 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.
