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 - For Families with Young Adults 20s & Beyond
Cork, Killarney & Ancient Celtic Wonders
One or more kids 20+ required (siblings 17+ ok)
Family — 20s & Beyond
6 days 5 nights
Activity Level: 1-4
Premiere Hotels
From: $4,999 - $5,149 pp dbl occ
($1,450 - $1,500 for sgl occ)
Appreciate the artistry of a stone wall. The warmth of a wool sweater. The magic of a centuries-old footpath. The delight 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 fantastic family vacations don't need to be measured in tan lines. Find your bliss in Ireland.
Ireland Family Walking and Hiking Tour map
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
- Meet our amazing local guide who brings stories of the region to life
- Enjoy a private whiskey tasting with a local expert and an evening listening to yarns spun by a well-known Irish storyteller
- Witness the dramatic peaks, scintillating lakes, green hills and vast gorges in wild and scenic Killarney National Park
Itinerary
Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere Hotels
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description
Take in Ireland’s spectacular natural beauty during country road rambles and coastal cliff walks | Walk 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 | Witness the inspiring panorama of Caragh Lake and Dingle Bay from the top of aptly named Windy Gap | Delight in the art of storytelling as a local seanachie spins enchanting tales | Victorian décor charms at our lakeside Ring of Kerry lodge.
Accommodations
Carrig Country House
Caragh Lake
| Premiere Hotel Enjoy the gracious hospitality of the Slattery family at this restored Victorian gem—originally a hunting lodge—set on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.
Day 3
Description
Our local guide shares secrets of Muckross Estate, its ruined abbey and Torc Waterfall | Trek to 15th-century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake and tour its restored tower | Visit historic Killarney's craft shops, boutiques and lively pubs.
Accommodations
Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa
Killarney
| Premiere Hotel A luxurious modern hotel set amid lush countryside, with panoramic lake and mountain views. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Description
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 | Treat yourself at our hotel's state-of-the-art spa | On the rugged Beara Peninsula, hike 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 | Test your palate at 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.
Accommodations
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.
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group
Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.
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Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.
From our Guests
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Activity Level:
1-4
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
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.
Daily Route Options
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.
Route notes
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, 4 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
- All breakfasts, 4 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
Carrig Country House and Park Hotel Kenmare are Premiere Hotels. While they 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, guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
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
Carrig Country House and Park Hotel Kenmare are Premiere Hotels. While they 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, guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
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