Compare City Trek Dublin & Wicklow 8-Day Self-Guided Hike by South West Walks Ireland vs End Belfast Small Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 8 days | 11 days |
| Price From | $ 923 | $ 4,648 |
| Price Per Day | $ 115 | $ 423 |
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| Trip Style | Self-guided tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Basic | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Walk in the footsteps of Ireland’s great literary giants or follow the trail of “Molly Malone” through Dublin’s fair city. Theatre, music, fine-dining and wonderful pubs all await you in this Viking city that is so rich in history and culture. Your adventure in Wicklow National Park will take you through glorious mountain passes and lush glacial valleys rich in archaeological treasures. Experience the peace and tranquillity of Glendalough a 6th century monastic settlement nestled in the valley of two lakes. Add to this the warmth of the people, the cosy pubs, the charming villages and delicious organic food and you have just found your “perfect” Dublin & Wicklow Hiking Holiday! |
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, try your hand at hurling, a 3,000-year-old sport, in a private lesson with a professional. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed. |
Day 1
Arrive Dublin Airport and transfer to the first nights accommodation in Dublin City Hotel. Transfer time from Airport to Hotel approx 50 minutes.
Day 2
Dublin City Trek … See the historical side of this modern European City and follow the trail of “Molly Malone” as she wheeled her wheelbarrow…. through Dublin’s fair city !!! Evening option to take the famous Dublin Literary Pub Walk. Overnight Dublin City Hotel.
Day 3
You will be transferred/driven by Taxi across the city to begin your first walk at Marley Park to the start of the Wicklow Way. You walk through Marlay Park before rising to cross the Dublin Mountains, enjoying sea and mountain views. Crossing the boundary into County Wicklow and descending into the Glencree Valley you walk to your accommodation in Enniskerry village. Overnight Enniskerry.
Walk Details: Approx. Distance: 18 kms. Approx. Duration: 5.5 hours. Max. Height: 500 metres. Path, some road walking, forest track and mountain path. Can be wet underfoot. Boots essential.
Day 4
Back on the Wicklow Way you continue across the Glencree Valley, around the shoulder of Djouce Mountain and over White Hill to finish in the lovely village of Roundwood. This walk takes you past the impressive Powerscourt Waterfall before climbing to walk around Djouce Mountain to your high point for the day on White Hill. As you descend you have glorious views of the spectacular glacial lakes of Lough Tay and Lough Dan. Overnight in Roundwood.
Walk Details: Approx. Distance: 21 kms. Approx. Duration: 7 hours. Max. Height: 630 metres. Forest track, some road walking, mountain path. Some sections can be very wet and boggy. Boots essential.
Day 5
Leaving Roundwood you walk over Paddock Hill to the village of Laragh at the entrance to the valley of Glendalough. Today’s walk takes you around the perimeter of the Barton Estate before crossing Paddock Hill and descending by an old Mass Path to Laragh. You will have time to continue to Glendalough to visit this wonderful monastic settlement which is a truly magical place which demands time to enjoy. Overnight in Laragh/Glendalough.
Walk Details: Approx. Distance 12 kms (to Laragh). Approx. Duration: 4 hours. Max. Height: 360 metres. Some road walking, mountain path and forest track. Boots essential.
Day 6
From Laragh/Glendalough walk into the valley of Glendalough before climbing to cross over into the valley of Glenmalure. This walk follows an old “green road” to near the Upper Lake before climbing steeply beside Paul an Eas Waterfall and continuing to the pass of Borenacrow (option to climb Mullacor Mountain from the pass). Descending into Glenmalure – with good views of the valley and Lugnaquilla, which is the highest mountain in County Wicklow – you finish your walk at the pub in Drumgoff/Glenmalure crossroads. Overnight in Rathdrum.
Walk Details: Approx. Distance: 17 kms/19 kms. Approx. Duration: 6.5 hours. Max. Height: 550/650 metres. Track, forest track, short section of mountain path. Mountain path is boggy. Boots essential.
Day 7
From Drumgoff/Glenmalure crossroads we start today’s walk, which crosses the mountains back to Laragh by a different route. Following forest tracks, you climb to the summit of Mullacor. The route continues along the mountain ridge to Cullentragh Mountain and Derrybawn Mountain, before descending to Glendalough. Alternatively, if the weather is unfavourable you can descend from Mullacor via the Wicklow Way through the forest. Overnight at Laragh/Glendalough
Walk Details: Approx. Distance: 17 kms. Approx. Duration: 6.5 hours. Max. Height: 660 metres. Forest track and mountain path. Boots essential.
Day 8
After a full Irish Breakfast we have the option to return to Dublin via the Public Bus or Private Bus services, both available from Glendalough/Lauragh. There is also a Bus and Taxi service to Wicklow Town were there is a good Train service, south to Rosslare, and north to Dublin. Bus transfer time to Dublin City centre is approx one hour.
Day 1: Welcome to Dublin
On arrival at Dublin airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.
Day 2: In Dublin’s Fair City Relaxed Start
Become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College accompanied by a Local Expert, who will share their insights into modern life and the establishment’s impressive history. The afternoon is free to explore.
Day 3: A Journey from Dublin to Cork
In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, home of the world's fastest field game. The ancient Celtic sport of Hurling is over 3,000 years old and Ireland's national sport. Meet an experienced player who will share his passion as you test your skill during a lesson. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Day 4: Across the Mountains to Killarney Relaxed Start
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Or enjoy a sensory walk in the extensive and varied estate gardens. Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the peaceful town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savour the delicious flavours of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
Day 6: Around the Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start
Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before reaching your hotel on the shores of Dingle harbour. With the evening at leisure, why not treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the hotel's spa? Offering holistic and therapeutic treatments, the Peninsula Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the coast.
Day 7: Free day Galway or Aran Islands Relaxed Start
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.
Day 8: Londonderry
Continue on to County Sligo, stopping at a peaceful churchyard in Drumcliffe to visit the final resting place of Ireland's famous poet, William Butler Yeats. Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Day 9: Walk in the Giant’s Steps Relaxed Start
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Day 10: The Antrim Coast to Belfast Relaxed Start
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Day 11: Depart Belfast
Departure transfers arrive at Belfast George Best City Airport at 08:00 and Belfast International Airport at 08:45.
