The Aran Islands, Ring of Kerry, and Dingle Peninsula

Emerald Isle Adventure

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Ireland works its magic most beautifully on its traditional western coast, where the melodic lilt of the Gaelic tongue is heard in everyday speech. This is Ireland at its most scenic, with craggy mountains towering over a turquoise sea. As we delve deep into ancient Ireland, we weave together coastal, mountain, and island hikes and discover that Ireland’s enchantment is found not only in its spectacular scenery but also in its people. During our journey, we meet many people whose lives are greatly influenced by this land—musicians, singers, poets, farmers, and artists—and we hear Irish music played in informal settings, often during our evenings in local pubs sharing good craic (conversation) over a pint of nutbrown Guinness.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Aran Islands

The Gaelicspeaking Aran Islands off the coast of Clare and Galway are the Celtic soul of Ireland. In this fascinating outpost of whitewashed cottages with sod roofs, we hike above soaring cliffs and along miles of handmade rock walls enclosing tiny fields and pastures. The islands are dotted with prehistoric monuments, and we visit the massive clifftop ring fort of Dun Aengis, over 2,000 years old. Our lovely accommodation is 18th century Kilmurvey House, built of stone near a magnificent sandy beach and offering views across to Connemara.

Days 3-5
Killarney Valley / Kenmare / Beara County

Kerry is blessed with some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. We hike the Kerry Way through the heart of Killarney National Park and its lakes. On the Ring of Beara, our trail brings us past ancient stone circles with magnificent sea views all the way. Overnights are in Kenmare, “the prettiest town in Ireland,” laid out in 1775 by the first Marquess of Lansdowne. Today it is a flourishing center for traditional Irish crafts, from linens to handmade lace. Kenmare’s friendly pubs are full of lively Irish music.

Day 6
Ring of Kerry / Portmagee

Amid the famous seascapes of the Ring of Kerry, the legacy of ancient civilizations is seen in Celtic standing stones, ring forts, and ruined abbeys. We hike across the mountains and headlands of Derrynane, with a dramatic descent to the colorful fishing village of Portmagee, with its gorgeous harbor. Ireland’s coast is atmospheric at twilight, and we enjoy a spectacular sunset stroll along Bray Head. Looking seaward from Bray Head, we can see the distant pinnacles of the Skellig Islands.

Days 7-9
Skellig Michael / Dingle Peninsula

We boat out to Skellig Michael, a World Heritage Site where a ruined 6th century monastery is perched atop a craggy rock, then head to the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. The peninsula is dominated by two mountains, Mount Brandon and Mount Beenoskee, separated by Connor Pass. From Connor Pass we hike the pilgrim trail up sacred Mount Brandon—or Choc Breannainn—named after St. Brendan the Navigator, who set up a hermitage on the summit in the 7th century. Overnights are in Dingle, with its traditional music pubs. This tiny town seems to hold all of Ireland’s charm tucked into its crooked streets. Depart via Shannon on Day 9.

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Departures & Leaders

1 June 14 - 22, 2008, Ann Curran
2 July 3 - 11, 2008, Ann Curran
3 August 23 - 31, 2008
4 September 6 - 14, 2008

Route Map

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