Compare Cork and Kerry Ireland Walking Tour by Walking Connection vs Spectacular South and West Tour by Overland Ireland

Day 1: Arrival in Cork

Arrival in Cork. Transfer to Gougane Barra. Optional 2.5 miles, easy.

From your arrival point, you are met and transferred to the small hamlet of Gougane Barra in western Cork, a wonderfully pristine part of Ireland, and to your lakeside family-run hotel overlooking St. Finbarr’s Oratory on a small island. Surrounded by heather-clad mountains, the lake is a beautiful and peaceful place, and there is a lovely walk available to stretch your legs.

Day 2: Gougane Barra Forest Park

Gougane Barra Forest Park; 6 miles, easy to moderate.

Cork Kerry Ireland FlowersAwakening to lakeside tranquility and a full Irish breakfast, today you explore the Gougane Barra Forest Park, which offers a range of trails of varying distances and degrees of difficulty, each one with a specific theme that best showcases the spectacular panoramas of mountain, valley, stream, and lake. Developed as a forest park in the early 1960s and officially opened in 1966, the Gougane Barra valley and lake owe their dramatic geology to glacial origins. The Forest Park of over 350 acres was planted in the late 1930s over what was once farmland. Now you walk amidst impressive stands of lodgepole pine, Sitka spruce, and light green Japanese larch. Finbarr, the founder of Cork, established a monastery here in the 6th century as well as a hermitage on the small island in Gougane Barra Lake (Lough an Ghugain), which can be reached by a short causeway.

Day 3: Beara Way to Kenmare

Beara Way to Kenmare; 7 miles, easy to moderate.

Kenmar LodgeToday’s walk is on the Beara Way, in an area that is probably one of the least developed regions of Ireland. The route starts at Bonane Heritage Park. The walk around the archaeological site takes approximately 30 minutes and provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. An amazing Bronze Age stone circle with complex lunar and solar alignments, a ringfort, standing stone, famine house, and a fulacht fiadh (ancient cooking pit) can be seen. These structures reflect the long history of habitation in this area, dating back 5,000 years. Your final destination of the day is Kenmare. Founded in 1670 by Sir William Petty, it is one of Ireland’s few “planned” towns, and with its wide range of pubs and restaurants where you can sample the “local flavors,” it has been chosen by the Irish Tourist Board as one of only two Heritage towns in County Kerry. The county is a golfing destination, and the town’s 18-hole golf course is just across from your deluxe lodge. In addition to walking, nearby are options for horseback riding, cycling, and fishing. The town also has one of Ireland’s finest woolen shops.

Day 4: Derrycunnihy church to Killarney

Derrycunnihy church to Killarney; 7 miles or 9 miles, easy to moderate, 1000-ft elevation gain.

Today begins with a transfer (45 minutes) over Moll’s Gap, with the famous Ladies’ View over the Killarney Lakes, and to the start of your walk. The route takes you through the Killarney National Park, the home of the only natural herd of red deer in Britain or Ireland. You continue through the mountains to the Torc Waterfall and on to Muckross House and Abbey, where Queen Victoria paid a visit to the Herbert family in 1861. Today, many of the rooms in this magnificent mansion have been restored to their original Victorian splendor, and between the months of April and July, the mature rhododendrons of Muckross Gardens are in spectacular bloom. Adjacent to the house are Muckross Traditional Farms, which portray the farming methods and way of life of a typical rural community of the 1930s. The workshops, shops, and restaurant here are all worth exploring. From here you can either continue on foot, or take the famous “jaunting car,” a local horse-drawn carriage, on into Killarney.

Day 5: Layover day in Killarney

Layover day in Killarney.

Kilarney IrelandAt your doorstep are a plethora of options in and around the town of Killarney, from a range of walks, to castle touring, town strolling and shopping, bike riding or pony trekking. Perhaps one of the best-known natural sites is the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass between Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain. About 7 miles in length, from north to south, within it are five lakes—Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake, and Black Lough,—all connected by the River Loe. Connecting the first two lakes is the Wishing Bridge, so-called because it is said that wishes made while upon it are destined to come true. Nearby is Ross Castle, standing on the shore of Lough Leane. The original home of the O’Donoghue Ross Chieftains in the 15th century, the castle has been magnificently restored. The site holds evidence of human habitation going back 9,000 years, with one of Europe’s earliest Bronze Age copper mines dating back some 4,500 years. One walking option here is a 90-minute route around the archaeological sites of Ross Island. You can also walk into the vibrant and charming town center of Killarney, with its long tradition of late-evening shopping, and the tall-spired St. Mary’s Cathedral, as well as a Gothic Franciscan church.

Day 6: Ventry to Dunquin

Ventry to Dunquin; 6.5-8 miles, easy to moderate, 650-ft elevation gain.

Dingle Pub IrelandThis morning’s destination is the Dingle Peninsula, just over an hour’s drive away. A first short stop is at the fabulous Inch Beach, made famous in David Lean’s 1970 film, “Ryan’s Daughter.” The drive takes you past Dingle (though you’ll have plenty of time upon your return to explore the town and surroundings) and on to Ventry Beach, where you begin the day’s walk. The route starts out along the beach before rising slightly to skirt the base of Mount Eagle. Here spectacular views open up over the Blasket Islands and the Atlantic Ocean as you pass beside Neolithic beehive stone huts. The walk ends at the excellent Blasket Islands visitor center, which provides an informative overview. You soon return to Dingle, perhaps for a pint of Guinness at one of the town’s 52 pubs!

Day 7: Layover day in Dingle

Layover day in Dingle.

The town of Dingle invites exploration—with its colorful houses, lively fishing port (and resident dolphin, Funghi), pubs and restaurants, inviting shops, and livestock market. Nearby are local walks, as well as boating options. A vibrant town of only 2,000 residents, it is a flourishing tourist, fishing, and agricultural center. Boat trips from Dingle include whale-watching excursions and deep-sea fishing. As a market and fishing town, its numerous pubs not only provide delicious food and drink, but some also specialize in selling items from Wellington boots to sheets, blankets, and fertilizer! The town is a center for traditional music, and you can listen to it in the pubs in the evening, and by day perhaps visit the Dingle Record Shop on Green Street, or the Dingle Music School, dedicated to making Irish music as accessible as possible. Pottery is another local craft.

Day 8: Departure from Dingle

Departure from Dingle.

After breakfast, a complimentary transfer to Tralee is provided (45 minutes) to make your train or bus connections.

Day 1: Sunday – Cork: The Rebel County

Kiss the Blarney Stone on your Spectacular South and West Adventure Tours Ireland

The zingiest of our Zest, Ireland Adventure Tours, will leave Dublin and travel to County Cork which is located in the stunning South West of Ireland. As we make our way to our first destination, we will stop en-route for a fantastic photo opportunity at the famous medieval round tower, chapel and cathedral of The Rock of Cashel.

Lonely Planet describes Cork as “at the top of its game, sophisticated, vibrant and diverse” and we completely agree. Locals would argue that it is the REAL capital of Ireland. Begin your Cork experience with a kiss of the Blarney Stone and may you be granted “the gift of the gab”. Then take the time to explore the stunning gardens, castle and rock close.

Let our local expert guide you through your Cork experience with a walking tour in the historic port and fishing town of Kinsale. The town is known for its castles, forts, galleries and shops, arts & crafts, and the recently launched Kinsale Gourmet Academy. We will spend the first night of our Ireland Tour in this stunning harbor town, which is also renowned for its award-winning restaurants and dramatic scenery. Kinsale is a place where boredom is an impossibility.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

The Ultimate Tour of Ireland - Small Groups, Big Experiences on your Overland Ireland Ultimate Small Group Tour

Day 2: Monday – The Ring of Kerry

We depart Kinsale where our route will take us towards the Ring of Kerry. The trip is filled with many hidden gems as we journey through Moll’s Gap, Torc Waterfall and will give our active small tour group a chance to take on a two-hour cycle around Killarney National Park. Your cycle through the park is a nature lover’s dream and you will have a choice of trails to follow, each offering their own unique splendor.

Tonight, we stay in the celebrated, cozy coastal town of Dingle. The evening is yours to absorb the atmosphere in Dingle’s famous quirky pubs, fantastic restaurants and stumble across unforgettable traditional music sessions. This just might be the location for that perfect pint of Guinness.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Cycling Killarney National Park on your Grand Tour of Ireland Adventure Tour

Your Fully Guided Overland Ireland Small Group Tour Lets You Meet Friendly Locals

Day 3: Tuesday – Dingle

Dingle on your Spectacular South and West Small Group Tour of Ireland

No adventure tour could be complete without a morning kayaking trip in Dingle Bay where will be able to meet the town’s most famous local, Fungie the dolphin. Alternatively, if kayaking is not your thing you can hit the surf at Inch Beach and catch some Wild Atlantic Waves!

Let our expert guides take you on a breathtaking trip along the Slea Head Drive and finish off your perfect day at the Dingle Whiskey Distillery. There you will sample their award-winning whiskey and gin and get an education on the history of whiskey production around the world.

We spend another night in the buzzing town of Dingle, so you don’t need to repack your suitcases. Just relax and enjoy.

Total driving time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Comfortable Accommodation on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 4: Wednesday – Cliffs of Moher & Lahinch

Our adventure continues as we leave Dingle and travel North and take in the stunning views of Castlegregory Beach. We then cross the River Shannon by ferry to leave the South West behind.

The ferry brings us to County Clare which is home to the spectacular Cliffs of Moher. Today we will explore the cliffs by foot on a two and half hour breathtaking hike while the fresh air and dramatic coastline embraces us! We take you off the beaten track and our local guide will show you all the secret passages that truly outshine the main tourist hot spots. Capture this experience with envy-inducing photos. The views are steeped in myth and wonder. Listen to the roar of the Wild Atlantic Ocean echo your name on the waves of bliss.

Spend the evening in the most welcoming and colorful village of Doolin, the home-town of traditional Irish music.

Total driving time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Cliffs of Moher on your Grand Tour of Ireland Adventure Tour

Comfortable Transport on your Overland Ireland Small Group Tour

Day 5: Thursday – Galway: The City of the Tribes

Meet the locals at a sheepdog demonstration

We leave Doolin via the Burren National Park en-route to Galway. Our route takes in a visit to the portal tomb, Poulnabrone Dolmen.

You are in for a treat this morning. Our local farmer at Caherconnell will amaze you with a sheepdog show! Watching the border collies work with the farmer is fascinating and a true taste of Irish heritage.

As we travel to Galway we will have a quick photo-op at the 16th Century castle, Dunguaire Castle which is located in the quaint fishing village of Kinvara.

Galway is known globally as a city of festivals and culture. In 2020 the city will be the official European Capital of Culture, a celebration of all that Galway is famous for. This medieval city is true living history as many buildings date back hundreds of years and now serve as shops, restaurants and bars. Brightly-painted pubs heave with live music, while cafés offer front-row seats for observing street performers, musicians and local characters.

Enjoy a historical walking tour and taste modern Irish cuisines paired with Irish craft beer. After discovering Galway’s hidden gems, you are free to enjoy an evening of entertainment, great food and craic in this much-celebrated city. Watch Irish dancing and feel yourself toe tapping to the pulse of pure Celtic music and dance. As your Ireland Tour comes to an end, you’ll depart Galway this evening by GoBus to Dublin City/Airport (included in the tour price) and reminisce about this zingiest of our Zest, Ireland Adventure Tours.

Total driving time: 2 hours