Go Visit Ireland – Day Walking Tours

TOUR: 8 days

DATES 2009: May 16, June 6, 20, July 4, 25, August 8, 29, Sept 19.   Price 2009: €1055 per person sharing
(Please see booking information)

Single Supplement: Accommodation is based on a twin-sharing basis. We may be able to provide one single room, at a supplement of €189 for the week.

GRADE:

Walking Grades explained

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This holiday is based in the “Kingdom” of County Kerry, in the vibrant scenic town of Killarney and the traditional friendly market town of Caherciveen. It offers you an easy and gentle walking programme combined with the best of ancient and modern Ireland – and some very unique and memorable activities. Imagine combining the stunning lake, mountain and Atlantic scenery of the South West of Ireland with Irish Music, ancient castles and manor houses, a jaunting car ride, a hedge maze, Irish farming traditions, horse riding on a golden Atlantic beach, water divining, learning to play the Bodhran, a magical evening walk to a prehistoric Ring Fort, an island cycle or walk and an Irish set dancing session! All this, and more, is combined with traditional Irish hospitality, good food and friendly people to make this an unforgettable week, ideal for people seeking a real Irish experience. This is a gentle walking programme combined with wonderful Celtic cultural activities.

Accommodation: Your accommodation in Killarney and Caherciveen is in quality family run guesthouses. Every room has a TV, private bathroom and there are tea & coffee making facilities for all guests. Full Irish Breakfast and Continental Breakfast are served each morning, and vegetarians are also catered for.

Tour Highlights:
• Killarney – a well-known, scenic, vibrant town in the heart of the Killarney National Park.
• Visit of 19th century Muckross House, Gardens, Traditional Farms and Abbey
• Ross Castle (15th C)
• Boat trip through the three Lakes of Killarney.
• Killarney National Park – lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer
• Rossbeigh Beach (European blue flag status)
• Walk through Derrynane Beach and National Park
• Learn to play the Bodhran (traditional Irish drum)
• Irish music and dance throughout
• The ancient art of water divining
• Evening walk and magical musical evening in a prehistoric Ring Fort
• Discover Valentia Island “The Treasure Island”
• Spectacular coastal and inland walks – ‘Sub-tropical’ & unique flora, folklore, archaeology.   Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival
Optional airport transfer from Shannon or Kerry airports.
19.00 hrs. Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at guesthouse in Killarney.

Day 2 Killarney National Park
Distance: 10km/6miles Ascent: None
A gentle walk through Killarney National Park allows you to experience the stunning lake and mountain scenery as well as the historical aspect of the Park, with a visit of 19th century Muckross House, the Gardens, the Traditional Farms- where guests walk back in time to a working 1930’s farm – and 15th century Muckross Abbey. Off to a traditional Irish pub for a celebration of Irish Music!

Day 3 Ring of Kerry, Torc Waterfall
A short morning walk through Killarney National Park to Torc Waterfall. Transfer along the famous Ring of Kerry route to the coastal village of Caherdaniel. Visit Derrynane National Park & house, beach home of Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator. Walk along the mass path with beautiful views of the beaches, visit a 12th Century abbey on Abbey Island. Walk the blue flag Derrynane beach or a swim in the Atlantic ocean. Picnic lunch on beach or Abbey Island.

Day 4 On the Quest for Holy Celtic Water and evening walk
to prehistoric Ring Fort
Day: Distance: 5 km/3 miles Ascent: 12m/370ft Evening Walk: Easy Ascent: None
Today’s programme 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 guesthouse, 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 5 Treasure Island, Art and Music
Distance: 5km/3miles Ascent: 40m/133ft
Visit Valentia island, rich in wild and marine life, standing stones, sub-tropical flora & also the location of the first transatlantic cable. Visit Knightstown & Valentia grotto in the Slate quarry. Discover the ancient Ogham standing stones dotted around the island.
In the afternoon, learn to play the ancient Irish drum – the Bodhran – 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 6 Atlantic Beach walk, Sheep Dog Trials and Free time for you
Transfer along the Ring to Kerry to Killarney where you will stay for your last two nights. See real live sheep dog trials in Kells en-route. Completely rejuvenate your spirit as you walk along the award winning blue flag beach of Rossbeigh. Enjoy a free afternoon discovering Killarneys craft, book & coffee shops, visit a spa or walk in the National Park, adjacent to the town.

Day 7 Boat Trip through the Lakes of Killarney
Departing from Ross Castle enjoy one of Ireland’s best day trips on an open top boat through the three Lakes of Killarney. Finish your day by either taking a wonderful walk through the Gap Of Dunloe and an Irish coffee at Kate Kearneys Cottage. Non walkers have the option of hopping on a horse drawn jaunting car (supplement of €20-30 per person).
A farewell dinner where you can celebrate and reflect on the wonderful walks, sights, sound and tastes of Ireland you have experienced throughout the week.

Day 8 Departure
Departure after a hot cooked Irish breakfast. Check below if the Go Ireland airport transfers to Kerry (closest airport) or Shannon airport suit.

Price 2009: €1055 per person sharing
(Please see booking information)   Single Supplement: Accommodation is based on a twin-sharing basis. We may be able to provide one single room, at a supplement of €189 for the week.

Price includes:
• 7 nights in Irish Tourist Board approved hotel (3 star) and guesthouse based on two adults sharing with private bathroom.
• 7 hot cooked Irish breakfasts
• Five packed lunches
• Six dinners
• Traditional Irish music & dancing
• Entrance to Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms
• Boat trip through 3 Lakes of Killarney
• Water Divining
• Visit of pre-historic ring fort with Irish harp playing.
• Bodhran Session (learning to play traditional Irish drum)
• Sheep dog trials
• Return Ferry Crossing to Valentia
• Transfers to and from walks each day
• Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
• Go Ireland transfer from/to to Kerry and Shannon Airports for a small supplement (Please see details below)