Compare Walking Tour Southern Gem by Extreme Ireland vs Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer End Dublin Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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Country Roads of Ireland - End Dublin, Small Group, Summer End Dublin Small Group
by
Insight Vacations
5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 7 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,407 | $ 5,054 |
| Price Per Day | $ 201 | $ 421 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Small group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Standard |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Explore the Southern counties and for many some of the most beautiful and spectacular landscapes in Ireland on our Southern Gem 7 day walking tour. From the wild beauty of county Wicklow just south of the capital you will experience a monastic site like no other; complete with round tower and church from the 6th century. From there your tour will take you to one of the most magical places in Ireland, if not the world - the town of Dingle. Situated on the most south westerly point on the island, it really is a world away from everywhere. |
Let the luck of the Irish be with you on this 12-day guided tour across Ireland. Start the tour in Dublin, where you get up close to the Book of Kells, an ancient Gospel manuscript filled with mythical beasts and Celtic knots. In Kilkenny, try your hand at hurling, a 3,000-year-old sport, in a private lesson with a professional. A chef will share traditional Irish recipes at a farm-to-table feast in Killarney. You'll see the Ring of Kerry, a mystical, verdant peninsula dotted with seaside villages. Finally, step onto Giant's Causeway with it's basalt columns carved onto the coast by volcanic lava, or a giant's feet, if Irish myth is to be believed. |
Day 1: Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough Monastic Site
Accommodation: Laragh Village - Wicklow
Our Adventure Begins!
After leaving Dublin, you will travel through the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains, over the Sally Gap, and view Guinness Lake (where a member of the Guinness family lives). We will make our way to our guest house in Glendalough. Once we get booked in, we'll get our gear ready for our first walk! Glendalough is a majestic place, a previously important religious centre in ancient Ireland where St. Kevin resided and lived with his fellow Christians. It might have been a happy time here before the Vikings were marauding around their monasteries! After your walk, which is about three hours and brings you all around the valley, you will come back to relax at the guest house.
Highlight of the day: Visit the 6th Century Glendalough Monastic Site
Restaurant Suggestion: The Wicklow Heather Restauran
Day 2: Dingle Village & The South Pole Inn
Accommodation: Dingle Town
Today we will travel to the south west of Ireland to the kingdom of Kerry. En route we will stop in the cute Irish village of Adare before we head directly for Dingle. On our approach we will drive through Annascaul Village and make a stop for a quick drink in the South Pole Inn. This pub was owned by the great Anarctic explorer, Tom Crean, who was an important member of both the Scott and Shackleton South Pole expeditions. You can enjoy a drink here before your guide will stop at Beenbane beach and you can take the cliff walk into Dingle Village - a wonderful way to arrive to this magical little corner of Ireland!
Highlight of the day: Cliff walk into Dingle
Restaurant Suggestion: An Canteen
Day 3: Mount Brandon & Connors Pass
Accommodation: Dingle Town
Today we get ourselves ready for an amazing walk up Mount Brandon. On the way to the start of our trek, we will drive over the famous Conor Pass where you will enjoy amazing views of the Dingle Peninsula and Mt Brandon. From the top you can see down to the Blasket Islands on one side and all the way to Tralee on the other. It is one of the most scenic mountains in Ireland. This walk is not difficult and has an easy slope to the top. The summit is 1000m and should take no longer than 4 hours. After our great adventure, we will head back to Dingle and you will have the option to see, swim or kayak with Fungi, a wild dolphin that calls Dingle his home.
Highlight of the day: Climbing up Mt Brandon
Restaurant Suggestion : Walkers Bar & Restaurant
Day 4: Slea Head Walk
Accommodation: Dingle Town
Slea Head lies ahead of us today, a peninsula that the National Geographic has put in the top 10 drives in the world. I would put it in the top 3! We will meander slowly through the gorgeous fuchsia lined roads of Slea Head and follow the cliffs around to our view point of Great Blasket Island. There are more megalithic relics on this peninsula than on the rest of the island - it is an archaeologist’s heaven. Our walk is nice and easy today, with spectacular views out to the Atlantic and Dead Man’s Island. Right on Ireland's rugged west coast, this is the closest you can get to the United States from Europe. Your walk will finish in the village of Ballyferriter, a Gaeltacht area, where all the locals speak in Ireland’s native tongue.
Highlight of the day: Hike Slea Head
Restaurant Suggestion: The Chart House
Day 5: The Gap of Dunloe & Killarney National Park
Accommodation: Overnight : Killarney
Today you will experience one of the most beautiful walks you will find in all of Ireland through The Gap of Dunloe. The 'Gap' stretches through the highest mountain range in Ireland called the MacGuillicuddy Reeks. This spectacular glacial valley simply must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The walk will take you through the gap and you will finish on the far side. From there, a river boat will take you on an hour long boat ride through the lakes of Killarney finishing at Ross Castle a short walk from Killarney village.
Highlight of the day: The Gap of Dunloe & the lakes of Killarney
Restaurant Suggestion: Bricin Restaurant
Day 6: The Cliffs Of Moher Walk
Accommodation: Lahinch
We now make our way up the west coast and cross the river Shannon by ferry at Tarbert. The river Shannon is the spine of Ireland, dividing the land in two. It won’t be long before arriving in the Burren and getting to see the Cliffs of Moher. Heading just up the road, we may stop at Brigid’s Well before we get a start on our walk along the amazing Cliffs Of Moher. Living on the edge is fantastic but at these cliffs, it is advisable to stay away from the 214m high cliff edges. Enjoy the mesmerising scenery a safe distance from the edge and marvel at the rugged cliffs, views and the ocean below. This walk is truly amazing!
Highlight of the day: Cliffs Of Moher
Restaurant Suggestion: The Cornerstone
Day 7: The Burren Walk & Galway City
This morning we will walk through this karst limestone region that covers 250 square miles. Because limestone is one of the most permeable rocks, there are many subterranean caverns in the area. You can walk these rocky pavements and feel like you are walking on the moon! After leaving Lahinch early in the morning, we will follow the coast all the way to Galway. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end and with heavy hearts we will bid farewell to some wonderful friends made along this 'Southern Gem tour'. Until we meet again on our next Extreme Ireland Adventure!
Highlight of the day: Walk through The Burren
End of Services : Thank You!
Day 1: Welcome to Dublin
On arrival at Dublin airport, transfers leave for your hotel at 08:30, 11:00 and 13:00. Join your Travel Director at 18:00 for a warm and friendly Welcome Dinner, with the opportunity to mingle and get to know each other over a meal with wine.
Day 2: In Dublin’s Fair City Relaxed Start
Become acquainted with Dublin’s elegant squares during an orientation of the city. Discover Custom House, Christchurch Cathedral and St. Patrick's Cathedral. Enjoy entrance to the 9th century Book of Kells and a walk through the cobbled courtyards of Trinity College accompanied by a Local Expert, who will share their insights into modern life and the establishment’s impressive history. The afternoon is free to explore.
Day 3: A Journey from Dublin to Cork
In the morning, visit one of the country’s main racehorse breeding centres. Continue to the acclaimed 100 year old Japanese Gardens where you can ‘journey through life’ during a walk through the beautiful surrounds. Travel to the medieval city of Kilkenny, home of the world's fastest field game. The ancient Celtic sport of Hurling is over 3,000 years old and Ireland's national sport. Meet an experienced player who will share his passion as you test your skill during a lesson. Continue through Cahir and see its imposing 13th century castle, featured in the film 'Excalibur', on the way to Cork. On arrival, your Travel Director will show you around the compact university city, with its vibrant waterfront and grand Georgian parades.
Day 4: Across the Mountains to Killarney Relaxed Start
Travel to the ruined Blarney Castle. Will you hang upside down from the ramparts to kiss the stone and ensure a lifetime of eloquence? Or enjoy a sensory walk in the extensive and varied estate gardens. Travel across the majestic Derrynasaggart Mountains to the peaceful town of Killarney. For your Farm-to-Table dining experience, enjoy some Irish home cooking in the kitchens of chef John Sheehan. Join John and Freda, your hosts at the 19th Green Guesthouse, and savour the delicious flavours of fresh local cuisine on this MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Gather together at a Farm-to-Table dinner, using responsibly sourced ingredients from the local community, and gain personal insight into classic Irish recipes that are loved throughout the world.
Day 5: Ring of Kerry Experience Relaxed Start
Start your day with Insight Choice. Choose a memorable ride on a horse-drawn jaunting car with the local jarveys. Alternatively, join a gentle hike with a Local Expert along the lake shore and past the grounds of Ross Castle, admiring the incredible scenery of the National Park. While there aren't any mountains to climb, walkers should be fit, have good walking shoes or boots, sunscreen and rain gear. Explore around the magnificent Ring of Kerry. Here, mountains, valleys, lakes and sea blend into a landscape that is breathtaking beyond words. Journey past lush lakelands and around towering cliffs as you appreciate sweeping sea views. Continue through delightful villages like Sneem and cross the peat bogs of the Black Mountains to Moll’s Gap to admire Queen Victoria’s Ladies View. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. Maybe take the opportunity to hire a bicycle and enjoy one of the many scenic trails around the lake or through the National Park.
Day 6: Around the Dingle Peninsula Relaxed Start
Continue driving with views of wide skies, peaceful towns and coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula — the setting for the film Ryan’s Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea Head at the peninsula’s far end, before reaching your hotel on the shores of Dingle harbour. With the evening at leisure, why not treat yourself to a relaxing experience at the hotel's spa? Offering holistic and therapeutic treatments, the Peninsula Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the coast.
Day 7: The Cliffs of Moher and Galway
Journey to the Visitor Centre at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Clare Coast before a delightful drive through the strange, rocky landscape of the Burren to Galway Bay. On arrival, see the Lynch Memorial and Church of St. Nicholas, where Christopher Columbus reputedly prayed before his voyages to America. See the Spanish Arch and Eyre Square, dedicated to the late US President, John F. Kennedy.
Day 8: Free day Galway or Aran Islands Relaxed Start
Spend a day at leisure to relax and enjoy Galway. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the Aran Islands? A genuine highlight of the Wild Atlantic Way. With their cliffs and spectacular coastal views, the islands are a true Irish experience.
Day 9: Londonderry
Continue on to County Sligo, stopping at a peaceful churchyard in Drumcliffe to visit the final resting place of Ireland's famous poet, William Butler Yeats. Admire the Blue Stack Mountains of Donegal as you cross into Northern Ireland, bound for the ancient walled city of 'Derry.' What better way to experience sightseeing than with one of Northern Ireland's best storytellers, Ronan, as he takes you on a tour inside the city walls, still topped with cannons. Walk down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant Georgian houses, to the Gothic Guildhall.
Day 10: Walk in the Giant’s Steps Relaxed Start
Journey to the iconic Giant's Causeway for a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Learn how the National Trust is enabling farming and biodiversity to work together, supporting both wildlife and quality food production. Next, prepare yourself for miles of breathtaking beauty as you travel along the road clinging to the Antrim Coast. Continue onto your hotel, overlooking Ballygally Bay. For those who are brave enough, perhaps check out The Ghost Room, in one of the castle’s turrets? In the evening, please join us for a finale Celebration Dinner, where old-fashioned hospitality is blended with good food and wine for an experience that delights the senses.
Day 11: The Antrim Coast to Belfast Relaxed Start
Continue around the Antrim Coast, past the huge Norman castle at Carrickfergus, to arrive in the Northern Ireland capital of Belfast. Meet Hilda, your Local Expert, for a passionate city tour including views of the City Hall, Queen's University, the Parliament Building at Stormont and murals in different locations indicating political sentiments of local residents.
Day 12: Depart Dublin
An early departure transfer will arrive at Dublin airport at 08:00.
