Tour Hiking And Island Hopping - Cork And Kerry

Guide

The services of an experienced and knowledgeable hiking guide/driver throughout

Meals

Most meals during the trip (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Others

6 days of hiking on the breathtaking peninsulas and rugged islands of Ireland’s southwest All boat & ferry transfers to each island as on the itinerary Any activities as stated on the itinerary

Transport

All transportation throughout the trip starting in Cork and finishing in Limerick

Accommodation

6 nights accommodation in hand-picked, family-run guesthouses, B&Bs and boutique hotels

Not included:

Optional

Single Supplements of €350 are available on a limited basis. Please enquire to check availability.

Others

Other activities and services are not included.

Insurance

Insurance is not included.

Flights

Flights are not included.

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Day 1 Day 1: The Pirates Of Baltimore
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: The Pirates Of Baltimore

After meeting in Cork, we travel to the historical fishing town of Baltimore. We’ll stretch our legs with a short hike en route to this vibrantly colourful heritage town known for tales of conquests, abductions and pirates thanks to the town’s exotic visitors. Relax before dinner or stroll along the shore with views of the magical Carbery’s 100 Isles scattered across the aptly-named Roaring Water Bay. (L,D)

Hike details: 5km/ 3 miles | approx. 2 hours
Day 2 Day 2: Cape Clear Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Cape Clear Island

Lying 13km off the coast is Ireland’s southernmost inhabited island, and traditionally the last glimpse of Europe for those who once sailed to North America by ship. Cape Clear is a Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) island just 5km long and 2km wide. Hiking across the island, we’ll explore its ancient sites, spot the rich birdlife and perhaps even visit a herd of goats to taste some of their very own ice cream. On most days, the iconic silhouette of the dramatic Fastnet Rock Lighthouse can be seen to the northwest of the island. (B,L)

Hike details: 7km/ 4.5 miles | approx. 3 hours
Day 3 Day 3: Sheep’S Head Peninsula
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Sheep’S Head Peninsula

Heading north, we discover an unspoilt, rolling green landscape so impressive it has been named a European Destination of Excellence. In fact, some of Ireland’s best dairy produce comes from this region and sampling local cheese is a must. This timeless region never ceases to surprise where dramatic views, lush emerald hills and charming farmland abound. On our hike, which takes in sections of the Sheep’s Head Way, we will experience some breathtaking views of the headland before continuing to our accommodation in the vibrant town of Kenmare. (B,L)

Hike details: 8km/ 5miles | approx. 3-4 hours
Day 4 Day 4: Skellig Michael - ’Star Wars’ Island
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Skellig Michael - ’Star Wars’ Island

Ireland’s most famous islands, the Skelligs are two jagged rock pinnacles rising above battering Atlantic waves. It was on UNESCO site Skellig Michael, that the monks of yesteryears once lived and prayed in stone beehive huts which still cling to the island’s rocky slopes. Today, we’ll follow in the footsteps of these 7th century Irish monks to their dramatic island retreat. The small Skellig is equally renowned as a home to 27,000 pairs of gannets, the second-largest colony in the world. The islands have famously been used as a filming location for the 2015 and 2017 Star Wars movies. (B,L)

Hike details: The Skellig Michael hike is short but involves climbing 618 ancient steps
Day 5 Day 5: The Old Kenmare Road
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: The Old Kenmare Road

Leaving the coast behind, we spend the day enjoying part of Ireland’s most iconic long distance trail, the Kerry Way. The trail follows part of an old military road built in the 1700s as a means of moving soldiers from the port of Kenmare around the majestic mountain range, the MacGuillycuddy’s Reeks. After enjoying views across Kenmare Bay and a splendid horseshoe of mountain peaks, we’ll descend towards the lush green oak woods on the outskirts of Killarney National Park. (B,L)

Hike details: 6.5km/ 4 miles | approx. 3 hours
Day 6 Day 6: The Abandoned Blasket Islands
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: The Abandoned Blasket Islands

On our final hike, we’ll explore the narrow paths that weave across the rich fabric of landscape on the largest of the Blasket Islands, the Great Blasket. Inhabited until the 1950s by a small island community who left behind a strong literary legacy, today the islands are eerily silent, with abandoned cottages still huddled on the island’s slopes. The remote island cliffs are home to a myriad of seabirds, and whales, dolphins and seals are regular maritime visitors. Back on the mainland, spend the evening in Dingle town, one of the strongest bastions of traditional Irish music, joining the locals in a cozy pub to experience some real ‘craic agus ceoil’ to mark our last night together. (B,L,D)

Hike details: 6.5km/ 4 miles | approx. 3 hours
Day 7 Day 7: Dingle Town & Departure
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Dingle Town & Departure

After a relaxing breakfast, we get the chance to explore the vibrant town of Dingle, which is renowned not only for its quaint and colourful streets but also for its artists and craftsmen. We then bid farewell to our fellow travellers at Limerick Railway Station, from which there are regular connections to Dublin via train. (B)

7 days tour

Hiking And Island Hopping - Cork And Kerry

This tour includes:

Not included:

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Itinerary of your trip Hiking And Island Hopping - Cork And Kerry

Day 1: The Pirates Of Baltimore

Day 2: Cape Clear Island

Day 3: Sheep’S Head Peninsula

Day 4: Skellig Michael - ’Star Wars’ Island

Day 5: The Old Kenmare Road

Day 6: The Abandoned Blasket Islands

Day 7: Dingle Town & Departure

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