We walk routes which have existed from time immemorial in the footsteps of the early Irish saints. Visit landmark spiritual sites from pagan times. Relax and unwind along the wild Atlantic coastline, renewing your spirit on this cultural experience of a lifetime. The Kerry Way, a low-level walking route, uses the old droving paths and coach roads of the Iveragh Peninsula to create a journey through history and folklore. Spectacular views, combined with rare flora and fauna, geology and bird watching will be appreciated by all, whether amateur or enthusiast.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival. Arrive at accommodation in Glenbeigh. Evening dinner at 18:30 hrs followed by briefing.
Day 2: The Kerry Way (Glenbeigh to Kells) - Distance: 17km/10.5miles - Ascent: 300m/1,000ft. The first day's walking takes you on an early Christian route and medieval coaching road from Glenbeigh to Kells with detours to view archaeological artifacts and spectacular views across Dingle Bay and out to the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 3: Knocknadobar - Distance: 10.5km/6.5miles - Ascent: 700m/2,300ft. Views of the Atlantic Ocean and Dingle Bay are enlarged on a mountain walk. Knocknadobar (Cnon na d'Tobar, the hill of wells) was a pagan mountain. Now you can follow the stations of the cross to the canon's cross near the summit. A spur of the Kerry Way descends to Kells Cove where a refreshing swim could be an appropriate way to end the day. Transfer along the Ring of Kerry to the village of Caherdaniel with overnight in Caherdaniel.
Day 4: Great Skelling Island - Distance: 1.6km/1miles(steep) Ascent 180m/600ft. The pilgrim theme is continued as we take a boat trip to a world heritage site, the monastic island of Scelig Mhichil, dedicated like so many other isolated hermitages to St. Michael. We pass the international gannetry of Little Skellig. Overnight in Caherdaniel. We have not included the price of visiting the Skelligs as this is a weather dependent trip. There will be a charge of €35 per person for the trip.
Day 5: The Kerry Way and Caherdaniel/Derrynane - Distance and Ascent: optional. You can enjoy a choice of walks - on the Blue Flag Derrynane Beach, through Derrnane National Park or the gardens of Derrynane hour. A longer walk on a mass (or perhaps smugglers) path allows views from a higher level, as you return to Caherdaniel on the butter road leg of the Kerry Way. Overnight in Caherdaniel.
Day 6: The Kerry Way (Caherdaniel to Sneem) - Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent 350m/1,150ft. You can return to walking the old coach road, a continuation of the butter route linking the picturesque villages of Caherdaniel and Sneem. There are spectacular views across the island-studded Kenmare Bay to the Beara peninsula. A detour to, and pick up at the pre-historic stone fort of Staigue is possible. Transfer along the Ring of Kerry with an overnight in Killarney.
Day 7: Killarney National Park - Distance: 6km/3.75miles Ascent: reasonable level. A variety of experiences await you on your final day. A walk on Ross Island introduces you to copper mining dating from prehistory. A short boat trip to Innisfallen Island allows exploration of its monastic ruins. The boat drops us near 15th century Muckross Friary, to be explored before a short walk on the Kerry Way to the 19th century Muckross House, its Gardens and Tea Shop. Overnight in Killarney. Farewell Dinner.
Day 8: Departure Day.
Note: Dates each Walking Tour begins - May 3, July 26, Aug: 16, 30
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
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