Spirit of Ireland

What draws us to Ireland? Crashing seascapes, emerald valleys below striking mountains, the twining music of the fiddle, the rhythm of the language, and a people who offer one of the warmest welcomes in the world. With native son and veteran Trip Leader Con Moriarty, we’ll hike the most spectacular land and seascapes of southwest Ireland, from Sheep’s Head Peninsula, one of Ireland’s best-kept secrets, to the stone circles and pilgrim trails of the Dingle Peninsula. In Con’s company, we’ll also enjoy a personal introduction as he shares his passion for the mythic lore and rich history of his homeland, introducing us to artists, traditional dancers, shepherds, storytellers, and more.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-2
Cork / Sheep’s Head Peninsula

After a warm-up hike in the remote valley of Gougane Barra, walking in the footsteps of saints, scholars, and rebels, we head to a pub for an evening of dance, music, and a chance to hear traditional sean-nos—a cappella solos sung in Gaelic. The next day’s hike is along the seascapes of Sheep’s Head Peninsula, a place of breathtaking beauty with a community of some 600 souls, a mix of farmers, fishers, and colorful “blow-ins” (newcomers) who add to the eclectic atmosphere.

Days 3-5
Beara Peninsula / Killarney National Park / Kerry Way

With a hike on a high ridge on the Beara Peninsula straddling Cork and Kerry, we discover a wild place where great ribs of rock stretch 30 miles into the Atlantic. Bronze Age people recognized the power and sanctity of this peninsula and located some of Ireland’s most beautiful stone circles in the deep valleys. Our next hike brings us via the Kerry Way to Killarney Lakes with a spectacular descent into the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass between Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain. Con’s family has lived in the shadow of these hills for generations and he describes this as “a powerful place of great shapes, nature, history, and stories.”

Days 6-9
Skellig Michael / Dingle Peninsula / Great Blasket Island

We boat out nine miles to reach dramatic Skellig Michael, a remarkable Christian monastic outpost set atop a rock pinnacle and now one of Ireland’s World Heritage Sites. For a grand finale, you can’t top the Dingle Peninsula, a mist-shrouded spine of sandstone mountains notched with bays, beaches, and hidden troves of pre-Christian antiquities. We enjoy a perfect final day exploring the beautiful Blasket Islands. Now uninhabited, these peaceful islands were once home to an isolated fishing community that produced a surprising trove of native literature including Thomas O’Crohan’s Islandman, written in Gaelic. We hike the ancient green paths of these mesmerizing islands, the westernmost point in Europe, with a sense of being near the edge of the world. Depart on Day 9.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

The trip is Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. As we explore Ireland and Gaelic life both on the mainland and on islands, we will be hiking 6-10 miles per day (4-6 hours) over varied terrain ranging from flat and boggy to rocky. Some hikes will be shorter. You carry only a daypack with the essentials: rain gear, water bottle, and camera. For your own enjoyment, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.

Explanation of Trip Levels