Day 1 Arrive to Killarney town – once called Kill Airne – the Church of the Sloe (berries). An evening together to chat about the coming week – your hopes & dreams will set us all in a “mindset” perfect for your holiday.
Dinner & overnight in Killarney.

 
Day 2 A short drive to the largest of the famous Lakes of Killarney is where our first day starts as we set off by boat to the glorious Inisfallen Island – once a university for many of our early saints & scholars. After lunch we continue on to the heritage town of Kenmare to visit a prized Stone Circle set in one of the most dramatic landscapes of the region. Return to Killarney for dinner & overnight.
Walk Details: Distance – 8kms; Highest Point on walk 150m
Description of terrain – Some wet & muddy stretches – walking boots advisable.

 
Day 3 The Dingle Peninsula has the greatest wealth of pre-historic remains in all of Ireland. As we walk part of the “Cosán na Naomh” route – your guide will explain why. Visiting some of the wonderful sites along the way such as the famous Gallarus oratory we return to Killarney for our dinner & overnight.
Walk Info: Distance 12kms; Highest Point 250m; Aprx Duration of walk 4 hours
Description of terrain – Some beach & road walking. Cross-country with stoney & muddy sections – boots
essential.

 
Day 4 Skellig Michael is probably the most famous early Christian site in Europe. Now a UNESCO World heritage Site – the 6th Century monastic remains have to be one of the most spiritual places you can visit. If weather does not permit our journey there – we will stay on land – discovering the delights of Ballinskelligs, Derrynane & Staigue Fort – all on the spectacular Ring of Kerry route. We return to Killarney for Dinner and overnight.
Walk Info: Distance 10kms; Highest Point; 250m; Aprx Duration of walk 3 hours
Description of terrain – The alternative walk is across wet & muddy ground. Boots essential.

 
Day 5 We begin our adventure into Cork by visiting the home of St. Gobnait, the spiritual mother of Ballyvourney, followed by a walk in the captivating Gougane Barra landscape taking in a visit to the oratory of St. Finbarr. Dinner and overnight in the bustling market town of Bantry and enjoy an evening sun set over Bantry Bay.
Walk Info: Distance 10kms; Highest Point 500m; Aprx Duration of walk 4 hours
Description of terrain Open mountain, wet, muddy & stoney at times. Boots essential.

 
Day 6 Today we venture forth into the wild and rugged landscape of the Beara Peninsula, take the ferry to Bere Island where a tangible sense of the past is ever present. Here we enjoy a walk that helps us to reconnect to the ancient heritage of this enigmatic island and its people. We return to Bantry for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details: Distance 8kms; Highest Point 200m; Aprx Duration of walk 3 hours;
Description of terrain Grassy tracks, some road & uneven surfaces. Boots essential.

 
Day 7 This morning we have an optional walk on Sheeps Head/Whiddy Island or take in the colourful local Market in Bantry town. This afternoon we make our final pilgrimage to the hallowed ground of “The Druid’s Altar” and tonight we enjoy our farewell evening meal together in Bantry.
Walk Details: Distance 6kms; Highest Point 200m; Aprx Duration of walk 2 hours
Description of terrain Grassy tracks, some road & uneven surfaces. Boots essential.

 
Day 8 Departure after breakfast.

Have you ever wondered how people in the past knew so much without any technology? How are places like Stone Henge associated with the Summer Solistice on June 21st?? Why were stone circles put in place & why are there so many standing stones?? Ireland is known so famously as the Island of Saints and Scholars – but why??

This holiday sets about answering some of those questions and your local guide will help you to explore & engage with the healing energies of these ancient sites from Celtic & early Christian times.

Kerry and West Cork is a veritable open air temple of these hidden treasures, it is our pleasure to introduce you to a Walking Holiday with a difference. Following in the footsteps of our early druids & healers each day we explore a new region, enjoying
some glorious walks & reaching our prized historical remains. There, explanations & interpretations join together to create an enchantment that will stay with you long after your holiday is over. Many questions may still remain with you after this extraordinary holiday – but you will leave with a far greater knowledge & understanding of how these sites came to be so prized & well known way beyond their Irish shores.

Recommended reading: ‘Pilgrimage In Ireland..The Monuments and the People…by Peter Harbison, published by Syracuse University Press

Holiday Includes: 7 nights bed in room with private shower/ bathroom. Full Irish breakfast each morning. 7 Evening Dinners, 6 days walking & historical site visits with expert Irish Guide who accompanies the group for the duration of the holiday. Transport to/from each days walking locations & luggage transfers when required.

Not Included: Any boat trips (eg. ferry to Skellig or Whiddy Islands), Lunch, personal drinks, entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc. medical expenses or gratuities.

 

Single Room Supplement:   8-Day €250

Please note – we are happy to “room-share” single Hikers/Bookings.

Single/Solo Walkers/Bookings are welcome on ALL our Hiking Holidays.

8 day Guided Holidays run Sat/Sat.

All holidays include quality accommodation, meals, transport & Walking Guide.

Pre/Post Tour Extra Nights:To book extra nights on our hiking holidays, please contact/confirm with us at the time of booking.

Credit Card Payment Welcome - Visa or MasterCard.

WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU INSURE YOUR WALK/HIKE HOLIDAY

Arrival Details:
It is a tremendous benefit if you let us know how, when and where you plan to arrive into Ireland before you start your holiday with us. We are happy to advise the best way to get to the starting point of your holiday, the most convenient airport & how to make any necessary connections. We are also happy to arrange a transfer for you if you require and keep your travel as cost effective as possible for you.. If we do not hear from you within two weeks of the start date of the tour, we will assume that you will make your own way to the first night’s accommodation.

• Your guide will meet you at 18.00hrs. for Briefing Session followed by dinner with the group at 19.00 hrs.
• Should you require extra night’s accommodation before or after your holiday, please advise us at the time of booking.
• Please visit www.irishrail.ie or www.buseireann.ie for advice & times of public transport
• Please note that Ireland can be a bit ‘damp’ both underfoot and overhead, with some liquid sunshine! Irish weather is unpredictable and the nature of walks can change quickly and dramatically because of the weather. This is one of the many pleasant aspects of hiking in Ireland. South West Walks Ireland reserves the right to alter this itinerary due to weather conditions or the walking ability of each group.
• Please refer to the accompanying “General Holiday Information” document to assist you in your holiday
preparation.

Grading: 1 boot