GUIDED TOURS

SELF GUIDED TOURS

General Information for Self guided Tours

Rates:
Rates include accommodations in comfortable guesthouses on a Bed & Breakfast basis; luggage transfers each day during the walks, route descriptions and maps. Airport transfers are not included, but we will provide you with the relevant bus or train timetables and help you to get to and from the start and finish points of the tour. Lunches and dinners are not included, but the route description includes information about where to get meals.

Climate:
Ireland's mild and humid climate is ideal for walking. You will never feel too hot! The summers are pleasantly warm. However, we do get rain and you need to bring a good weatherproof coat and trousers, sturdy day rucksack and most important of all sturdy waterproof boots is vital to the success of your holiday. Temperatures reach a maximum of 25 C/ 80 F in summer with variations down to 15 C/ 60 F on some days.

Bring some friends:
These are not group tours, but you can bring a party of friends along. Any tour can take a maximum of 6 participants.

Wicklow Way/ County Wicklow & Dublin ... back to Top / see Ireland Map

This famous footpath, the longest-established in Ireland, brings you from the lowland hills of south County Wicklow, through the most scenic areas of the Wicklow Mountain range and into the Dublin Hills. Commencing near Tinahely, your walks will bring you through evergreen forests, wild open mountain where deer roam and heather thrives, and remote valleys, including historic Glenmalure, and world famous Glendalough, where you visit the ruins of the 10^th century monastic city and walk in the footsteps of St.Kevin.

8 Days/ 7 Nights $450 Single +120      see: day to itinerary
10 Days/ 9 Nights $550  Single +150   see: day to itinerary

Western Way/ County Galway & Mayo ... back to Top / see Ireland Map

This long-distance route begins in County Galway and passes through the wild and green mountains of Connemara and into County Mayo, a beautiful wilderness of unspoiled historic bogland. You will cross through the Maumturk Mountains on the old Pilgrim's route and enjpy the peace and quiet of this lonely landscape. En route to Lively Westport, your final destination, the imposing mass of Croagh Patrick mountain (762m) accompanies you all day.
From County Galway through Connemara into County Mayo, Oughterard, Maam, Lough Inagh, Leenane, Drummin, Westport

8 Days/ 7 Nights $450 Single +120    see: day to itinerary

Burren Way/ County Clare

A short route through the fascinating landscape of the Burren, a wild and unspoiled limestone plateau where rare flowers abound. The tour includes an optional visit to the historic Aran Islands and passes the cliffs of Moher. On a hike across the hollow-resounding limestone pavement above Black Head, you will find a uniquely vibrant world of flora and fauna all of it thriving within the hospitality of the fertile rock. Your overnights are in Liscannor, Doolin, Fanore, Ballyvaughan

7 Days/ 6 Nights $350    Single +100           see: day to itinerary

Kerry Way/ County Kerry ...

A circuit which begins in Glenbeigh or in the bustling town of Killarney and brings you all around the beautiful, mountainous Iveragh Peninsula (the "Ring of Kerry"). It includes Killarney National Park, 10.000 acres of oakwoods and wild rhododenron and the "butter road" to Sneem. Lose yourself in the hospitality and friendliness of the Kerry people on this challenging route and experience the real Ireland. Your overnights are in villages such as Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem and Kenmare.

8 Days/ 7 Nights $450   Single +120                     see: day to itinerary
11 Days/ 10 Nights $650   Single +150                 see: day to itinerary

Dingle Way/ County Kerry

This delightful route covers the entire length of the Dingle Peninsula in north County Kerry, taking in spectacular mountain and coastline scenery. The trip includes nights in Tralee and Dingle, and an optional visit to the Blasket Islands. You will encounter en route many of Dingle's early Christian monuments, and pass through on of the last Gaelic-speaking areas in Ireland. Heading past villages such as Annascaul,Dunquin and Cloghan you will have ample opportunity to meet up with local people.

8 Days/ 7 Nights $450   Single +120          see: day to itinerary

Beara Way / West Cork

West Cork has a well-deserved reputation! The combination of its romantic scenery, friendly people and quiet roads ensure a quality holiday. Your tour starts in Glendarriff, visits Adrigole, Bere Isalnd, the old fishing port of Castletownbere, Tuosist and Kenmare. This is fabulous walking in one of Ireland's most unspoilt and quiet regions, where you will see many archaeological sites, including superb stone circles and megalithic tombs

8 Days/ 7 Nights $450   Single +120          see: day to itinerary

Guided Rambler Tours

Completely organized holidays; full board accommodation, transfers, tour leader and luggage transportation are all included. For those of you looking for a relaxed holiday.

The Wicklow Mountains ...

"heather, sheep trails and hidden lakes"

After meeting your guide in Dublin, your tour starts outside the charming village of Enniskerry, nestling at the foot of the Dublin Mountains, where we stay for two nights. On day two we explore the foothills of the Wicklow Mountains and climb Maulin Mt. (570m) and get a glimpse of the Powerscourt Waterfall. The next day we head down into Luggala Estate, owned by the Guinness family, walk around the peaceful shores of Lough Dan, and in Roundwood we take time to enjoy a refreshing drink in a local pub. We then move to our delightful family-run farmhouse in the Glem-nalure valley, where we stay for the rest of the week. Every evening you will be served a delicious four-course meal from the Old Farmhouse kitchen. Our next walk is through the lovely Vale of Clara, along the Avonmore River to the village of Rathdrum. A trip to Wicklow would not be complete without seeing the ruins of the 10th century monastic city of Glendalough; here we walk in the footsteps of St. Kevin, a 6th century hermit. On the next day we venture into the wilds of the Glenmalure Valley. In this spectacular area of Wicklow we climb to find the mysterious Kelly's Lough, high in the mountains where deer thrive and heather flourishes. On our last walking day we explore Kirikee Mountain and cross Mullacor and finish with a stretch of the famous Wicklow Way trail. The Glerunalure Inn provides a chance for a well earned drink!
7 nights in Laragh

2000 DATES

June 10-17 (sat)  July 8-15 (sat)  Aug 26-Sept 2 (sat)  Sept 30-Oct 7 (sat)

(Meeting Point: Dublin Airport at 11:00 am or between 12.00 and 15.00 hours at Coolakay House - ask for details)

PRICE: $745  (single room + $115)           DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY ***
Not included: Entries to visitors centers

see: day to itinerary

The Burren, Connemara, and Aran Islands

"rare flowers, historic islands and mountain wilderness"

The fascinating limestone rocks and pavements of the Burren form the backdrop to the first three days of your tour; for botanists and archaeologists alike it is a compelling place to visit. We are based near Lisdoonvama for three nights and our first walk is on the Burren Way trail overlooking Galway Bay Our second day takes us around Black Head over limestone pavement and we visit an impressive Celtic ringfort. On day three we board a ferry bound for Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. Here we visit the daunting cliff fort of Dun Aenghus and walk along the cliffs to get an insight into the traditions of island life. On returning to the mainland at Rossaveel we head for Connemara; in contrast to the harsh beauty of the Burren, here the mountain landscape is enfolded by endless colourful stretches of blanket bog. We are based for four nights at Lough Inagh and from here we explore the Maumturk Mountains, and the magnificent Twelve Bens; we walk right through the heart of these granite mountains and cross the old pilgrim's route at Mam Ean (the pass of the birds). We finish with a walk along the fjord of KiUary Harbour and a visit to Connemara National Park and Kylemore Abbey.
4 nights Inagh Valley - 3 nights Lisdoonvarna

2000 DATES

May 21-28 (sun)  June 17-24 (sat)  June 25-July 2 (sun)  July 15-22 (sat)  Aug 20-27 (sun)  Sept 9-16 (sat)  Sept 17-24 (sun)  Sept 30-Oct 7 (sat)

(Meeting Point: Shannon Airport 11:00 am or between 14.00 and 16.00 hours at Imperial Hotel, Lisdoonvama - ask for details)

PRICE: $775 (single room + $115)      DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY * /**
Not included: Ferry tickets, entries to visitors centers

see: day to itinerary

Highlands of Kerry...

"remote mountains, spectacular coastline and ancient monuments"

This tour explores the Iveragh Peninsula (or "Ring of Kerry"), staying in the colourful village of Sneem. The first walk is along a section of the Kerry Way footpath, from Blackwater Bridge back to our guesthouse through lush farmland. Then we hike from Caherdaniel to Sneem, along the "old butter road". During a full-day boat-trip to the Skellig Islands you will see the 6th century monastic settlement on Skellig Michael, and pass Little Skellig Rock where you can observe the 20,000 pairs of gannets and other seabirds which nest there. A day at Derrynane National Park will include a visit to the ancestral home of Ireland's famous liberator, Daniel O'Connell, then a walk on an old mass path from where there are superb views across Derrynane Bay. A challenging hike takes us from the shore of Lough Currane through the Windy Gap and into Caherdaniel village, where we can enjoy a drink in the Blind Piper pub. On your visit to Kerry you must see Killarney National Park. We cross through the heart of this beautiful part of Ireland with ancient oakwoods and wild rhododendron and get a chance to visit Muckross House, an imposing Victorian mansion, in a splendid lakeland setting. Our last night is spent in Killarney where we can stroll into town after dinner for a farewell evening of music and fun.
6 nights Glenbeigh, 1 night Mallow

2000 DATES

May 14 - 21 (sun)  June 10-17 (sat)  June 18-25 (sun)  July 8-15 (sat)  Aug 13-20 (sun)  Aug 26-Sept 2 (sat)  Sept 3-10 (sun)   Oct 7-14 (sat)

(Meeting Point: Shannon Airport 11.00 am or between 12:00 and 16:00 in Sneem)

PRICE: $755 (single room + $115)            DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY **
Not included: Ferry tickets, entries to visitors centers

see: day to itinerary

The Dingle Peninsula ...

"remote mountains, spectacular coastline and ancient monuments'

We are based in the little village of Annascaul for the first three nights in a cosy guesthouse with its own restaurant. On our first day's walk on the Dingle Peninsula we join the Dingle Way trail in Camp and follow a leisurely set of back roads to Inch strand before finishing in Annascaul at our guesthouse. We enjoy a more challenging hike around Annascaul Lake and climb up above the cliffs before setting off to our next base in Dingle town. From this bustling and colourful town with its delightful restaurants and old pubs we explore the northern and western end of the peninsula and walk to Slea Head on an old green road with marvellous views over the Blasket islands and 6th century "beehive" huts on the way We visit the Blaskets by boat the next day from Dunquin and get an insight into the harsh island life that once thrived here. Cultural and historical visits include Gallarus Oratory, Kilmakeader Church and other early Christian monuments and archaeological sites. The Three Sisters offer us a challenging cliff walk and on our final day we head up past Masatiompan Mt. on the Dingle Way trail to Brandon Point. This part of the peninusla is one of the last remaining areas in Ireland with no habitation or roads. Great views over the Atlantic and Tralee Bay accompany us all day as we climb to a high point at 700m. On our final night in Dingle we can join a rousing music session in one of the many pubs.
6 nights Annascaul - 1 night Mallow

2000 DATES

May 14 - 21 (sun)  June 10-17 (sat)  June 18-25 (sun)  July 8-15 (sat)  Aug 13-20 (sun)  Aug 26-Sept 2 (sat)  Sept 3-10 (sun)  Oct 7-14 (sat)

(Meeting Point: Shannon Airport at 11:00 am or between 12.00 and 16.00 hours in Anascaul - ask for details)

PRICE: $775 (single room + $115)        DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY **
Not included: Ferry tickets, entries to visitors centers
see: day to itinerary

West Cork

Your base for seven nights is Casey's Hotel in picturesque village of Glengarriff, on Bantry Bay. West Cork is famous for its scenery, hospitality and excellent seafood, and you will not be disappointed.
Highlights include historic Bere island, Dursey Island cable car, and the traditional fishing port of Castletownbere. The coastal views are second to none and there are many stone circles, ring forts, and other archaeological sites to discover.
7 nights Glengarriff

2000 DATES

June 10-17 (sat)  July 8-15 (sat)  Aug 26-Sept 2 (sat)  Oct 7-14 (sat)

(Meeting Point: Cork Airport at 11:00 or between 14.00 and 16.00 hours at the Casey's Hotel)

PRICE: $745 (single room + $115)        DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY **
Not included: Entries to visitors centers
see: day to itinerary

Mayo/Sligo/Donegal

A 12 day hike across 3 counties from Achill Island, to Ballintubber Abbey and Aghagower, ending up in the beautiful country side of Donegal.

2000 DATES

June 10 - 21 (sat-wed)  July 15 - 26 (sat-wed)  Aug 19 - 30 (sat-wed)  Sept 2 - 13 (sat-wed)

(Meeting Point: Sligo or Knock Airport between 12.00 and 16.00 hours)

PRICE: $1,145 (single room + $115)        DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY **
Not included: Entries to visitors centers
see: day to itinerary

EQUIPMENT YOU NEED TO BRING: ...