Compare Hiking The Dingle Way by Wilderness 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 | 8 days | 12 days |
| Price From | $ 1,899 | $ 5,054 |
| Price Per Day | $ 237 | $ 421 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Group tour | Small group tour |
| Lodging Level | Premium | Standard |
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N/A |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included |
7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 2 Dinners |
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| Description |
The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry on the west coast of Ireland encompasses some of Ireland’s most extraordinary landscapes. By hiking the Dingle Way, you’ll follow an internationally-renowned hiking trail that circumnavigates this unique corner of the world and explores Dingle’s breathtaking scenery, ancient Megalithic sites, award-winning cuisine, traditional Irish music, and of course the colourful Irish characters. |
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: Welcome to Ireland
Meals: Dinner
Hike details: 2km/1.2 miles, max. 1-2hrs*
This afternoon, we meet in the vibrant town of Tralee, home to the world famous Rose of Tralee festival. From here, we will travel to our first stop on the Dingle Way overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, avoiding the often busy road section from Tralee. We shall enjoy a small stroll to stretch the legs before our first dinner together.
Day 2: Village of Camp to Annascaul
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hike details: 17km/10.5 miles, approx. 5-6hrs*
Your first day hiking the Dingle Way, we’ll hike on the southern shores of the peninsula. While hiking, be on the lookout for megalithic forts and white sand beaches while listening to tales of the mythical Annascaul Lake – legend has it the lake was formed when two mighty giants fought a deadly battle for the hand of a beautiful maiden. Finally, stop by the family pub of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, who attempted the South Pole with both Scott and Shackleton.
Day 3: Annascaul To Dingle
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hike details: 20km/12.5 miles, approx. 6-7hrs*
Hike past ruins of an impressive medieval castles overlooking a picturesque sandy cove. Listen to stories of Cromwell’s struggle to drive the stubborn local clans from the castle. Drink in views across Dingle Bay, the Iveragh Peninsula (home to the Ring of Kerry), and spectacular mountain panoramas to the north. Our hike ends at the colourful seaside town of Dingle, renowned for its pubs, traditional Irish music, local dolphin and fabulous cuisine. Join the locals in a pub for some ‘craic agus ceoil’ (‘fun and music’).
Day 4: Dingle To Dunquin
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hike details: 20km/12.5 miles, approx. 7-8hrs*
The Dingle Peninsula has one of the richest concentrations of ancient archaeological sites in Europe. While hiking, find standing stones and the remains of pre-historic monuments. Visit clochains or beehive huts – rounded, dry-stone huts up to 2,000 years old. We’ll explore a stretch of white sand along Ventry Bay, so why not you can kick off your shoes and wade a while?
Day 5: Dunquin To Ballydavid
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hike details: 18km/11 miles, approx. 6-7hrs*
Numerous artists over the years have been lured to the beautiful Dingle Peninsula, the wild crashing Atlantic and rolling mountains their inspiration. Experience Dingle’s art scene by visiting a local potter’s studio where you can try your hand at throwing a pot! Wander the white sand shores and turquoise waters of Swerick Harbour and Wine Strand on a backdrop of the iconic Three Sisters hills. In the evening, enjoy a real treat – a genuine seaweed bath.
Day 6: Ballydavid To Cloghane
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Hike details: 18km/11 miles, approx. 7-8hrs*
Today is one of our most challenging days, climbing over the foothills of the holy Mount Brandon. According to legend, St Brendan the Navigator had a vision of a promised land while seated at the summit, and consequently set sail for that land, supposedly disembarking in America in 535 AD (900 years before Columbus)! We begin at the foot of Mount Brandon. Passing prehistoric Ogham standing stones and panoramic ocean views, the trail climbs to a rugged summit before descending to the edge of Brandon Bay and the quaint Brandon Village.
Day 7: Cloghane To Castlegregory
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Hike details: 12km/7.5 miles, approx. 3-4hrs*
Our last day hiking the Dingle Way, today’s relaxing walk along Ireland’s longest white sand beach is a relief! The waves are popular with surfers, wind surfers and kite surfers – great entertainment no matter the weather! The sand dunes create a unique ecosystem, home to the rare wildlife species. At the tip of this windy headland, we’ll visit a painter’s studio to see her inspiring figurative paintings and perhaps some of her husband’s famed, hand-made guitars.
Day 8: Depart
Meals: Breakfast
Finished hiking the Dingle Way, after breakfast we say goodbye to the group and depart our accommodation for Tralee train station, where you can begin your journey home.
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.
