Luxury Ireland Walk (Cork, Killarney & Ancient Celtic Wonders) 6D5N, Fully Guided

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: 304.8m (1000ft)
Level 2, Approx. 8.04km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 365.76m (1200ft)

Meet your trip leaders at 10 a.m. at Hayfield Manor located at the top of Perrott Avenue, off College Road in Cork City. Arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage and a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today's hike (your luggage will be transported to your first night's accommodation).

Welcome to Ireland, where a unique trio of natural spectacles, an intriguing past, and vibrant village culture blend to give you an unforgettable walking, and hiking experience. Our Irish venture begins after we gather in Cork and shuttle to Killarney National Park and the entryway to the Gap of Dunloe - a mind-blowing glaciated valley.

Begin your hike down a paved road towards the Gap of Dunloe before ascending a route into the lofty glens below MacGillycuddy's Reeks, which are home to some of Ireland's tallest peaks. We proceed down a path of switchbacks to an overlook of lush Kerry farmlands where Ireland’s best butter - Kerrygold is produced. The viewpoint boasts breathtaking vista of Reeks mountain range.

We continue up the mountain, passing through highland bogs until we reach Strickeen Mountain's top, which is just below Carrauntoohil, Ireland's tallest peak. You can see the lush Beaufort fields below you, and Lough Leane spreads out behind you into Killarney town. We travel back the way we came and take a shuttle to our home for two nights after soaking in the expansive sights.

You’ll stay at a quaint Victorian country manor and are welcomed by the proprietors, Frank and Mary Slattery. Unwind in a lakeside location nestled on acres of lush gardens. Take a lovely enchanting stroll down to the lake before a delightful dinner at its onsite restaurant renowned for its country house cooking. Dine with breathtaking view of Caragh Lake ringed by the Kerry Mountains.

THREE HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 3, Approx. 13km (8 miles), Elevation gain: 365.76m (1200ft)
Level 4, Approx. 16km (10 miles), Elevation gain: 426.72m (1400ft)
Level 4, Approx. 19.31km (12 miles), Elevation gain: 518.16m (1700ft).

Enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast before hiking the celebrated Kerry Way, the longest marked pathway in Ireland. The trail is easy on most parts of the hike, but it may get challenging in some wet and mucky areas. The walk covers the beautiful towns of Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem, and Kenmare. Be captivated by spectacular Irish landscapes, Killarney lakes, gripping Atlantic coastline, photogenic rural vistas, and towering mountains along the way.

Ascend the Seefin Mountain's northeastern side through the remote Glencar Valley to Windy Gap, where you'll find breathtaking views of Caragh Lake and Dingle Bay. Set foot in the town of Glenbeigh, famous for its beach, lake, and rock arts, where we will have a pub lunch. After an appetizing meal, you can opt to hike along a route through green woods, down the silent back roads, and gradually up the sensational coastal bays.

The alternate freedom will be to directly head to the isolated country home, sip a cup of tea, explore the gardens, and loosen up. We'll have a shanachie with us tonight, a special kind of storyteller who used to be in charge of passing along Irish history and mythology down the generations. This evening, delight yourself to another delicious meal at our inn's restaurant. We advise ordering the fresh fish that is caught every day from the lake. Spend the rest of the evening around the fireplace with a cup of Irish coffee or sip on a hot whiskey.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 4.8km (3 miles), Elevation gain: minimal elevation gain
Level 1, Approx. 6.4km (4 miles), Elevation gain: minimal elevation gain

Today, Irishman Michael Murphy, a local guide, hikes with us into the stunning Killarney National Park. For more than 20 years, Michael has been our key to the Irish countryside. Take a shuttle to the calm shore of Muckross Lake, the deepest in Ireland, homing a great variety of fish.

Our hike takes us to the impressive view of Torc waterfall, a picture-perfect waterfall flanked by eye-soothing green vegetation. Here, Michael awaits us to lead us on a leisurely interpretive stroll through the Muckross estate. We see submerged gardens and the atmospheric remains of Muckross Abbey, a former monastery and cemetery. Dating back to the rise of Christianity in Ireland, the ruins are still in a descend condition, unlike the cemetery, which is active.

At Ross Castle, after a quick shuttle ride, we have a wonderful picnic close to the coast of Lough Leane, followed by a visit to the 15th-century repaired tower that is encircled by a bawn (a fortified enclosure). The castle is built near the brim of Killarney’s lower lake and holds an intriguing tale of fortune. Another great thrill-inducing activity will be to experience falconry firsthand in Killarney National Park.

Continue your stroll around the park with Michael, maybe catching a glimpse of the renowned Kerry cow—one of Europe's oldest breeds, recognized for generating high butterfat content—as we approach the busy Killarney town center. Send time meandering around the shops or simply explore other fascinations around the town like restaurants and authentic Irish bars.

Alternatively, journey straight to your home this evening, the opulent Killarney Park Hotel. Unwind in the hot tub and indoor pool or treat yourself to a massage, facial, or body treatment (at own expense). Tonight, dine at your own leisure at the stately bar or beautiful dining room of the hotel. For those in pursue of some adventure can venture into town and savour a glimpse of Killarney’s lively Irish pub scene.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 3, Approx. 11.26km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 457.2m (1500ft)
Level 5, Approx. 20.92km (13 miles), Elevation gain: 731.52m (2400ft)

After a delicious breakfast, we board a shuttle to the top of Torc Waterfall, where our friend, Michael Murphy, joins us again for a hike through the outlying Old Killarney-Kenmare Road, which once served as the only route to access the two cities. On both sides of the long road, we observe sheer silence, the absence of human settlements, and the presence of sheep. Torc Mountain offers 360-degree views of the surrounding moss-colored hills after a moderate yet energizing ascent. The clear day permits you to take in the enchanting views of The Magillicuddy Reeks, Mount Mangerton, the Paps, and the Lakes of Killarney from the mountain’s summit.

The road passes via the ruins of abandoned homes that date to the Irish Clearances, a time when landowners evicted residents to make way for deer hunting. The route eventually descends to one of the secluded treasures of Ireland, Derrycunnihy Church, via one of Ireland's greatest remaining natural oak woodlands. From here, you may trek or take a shuttle to Kenmare, where we'll be staying for the next two nights at Park Hotel Kenmare, regarded as one of the world’s most revered and inspirational luxury hotels set in the tranquil Kenmare Bay. Relax at the Cocktail Bar featuring one of Europe’s largest whiskey collection or take a refreshing dip in its picturesque pool. For those in pursue for a relaxed pace can unwind with a spa treatment at Sámas, which is Gaelic for "indulgence of the senses." (at own expense).

Alternatively, explore the life around town, browsing crafts and clothes or cafes. Choose your unique way to spend the time learning some chocolate making at Lorge Chocolatier or give a visit to the Tom Crean Brewery, built in honor of the remarkable Antarctic explorer Tom Crean who ended up being a pub owner. This evening, dinner is at your own leisure with an array of Kenmare’s eateries to choose from.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8.04km (5 miles), Elevation gain: 213.36m (700ft)
Level 3, Approx. 11.26km (7 miles), Elevation gain: 426.72m (1400ft)

In the company of our local guide for one more time, we set out on journeying through the countryside. Today, we traverse the rugged coast of the barely inhabited Beara Peninsula. A Spanish princess who fell in love with an Irish warrior gave the Beara Peninsula its name. One of Ireland's hottest regions, Beara, is said to be the land of fertility. Most of the peninsula is still undeveloped and likely still resembles what it did to the ancient Celts.

To see views of the peninsula, bay, lakes, and mountains shaped by glaciers, take a bus to the trailhead and then climb along the Beara Way and up to Mount Knockagarrane, a 414m hill. Enjoy the panoramic view of Lough Inchiquin and the Inchiquin Valley from the ridgetop. Stop at a stone circle before continuing on paved roads to our picnic location at a waterfall's base. Weather permitting, go on a route that overlooks the waterfall after lunch or explore Kenmare. Alternatively, spend the afternoon at the spa or on the golf course (at own expense).

This evening, be treated to a special whisky tasting where our resident whiskey connoisseur John Moriarty joins us for cocktails on our final night together on the Emerald Isle. Raise your toast to the Irish spirit with gratitude and sit for dinner tonight to give yourself yet another palatable treat.

Level 1, Approx. 3.21km (2 miles), Elevation gain: minimal elevation gain

Time is yours this morning to wander along the Reenagross Park, walking past the old-growth woods, native flora, and saltwater marshes, and proceed past the pier to the largest stone circle in southwest Ireland. The park is a nature lover’s paradise featuring a pathway of scattered pink flowers.

A dolmen, or megalithic tomb with a capstone, is located in the middle of this 2000 BC Druid's circle. When the stroll comes to a close, you may go last-minute shopping, visit the history center, or head back to the hotel for some rest before we bid each other farewell.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.