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Walking the Emerald Isle

10 Days from $2,199 USD

plus [government taxes and fees]

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

Board your overnight flight to Ireland.

Day 2 - Galway

Touch down in Shannon. A Go Ahead representative greets you at the airport and escorts you to your hotel in Galway. Tonight, meet your fellow travelers at an included dinner. (B in flight, D)

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. Then pay a visit to Kylemore Abbey, a former country estate in the midst of the Irish Highlands. (B)

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 wild flowers. 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 this evening, enjoy an included dinner. (B, L, D)

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. (B)

Day 6 - Killarney

Make your way along the rugged terrain of the Dingle Peninsula on a guided walking tour. 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 along the way. After free time to explore Dingle, your tour director will introduce you to the Gallarus Oratory, a tiny church built nearly 1,300 years ago. (B)

Day 7 - Cork Region

Today begins with a scenic drive through the Caha Mountains of the Beara Peninsula. 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. (B, D)

Day 8 - Cork Region

Tucked between the hills and shoreline, Kinsale ranks as one of Ireland’s most popular resort towns. Narrow streets wind around gourmet restaurants, yacht-filled harbors and charming pubs. The Battle of Kinsale marked a turning point in Irish history here in 1601. Enjoy a walk along Kinsale’s beautiful coast and a visit to Charles Fort, a star-shaped fortress built to protect the town’s harbor. (B)

Day 9 - Shannon

This morning, take part in one of Ireland’s most time-honored traditions by puckering up to the legendary Blarney Stone on a visit to Blarney Castle. As you continue toward Limerick, stop to wander the paths and groves of Doneraile Wildlife Park. Celebrate your last night in Ireland with an included medieval feast at Bunratty Castle, the Emerald Isle’s most complete medieval castle. (B, D)

Day 10 - Shannon

Continue into Northern Ireland on our tour extension to Derry, or transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)

Extend Your Stay

Derry
Add 3 nights, $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.

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