An exclusive cultural tour of Ireland – discover Ireland’s Celtic heritage with
some easy walks.

TOUR: 8 days

DATES 2013: April 20, May 11, June 22, July 6, 20, August 10, 24, Sept 21
Avail of our 10% Discount for June 22!
Offers valid on NEW bookings only for selected dates. Must be booked by May 31st.
Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Price 2013:
€ 1110 per person sharing May June Sept
€1165 per person sharing July & August
€1055 per person sharing April
(Please see booking information)

Single Supplement: Accommodation is based on a twin-sharing basis. We may be able to provide one single room, at a supplement of €205 for the week.

GRADE:

Walking Grades explained

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This holiday is based in the “Kingdom” of County Kerry, in the vibrant scenic town of Killarney and the traditional friendly market town of Caherciveen. It offers you an easy and gentle walking programme combined with the best of ancient and modern Ireland - and some very unique and memorable activities. Imagine combining the stunning lake, mountain and Atlantic scenery of the South West of Ireland with Irish Music, ancient castles and manor houses, Irish farming traditions, learning to play the Bodhran, a magical evening walk to a prehistoric Ring Fort, an island walk and an Irish set dancing session! All this, and more, is combined with traditional Irish hospitality, good food and friendly people to make this an unforgettable week, ideal for people seeking a real Irish experience. This is a gentle walking programme combined with wonderful Celtic cultural activities.

Accommodation: Your accommodation in Killarney is the 4 star Randles Court hotel and Caherciveen is in a quality family run guesthouse. Every room has a TV, private bathroom and there are tea & coffee making facilities for all guests. Full Irish Breakfast and Continental Breakfast are served each morning, and vegetarians are also catered for.

Tour Highlights:
• Killarney – a well-known, scenic, vibrant town in the heart of the Killarney National Park.
• Visit of 19th century Muckross House, Gardens, Traditional Farms and Abbey
• Ross Castle (15th C)
• Boat trip through the three Lakes of Killarney.
• Killarney National Park – lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer
• Rossbeigh Beach (European blue flag status)
• Walk through Derrynane Beach and National Park
• Learn to play the Bodhran (traditional Irish drum)
• Irish music and dance throughout
• UNESCO world heritage site of Skellig Islands (8th century)
• Evening walk and magical musical evening in a prehistoric Ring Fort
• Discover Valentia Island “The Treasure Island”
• Spectacular coastal and

Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival
Optional airport transfer from Shannon or Kerry airports.
19.00 hrs. Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at your hotel in Killarney.

Day 2 Killarney National Park
Distance: 10km/6miles Ascent: None
A gentle walk through Killarney National Park allows you to experience the stunning lake and mountain scenery as well as the historical aspect of the Park, with a visit of 19th century Muckross House, the Gardens, the Traditional Farms- where guests walk back in time to a working 1930’s farm – and 15th century Muckross Abbey. Off to a traditional Irish pub for a celebration of Irish Music!

Day 3 Ring of Kerry, Torc Waterfall
A short morning walk through Killarney National Park to Torc Waterfall. Transfer along the famous Ring of Kerry route to the coastal village of Caherdaniel. Visit Derrynane National Park & house, beach home of Daniel O’Connell, the Liberator. Walk along the mass path with beautiful views of the beaches, visit a 12th Century abbey on Abbey Island. Walk the blue flag Derrynane beach or a swim in the Atlantic ocean. Picnic lunch on beach or Abbey Island.

Day 4 Skellig Islands & evening walk to prehistoric Ring Fort
Day Distance: 1.6km/1miles (steep) Ascent: 180m/600ft
Evening Walk: Easy Ascent: None
We take a boat trip to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastic island of Sceilg Mhichíl (Great Skellig Island), habited in the 8th century by Irish monks. We also pass the worlds largest Gannet colony on Little Skellig island.
After dinner in your guesthouse, we invite you to a magical late evening walk to a prehistoric Ring Fort. The magical sounds of an Irish harp await you in the stillness of the Ring Fort (weather permitting). Simply unforgettable…

Day 5 Treasure Island, Irish Chocolates & Art and Music
Distance: 5 km/3 miles Ascent: 12m/370ft
Walk to the beautiful Bray Head on Valentia Island with superb views of the Skellig Islands. Valentia island is rich in wild and marine life, standing stones, sub-tropical flora & also the location of the first transatlantic cable. Visit Knightstown & Valentia grotto in the Slate quarry. Discover the ancient Ogham standing stones dotted around the island.
In the afternoon, visit an Irish chocolate factory! Then learn to play the ancient Irish drum - the Bodhran - in a friendly and informal session with our Master Bohdran player. After dinner in your guesthouse, back to the pub where we invite you to meet the locals, join in (or just clap along) to a traditional set dancing session – and maybe practice beating those Bodhrans!

Day 6 Atlantic Beach walk, Sheep Dog Trials and Free time for you
Transfer along the Ring to Kerry to Killarney where you will stay for your last two nights. See real live sheep dog trials in Kells en-route. Completely rejuvenate your spirit as you walk along the award winning blue flag beach of Rossbeigh. Enjoy a free afternoon discovering Killarneys craft, book & coffee shops, visit a spa or walk in the National Park, adjacent to the town.

Day 7 Boat Trip through the Lakes of Killarney
Departing from Ross Castle enjoy one of Ireland’s best day trips on an open top boat through the three Lakes of Killarney. Finish your day by either taking a wonderful walk through the Gap Of Dunloe and an Irish coffee at Kate Kearneys Cottage. Non walkers have the option of hopping on a horse drawn jaunting car (supplement of €20-30 per person).
A farewell dinner where you can celebrate and reflect on the wonderful walks, sights, sound and tastes of Ireland you have experienced throughout the week.

Day 8 Departure
Departure after a hot cooked Irish breakfast. Check below if the Go Ireland airport transfers to Kerry (closest airport) or Shannon airport suit.

DATES 2013: April 20, May 11, June 22, July 6, 20, August 10, 24, Sept 21

Price 2013:
€ 1110 per person sharing May June Sept
€1165 per person sharing July & August
€1055 per person sharing April
(Please see booking information)

Single Supplement: Accommodation is based on a twin-sharing basis. We may be able to provide one single room, at a supplement of €205 for the week.

Price includes:
• 4 nights in Irish Tourist Board approved hotel (4 star) and 3 nights in Irish Tourist Board guesthouse based on two adults sharing with private bathroom.
• 7 hot cooked full Irish breakfasts
• Five packed lunches
• Six dinners
• Traditional Irish music & dancing
• Entrance to Muckross House and Muckross Traditional Farms
• Boat trip through 3 Lakes of Killarney
• Visit to UNESCO world heritage site of Skellig Islands (8th century)
• Visit of pre-historic ring fort with Irish harp playing.
• Bodhran Session (learning to play traditional Irish drum)
• Sheep dog trials
• Return Ferry Crossing to Valentia
• Transfers to and from walks each day
• Experienced local guide throughout itinerary