DuVine – Elizabeth Tobin Ireland Adventure

May 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

Travel along Ireland’s southern coast from west to east, taking in some of our famous historic sites and highlights while at the same time exploring more off-the-beaten-path locations and stunning landscapes. You will get under the skin of Ireland, visiting sites associated with the country’s long and complex history from prehistoric times to the recent past. Meeting local people and learning about life on Europe’s southern edge, you’ll uncover the natural history of the varied landscape from verdant green pastures to wild scenery.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Annascaul and the Dingle Peninsula | Overnight: Dingle

Day 2 | Soda Bread and Slea Head | Overnight: Dingle

Day 3 | Upon the Lakes of Killarney | Overnight: Killarney

Day 4 | Conquering the Ring of Kerry | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 5 | The Beara Peninsula | Overnight: Kenmare

Day 6 | Hike the Sheep's Head Peninsula | Overnight: Cork

Day 7 | Along Waterford's Coasts and Mountains | Overnight: Waterford

Day 8 | The Waterford Greenway | Overnight: Waterford

Day 9 | Departure

Highlights

  • Ride a trio of the country’s most scenic peninsular routes – including the Ring of Kerry and the Gap of Dunloe
  • Discover the rich history of Ireland at sites like Killarney National Park and Ross Castle
  • Visit a local farmer’s market, craft your own chocolates and soda bread, and take a trip with a storytelling boatman
  • Make your way through Ireland’s highest mountain range, MacGillycuddy’s Reeks

Day by Day

Day 1 - Annascaul and the Dingle Peninsula

Your guides will greet you at your Dublin Hotel for a transfer out west, through the rolling midlands to the wild and mountainous coast. Set off on our opening ride after a safety talk and lunch in a traditional Irish pub, winding our way around the many small roads called boreens that characterize the southern coast of the Dingle peninsula. Pass beautiful coves and castle ruins before rolling into the quintessential Irish village of Dingle. We’ll get right into it with tonight’s private brewery tour!

Overnight: Dingle | Dingle Benners
Room Type: 1x Superior Room
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Ride Details: 21 km / 13 miles | 295 m / 968 ft elevation gain

Day 2 - Soda Bread and Slea Head

Following a relaxed Irish breakfast, we hit the road to explore the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. This is Gaeltacht country where the Irish language is still widely spoken as a first language and culture and traditions remain strong. Our ride takes us west past a fascinating array of ancient sites including iron age forts, beehive huts, inscribed stones, and historical churches. The Peninsula culminates at the dramatic Slea Head—Europe’s most western point. After lunch, we’ll try our hand at one of these traditions as we learn to bake Irish soda bread. This evening, there is time to explore the charms of Dingle Town itself, including its traditional music scene before heading out for a dinner at a celebrated seafood restaurant.

Overnight: Dingle | Dingle Benners
Room Type: 1x Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ride Details: 42 km / 26 miles | 305 m / 1,000 ft elevation gain

Day 3 - Upon the Lakes of Killarney

Departing the Dingle Peninsula this morning, begin your  Killarney National Park. Delight in a short hike through the verdant woodlands and along the lakeshores of Killarney, keeping an eye out for the park’s herd of red deer and taking in the gorgeous views that make this region special. Step back in time to the Middle Ages at an imposing mediaeval castle, idyllically nestled on the shores of Lough Leane. The Lakes of Killarney play an integral role in the region and a wonderful way to experience them is on the water. End the day with a relaxing boat trip across the lakes, gazing over the landscape you covered today on foot.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House
Room Type: 1x Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 4 - Conquering the Ring of Kerry

Departing Killarney, we embark on the most challenging climb of the week. Through groves of twisted oaks, the road rises past the spectacular Ladie’s View to Moll’s Gap. Behind us is yesterday’s conquered Killarney National Park; on the other side of the gap lies one long descent to the south side of the peninsula and the picture-perfect village of Kenmare. Tonight, choose from a wide range of top-notch restaurants in this renowned foodie village.

Overnight: Kenmare | The Park Hotel
Room Type: 1x Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Ride Details: 39 km / 24 miles | 381 m / 1,250 ft elevation gain

Day 5 - The Beara Peninsula

Our final ride follows an easygoing route through the Caha mountains. We’ll bike into some idyllic countryside on virtually traffic-free roads—this peninsula is the least known in Kerry and truly a hidden gem. Stop for lunch at a quaint stone cottage with fantastic views and fill up on hearty, traditional fare. As we loop back to the hotel, hop off the bikes for a visit to a French chocolatier. An afternoon pick-me-up comes in the form of Benoit’s finest confections, and we’ll even have the chance to craft our own chocolates.

Overnight: Kenmare | The Park Hotel
Room Type: 1x Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ride Details: 29 km / 18 miles | 359 m / 1,178 ft elevation gain

Day 6 - Hike the Sheep's Head Peninsula

Heading south again into County Cork, we discover an unspoilt, rolling green landscape so impressive it has been named a European Destination of Excellence. In fact, some of Ireland’s best dairy produce comes from this region – sampling the local cheese is a must. This timeless region never ceases to surprise where dramatic views, lush emerald hills and charming farmland abound. On our hike, which takes in sections of the Sheep’s Head Way, we will experience some breathtaking views of the headland before continuing onward to our accommodation in Cork City. Head out into the city this evening to get a taste of the city’s up-and-coming foodie scene.

Overnight: Cork | The Imperial
Room Type: 1x Premium Double
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 7 - Along Waterford's Coasts and Mountains

County Waterford is a largely undiscovered gem along the famously “sunny southeast” of Ireland – we’ll keep our fingers crossed your time here can live up to its nickname! The countryside here is comprised of a wide variety of different landscapes from rolling green hills dotted with mountain lakes, to jaw-dropping dramatic coastlines with miles of rugged cliffs. You will have the choice today between a light hike along the coastline and its history as a prominent copper mining site, or heading into the hills to tackle a small mountain summit and discover its glistening hidden lake.

Overnight: Waterford | Faithlegg
Room Type: 1x Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 8 - The Waterford Greenway

The Waterford Greenway is a traffic-free paved cycle route that follows the pathway of an abandoned railroad through the heart of the Waterford countryside.  Cross viaducts, pedal under Victorian railway bridges and enjoy sea views as well as mountain vistas. The full length of the greenway spans for 26 miles between Waterford city and the seaside village of Dungarvan to the southwest, with plenty of opportunities for stop-offs, rests, and lunch along the way to take in the wonderfully varying scenery. This evening, join us for a farewell dinner and toast to a week of accomplishments over a bounty of local ingredients.

Overnight: Waterford | Faithlegg
Room Type: 1x Superior Room
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ride Details: 42 km / 26 miles | 518 m / 1,700 ft elevation gain

Day 9 - Departure

After a relaxing Irish breakfast, say your final farewell to the Emerald Isle. We will transfer you to Dublin city center or the airport where we bid you slán go fóill — until next time!

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • All accommodation from Day 1 to Day 8
  • Most meals as indicated above, see daily itinerary for breakdown
  • Services of an experienced and knowledgeable qualified guide from Day 1 to Day 9
  • Ground transportation from Day 1 to Day 9
  • All guided hikes and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • Snacks throughout the trip
  • 24 hour in-country support
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities for the main driver guide
Pricing Read More

This price is quoted on the basis of a 2 person trip on a room-sharing basis.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.

DuVine – Elizabeth Tobin Ireland Adventure

May 2024