Hidden Ireland

Introduction
Northern Eastern Ireland Ireland
Embark on an epic 2-week journey of hikes all around Ireland! 

During this journey, you will be able to discover the Giant’s Causeway, hills and coast of Donegal, a sheep dog demonstration, coastal Sligo, the rocky Burren in Clare, the Dingle Peninsula, Gougane Barra Forest in Cork, and the historic Rock of Cashel in Tipperary.

Tour Highlights
- A fabulous walk at the Giant's Causeway
- Antrim Coastal Path
- High cliffs of Donegal
- Poor House Museum at Dunfanaghy
- Mountains and rivers of Donegal
- The Cliffs of Moher, Co Clare
- Magnificent Burren Scenery
- Dingle Peninsula
- Pretty Kenmare Town
- Magnificent Kerry scenery
- Traditional Music in Kenmare

Accomodation

Accommodations
This is a progressive tour so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
All our accommodations have been carefully selected and are approved by the high standards of the Irish Tourist Board. We have chosen locations of outstanding natural beauty, so that you can enjoy the best of Irish rural life and scenery. You will enjoy top quality accommodation in small, family run guesthouses and hotels whilst being charmed by the hospitable and friendly hosts.
We stay in small hotels, guest houses, farmhouses, B & B's and occasionally castles.

Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1 & 2: Accommodation in Bushmills
Night 3 & 4: Accommodation in Dunfanaghy
Night 5: Accommodation in Grange
Night 6: Accommodation in Strandhill
Night 7 & 8: Accommodation in Ballyvaughan or Lisdoonvarna
Night 9: Accommodation in Newcastle West
Night 10, 11 & 12: Accommodation in Dingle
Night 13 & 14: Accommodation in Kenmare

Room Occupancy
All rooms are en suite twin, double or single. Singles are available on request for a small supplement.


Meals:
All meals are included in your package except from dinner on Day 5, 6, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

Each morning, in addition to the famous full Irish breakfast, there are alternative options available. Everybody loves the Irish soda bread, with creamy Irish butter. But for the more health conscious, you can be assured of plenty of fruit, juice, yogurts and cereals.

We take packed lunches for our lunch breaks during our walks. These are provided from our accommodation or from local delis.

Our evenings are a time for reviewing the day's activities and shared experiences on the hills. Evening meals are taken either in the places where we are staying or in local restaurants. You will be pleasantly surprised at the fine quality meals you will enjoy on your tour.

Riding

This holiday, guided by someone who really knows and cares for Ireland, is the best way to see this enchanting country; imagine yourself hiking (or walking) over Irish mountains, pausing by Irish lakes, drinking in Irish pubs and listening to traditional Irish music.

These hiking trips show you the best of Ireland, its picturesque scenery, the grandeur of its mountains, the warmth and hospitality of its people and the magic of their music. Call it an Irish walking holiday; a hiking vacation in Ireland; even a sabbatical - maybe you're researching Ireland, perhaps for a thesis or book; or perhaps you want to see the Ireland of your Irish ancestors. Call it any or all of these, but treat yourself to a tour of Erin's Isle anyway.
Our hiking tours of Ireland are fully escorted by experienced, professional guides. We travel through Ireland in groups of no more than twelve people. We will escort you on hikes through Ireland's most scenic trails, walk through undiscovered routes lined with extraordinary vistas.

Ireland has a lot to offer the walker: dramatic sea cliffs, high mountain ridges, quiet green roads, butter roads, fuchsia-lined lanes, heath and moorland, sweeping expanses of beach. And then there are the sleepy villages, oak woods, sky-blue lakes, torrential waterfalls and babbling brooks.
Ireland's climate ideally suits the walker as generally it rarely gets too hot to be uncomfortable. Rain and cloud-formations are what bring the interesting light patterns and rainbows. The Western coast and islands are known for magnificent sunsets.

Don't be surprised at the very few people you will meet whilst walking, after all, the entire population of Ireland is only around four million! Ireland is a birdwatcher's paradise with many rarities such as the corncrake. It is also a great place for botanists, especially the area of the Burren, Co. Clare.

Maybe the best attraction of all is the people, you'll never find another place like it for hospitality, friendliness, warmth, generosity, humor, love of life and love of the land.

Hiking Level
It is important that you are fit and at least a regular hiker / walker. When we do half day walks the distance covered could be from 4 to 9 miles, when we do full day walks the distances covered could be 6 to 13 miles. The pace is relaxed with time to enjoy your surroundings, take pictures, watch the birds, etc. Generally the terrain comprises of combinations of tracks, lanes, moorland, heath, coastal paths, beaches and mountain paths. You may choose not to walk on certain days, it's your holiday, there are always alternatives. You may prefer to relax at our accommodation, draw, paint, read, think...
Generally after a day of walking we can help ourselves to complimentary tea and coffee at our accommodation. We allow for some relaxation time before dinner. We have an official "Diary" which has been kept by previous groups and you may choose to make a contribution at the end of your day. After dinner there is nearly always the option of visiting the local pubs for some traditional music and dancing.

Itinerary

Sample itinerary - subject to changes

The itinerary below is subject to change for varying reasons. Any changes made by the operator and / or the tour leaders will be in the interest and safety of all participants.

Day 1: Meet at Dublin Airport. Travel to Antrim Via Hillsborough    
The first part of our journey will take us directly north from Dublin to the coast of County Antrim. We will stop on the way for a visit to Hillsborough the famous and historical village in County Down renowned for its beautiful castle and Georgian houses. For our first two nights we will stay at a lovely guest house with great views of the Antrim Coast. The Antrim Coast is an official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and you will soon see for yourself how the title was earned. After dinner there should be time for a short stroll along the Causeway Coast.
Terrain: sandy beach | Elevation gain: sea level
Walking Distance 3 miles (4.8 km)
Overnight: Bushmills, County Antrim
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2:  Hike the Antrim Coast from the Giant's Causeway to Dunseverick
Our walk today will take us along the stunning Antrim coastline, highlighted by the world famous Giants Causeway. The Causeway consists of thousands of hexagonal black basalt columns. Sixty million years ago an undersea explosion resulted in this fascinating geological structure, and it is officially known as one of the great wonders of the Natural World.  The views are spectacular along this entire route, and in fine weather, it is possible to see straight across to the coast of Scotland.
Alternative Walk Options: there is a shorter alternative of hiking just four miles.
Terrain: well-maintained coast path, beach, cliffs | Elev 150 ft.
Walking Distance 8 miles (12.8 km)
Overnight: Bushmills, County Antrim
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Travel from Antrim to Donegal & Hike Glenveagh National Park
We’re off into the west today to County Donegal: we will be located in the village of Dunfanaghy, in the Gaelic-speaking region of north western Ireland. Our accommodation is the award-winning Mill Guest House and Restaurant. This area is famous for excellent traditional Irish music and we hope to be able to enjoy hearing some music in the pubs. We will stop at Glenveagh National Park for a walk which begins in the wild country in the mountains and finishes at the beautiful Lough Beagh and Glenveagh Castle gardens.
Alternative Walk Options: there is a shorter alternative of hiking just one or two miles.
Terrain: lakeside forest path | Elev: 50 ft.
Walking Distance 7 miles (11.2 km)
Overnight: Dunfanaghy, County Donegal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Visit Poor House Museum & Hike Ards Forest Park
Setting out this morning, our walk today will be at the Ards Forest Park peninsula. This is one of the northernmost peninsulas of County Donegal. This is the longest Ards Forest Park trail, visiting a variety of habitats, with interesting flora and fauna.  We switch from level ground at the seashore to more difficult conditions at higher elevations, providing much wonderful hill and coastal scenery.  On our return through Dunfanaghy there will be time to visit the Poor House Museum. We will round off the day nicely with another wonderful four-course dinner at the Mill.
Terrain: road, forest, beach / dunes, coastal path| Elev: 50 ft.
Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9 km)
Overnight: Dunfanaghy, County Donegal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Hike Creevy Coastal Trail & Travel to Sligo
This morning we will head south to County Sligo, but on our way we stop to walk near Rossnowlagh to hike the Creevy Coastal Walk – walkers are enchanted by breathtaking views along this specially constructed cliff walk. The  route passes over moor and farmland and beach. Tonight we will stay at Grange in County Sligo.
Alternative Walk Options: if you don’t wish to walk, there is a lovely small hotel at Creevy Pier where you can while away the time admiring the sea views with a good book and coffee!
Terrain: fields, beach, cliff path, occasional muddy track | Elev: 300 ft.
Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9 km)
Overnight: Grange, County Sligo
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 6: Hike Benulben Forest Park & Sheepdog Demonstration
Our walk today is in the foothills of the mighty mountain Benbulben. A pleasant easy hike in the footsteps of W. B Yeats.  After this we visit a nearby sheep farm for a sheep dog demonstration.  Our overnight stop is the lovely seaside town of Strandhill, County Sligo.
Alternative walk options: take an easy 2 mile stroll at Benbulben Forest Park.
Terrain: clear forest track and open gravel paths | Elev: 50 ft.
Walking Distance 4 miles (6.4 km)
Overnight: Strandhill, County Sligo
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Visit Galway & travel to County Clare
We leave Galway at lunchtime  and then travel south to the Burren Region of County Clare – a huge plateau of limestone and shale aptly summed up with the words, “savage land, yielding neither water enough to drown a man, nor a tree to hang him, nor soil enough to bury him”. The Burren, also described as a strange lunar-like region of bare carboniferous limestone, occupies around one hundred square miles of County Clare. Below the surface of the Burren is the most remarkable network of spectacular caves, streams and potholes.
Terrain: forest tracks, green road, stoney trails | Elev: 100 ft.
Walking Distance 4 miles (6.4 km)
Overnight: Ballyvaughan or Lisdoonvarna in the Burren
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Coastal Burren Hike
Today we will be accompanied by our local expert guide. He will take us to sites of botanical, geological and archaeological interest. The Burren region is famous for its flora: you will never see anything like the carpets of primroses, coastal displays of sea pinks, or the white flower of the blackthorn cascading over all the hedgerows. Rare and spectacular plants occur in abundance. Orchids grow everywhere in the Burren and 23 out of the 27 Irish species are to be found here.
Terrain: coastal Burren trail and stoney track | Elev: 300 ft.
Walking Distance 5 miles (8 km)
Overnight: Ballyvaughan or Lisdoonvarna in the Burren
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Hike from Cliffs of Moher to Doolin
The Cliffs of Moher: one of Ireland’s most notable sights. Towering 660 feet above the wild Atlantic, these cliffs are noted for abundant birdlife including puffins. We will begin our walk at the Cliffs and hike six miles along the cliff path to Doolim. Leaving County Clare, we will travel south to Newcastle West in County Limerick.
Alternative Walk Option: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just 2-3 miles available.
Terrain: gravel and stone cliff path | Elev: 200 ft.
Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)
Overnight: Newcastle West, County Limerick
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch 

Day 10: Travel to Dingle Peninsula & Hike the Coastal Path
We will drive south from Newcastle West to . We will arrive in the late morning in Dingle.  Our first walk on the Dingle Peninsula will be along the coast past the old lighthouse, looking out across Dingle Harbour.  We make our walk past dramatic cliffs and coves to Beenbawn and return by the same route.
Alternative walk options: stroll in to Dingle town to visit the shops / galleries / restaurants.
Terrain: coastal path of gravel and grass | Elev: 300 ft.
Walking Distance 4 miles (6.4 km)
Overnight: Dingle, County Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch 

Day 11: Hike the far end of Dingle Peninsula
We travel today to the western side of the Brandon Ridge to walk at Ballydavid Head, for one of the best walks on the Dingle Peninsula. We climb gently through moorland grass to reach a fine vantage point with expansive views of the surrounding hills, fields, mountains, sea and cliffs. This area could be described as a “photographer’s paradise”. We will take our time to take pictures, relax, and enjoy the views. We will then return to Dingle for some free time to browse the lovely shops and galleries.
Alternative Walk Option: stroll in to Dingle town to visit the shops / galleries / restaurants.
Terrain: country lanes, coast path, steep cliff, moorland | Elev: 1000 ft.
Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)
Overnight: Dingle, County Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch 

Day 12: North Side to South Side of Dingle Peninsula
We will drive across the highest road pass in Ireland, the Connor Pass to reach the spectacular green valley of Magha na Bo. Our path leads through a beautiful steep-sided valley towards the pass at Beenbo Mountain. We climb gently beside the river and on to open heathland where we can find the elusive sundew and butterwort (insectivorous plants of the bog) and the feathery white flags of the bog cotton. We cross over the pass and follow a track to Annascaul village. We can visit the South Pole Inn: once owned by Tom Crean, one of the heroes of the Shackleton expedition to the South Pole.
Alternative Walk Options: there is a shorter option available of 3-4 miles
Terrain: mountain track, bog, country lanes | Elev: 1100 ft.
Walking Distance 9 miles (14.5 km)
Overnight: Dingle, County Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch 

Day 13: Killarney Lakes
Today we will take a boat across the Lakes of Killarney to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, a Victorian hunting Lodge.   From here we will hike the beautiful Kerry Way through the valleys and forests of the Kerry mountains.  We then travel further south to Kenmare, County Kerry.
Terrain: forest trails (sometimes muddy), some rocky paths | Elev: 600 ft.
Walking Distance 6 miles (12.8 km)
Overnight: Kenmare, County Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Day 14: Walk part of Kerry Way
Today we will again walk part of the Kerry Way: starting at Gowlane, the trail climbs 140m over next 2km leading towards a gap between Peakeen Mountain and Knockanaguish. Looking back to the south, there are great views across Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula.
Walk Options: the full walk is 6 miles long, there is an alternative option of just hiking one or two miles
Terrain: boardwalk, stone tracks | Elev: 1200 ft.
Walking Distance 6 miles (9.6 km)
Overnight: Kenmare, County Kerry
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner 

Day 15: Departure
We must say Goodbye to Ireland after our 1 hour drive to Killarney, where you can take a bus or train to Dublin.
Meals Included: Breakfast


Note: Many clients come on a tour who wish to do very little hiking. Every day there are alternative options such as sight-seeing, relaxing, reading, painting, listening to Irish traditional music, and generally just soaking up the Irish atmosphere. You can opt out of the hiking on any day! All our accommodations are based in scenic locations, so you are very welcome to just remain “home” for the day.

Rates and Dates for Hidden Ireland

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Dublin
Airport: Dublin
Transfer: Dublin airport

Climate:
                                                    Strandhill area