Aerts Family Ireland Adventure

Day 1 - Thursday 16^th May - Arrival into Ireland

Arriving into Shannon Airport this morning on flight UA0976, you will be met by a private driver at your arrivals hall to transfer you to your Limerick hotel. You will have the next two days in and around the city to settle into Ireland at your own pace, before beginning your trip along the Dingle Way with us starting with a transfer down to Tralee on May 18th.

Overnight: Limerick | The Limerick Strand
Room Type: 2x Superior Twin Rooms
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Friday 17^th May - Free Day in Limerick

The day is yours to explore Limerick at your own pace – feel free to refer to our ‘Eat, See, Stay’ list of recommendations for city activities, or reach out to our office for additional suggestions on the best way to spend time here!

Overnight: Limerick | The Limerick Strand
Room Type: 2x Superior Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3 - Saturday 18^th May - Welcome to the Dingle Way

We have arranged a private transfer from Limerick directly to your first accommodation in Tralee, the charming gateway village into the Dingle Peninsula. Spend a relaxing evening settling into Irish hospitality and rest the legs up for the next few days of trail walking coming up. Our ‘Eat, See, Stay’ list of recommendations for Tralee has been attached in this itinerary to help spur ideas for spending your day here, and feel free to reach out to our team for extra advice!

Overnight: Tralee | The Ashe Hotel
Room Type: 2x Standard Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 4 - Sunday 19^th May - Village of Camp to Annascaul

A private transfer will collect you this morning from your accommodation in Tralee and transfer you a quick 15 minutes to the trail starting point. Your first day on the Dingle Way takes you right up and over the spine of the Dingle Peninsula to the shores on its southern side. With most of today’s walking on country roads and quiet tracks, you will pass Caherconree Mountain while looking out for the impressive megalithic fort perched close to its top. Take in views of the white sands of Inch Beach stretched out below us as we walk towards the teacup-sized Annascaul village. This evening, be sure to stop into the family pub of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, who made attempts at the South Pole with both Scott and Shackleton.

Overnight: Annascaul | The Old Anchor B&B
Room Type: 2x Standard Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 18 km / 11 miles | 270 m / 886 ft elevation gain

Day 5 - Monday 20^th May - Annascaul to Dingle

This morning, the trail continues along side-roads to the ruins of an impressive 16th century castle overlooking a picturesque little rocky cove. Continuing along small laneways, take in views across Dingle Bay and the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula to the south and spectacular mountain panoramas to the north. Your final destination today is the colourful coastal town of Dingle, renowned the world over for its pubs, traditional Irish music, and, more recently, its fabulous seafood cuisine. Aim to join the locals in one of Dingle town’s many cheerful pubs to experience some real ‘craic agus ceoil’ (‘fun and music’).

Overnight: Dingle | Cill Bhreac House
Room Type: 2x Standard Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 26 km / 16 miles | 350 m / 1,148 ft elevation gain

Day 6 - Tuesday 21^st May - Dingle Town to Dunquin

The Dingle Peninsula hosts some of the richest collections of ancient archaeological sites in the whole of Europe. Every day you will stumble across standing stones, ancient tombs and other remains of prehistoric monuments. On your hike today, trade the liveliness of Dingle town for quieter parts of the peninsula. You’ll get the chance to view some truly amazing clochains – or beehive huts with corbeled roofs that at least 12th century but may be as much as 2,000 years old – as you follow alongside the spectacular outcrop of Slea Head overlooking the eerie Blasket Islands. The hike today will also include a long, beautiful stretch along the white sands of Ventry Bay as you head out towards Ireland’s most westerly point and the tip of the Dingle Peninsula.

Overnight: Dunquin | An Portan Guest House
Room Type: 2x Standard Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 25 km / 16 miles | 370 m / 1,214 ft elevation gain

Day 7 - Wednesday 22^nd May - Rest Day in Dingle

Wake refreshed this morning knowing that you can relax and stretch the tired muscles for a full rest day. You have the option of walking the trail in reverse back to Dingle town, or we can arrange for a private transfer to collect you in Dunquin after breakfast and morning stroll. Be sure to check out Dunquin’s unique zigzagging pier before departing! Your hotel tonight is right in the heart of Dingle to ensure you are within walking distance of a well-earned seafood dinner and a traditional music session.

Overnight: Dingle | Dingle Benners
Room Type: 2x Superior Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 8 - Thursday 23^rd May - Killarney and Ross Castle

With your self-guided portion of your trip wrapped up, your private guide for the next week – David Lawless – will meet you at your hotel in Dingle town. After introductions, make the drive down to the neighbouring Iveragh Peninsula, home to the famous and wonderfully scenic Ring of Kerry. Your home base for the next few days of exploring this region will be vibrant town of Killarney, recently emerging as a foodie hotspot which you can begin to discover over your welcome lunch. Your guide will lead you on a short introductory hike in the national park centred around Ross Castle, regaling its historical and cultural significance including the legend of O’Donoghue and his snow-white horse. Enjoy a seafood dinner in town with your guide this evening to make a toast to the week of adventure ahead together.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: 2x Lake View Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles | 100 m / 328 ft elevation gain

Day 9 - Friday 24^th May - Skellig Michael

Ireland’s most famous islands, the Skelligs are two jagged rock pinnacles rising above battering Atlantic waves. It was on the UNESCO site Skellig Michael that the monks of yesteryears once lived and prayed in stone beehive huts which still cling to the island’s rocky slopes. Your skipper will take you from the mainland harbour for the hour round-trip boat road, allowing you the rare opportunity to land on the island and follow in the footsteps of these 7th-century Irish monks to their dramatic island retreat. The small Skellig is equally renowned as a home to 27,000 pairs of gannets, the second-largest colony in the world.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: 2x Lake View Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles | 200 m / 656 ft elevation gain

Day 10 - Saturday 25^th May - Hike in Killarney National Park

Your day today is fully devoted to exploring the hidden depths of Killarney National Park, with options for either a guided hike or bike through its lush trails. The hiking option has you join The Kerry Way (a sister trail of the now-familiar Dingle Way) for a looped forest trail up Torc mountain within the national park’s borders which finishes with a descent alongside the serpentine Torc Waterfall. Meanwhile if your legs are itching to change pace and get on two wheels, we will arrange for a local cycling guide to lead you on a 26 kilometre ride along the lakeside trail from the Victorian era Muckross House and Gardens up to the base of Torc Waterfall, taking plenty of time to stop and admire the views.

Overnight: Killarney | The Lake Hotel
Room Type: 2x Lake View Twin Rooms
Walk Details: 12 km / 7 miles | 350 m / 1,148 ft elevation gain

Day 11 - Sunday 26^th May - The Cliffs of Moher

We recommend an early breakfast at your hotel this morning to make the most of your transfer day today. Passing through County Clare to start your drive, your midway stop will be the iconic and jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher, which fall some 700 feet winding in and out of the Clare coast. Your guide will share with you the best way to fully experience the magic of the Cliffs: on foot as you leave the crowds of the visitor centre behind to walk along the cliff-side with the cobalt-blue waters swirling below you. After your hike and lunch on the trail, continue on to the day’s final destination of Galway city, where you will have the evening free to explore the unofficial capital of the west coast’s buzzing streets and lively pubs from the comfort of your hotel located just beside the city’s main square.

Overnight: Galway | The Hardiman
Room Type: 2x Classic Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 400 m / 1,312 ft elevation gain

Day 12 - Monday 27^th May - Galway City and Connemara

Known as the ‘town of the tribes’, Galway’s small centre of cobblestone streets and colourful store fronts is vibrant, fun and cosmopolitan. A local military historian will meet you at the city’s main square this morning to guide you through the bustling alleys sharing Galway City’s important roles in the clash of the French, Spanish, Russian and British Empires from 1700 to 1922, including in Ireland’s revolution for independence. After your tour and time for a bit of shopping, leave the urban streets behind for the remote paradise that is Connemara National Park.  There is time for your choice of short afternoon hikes in the park this afternoon before making your way to your grand finale accommodation.

Ballynahinch Castle is one of Ireland’s finest luxury castle hotels, set in a private 700 acre estate of woodland, rivers and walks in the heart of Connemara, Co. Galway. This authentic and unpretentious Castle Hotel stands proudly overlooking its famous salmon fishery, with a backdrop of the beautiful Twelve Bens Mountain range.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: 2x Classic Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 6 km / 4 miles | 400 m / 1,312 ft elevation gain

Day 13 - Tuesday 28^th May - Killary Fjord

The hills and mountains of Connemara are defined by the ocean surrounding, and this is particularly evident at the beautiful Killary Fjord. This morning you will visit a family run shellfish farm where you can head out onto the fjord, lift a string of mussels for hauling and harvesting and understand the lifecycle of these delicious shellfish. After, your guide will lead you on a short hike along the shores along the fjord, delving into Irish history at a famine-era abandoned village and bringing to life the rich and ancient histories of the landscape. Head into town this evening for a traditional music session in a local pub after a farewell dinner with your guide, as you make a toast to the week of adventure shared together.

Overnight: Connemara | Ballynahinch Castle
Room Type: 2x Classic Twin Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles | 50 m / 164 ft elevation gain | Approx: 6 hrs

Day 14 - Wednesday 29^th May - The Holy Mountain of Croagh Patrick

This morning David will transfer you over the to quaint and charming town of Westport, where you can drop your bags at your hotel ahead of check in. He will then transfer you for the short drive over to the trail head of Croagh Patrick, whose tradition stretches back over 5,000 years from the Stone Age to the present day, where David will say farewell. The hike takes you along the ancient and significant pilgrimage route right up to the tiny white church at the summit. We have provided a range of taxi numbers (and David can absolutely help pre-arrange this in advance) who can collect you from the trail head for the 20 minute drive back to Westport after your hike.

Overnight: Westport | The Westport Plaza Hotel
Room Type: 2x King Rooms
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 15 - Thursday 30^th May - Free Day in Westport

The day is yours to explore Westport at your own pace, where we recommend taking the time to stroll its bustling streets and visit its local shops.

A private transfer has been arranged for a 3:00pm pickup from the lobby of The Westport Plaza Hotel, which will transfer you the 2 hours down to Shannon village for your overnight nearby the airport.

Overnight: Shannon | Shannon Springs Hotel
Room Type: 2x Twin Rooms
Meals Included: None

Day 16 - Friday 31^st May - Departure from Shannon

As your hotel is less than a 5 minute drive from the airport, we suggest arranging a taxi with your hotel reception when you are ready to depart. We hope you have enjoyed your stay with us in Ireland, and we cannot wait to welcome you back to our friendly shores!

Meals Included: Breakfast