Take to the footpaths for an intimate discovery of Ireland’s most legendary landscapes. Mythical tales of Celtic fairies ad heaven-like realms come to mind, as you amble through a patchwork of valleys and mystic lakes. As you walk, absorb the very essence of Ireland.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Galway
Begin your journey with an overnight flight to Ireland.
Day 2 - Galway
Admire the patchwork landscape of the Emerald Isle as you touch down in Shannon. A Go Ahead representative greets you after you clear customs and accompanies you to your hotel in Galway. Tonight, meet your fellow walking enthusiasts at an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast (in flight), dinner
Day 3 - Galway
Venture out for your first scenic stroll this morning in one of the most breathtaking examples of the Irish countryside, Connemara National Park. Amble through the vast wilderness and a stunning patchwork of lush valleys, mountains and mystic lakes. Then pay a visit to Kylemore Abbey, originally built by Mitchell Henry in 1866 as a palatial gift for his new bride. This former country estate in the midst of the Irish Highlands is now home to an order of Benedictine nuns, who have maintained the estate’s buildings and Victorian walled garden.
Included meals: breakfast
Day 4 - Killarney
Journey south today for a guided walk along some of Ireland’s most mesmerizing coastline. Hike through the Burren, a limestone plateau where fields of rock are interspersed with wildflowers. Here, you’ll pass a fascinating array of stalactites, stalagmites and waterfalls. Then stroll along the majestic Cliffs of Moher, rising out of the Atlantic Ocean to heights of 600 feet. Rejuvenate from your walks with an included pub lunch. Upon your arrival in Killarney, enjoy an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Day 5 - Killarney
When Muckross House and the surrounding woodlands and moors were donated to the Irish state in 1932, Ireland’s first national park was born. Today, Killarney National Park has grown to 25,000 acres of diverse ecological landscapes from red sandstone mountains to extensive bogs and lowlands. Pass through the ornate halls of Muckross House at the park’s core. Then follow in the footsteps of a local guide on a walking tour through the park’s most awe-inspiring areas.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Muckross House
Day 6 - Killarney
Make your way along the dramatically rugged terrain of the Dingle Peninsula on a guided walking tour of this most western tip of Ireland. Beyond its breathtaking views, the Dingle Peninsula is shrouded in the traditions and legends of Irish culture. As you wander past secluded harbors and seaside cliffs, your guide will point out archaeological sites and ancient ruins dating back to the Mesolithic Period.
After some free time to explore the fishing port of Dingle, your tour director will introduce you to the Gallarus Oratory, a tiny, beehive-shaped church. Made entirely of stacked stone, the Oratory has weathered countless storms—and remained completely dry—since it was built nearly 1,300 years ago.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Gallarus Oratory
Day 7 - Cork Region
Today begins with a scenic drive through the Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula, revealing dramatic views of the sea below. Stop in Glengarriff to board your boat to Garnish Island for a one-hour walk. Much of the island’s charm resides in the contrast between the cultivated gardens and the glimpses of wild seascape and barren mountains beyond. This evening, arrive at your hotel in the Cork region for an included dinner.
Included meals: breakfast, dinner
Day 8 - Cork Region
Tucked between the hills and shoreline, Kinsale ranks as one of Ireland’s most popular resort towns. Its maze of narrow streets winds around gourmet restaurants, yacht-filled harbors, art galleries and charming pubs. However, this quaint town also boasts historical significance. The Battle of Kinsale, fought here in 1601, marked a turning point in Irish history. Today, you might opt to enjoy a walk along Kinsale’s beautiful coast and a tour director-led visit to Charles Fort, a star-shaped fortress built to protect the town’s harbor.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Charles Fort
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$35 USD |
Kinsale Coastal Walk
Today, enjoy a walk along Kinsale’s beautiful coast and a tour director-led visit to Charles Fort, a star-shaped fortress built to protect the harbor.
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Day 9 - Shannon
This morning, take part in one of Ireland’s most time-honored traditions by puckering up to the legendary Blarney Stone during a tour director-led visit to Blarney Castle. As you continue toward Limerick, stop to wander the paths and groves of Doneraile Wildlife Park, an 18th-century landscaped park and home to countless deciduous trees and deer herds. Celebrate your last night in Ireland with an optional medieval feast at Bunratty Castle, the Emerald Isle’s most complete medieval castle set within a re-creation of a 19th-century Irish village.
Included meals: breakfast
Included entrances: Blarney Castle
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$125 USD |
Bunratty Medieval Banquet
Celebrate your last night in Ireland with an optional medieval feast at Bunratty Castle, the Emerald Isle’s most complete medieval castle set within a re-creation of a 19th-century Irish village. (This excursion is available only from April-October, weather permitting).
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Day 10 - Shannon
Continue into Northern Ireland on our tour extension to Derry, or transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
Extend Your Stay
Add 3 nights in Derry for only $429 USD (Single room: add $130 USD)
Over 1,400 years ago, St. Columb left Donegal to escape the plague and founded his first monastery in the oak grove of Derry. Calling it a holy place, the saint said, “the angels of God sang in the glades of Derry and every leaf held its angel.” With its scenic hills, glens and river valleys, and its location between the Sperrin Mountains to the south and the dramatic Atlantic coast to the north, County Derry is one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful regions. And as its premier city, Derry doesn’t disappoint.