Guided Hiking Tours in Ireland

CONEMARA, BURREN & Inisbofin Island Rambler

A quiet location in the heart of the Connemara mountains; A stunnning walk along Ireland's only fjord; A taste of island life; Prehistoric stone forts; The unique flora of the Burren; excellent local crafts and traditional music pubs. This is probably the hiking tour with the most varied scenery and visits, and is the ideal introduction to the West of Ireland. Highly recommended for all hikers.

Day 1 Arrival in Shannon. Transfer via Galway to our guesthouse at Lough Inagh, Connemara. Briefing session and dinner in our guesthouse..
Day 2 Today we walk along Ireland's only fjord. We walk on the green road overlooking Killary Harbour and finish at the Little Killary pier. Dinner and overnight Lough Inagh. 12km.
Day 3 Visit Roundstone village and climb Errisbeg, a 300m/984ft mountain overlooking the Atlantic. After descending there is an optional walk along the beach at Dog's Bay and visit to the workshop where bodhrans (traditional Irish drums) are made. We finish in a cosy pub in Roundstone. Dinner and overnight in Lough Inagh. 8km. Ascent to 300m.
Day 4 Today we take a boat to Inishbofin Island, just off the west Connemara coast. We leave by boat from Cleggan and explore this small, but fascinating island on foot. Invasions by Vikings and a multitude of other seafaring cultures have left behind a rich heritage. Return to Lough Inagh late afternoon Cost of ferry is not included approx. £12-£15.
Day 5 Transfer via Galway to County Clare and the fascinating Burren region. We enjoy a hike across the limestone terraces at Abbey Hill overlooking Corcomroe, a 13th century Cistercian Abbey. Late after noon we check into our new guesthouse in Lisdoonvarna. 12km.
Day 6 Transfer to Formoyle and walk into the Gleninagh valley and Lismacteigue. Head up through a narrow pass with magnificent views over Galway Bay. From here we descend to the main coast road and go up to meet the Black Head green road again, and finish at Fanore. Visit to Gleninagh Tower. Transfer back to our guesthouse. 11km.
Day 7 Drive to Cliffs of Moher for a walk along this famous geological landmark. Return walk from O'Brien's Tower along the clifftop, where many seabirds breed, as far as Moher Tower at Hag's Head. Transfer back to Lisdoonvarna. Dinner and overnight in Lisdoonvarna. 12km.
Day 8 Transfer to airport (arrival in airport by 11.00).

INCLUDED: full board, guide, airport transfers within our timetable.

NOT INCLUDED: ferry tickets, entries to visitors centers, transfers outside timetable.

THE DINGLE PENINSULA GUIDED RAMBLER TOUR

A visit to the westernmost point of Europe; some of the finest coastal hiking anywhere; quaint fishing villages and remote mountain communities; an optional visit to Tralee's traditional folk and dance theatre.
Your base for six nights is the colourful village of Annascaul at the heart of the Dingle Peninsula. From here we explore the rugged Atlantic coastline and mountains of this north-western part of Kerry. We also visit ancient archaeological sites, and the Basket Islands, uninhabited since 1954. Optional visits to music pubs in Dingle town and traditional theatre in Tralee. Last night is in Mallow, County Cork.

Day 1 Arrival in Shannon, Kerry or Cork Airport. Transfer to guesthouse in the traditional village of Annascaul (2 - 3 hours). Briefing session and dinner in our guesthouse.
Day 2 Walk from our guesthouse along the Dingle Way and on to the hills overlooking Annascaul and Dingle Bay. Return via country roads to Annascaul. Dinner in our guesthouse. 10km. Ascent to 286m.
Day 3 Transfer to Ventry and walk around Slea Head on the Dingle Way. Great views of the Blasket Islands and 6th century "beehive" huts. Dinner and overnight Annascaul. 16km.
Day 4 Visit Blaskets Heritage Museum (admission not included). Afterwards visit the Blasket Islands by boat from Dunquin pier and enjoy a short walk on the island, uninhabited since 1954. Return to mainland in late afternoon. Boat cost is not included approx. £10-£12.
Day 5 Drive to Ballyferriter to walk along the Three Sisters, a clifftop walk along the Atlantic coast. A chance to spot various seabirds and perhaps a shoal of dolphins. Dinner and overnight in Annascaul. 17km.
Day 6 Transfer to Brandon to walk along the lower slopes of Mount Brandon through some of Kerry's most unspoilt countryside. Walk around Sauce Creek with views over Tralee bay. Finish in Brandon village. Dinner and overnight in Annascaul. 10km. Ascent to 400m/1300ft.
Day 7 Leave guesthouse for Annascaul lake and head up to the cliffs above the lake. This is part of an old trail dissecting the peninsula. Descend through fields and return to Annascaul. 17km. Optional ascent to 490m/1570ft.
Day 8 Transfer to airport (arrival in airport by 11.00).

INCLUDED: full-board, guide, airport transfers within our timetable.

NOT INCLUDED: ferry tickets, entries to visitor centres, transfers outside timetable.

KERRY (IVERAGH PENINSULA) GUIDED TOUR

Your base for six nights is the traditional village of Glenbeigh, on the scenic Ring of Kerry. From here we explore the unspoiled beauty of mid-Kerry's Iveragh Peninsula and venture into the highlands for some of the most stunning walking routes in Ireland. A unique combination of wild mountains, sandy beaches and ancient woodlands. Optional visits to music pubs in Killorglin. Last night is in Mallow, County Cork.

Day 1 Arrival in Kerry, Cork or Shannon Airport. Transfer to Glenbeigh via Killorglin (2 - 3 hours). Briefing session and dinner in our guesthouse.
Day 2 Circular walk from our base in Glenbeigh along the superb beach at Rossbeigh. 10km.
Day 3 Transfer to walk on the Kerry Way from Kells towards Glenbeigh enjoying superb views across Dingle Bay. Part of the route follows the old Killorglin to Cahirciveen railway line. 15km.
Day 4 Transfer to Glencar and walk through the ancient woodlands of Glencar and along the Caragh River to reach a mountain track overlooking Caragh Lake. Return by Windy Gap mountain pass to Glenbeigh. 14km.
Day 5 Transfer to Ballinskelligs to visit the Skellig islands by boat. Full day trip visiting the magnificent 6th century monastery on Skellig Michael. Also see thousands of seabirds on Little Skellig Island. Return afternoon. Ferry is 45 minutes each way and cost of approx £20 to £25 p.p. is not included.
Day 6 Drive to Caherdaniel for a circular walk around Derrynane beach and woods. Great views over Kenmare Bay and the Beara peninsula. Optional visit to Derrynane House and gardens, the 19th century home of politician Daniel O'Connell, the Liberator. 13km.
Day 7 Drive into Bridia Valley for our last walk across the Lack Road and overlooking Lough Acoose at the foot of the MacGillycuddy Reeks. Finish at traditional inn. 14km.
Day 8 Transfer to airport (arrival in airport by 11.00).

INCLUDED: full board, guide, airport transfers within our timetable.

NOT INCLUDED: Ferry tickets, entries to visitor centers. Transfers outside timetable.

WICKLOW MOUNTAINS - GUIDED RAMBLER TOUR

The round tower and ruined churches of the 10th century monastic city of Glendalough; Unspoilt mountain scenery; Remote mountain lakelands. If you have an interest in wildlife and history this tour is for you.

Day 1 Arrival in Dublin. Transfer to guesthouse near the Glendalough valley. Briefing session and dinner in our guesthouse.
Day 2 Easy circular walk on Derrybawn Mountain including woodlands and open mountain. 8km. Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.
Day 3 Transfer to Laragh and walk on part of the Wicklow Way over Paddock Hill. Optional hike up to Scarr Mountain (578m). Superb views of the central Wicklow Mountains. Finish in pub in Laragh village. 9 or 15km. Transfer back to guesthouse for dinner and overnight.
Day 4 Visit the beautiful Glendalough valley, site of 10th century monastic city and walk in the footsteps of the 6th century hermit St. Kevin. Situated around the two lakes you can see a superb round tower and several ruined churches. Walk along the Upper lake and return via the old miner's road. 8km. Dinner in restaurant in Glendalough.
Day 5 Drive along the old Military Road to the valley of Glenmalure, former refuge of the 18th century rebels who fought with the British army. Short walk across Knockrath Mountain and finish in the Glenmalure Inn. After lunch visit Avondale House near Rathdrum and enjoy a forest walk along the Avonmore River. 4km. Transfer back to guesthouse for dinner and overnight.
Day 6 Walk across Trooperstown Hill (420m) with views over the Irish Sea and entire Wicklow Mountains. Picnic at the tiny hamlet of Clara where our minibus meets us to take us back to our guesthouse. 9km.
Day 7 Visit the famous valley of Luggala, part of the Guinness family estate and do a return walk to Lough Dan. Keep an eye out for deer roaming the hills here. 9km.
Day 8 Transfer to airport (arrival in airport by 11.00).

INCLUDED: full-board, guide, airport transfers within our timetable.

NOT INCLUDED: entries to visitor centers, transfers outside timetable.

West Cork - Beara Peninsula
GUIDED RAMBLER TOUR

The deciduous woodlands of Glengarriff Nature Reserve; Prehistoric stone circles and ringforts; the thriving fishing village of Castletownbere; some of Ireland's finest coastal scenery.

Day 1 Arrival Cork Airport. Transfer to Glengarriff. Briefing session with your guide. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Glengarriff
Day 2 Walk through the beautiful oakwoods around Glengarriff Nature Reserve, former estate of the Earl of Bantry. A pleasant and easy start to your tour, including lovely views of Bantry Bay and a peaceful riverside walk. 11km
Day 3 Transfer along coast road to Adrigole and walk on the Beara Way back to Glengarriff. This route runs along the foothills of Sugarloaf Mountain and offers stunning views over Bantry Bay. 16km
Day 4 Transfer across the mountains through the Caha Pass. Walk from Releagh Bridge across the mountains towards Cloonee Lakes, and finish at Glen Inchiquin Nature Reserve. 16km. Return transfer via Kenmare, with an opportunity to visit and shop in this lively town.
Day 5 Ferry to Bere Island (included) and enjoy a walk around this small island, steeped in military history. 10km. Visit the fishing harbour of Castletownbere afterwards. For a change, tonight's dinner is in a seafood restaurant in Castletownbere.
Day 6 Transfer to Barley Lake for a circular walk on the peaceful hills around the lake. 8km.
Day 7 Transfer to near Allihies for a spectacular walk at the western tip of the Beara Peninsula, with superb Atlantic views. Optional cable car ride to Dursey Island (not included). 12km.
Day 8 Transfer to Cork airport (arrival in airport by 11.00).

INCLUDED: full-board, guide, airport transfers within our timetable, ferry ticket to Bere Island

NOT INCLUDED: entries to visitor centers, transfers outside timetable

Quality hillwalking in Ireland's best-known and highest mountains, the MacGillycuddy Reeks; Glencar woods and conservation area; the 6th century settlement on the Skellig rocks; Evening visits to traditional mountain pubs and villages. An unforgettable tour of Ireland's greatest mountains.

Day 1 Arrival in Shannon, Kerry Airport or Cork. Travel to Killarney and on to your base in Blackwaterbridge, where you are based in a quality guesthouse overlooking Kenmare Bay. Briefing session with your guide.
Day 2 A short drive to Kenmare brings you to the start of your first hike following the Old Kenmare Road through Killarney's National park. Hike passing wild rhododendron forest and ancient moss-covered oak woodland. Finish at Muckross House. 22km. No major ascents. 5.5 hours.
Day 3 From Kenmare head up between Peakeen Mountain and Cappamore reaching the Glass Loughs overlooking the Killarney National Park and surrounding mountains. Both sika and red deer enjoy peace and quiet here after a tough and hungry winter. Continue across virgin blanket bog overlooking Looscaunagh lake and finish on the edge of the National Park. 8km. Ascent to 500m/1600ft. 4.5 hours.
Day 4 From Glencar, an Area of Conservation, you climb the Coomloughra Horseshoe. From Skregmore (2781 ft / 848m) to Beenkeragh (3312 ft / 1010m) and to the top of Ireland's highest mountain; Carrauntoohill (3408 ft / 1039m). Descend via Caher Mt. (3283 ft / 1001m) and Lough Eighter. 12km. 6-8 hours. This walk is weather dependent.
Day 5 We visit the Skellig Islands by boat today (not included - £20) and enjoy a leisurely day with no major climbing. The 6th century monastic settlement on top is well worth a look. You'll be able to see the gannet colony on Little Skellig boasting 20,000 breeding pairs. The 45 minute boat trip can be weather dependent and is 45 minutes each way and cost of approx £20 to £25 p.p. is not included. On your return we visit a local pub.
Day 6 An hour's drive brings us through Glencar and to the foot of the Coomasaharn Lake Horseshoe south of Glenbeigh. From the top there are superb views across Dingle Bay. Here much of the early Celtic gold and silver was mined high in the hills. On our return we enjoy a pint in Glenbeigh before departing for our guesthouse. 10km . Ascent 2624 ft / 800m. 5.5 hours.
Day 7 Another new hike developed this year brings you through the heart of the Iveragh mountains. Start at Lough Brinn, source of the Kerry Blackwater river and follow and old green road through the Ballaghbeama Gap and across the summit of Mullaghanatin Mt. (773m/2500ft.) Descend and finish at Cloon Lake. 17km. Ascent 800m/2600ft. 6.5 hours.
Day 8 Departure for Shannon or Cork airport after breakfast.