Hiking Ireland’s South West

Day 1 - The Rock of Cashel

Meeting in Dublin today, your group will head west. Along the way we will stop at the Rock of Cashel- the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster that has been of strategic importance for thousands of years. Arriving in the bustling town of Killarney, we will head out for a short hike in the National Park to stretch our legs.

Hike- 3 mile. This is a low level hike on surfaced (paved / gravel) road, in and around the Ross Castle area of Killarney.

Transfer- 4 hours total

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles

Day 2 - The Skellig Islands

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. Today, we’ll follow in the footsteps of these 7th-century Irish monks to their dramatic island retreat.

Overnight: Killarney | Cahernane House Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3 - The Gap of Dunloe

We join a local boatman at the imposing Ross Castle on Killarney’s lake shore and boat across the lakes in our traditional wooden boat. You will enjoy an introduction to the region as we travel. Alighting at the Gap of Dunloe, the walk today is surely one of the most spectacular. Stopping for a packed lunch on route we have time to soak up the panoramic views of some of Ireland’s highest peaks. Onward to our next hotel on the West Cork Coast.

Overnight: Glengarriff | Eccles Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 14 km / 9 miles | 200 m / 656 ft elevation gain | Approx: 3 hrs 30 mins

Day 4 - The Beara Peninsula

Our exploration of Ireland’s southern coast continues today. This region is rich in folklore and stories that have been passed down through generations. On today’s hike at Gleninchaquin you will meet a local archaeologist, who will bring to life the surrounding landscape and ancient sites through mythological tales of old. Our walk brings us through woods & grassland to tumbling cascades or mountain lakes.

Overnight: Glengarriff | Eccles Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles

Day 5 - West Cork

The tranquil waters of Bantry Bay play host to an incredible array of wildlife and a zodiac tour is the perfect way to uncover this. Explore sea caves and seal colonies as you learn a little about the complex history of this little corner of Ireland. Later we head out into the waters of Lough Hyne. Ireland’s first marine nature reserve, this is a unique salt water lake best explored with a short paddle by kayak. The more adventurous can try some of the bounty of local seaweeds that grow on the shores.

Overnight: Skibbereen | Liss Ard Estate
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6 - Cape Clear Island

Cape Clear, of the Cork coast, is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island, and once was, for millions of Irish people left for North America, the last glimpse of Europe. Cape Clear is a small, Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) island. Hiking across the island, we’ll explore its ancient sites, spot the rich birdlife and perhaps even visit a herd of goats to taste some of their very own ice cream. On most days, the iconic silhouette of the dramatic Fastnet Rock Lighthouse can be seen to the northwest of the island.

Overnight: Skibbereen | Liss Ard Estate
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 8 km / 5 miles

Day 7 - Departure

You will depart for Dublin with the group this morning where you can extend your visit or travel homewards from Dublin Airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast