Discover Ireland South

Introduction
Western Ireland Ireland
Explore the historical, cultural and natural beauty of Ireland. Along the way we will learn about sites that were once of great power and importance, marvel at delightful Irish music and dance, and bask in the green rolling hills and majestic mountains that appear as if from nowhere.

On this tour, you will explore charming architectural feats including Adare village, Ireland’s prettiest and most picturesque settlement. Adare dates back to the early 13th century and over the years has been the subject of many conquests, wars and rebellions. We also visit the Rock of Cashel, home to the ruins of a great Celtic cathedral, and the monastic site at Glendalough, a famous early Christian site near lakes and walking routes.

Near the Rock of Cashel we will stop into the Brú Ború National Cultural Centre. This cultural village is home to the study of native Irish song, dance, music and theatre. There is an underground theatre and exhibition where we can learn about these fascinating cultural themes.

This trip also takes us along part of the Kerry Way, Ireland’s most infamous trekking route. Looping through the Iveragh Peninsula the Kerry Way passes through some of the most isolated and dramatic landscape in the country. Experienced and professional guides will make sure you don’t miss one bit of the beauty and that you thoroughly enjoy Southern Ireland!

Tour Highlights
- Hiking Southern Ireland
- A visit to Ireland's prettiest village, Adare
- Walk part of the Kerry Way
- Magnificent Kerry scenery
- Lovely coastal views
- A visit to the Rock of Cashel
- Bru Boru Music and Dance centre
- The ancient monastic site and of Glendalough
- Beautiful lakes in Wicklow Mountains
- Traditional music

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive tour so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
All our accommodations have been carefully selected and are approved by the high standards of the Irish Tourist Board. We have chosen locations of outstanding natural beauty, so that you can enjoy the best of Irish rural life and scenery. You will enjoy top quality accommodation in small, family run guesthouses and hotels whilst being charmed by the hospitable and friendly hosts.
We stay in small hotels, guest houses, farmhouses, B & B's and occasionally castles.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Accommodation in Adare
Night 2, 3 & 4: Accommodation in Killarney
Night 5: Accommodation in Cashel
Night 6 & 7: Accommodation in Glendalough

Room Occupancy
All rooms are en suite twin, double or single. Singles are available on request for a small supplement.


Meals:
All meals are included in your package except from dinner on Day 3, 4, and 6.

Each morning, in addition to the famous full Irish breakfast, there are alternative options available. Everybody loves the Irish soda bread, with creamy Irish butter. But for the more health conscious, you can be assured of plenty of fruit, juice, yogurts and cereals.

We take packed lunches for our lunch breaks during our walks. These are provided from our accommodation or from local delis.

Our evenings are a time for reviewing the day's activities and shared experiences on the hills. Evening meals are taken either in the places where we are staying or in local restaurants. You will be pleasantly surprised at the fine quality meals you will enjoy on your tour.

Riding

This holiday, guided by someone who really knows and cares for Ireland, is the best way to see this enchanting country; imagine yourself hiking (or walking) over Irish mountains, pausing by Irish lakes, drinking in Irish pubs and listening to traditional Irish music.

These hiking trips show you the best of Ireland, its picturesque scenery, the grandeur of its mountains, the warmth and hospitality of its people and the magic of their music. Call it an Irish walking holiday; a hiking vacation in Ireland; even a sabbatical - maybe you're researching Ireland, perhaps for a thesis or book; or perhaps you want to see the Ireland of your Irish ancestors. Call it any or all of these, but treat yourself to a tour of Erin's Isle anyway.
Our hiking tours of Ireland are fully escorted by experienced, professional guides. We travel through Ireland in groups of no more than twelve people. We will escort you on hikes through Ireland's most scenic trails, walk through undiscovered routes lined with extraordinary vistas.

Ireland has a lot to offer the walker: dramatic sea cliffs, high mountain ridges, quiet green roads, butter roads, fuchsia-lined lanes, heath and moorland, sweeping expanses of beach. And then there are the sleepy villages, oak woods, sky-blue lakes, torrential waterfalls and babbling brooks.
Ireland's climate ideally suits the walker as generally it rarely gets too hot to be uncomfortable. Rain and cloud-formations are what bring the interesting light patterns and rainbows. The Western coast and islands are known for magnificent sunsets.

Don't be surprised at the very few people you will meet whilst walking, after all, the entire population of Ireland is only around four million! Ireland is a birdwatcher's paradise with many rarities such as the corncrake. It is also a great place for botanists, especially the area of the Burren, Co. Clare.

Maybe the best attraction of all is the people, you'll never find another place like it for hospitality, friendliness, warmth, generosity, humor, love of life and love of the land.

Hiking Level
It is important that you are fit and at least a regular hiker / walker. When we do half day walks the distance covered could be from 4 to 9 miles, when we do full day walks the distances covered could be 6 to 13 miles. The pace is relaxed with time to enjoy your surroundings, take pictures, watch the birds, etc. Generally the terrain comprises of combinations of tracks, lanes, moorland, heath, coastal paths, beaches and mountain paths. You may choose not to walk on certain days, it's your holiday, there are always alternatives. You may prefer to relax at our accommodation, draw, paint, read, think...
Generally after a day of walking we can help ourselves to complimentary tea and coffee at our accommodation. We allow for some relaxation time before dinner. We have an official "Diary" which has been kept by previous groups and you may choose to make a contribution at the end of your day. After dinner there is nearly always the option of visiting the local pubs for some traditional music and dancing.

Itinerary

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

The itinerary below is subject to change for varying reasons. Any changes made by the operator and / or the tour leaders will be in the interest and safety of all participants.

Day 1: Meet in Galway - Guided walking tour of Adare
You will be met with a warm welcome at the Park House Hotel in central Galway City. We then head south to the pretty thatched-cottage village of Adare in County Limerick. En route we will stop at Coole, County Galway for a short guided walk in the grounds of Coole Park. At Adare there will be time to take a stroll through what is known as one of the prettiest village in Ireland.
Terrain: town lanes, riverside track
Walking Distance 2 miles (3.2 km) 
Overnight: Adare, County Limerick.
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Hike the Kerry Way at Glenbeigh and Rossbeigh Beach
We will drive to Glenbeigh on the ring of Kerry. Our walk today will take us along the lower slopes of the Kerry Way to observe fine views of the Kerry Mountains and the southern parts of Dingle Bay, culminating in a fine stroll out along Rossbeigh Beach. Enjoy the fine views of the sweeping expanse looking across the mountains of the Dingle Peninsula.
Our accommodation is a wonderful family run hotel located on the edge of the Ring of Kerry with magnificent views of the sea. We will spend three nights here enjoying the friendly atmosphere, fine views, excellent hiking and wonderful meals. 
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is seven miles long, but there is an option to walk just the beach for as long as you wish, then finish in a nearby cafe.
Terrain: mountain trails, lanes and beach
Walking Distance 7 miles (11.3 km)
Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Hike the Old Mass path to Derrynane and visit Abbey Island 
Today we walk from Derrynane House, the home of Daniel O'Connell (Ireland's 19th century campaigner for Catholic Emancipation). Our walk will start in the beautiful landscaped grounds of the house, then we travel along lovely quiet beaches and out on to Abbey Island.
We then head up along an ancient Mass Path through "nature's rockery" - old red sandstone laden with the most awesome display of Kerry flora: montbretia, fuchhsia, purple loosestrife, and honeysuckle. We then return to Derrynane via part of the Kerry Way. 
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is seven miles long, but there is an option to walk just the first couple of miles to Derrynane Beach. Then return along the same route to visit Derrynane House and gardens and enjoy some refreshment at the cafe.
Terrain: quiet lanes, mountain track, old Mass path | Elev 900 ft.
Walking Distance 7 miles (11.3 km)
Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 4: Hike along the Kerry way from Galway's bridge to Muckross  
Today our walking route takes us across the lower slopes of the Kerry Way. Commencing at Galway’s Bridge: we will enjoy amazing vistas along the Old Kenmare Road. This route guides us along fuchsia-lined lanes, green roads, crossing small streams and ancient tracks. We will finish the hike by walking directly back to our Hotel.
Alternative Walk Options: today’s hike is a long one. The alternative is to take a day of rest, or visit Killarney Town (1 km to town), or visit the Muckross Estate and / or Ross Castle.
Terrain: hilly paths, open heath, rocky track | Elev 700ft.
Walking Distance 10 miles (16.1 km)
Overnight: Killarney, County Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 5: Hike the Kerry way, boat journey across the Killarney lakes, drive to Cashel 
We will walk part of the Kerry Way down to Lord Brandon's cottage. Here we will have lunch and then be met by a boatman who will take us across three lakes: Upper Lake, Muckross Lake and Lough Leane, on a spectacular boat journey ending at the private pier of our hotel. We will then travel on to Cashel in County Tipperary for our last evening meal together. We then travel on to Cashel in County Tipperary. Tonight we can enjoy an excellent meal at an award-winning restaurant.
Terrain: mountain trail | Elev Gain 500 ft.
Walking Distance 4 miles (6.4 km)
Overnight: Cashel, County Tipperary
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Visit the Rock of Cashel, Hike in the Wicklow Mountains
Before we leave Cashel this morning we will visit the magnificent St Patrick's Rock for a guided tour. We then head east to County Wicklow and the Wicklow Mountains. Our accommodation is set in lovely countryside scenery in the village of Laragh, beside the monastic settlement of Glendalough. On arrival we will walk over the moors of Trooperstown Hill, then follow the winding Avonmore River on a beautiful pathway through native forest.
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is six miles long. It is possible to hike for just two or three miles.
Terrain: riverside walk, mountain paths | Elev Gain 300 ft.
Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km) 
Overnight: Glendalough, County Wicklow
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Hike Glendalough Monastic settlement, the Spink and the Wicklow way. 
The Wicklow Mountains are the location of our walk today. Our local expert guide will tell us all about the ancient monastic ruins of Glendalough and the story of St Kevin. We will walk along the Spink (a dramatic cliff edge with lovely views over the two lakes) then down into the Glenealo Valley finishing alongside the Upper Lake. We will enjoy our final dinner together in one of the local restaurants. 
Alternative Walk Options: the full walk is eight miles long. It is possible to hike for just two or three miles.
Terrain: well maintained mountain trails | Elev Gain 1200 ft.
Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9 km)
Overnight: Glendalough, County Wicklow
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Departure   
We must say Goodbye to Ireland after our drive back to Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast


Note: Many clients come on a tour who wish to do very little hiking. Every day there are alternative options such as sight-seeing, relaxing, reading, painting, listening to Irish traditional music, and generally just soaking up the Irish atmosphere. You can opt out of the hiking on any day! All our accommodations are based in scenic locations, so you are very welcome to just remain “home” for the day.

Rates and Dates for Discover Ireland South

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Galway
Airport: Shannon airport
Transfer: Galway

Climate:
                                                    Cork area