Compare Hiking The Ring of Kerry Mountains by Wilderness Ireland vs Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer End Dublin Small Group by Insight Vacations
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Trip |
5 | Excellent
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Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer End Dublin Small Group
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Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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Duration | 7 days | 11 days |
Price From | $ 1,775 | $ 5,125 |
Price Per Day | $ 254 | $ 466 |
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Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
Description |
Ireland’s most acclaimed region, Kerry’s incredible scenery, soaring mountains and fantastic people form a perfect backdrop to an exciting Ring of Kerry hiking tour in Ireland’s sunny southwest. On this Ring of Kerry hiking adventure, we’ll summit two of the highest mountains in Ireland, hike along white sand beaches, travel forgotten pilgrimage paths and take in wild ocean views. |
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: Killarney National Park
Meals: Dinner
Distance 5 miles/8.5km, 4hrs*
Starting in the bustling town of Killarney, we’ll set off to explore the backcountry of Killarney National Park where the Ring of Kerry hiking will begin. Hiking the wilder sections of the famed Kerry Way, we’ll meander quiet forests, drink in breath-taking panoramic vistas, keep an eye out for Killarney’s red deer and listen to the trickle of mountain streams. In the evening, head back to Killarney for a chance to tap your foot to some traditional Irish pub music!
Day 2: The MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Range
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Distance 8.5 miles/13km, 6-7hrs*
The Macgillycuddy Reeks is Ireland’s premier mountain range, containing eight of the country’s highest peaks – excellent for hiking. Today, we’ll take on some of the less-travelled mountain regions, exploring parts of the Ring of Kerry largely missed by most visitors to Kerry. Our descent offers stunning views across the gorgeous valley at Hag’s Glen with its series of glacial lakes and distant peaks. Keep an eye out for nesting golden eagles as we hike!
Day 3: Above Molls Gap
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Distance 8.5 miles/14 km, 7hrs*
Moll’s Gap is best known for the views of the hills beyond the Molls Gap mountain pass. Today, we’ll traverse a rugged ridge line connecting four hills to the west. This rarely-travelled route enjoys panoramic views across to the Macgillycuddy Reeks even more beautiful than the more travelled areas to the north – with the added bonus of vistas south towards Kenmare Bay. The best part is you’ll get the views to yourself!
Day 4: Corrán Tuathail Mountain
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Distance 8.7 miles/14km, 7hrs*
Corrán Tuathail (also known as Carrantuohill) is Ireland’s highest peak and a jewel in the crown of our Ring of Kerry hiking tour. At 1,040m, its jagged summit presents an enticing challenge for today! There are many paths to the summit: the cliff-sides of O’Shea’s Gully or the aptly named Devil’s Ladder are just two of the options. As we hike, we’ll take time to enjoy the wild flowers, spot raptors soaring on the mountain thermals and look out for Irish mountain hares.
Day 5: Legends of Anscaul on the Dingle Peninsula
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Distance 6 miles/10km, 4-5hrs*
Today’s hike in the heart of the Dingle Peninsula follows in the footsteps of the mythological Irish hero Cuchulainn who, according to legend, fought a giant by hurling fiery boulders to a nearby summit. Today’s hike finishes at the South Pole Inn, the family pub of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, who made attempts at the South Pole with both Scott and Shackleton.
Day 6: Mount Brandon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Distance 8 miles/13km, 7hrs*
Today’s challenge is one of Ireland’s highest mountains. Named after St. Brendan the Navigator, the saint is said to have viewed “The Promised Land” from the summit of Mount Brandon, inspiring his legendary seven year “Voyage of St Brendan.” Not familiar with St. Brendan or his voyage? Ask your guide about it during the hike! We’ll follow the road less travelled to the summit for stunning views of Brandon Bay, followed by a breathtaking hike along a ridge and a final descent to Conor’s Pass. Spend the evening in Dingle town, one of the strongest bastions of traditional Irish music. Join the locals in a cheery pub for some real ‘craic agus ceoil’ (fun, music and dance) to mark our last night together on the Ring of Kerry!
Day 7: Departure
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, we say goodbye to the group and the Ring of Kerry and depart our accommodation for Tralee Train Station, where you can begin your journey home. There are regular train connections to Dublin from Tralee. Learn more about travel in Ireland here.
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 Dublin
An early departure transfer will arrive at Dublin airport at 08:00.