Walking The World

“There is a feeling to Ireland unlike any I have experienced in any other country; it is hard to describe. Were I blind, I would miss her wild beauty but still hear her lyrical voice.”

September 4 – 13, 2006

Land Cost: $2,695 U.S.
Single Supplement Rate: $450 U.S.
Trip Begins: Shannon 8:00 am
Trip Ends: Shannon
Lodging: Bed & Breakfasts

Detailed Itinerary
What we Provide

This is a hands-on participatory trip designed to give each group member an intimate experience with the Irish people, their history, culture, and land. Daily walks of 5 to 8 miles will take us along country footpaths and medieval trackways to places few Americans have seen. The focus is on spending as much time as possible with the Irish people. We traverse the internationally known Burren of County Clare with its fascinating geology, along the Cliffs of Moher, highest in Europe, and through ancient settlements known as Clochans.

On the Dingle Peninsula we will be in the center of Ireland's native Gaelic-speaking communities. A number of coastal walks here will take us to the westernmost tip of Ireland, to medieval castles and abbey ruins, and through green rolling hills alive with some of Europe's finest wildflowers. At lunch time we will share stories with the local folks in their historic pubs. The trip also includes two days exploring the world famous Killarney National Park. We will rest each night in comfortable Bed & Breakfasts operated by families who take pride in the quality of their meals and the warmth of their hospitality.

This itinerary may be changed at the discretion of the trip leader.
( B = Breakfast included, L = Lunch included, D = Dinner included )

Pre-Trip... The trip officially begins on Day 1 at 8:00 am. We suggest staying at Teresa Grady’s Bunratty Arms B&B and would be pleased to make your arrangements. We recommend that you plan to arrive at least one day in advance. Not only will you be ready and well rested, this allows you to explore a bit on your own.

Adventure Trips: Ireland

Day 1... After a hearty Irish breakfast at the Bunratty Arms, we board our van and travel to Doolin, with stops at Craggaunowen Project in Quin and at Ennis for money exchange and lunch. Doolin, a small fishing village on Galway Bay and known as the folk music capital of Ireland, will serve as our base for the next three nights. Maeve Fitzgerald, our host during our stay, has arranged traditional Irish entertainment for us tonight. You’ll love the small town Irish charm of Doolin. D

Day 2... Today’s walk offers a beautiful and dramatic five mile walk along the famous Cliffs of Moher. Dropping over 700-feet to the Atlantic, these are the highest vertical cliff faces in Europe. Our afternoon walk takes us to a part of the geologically renowned Burren, famous for its limestone karst and its various archaeological and historical sites. B, D

Adventure Trips: Ireland

Day 3... Continuing our exploration of the Burren, today we walk one of the many “Green roads”, ancient pathways that crisscross many parts of Ireland. In the Burren, we’ll witness one of the few places on Earth where plants from the arctic, alpine and tropics can be found growing side-by-side. And, upon closer inspection, we’ll notice that all of the plants grow to the same height, a result of acid leaching from the limestone. We’ll also visit an ancient ring fort, a pre-Celtic burial chamber, a 14th century castle, and end the day by trying our hand at “cutting turf” in a peat bog with our local friend, Martin Barry. Martin’s peat bog provides his family with heat during the Irish winters and fuel for cooking during the rest of the year. We’ll take a day trip to the Aran Island of Inisheer if time and weather permit. B, D

Day 4... After a fine Irish breakfast, we head south, ferry across the famous river Shannon and enjoy spectacular views from the top of Connor Pass on our way to the town of Dingle. Dingle is a rare mix of old and new where the true folklore and culture of ancient Ireland is evident. B, D

Adventure Trips: Ireland

Days 5-6... Walking along the Dingle Peninsula, we’ll be dazzled by the patchworks of green that seem peculiarly Irish. Guiding us will be members of the O’Connor family, who have lived in this area for four hundred years. Our route takes us to Slea Head, the most western point in Ireland, and indeed, of all Europe. The “Pilgrims Way” will take us to the top of Signal Hill where we’ll have outstanding views of the Skelligs, Mt. Brandon and the Blasket Islands. We’ll hike the area where “Ryans Daughter” was filmed and visit the Gallarus Oratory, a perfectly preserved relic of early Christianity in Ireland. day 5 - B, L, D; day 6 - B

Day 7... Today takes us from our base in Dingle to the bustling town of Killarney, with a stop on the way in Killorglin for a hearty pub lunch. We arrive in time to visit Muckross Castle, a wonderful example of a 19th century manor house and castle. During our time here, we’ll be able to witness a variety of local craftspeople demonstrating the trades of County Kerry. Our evenings are at the charming Loch Lein farmhouse overlooking Loch Lein and Killarney National Park. B

Adventure Trips: Ireland

Day 8... Brendan O’Shea, a ranger at Killarney National Park, and our local guide for the next two days, gives us an in-depth overview of the natural and cultural histories of the area. Today we’ll walk the “Ole Kenmare Road”, a hauntingly beautiful trail that weaves through an old forest of oak, holly and the lush green moss so prominent here. In the afternoon, we’ll hike the Gap of Dunloe, a wildly beautiful gorge that intersects the Macgillicuddy Reeks and the Tomie Mountains. We top off our hike with a pint at the famous Kate Kearney’s Cottage. B, D

Day 9... Our day begins with a journey to historical 14th century Ross Castle. From here, we board a small boat for our ride to the Abbey on Innisfallen Island. In the vicinity of the Abbey are a 300-year-old Yew tree and a 7th century church that warrant some exploration. Also nearby, and included in our walk, is a tumbling mountain waterfall called O’Sullivan’s Cascade. Along the way, we’ll try to spot some of the native red deer, the only population that still exists in Ireland. Then it's time to head the van north to Limerick for a final evening of laughter and song as we share stories and camaraderie with some famous Bunratty mead, fine wine, and a sumptuous Medieval Banquet. B, L, D

Adventure Trips: Ireland

Day 10... After a final Irish breakfast at our Bed & Breakfast in Bunratty, transfer to Shannon Airport for our flights back home. Flights may be booked to depart at any time today. B

Difficulty: “Walker” Walks cover between 4 – 8 miles per day on unpaved, but well defined trails that are generally gentle to moderately rolling. If you have limited hiking experience this trip would be a good choice for you.

Walking The World Guide
Local Guides
Nine nights lodging in Bed & Breakfasts (double occupancy)
All breakfasts, two lunches and seven dinners
All admission fees to scheduled stops
All transportation while on tour
Unique and original Journal of your trip
Walking The World Shirt or Hat
Good fun, humor, and companionship

Read about Ireland

MAKE IT SIMPLE...
Simply make your travel arrangements through our agency - New Horizons Travel.
Working with Sarah-Miles Clark at New Horizons Travel, 1-800-864-4364,
will assist both you and us in negotiating the best rates and in the overall coordination of your trip plans. If you choose to use another agency, we must receive a copy of your detailed travel itinerary with your final full payment 60 days in advance of the trip. This information enables us to meet you at the airport whenever possible and to see that you are returned conveniently for your departure.

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