Kerry Way Escorted
Western Ireland Ireland: (ZZ-IRE-HK-Esc2)
URL: http://www.hiddentrails.com/tour/outdoor_hike_ireland_kerry_escorted_walking_tour.aspx
Introduction
Western Ireland
Ireland
Ireland’s fabled County Kerry consists of a series of spectacular mountainous peninsulas divided by deep-sea inlets. MacGillycuddy’s Reeks form the centrepiece of the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometre circuit from Killarney, via Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Kenmare and back to Killarney across Moll’s Gap and past Ladies View – one of Ireland’s most famous viewpoints. Weaving between these points are a network of ancient paths that are nearly as old as the land itself, many of which form part of a long-distance track known as the ‘Kerry Way’.
This trip takes us on a circular route from Killarney, unveiling some of the most beautiful scenery in the region, exploring both the southern and northern coastlines of the Iveragh peninsula. After spending two nights at Killarney, we move onto Derrynane on Kenmare Bay, where we also stay for two nights. Here you will find Derrynane National Park and Derrynane House, the ancestral family home of Daniel O Connell, The Liberator , a 19th century politician.
Moving on we spend the last 3 nights in the market town of Caherciveen, across the water from the famed Valentia Island. On your “free day” you have the opportunity, weather permitting, to take a boat to the Skellig Monastic Rock - an experience of a lifetime and not to be missed. Caherciveen is a market town in transition, being part of the “old Ireland living in the new”. Our walks in the area reflect the Peninsula at its best. After our farewell evening and morning breakfast we transfer to Killarney for onward journeys …. And memories to be cherished.
Accomodation
Lodgings are in guesthouses with private shower/bathroom.
We serve a full Irish breakfast each morning. Picnic lunch (on walking days only), 7 evening dinners.
Riding
Itinerary
Day 1 Courtesy Airport Collection from Shannon Airport at 12.00 hrs., Cork Airport at 14.00 hrs. or Kerry Airport at 16.00 hrs. Arrive at first guesthouse in Killarney where we stay for the next 2 nights of your holiday. Evening meal together and a general chat about the coming week’s walks.
Day 2 We take a wonderful walk through the famous Gap of Dunloe with fabulous views over the Lakes of Killarney & spectacular glacial formations in this well-known valley. Transfer back to Killarney. Evening meal in local restaurant.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 350m. Rocky and sometimes wet & muddy tracks and road walking. Boots essential.
Day 3 Walk from Killarney to Kenmare passing the historic Muckross House and Gardens. Continue through Killarney National Park towards Peakeen Mountain with glorious views over Kenmare Bay. Transfer from the end of the walk to Derrynane where we stay for our next 2 nights. Dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 20kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 400m. Mountain tracks and open roads. Can be wet - boots recommended.
Day 4 Walk from nearby Sneem to the spectacular Staigue Fort. This is a glorious walk with breath-taking views to the south over Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula and West towards Derrynane. Return to Derrynane for evening meal and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 400m. Grass tracks, open bog land and rough mountains. Can be wet underfoot - boots essential. Some road walking.
Day 5 Leaving Derrynane we enjoy a wonderful morning walk around the historic Derrynane National Park and Abbey Island with great coastal vistas. This was once the home of Daniel O’Connell, The Liberator. From here we continue along this majestic coastline with views out to the Skellig Rock, to the lovely village of Waterville. Short transfer this afternoon to Caherciveen for evening meal and overnight accommodation.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 300m. Some road walking, grass tracks and rough heather. Boots essential.
Day 6 This is your Free Day. However, we do offer to arrange a visit to the famous and spectacular monastic island of Skellig Michael, 12 kms. off the coast, if weather, sea and boats permit! A walk on Valentia Island is another excellent possibility
Dinner and overnight in Caherciveen
Day 7 Today, we follow an ancient and fascinating stagecoach trail from Kells, just outside Cahersiveen, and enjoy the most wonderful scenery of the week as we walk along the shores on Dingle Bay east towards Glenbeigh. A truly memorable walk for our last day on the Ivreagh Peninsula. Transfer back to Caherciveen. Overnight and farewell dinner in Caherciveen.
Walk Details - Distance: 18kms. Duration: 5hours. Max. Height: 450m. Grass and rocky tracks, open bog land and some road walking. Boots essential.
Day 8 Departures. After breakfast, we offer a courtesy transfer to Killarney Bus/Rail Station arriving there at approx 09.45/10.00 hrs. From there you will find bus connections to Shannon Airport - 3 hrs. approx and Cork Airport – 2 hrs. approx.
Not Included: Any boat trips (eg. Skellig Michael), personal drinks, entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc. medical expenses or gratuities.
Rates and Dates for Kerry Way Escorted
Rates include:
7 nights bed in room with private shower/ bathroom. Full Irish breakfast each morning. Picnic lunch (on walking days only), 7 Evening Dinners, 6 days walking with expert Irish Guide who accompanies the group for the duration of the holiday. Luggage transfers. Transfers to nearest bus/train station at end of holiday. Souvenir book ‘ Ireland ---- a Travellers Guide’.
Transfer and Other Options:
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2012
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Shannon Airport transfer on Day 1 at 12 noon (only) included. Return drop off in Killarney
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Dates Note:
Rates do not include:
Any boat trips (eg. Skellig Michael), personal drinks, entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc. medical expenses or gratuities.
Other Info
Meeting: Killarney
Airport: Shannon
Transfer: Shannon Airport
Climate: Ireland's
mild and humid climate is ideal for walking. You will never feel too
hot! The summers are pleasantly warm. However , we do get rain and you
need to bring a good weatherproof coat and trousers, day rucksack and
most important of all sturdy waterproof boots are vital to the success
of your holiday. Temperatures reach a maximum of 25C/80F in summer with
variations down to 15C/60F on some days.
Temperate zone; mild all year round, due to the North Atlantic Drift.
Coldest months: January and February with average temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees Celsius during the day.
Warmest months:
July and August with average temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees Celsius.
The sunniest months are May and June, with between five to seven hours
of sunshine per day.
Average annual rainfall: 750 mm (30 inches) in some Eastern areas
800-1200 mm (31 to 47 inches) in low lying areas
1500 mm (59) inches in parts of the west
2000 mm (79 inches) or more in mountainous areas.
What To Bring:
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… this list is only a guideline for you |
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Travel documents and Voucher |
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Flight tickets |
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Passport |
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Visa (check with your consulate) |
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GEAR
LIST |
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Waterproof rainwear |
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Waterproof hiking boots |
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Light walking shoes (you can carry in your backpack) |
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Spare layer of clothing |
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Hat or cap |
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Gaiters (gamaschen) optional |
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Thermos |
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Waterbottle and lunch box |
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Flashlight |
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Plastic map holder |
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First Aid Box and Blister Plasters |
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Hiking Pole/ Walking Stick (optional) |
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Day rucksack (backpack) |
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PERSONAL CLOTHING |
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Jacket or sweater for cool evenings |
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts |
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Jeans |
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Shorts |
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Underwear and socks |
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Pyjama |
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Bag for dirty clothes |
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Light summer jacket |
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Warm jacket |
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Swimsuit |
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Bandana |
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Compass (if you know how to use one) |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING |
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Personal Toiletries |
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Insect protection |
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Personal medications |
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Sore cream (for the emergency) |
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Sewing kit |
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Handkerchiefs |
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Adapter for electric appliances |
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Camera and enough extra films |
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Belt pack |
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!) |
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Sun glasses with strap |
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm |
Cell phone rental is available and can be
pre-booked through
www.rentaphone-ireland.com
If you are travelling from the USA you may
wish to check out unlocking your cell phone to use and Irish SIM card. Check out
www.unlockitfree.com or
www.bilemo.com/unlock
Your B&B hosts
are responsible for transferring your luggage to the next accommodation. It
should be there by 4.00 pm or before you finish your walk. Please appreciate
that B&B’s are often busy with preparing their premises for new guests and
transferring luggage is not a usual function. This service is only provided for
walkers. Occasionally your luggage will not be there before you arrive but it
does always arrive. In some places you will have a voucher for a taxi company
who will be transferring the luggage, as it is not a service the B&B provides.
It is recommended to use the luggage transfer service- taking your pack with you
increases the difficulty considerably!
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