8 Day Best of Ireland Walking Tour

DAY 1, Wednesday - Depart for Ireland
Depart for Ireland

DAY 2, Thursday - Arrive in Shannon, Travel to Killarney, Arthur Young's Walk
Welcome to Ireland! Arrive in Shannon, we recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 9 AM and transfer* to your hotel in Killarney, nestled in a valley surrounded by the MacGillycuddy's Reeks Mountain Range. Arrive just in time for lunch. In the afternoon, take a walk along the Arthur Young trail, which skirts the Muckross Head Peninsula. This walk starts at Lough Leane and follows in the footsteps of Arthur Young, an English writer on agriculture. Continue on the meandering trail through oak woodland, an open meadow and the famous Reenadinna yew wood, one of the few in Europe. Return to Muckross House along the shores of Muckross Lake. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 9 AM
*Shared transfers to Killarney will depart at approximately 9 AM, 10 AM, and 11 AM. Passengers making their own way from the airport should arrive in Killarney by 12 PM.
Overnight: Killarney
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hike Activity Level: Easy, 3.5 Miles, 2.5 Hours, +/- 538 ft

DAY 3, Friday - Gap of Dunloe Hike
Begin the day at the imposing 15th century Ross Castle on the edge of Lough Leane and join a local boatman. Travel across the lakes in a traditional wooden boat and gain insight into the region during the trip. Getting off at the Gap of Dunloe, embark on a hike. The trail takes you through a series of sparkling glacial lakes and verdant countryside. Stop for a picnic lunch and enjoy free time to take in the panoramic views of Ireland's highest peaks. Return to Killarney and have dinner at a local restaurant located in the center of town
Overnight: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Activity Level: Challenging, 7 Miles, 4.5 Hours, +/- 788 ft

DAY 4, Saturday - Explore Valentia Island
A thrilling day of exploration awaits you. Travel to the beautiful Valentia Island, located off the Iveragh Peninsula. Learn about the island's history and its extraordinary people. Take a walk on the Bray Head trail, overlooking the peninsula and Puffin Island. As you advance on the path near the end of the headland, see the ruins of stone buildings and crosses dating back to early Christian times. Upon reaching the Bray Head signal tower, see the Skelligs rocks jut out from the sea in the distance. Perhaps catch a glimpse of dolphins and whales in the water below. After your walk, visit the Skellig Experience Visitor Center and gain insight into the story of the islands' early Christian monks and their way of life. Have a traditional Irish lunch with views of the Skellig Islands. Head back to your hotel with free time to explore Killarney on your own
Overnight: Killarney
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 4.5 Miles, 3.5 Hours, +/- 702 ft

DAY 5, Sunday - Kilkee Cliff Walk
Depart Killarney and travel to County Clare via ferry across the River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland. Arrive in County Clare, with its natural beauty and awe-inspiring coast carved by the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival in the village of Kilkee, have lunch at a local café. In the afternoon, discover the dramatic Kilkee Cliffs towering over the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland's western coast. Embark on a loop hike that begins from the swimming pools known as the Pollock Holes. Pass by a natural amphitheater cut into the cliff face, a blow hole, known as the Puffing Hole, and arrive at the shipwreck site of Intrinsic Bay. From here, start the return journey to Kilkee alongside the coast and admire the seascape and views over the town, hiking down Moveen Hill. Later, continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight
Overnight: Co. Clare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 5 Miles, 3.5 Hours, +/- 498 ft

DAY 6, Monday - Cliffs of Moher
Begin the day with a scenic drive offering views of the striking landscape of the Burren on one side and the Wild Atlantic Ocean on the other. Begin the walk at the Cliffs of Moher Visitor Center and experience the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher. Explore the rugged landscape, allowing you to appreciate the vistas of Doolin, the Aran Islands, and the majestic Cliffs of Moher. Arrive at the colorful village of Doolin, situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, boasting Ireland's most breathtaking scenery. Doolin is home to the region's best pubs, eateries, and quaint local shops. Have lunch at a pub and later return to the hotel. Tonight have dinner at a local restaurant
Overnight: Co. Clare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Activity Level: Moderate, 5 Miles, 3.5 Hours, +/- 797 ft

DAY 7, Tuesday - The Burren Walk, Ennis Walking Tour
Travel to the desolate limestone plateau known as The Burren, famous for its landscape and unique flora. Walk the Nature Trail through mature ash-hazel woodland, see coral fossils in the rock, lovely Burren flora, hay meadows, and open limestone pavement. On the trail you will see the sweeping views of Mullaghmore and Lough Gealáin. After the hike, have lunch at the Burren Center Café. In the afternoon, head to the town of Ennis with its narrow, winding streets, historic buildings, and busy market town atmosphere. Take a walking tour with a local guide that shows you the very best of Ennis. Learn about local history, view the Franciscan Friary, dating to the 1240s, the Clare Museum, and uncover hidden gems in the town. Later, return to your hotel. This evening, bid farewell to your Tour manager at dinner
Overnight: Co. Clare
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Activity Level: Easy, 2 Miles, 1.5 Hours, +/- 147 ft

DAY 8, Wednesday - Depart Ireland
Transfer to Shannon Airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast