Hurst Hiking Group

Day 1 - Welcome to Dublin

Arriving in Ireland today, jump in a taxi and travel the short distance to your city centre hotel. Check in may not be available till later today however you are free to leave your bags, freshen up, grab a bite to eat and get out and start exploring the city.

We have some fantastic recommendations for you today whether you wish to visit a local museum, tour some of Dublin’s famous sights, take the iconic Guinness Storehouse Experience or simply grab a coffee to go and take a stroll.

*Please not your Dublin Hotel is on a twin share basis. There is an additional supplement should you prefer a single occupancy room. 

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: Twin Share
Meals Included: None

Day 2 - Killarney National Park

Making your own way across the island, meet your guide in the vibrant town of Killarney. Southwest Ireland has become a foodie hotspot in recent years, and your trip starts with a welcome lunch. Nestled on Killarney’s doorstep is Ireland’s first national park, 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.

Overnight: Killarney | Old Weir Lodge
Room Type: Twin
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 3 - Lakes of Killarney & Kerry Way

One of Ireland’s most famous long-distance trails, your hike today winds along a stunningly beautiful portion of the Kerry Way. Starting at Muckross House, a gorgeous 19th-century mansion in the national park, follow the trail past fields of grazing cattle and glittering lakes towards Torc Mountain. Enveloped under a dense green canopy of trees is the stunning Torc Waterfall, one of Killarney’s most iconic gems.
Up the mountain through the magical woodland, enjoy tantalising glimpses of the view through the trees before descending into the valley and along the shores of Muckross Lake along the Old Kenmare Road, an ancient cobbled path from bygone times. 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 | The Old Weir Lodge
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles

Day 4 - Along the Kerry Way

Starting in the small coastal village of Glenbeigh in the heart of the Kingdom of Kerry, we’ll keep following the popular long-distance trail, the Kerry Way. Winding through a verdant forest under a canopy of leaves, enjoy a relaxing woodland walk along quiet laneways. Breaking out from the trees, enjoy stunning sea views accompanied by fresh Atlantic air. The walk culminates at an elevated point at which point your reward is unobstructed views of the Dingle Peninsula and Inch Beach ahead of you on a backdrop of the ever-impressive Macgillycuddy’s Reeks mountains. Dip your tows in the water at a local beach for a refreshing end to a lovely day on the Kerry Way.

Overnight: Killarney | Old Weir Lodge
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles

Day 5 - Sheep Dog Demo & Burren Perfumery

A rest from the hiking today and some time well spent exploring some of the cultural highlights of Ireland and her communities while meeting and chatting with some locals.
First stop of the day is a working sheep farm nestled in the heart of the burren. Pay a visit to a local farmer and enjoy a masterclass in sheepdog working with an exhilarating demonstration of his absolutely adorable and keenly intelligent dogs.  Afterward, you’ll visit Poulnabrone Dolmen. Dating back over 5,000 years, this Neolithic portal tomb is one of the most iconic and well-preserved megalithic monuments in Ireland.
We enjoy a well deserved lunch at a local perfumery and tea rooms before a fascinating behind the scenes tour of the manufacturing rooms and herb garden. Meet the makers and producers and kearn how they take their inspiration from the natural world surrounding them.

Overnight: Clare | Hylands Burren Hotel
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Exploring the Burren

As soon as you set foot on today’s trail, you’ll be immersed in another world where time appears to stand still. The unusual exposed limestone geology of the region was formed millions of years ago when Clare was on the sea floor, leaving behind an impressive lunar landscape. The Burren is riddled with caves and caverns, learn about the rich geological history as you hike. Listen to the birdsong and breathe in the fresh Atlantic air as you trek through this craggy terrain. Upon reaching the summit, your efforts are rewarded with breathtaking views no matter where you look. Afterwards, head down into the quaint village of Ballyvaughan for dinner and a pint in a cosy pub.

Overnight: Clare | Hylands Burren Hotel
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 7 - The Cliffs of Moher

Most visitors to the iconic and jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher only see one short section. But the best way to fully experience the magic of the Cliffs of Moher on foot is to hike the full length of the cliffs. From the Napoleonic tower at Hag’s Head in the south to the cheerful village of Doolin in the north, walk the cliff-side path where emerald fields roll out to one side, and cobalt-blue waters swirl at the base of the cliffs to the west. Falling some 700 feet and winding in and out, the Cliffs of Moher merit their celebrity status. In the evening, visit a pub with Ireland’s biggest whiskey collection – a well-deserved treat, and an amazing chance to taste Ireland’s many types of whiskey.

Overnight: Clare | Hylands Burren Hotel
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles

Day 8 - Galway City

In a country known mostly for its rural spaces, Galway is one of Ireland’s most beloved cities. But don’t take it from us – get the local perspective. This morning, enjoy a guided walking tour of Galway with a cheerful local as he points out the history, culture and architecture of this cheerful and vibrant town.
With a local lunch and time to let loose shopping and browsing the streets of Galway today is the perfect mix of city charm before heading out to the remote Irish speaking region of Galway known as Connemara

Overnight: Clifden | The Ardagh Hotel & Restaurant
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9 - Diamond Hill

This morning we venture in Connemaras National Park as we climb a narrow pathway to the top of Diamond Hill, Connemara’s most iconic hilltop. From the summit, enjoy stunning views from the mountains to the Atlantic. To one side, the silhouette of Connemara’s hills and mountains beckon, rugged and wild. On the other side, the sea glistens in the distance. Look just below, and you can out the turrets and towers of Kylemore Abbey, a gothic-style manor set amongst the slopes, where you will enjoy a tour and explore the gardens before dinner and a pint in a traditional pub – with a bit of traditional Irish music if you’re lucky.

Overnight: Connemara | The Ardragh Hotel
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles

Day 10 - The Twelve Bens Mountain Range

The sharp quartzite peaks of the Twelve Bens (or in Irish Na Beanna Beola) are an ever-present feature of Connemara. Though part of Connemara National Park, few travellers ever venture into these wild mountains. Today’s hike will take you through the backcountry to summit several of these amazing peaks, enjoying a view of Connemara’s Atlantic edge that few are ever privy to. On the way, keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, wild mountain goats and native red deer.

Overnight: Connemara | The Ardragh Hotel & Restaurant
Room Type: Twin
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 11 - Galway to Dublin

Saying goodbye to the west coast your guides will take you back to Galway city where you can catch a train back to Dublin.

We can some great restaurants to recommend in Dublin for you for your final night in Ireland

Overnight: Dublin 2 | The Alex Hotel
Room Type: Twin Share
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 12 - Depart

Your hotel can help arrange a taxi this morning for you to return to Dublin Airport and your departing flights.

We hope your time in Ireland has been memorable and welcome you back again to our Irish shores some day soon.