We are talking about a whiskey and Irish Coffee tasting evening, Irish music, traditional horse drawn carriages, castles and stately homes, horse riding, water divining, gold panning in the mountains, bog wood and textile art, learning to play the ancient Irish drum the Bohdran, Irish set dancing, island walks or cycles and a magical night Walk to the sound of an Irish harp.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival. Optional complimentary transfer from Kerry or Shannon Airports (see transfer times below). Arrive in your friendly family run guest house in the vibrant town of Killarney set in the heart of the National Park in Kerry in South West Ireland. Meet your guide at 19.00 hrs for a welcome briefing and your first home cooked meal together in your guest house.
Day 2: Muckross, the Killarney National Park and the World of Irish Whiskey. Distance: 10km/6miles Ascent: None. Today's walking will take you into the magnificent Killarney National Park to visit 19th century Muckross House, 15th century Muckross Abbey and the Muckross Traditional Farms, where old farming methods have been brought back to life. Transfer by traditional horse drawn carriage to the oldest pub in Killarney for an evening spent discovering and savoring Irish Whiskeys and Coffees. Lots of Irish stories and Irish toasts guaranteed! Enjoy an excellent meal followed by an evening of traditional Irish music.
Day 3: Ross Castle and Killarney Town - Distance: 6.5km/4 miles. Ascent: None. 15th century Ross Castle, majestically set on the shores of the Killarney Lakes is your first stop this morning. After your visit, take a guided walk around the old mining trail of Ross Island for some magnificent views over the lakes, the Killarney mountains and Innisfallen Island. The afternoon is yours to make the most of the vibrant streets, tourist attractions and many shops in Killarney. You will also enjoy a free evening to discover for yourself the many excellent restaurants and pubs in the town, before returning to your guest house for your final night in Killarney.
Day 4: Glenbeigh and the Majestic Atlantic Ocean. Morning: Distance: 8km/5miles Afternoon: optional activities Ascent None. Transfer along the famous Ring of Kerry route to Glenbeigh. A short morning’s walk will take you through National Parks to the beautiful Torc Waterfall. Then a short trip to Killorglin, home of Puck Fair. The afternoon offers a variety of options: horse riding along the beach (suitable for beginners – additional cost), the challenge of an old fashioned hedge maze and an option to play crazy golf, a swim on Rossbeigh Beach or a guided walk up Ross-Behy Hill (250m). Lunch with panoramic views on the top of Rossbehy hill (250m) and a choice of horse riding or walking Rossbeigh beach.
Day 5: On the Quest for Holy Celtic Water and night walk to prehistoric Ring Fort. Day: Distance: 5 km/3 miles Ascent: 120m/370ft Evening Walk: Easy Ascent: None. Today’s program is certainly one with a difference! In the morning, you will be joined by a water diviner, who will show you the ancient art of water divining and take you to an old Irish Holy Well and ancient Irish sites to practice your newly acquired skills. Walk to the beautiful Bray Head on Valentia Island for lunch with superb views of the Skellig Islands.
Continue to St Finians Bay and a visit to a chocolate factory. After dinner in your guest house, we invite you to a magical evening walk – walk in the stillness of late evening to a prehistoric Ring Fort. To those legends of Celtic battles and lost loves, we add one final extraordinary note – an Irish harp. Your walk will be recompensed with the magical sounds of an Irish harpist waiting for you in the stillness of the Ring Fort (weather permitting). Simply unforgettable.
Day 6: Irish Art and Music - Distance: 5km/3miles Ascent: 40m/133ft. A short drive to Caherdaniel, Derrynane National Park and beach home of Daniel O’Connell, the liberator. Walk along the mass path with beautiful views on the beaches, visit a 12th Century abbey on Abbey Island. Walk the blue flag Derrynane beach, visit Daniel O’Connell home and gardens or perhaps even a swim. Picnic lunch on beach or Island. In the afternoon, learn to play the ancient Irish drum - the Bohdran - in a friendly and informal session with our Master Bohdran player. After dinner in your guesthouse, back to the pub where we invite you to meet the locals, join in (or just clap along) to a traditional set dancing session – and maybe practice beating those Bodhrans.
Day 7: Valentia Island (The Treasure Island) - Distance: 10.5km/ 6.5miles Ascent: 80m/266ft. Today you have a cycle around Valentia Island. A short ferry ride will take you to this small island, rich in wild and marine life, standing stones, sub-tropical flora and which was also the location for the first transatlantic cable. Visit Knightstown and Valentia grotto and slate quarry and enjoy cycling the quiet peaceful roads of Valentia. Cyclists may opt to cycle all around the island (approx. 25 km/16 miles) and discover the many standing and Ogham stones dotted all around the island. Farewell Dinner: your final dinner will be in an excellent restaurant in Caherciveen, where seafood and modern Irish cuisine await you.
Day 8: Departure Day. After your final Irish Breakfast in your guesthouse, optional complimentary transfer to either Kerry or Shannon Airports (see transfer times below).
Note: Dates each Walking Tour begins - May: 17, June: 7, 21, July: 5, 26, August: 9, 30, September: 20.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
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