I had a grand time. The walks were varied and challenging and the scenery marvellous. The service is outstanding. The accommodations are lovely. - B hasselback, USA
This walking tour based in the South West of Ireland in Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry, offers you what may seem to be the impossible - a single base (no packing and unpacking each day) but with a sense of completing a journey. Four legs of the Kerry Way and old coach and butter roads take you from the Atlantic Ocean on the shore of Dingle Bay through the wild valleys of Mid Kerry to the Killarney National Park. The experience of travelling on foot as in days of yore is complemented by superb views, unique flora and fauna and a landscape imbued with folklore. Add ample opportunities to enjoy the craic (the fun) of evenings in an Irish pub and you get a satisfying cultural experience.
Your package price includes everything - accommodation, guided walks and breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of your tour.
Tour Highlights
Glenbeigh – a picturesque, vibrant village by the Atlantic ocean
Rossbeigh Beach – an award winning blue flag beach
Killarney National Park – lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer 19th century Muckross House (optional) and Gardens
Optional boat trip to the Skelligs islands (a monastic settlement from 600AD)
Rock Art (4,000 years old)
Traditional Irish music and dance
Weather & Grading
The walks are graded as moderate and, provided you pace yourself properly, a reasonable level of fitness should be adequate to allow you to enjoy the tour. The distance is determined by the siting of registered accommodation. While the Ways, when offroad, use paths in the main, there are sections of bog/moorland and it can be rough and wet underfoot. There are ascents, some steepish, most days. Our previous American travelers who have walked the routes describe it as hiking. Remember also that the weather can affect your perception of the grading. A very wet windy day, and indeed a very hot one, can demand greater effort from you.
With prevailing southwesterly winds, bringing clean air and the warming currents of the Gulf Stream off the Atlantic Ocean, the West Coast of Ireland has a temperate climate – mild winters (average temperature 6.5 deg.C) and cool summers (15 deg.C). Frost is rare in winter and the temperature is suitable for walking/hiking all year round. There is rain (why else would Ireland be green?) but it is unlikely to last more than a day or may considerately fall at night! Indeed, you are most likely to experience alternating sunshine and showers.
Clothing and Equipment
You should select what you bring with you to suit the conditions outlined above (Grading and Weather). Everyone has different needs (and views) but it is recommended that you bring:
Warm and waterproof clothing (top and bottom raingear, ideally breathable; perhaps gaiters for muddier sections in case you walk in a period with more rain than normal). A number of light layers is preferable to heavyweight clothing.
Good waterproof boots (ankle support and a good cleat for grip) and appropriate socks to go with them. Needless to say, the boots should be well broken in. Training shoes are not suitable. On some legs of the Kerry Way in summer, guides are happy to wear the new breed of walking sandal and you might pack a pair for back-up use. However, if you are unsure of ankle strength, you should not take the risk of wearing them on the Way.
Gloves and headgear should be carried outside of the summer period. Shorts, a sunhat, sunglasses and suncream are useful/necessary for fairer weather. It may help you to know that it is practice is to use walking shorts from May to September (and don waterproof trousers over them on very rare occasions). Those who have taken the walks in the past have confirmed that this is the most comfortable attire. Long trousers and shorts may be needed the same week. Note that jeans are not recommended – they retain water and are cold in wet weather. A wicking material is most suitable for undergarments.
A day sack, for your spare clothing and packed lunch. Your luggage will be transported from your guesthouse to the next as you walk. Please try to confine yourself to one bag for transfer purposes.
A flask, in case you would like the guesthouse owner to top it up in the morning with boiling water/hot drink; perhaps a separate cold water flask; a spoon for use with packed lunch; a plastic sandwich box (avoids crushed sandwiches).
Other items depend on your normal practice but don't overlook a first aid kit (blister plasters, personal medications, etc.), camera, binoculars, notebook and pencil, and the likes. Insect repellent may be useful. Midges are met on occasion - but not to the extent that you may have experienced in parts of Scotland.
A torch - could be useful when walking at night to or from the local hostelry!
Accommodation & Map
Glenbeigh
(Gleann Beithe – Valley of the Birch trees) is a beautiful vibrant village situated by the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the mountains of the Iveragh peninsula, on the Ring of Kerry. Walk on the 6 miles of golden, blue flag beach of Rossbeigh, while breathing in the fresh Atlantic sea air. The town has great pubs and restaurants where you will have the opportunity to hear traditional Irish music or even partake in some dancing! Situated on the Kerry Way walking route you can walk from your guesthouse on two days.
Walking Lodge Accommodation
Your accommodation for the week is in Kerry Ocean Lodge, a quality 20-bedroom walking lodge, based in the centre of Glenbeigh with every walkers need catered for. Every room has a TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathroom. There is also free internet access, free laundry facilities and private parking.
Seven nights in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouse based on two adults sharing with private bathroom.
7 hot cooked full Irish breakfasts
Five packed lunches
Six dinners
Transfers to and from walks each day
Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
Notes and maps by Seán Ó Súilleabháin
Transfer from/to to Kerry and Shannon Airports for a small supplement (Please see details below)
Kerry Gems Walking Tour 4 night Option
4 nights in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouse based on two adults sharing with private bathroom.
4 hot cooked full Irish breakfasts
3 packed lunches
4 dinners
Transfers to and from walks each day
Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
Notes and maps by Seán Ó Súilleabháin
Transfer from/to to Kerry and Shannon Airports for a small supplement (Please see details below)
Transfers from Shannon Airport to Kerry
Transfers from Shannon Airport
All transfers from Shannon airport to Kerry will depart at 12.00 on Saturdays and arrive back at Shannon at 11.00 on Saturdays. Shannon transfers run from 22nd May to 9th October 2010.
Price: US$90.00 one way / US$180.00 return per person. Please advise your agent at the time of booking if you will require these transfers.
Transfers from Kerry Airport
All transfers to/from Kerry airport to Killarney, Tralee, Camp and Glenbeigh will operate between 07.00 and 18.00 on Saturdays. Kerry airport transfers run throughout the year.
Price: US$38.00 one way / US$76.00 return per person. Please advise your agent at the time of booking if you will require these transfers.
Public transport
There is a frequent shuttle bus from Shannon airport to Limerick. You can then get a direct bus from Limerick to either Killarney or Tralee. See www.buseireann.ie for details. We recommend that you arrive in Shannon in the morning to make the connections.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
19.00 hrs. Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at guesthouse in Glenbeigh.
Day 2 Dooks Beach and Mountain
A gentle walk on road, bog road and beach allows you to experience a variety of habitats (blanket bog, sand dune, freshwater lake/stream and seashore) as well as to view peat cuttings. End the walk with a visit to Ireland’s only Bog Village museum where you can see how people lived in olden days.
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Ascent: 50m/165ft
Day 3 The Kerry Way (Kells-Glenbeigh)
The first walk takes you on the early Christian route and medieval coaching road, with detours to view archaeological artefacts and 4,000-year-old rock art, views across Dingle Bay and a possible diversion to a beach for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent: 300m/1,000ft
Day 4 The Kerry Way (Glenbeigh-Glencar)
You walk from the seaside village of Glenbeigh, ascend gradually to circle Seefin Mountain and stroll downwards into the lush valley of the Caragh River in storied Glencar.
Via Windy Gap - Distance: 13km/ 8miles Ascent 350m/1,150ft Via Treanmanagh - Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent 270m/ 900ft
Day 5 Free Day Options:
Boat trip to UNESCO World Heritage site of the Skelligs islands
Bus tours of the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula
Visit Killarney – cycle or stroll through the National Park. Enjoy the craft, book shops & tea houses.
Walk on the golden strands of the award winning blue flag beach of Rossbeigh.
Day 6 The Kerry Way (Black Valley) and the Gap of Dunloe
There is a choice of routes through the dramatic, ice-carved Black Valley, followed by a walk up and through the internationally known Gap of Dunloe.
Bridia Valley to Gap of Dunloe - Distance: 16km/10miles Ascent: 400m/1,300ft Derrycunnihy to Gap of Dunloe - Distance: 14km/8.75m Ascent: 200m/ 660ft
Day 7 Killarney National Park
The final leg of the Kerry Way takes you into Killarney National Park – through ancient oak woods, along the Old Kenmare Road, with a descent beside the spectacular Torc Cascade and into the gardens of Muckross House (19th century mansion), with its welcoming teashop. Optional extended walk to visit to the ruins of Muckross Friary (15th century).
The dates and prices listed below are per person for the 7-night/8-day tour. For more information on the 4-night/5-day option, please contact us directly.
From May 22, 2010To May 29, 2010$1,172
From May 29, 2010To June 5, 2010$1,172
From June 19, 2010To June 26, 2010$1,172
From June 26, 2010To July 3, 2010$1,172
From July 3, 2010To July 10, 2010$1,172
From July 17, 2010To July 24, 2010$1,172
From July 31, 2010To August 7, 2010$1,172
From August 14, 2010To August 21, 2010$1,172
From August 21, 2010To August 28, 2010$1,172
From September 4, 2010To September 11, 2010$1,172
From September 11, 2010To September 18, 2010$1,172
We value your privacy!
Authentic Ireland Travel is committed to protecting your privacy. We do not sell, rent, trade, or otherwise share your personal information with any third party.
