Explore the history of the Emerald Isle via walking, cycling and paddling. This trip takes adventurous guests walking and light hiking along country roads and hill country, pedaling through Killarney National Park, and paddling along the coast of the Beara Peninsula and Glengarriff Bay. Our journey includes exploring ancient monasteries, castle ruins, scenic countryside, rugged coastlines and a pub (or two). Our travels take us through Dublin, Glendalough, Cashel, Dingle, Doolin, Cliffs of Moher and other scenic locations. Experience the hospitality, traditional music, hearty food and drink, and the craic of the Irish people.

This trip takes place from Wednesday, August 31 through Saturday, September 10, 2011;  and is limited to 10 guests.

This trip is FULL. Thanks to all participants. (June 13, 2011)

 

Tentative Itinerary for: Ireland - A cultural adventure tour* 

Day 1 - Wednesday - August 31, 2011
     Depart for Dublin, Ireland.

Day 2 - Thursday – September 1, 2011
     Arriving at Dublin in the morning, we check into our hotel and freshen up. We then tour the city via the Dublin City Bus Tour, with stops at the Book of Kells, St. Peter's Cathedral, Temple Bar District, Guinness Storehouse, and other points of interest. 

Day 3 - Friday - September 2, 2011
     In the morning, our driver meets the group at our hotel. From Dublin we drive through the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, a historic monastic site tucked away in a scenic valley. The monastic settlement boasts several church ruins, a circle tower and some of the finest examples of high crosses in Ireland. Throughout the hills surrounding the settlement are numerous trails that offer spectacular vantage points of the lakes and settlement. Shorter, easier trails in the valley take you from the settlement to the lakes, with side trails to view a beautiful waterfall and other historic ruins. We spend sometime exploring this area on foot before continuing our drive to Cashel, arriving with time to wander the town center before dinner.

Day 4 - Saturday - September 3, 2011
     Our day begins with a visit to the Rock of Cashel, an ancient seat of power that includes a castle and cathedral. The rock towers above the town and surrounding countryside, providing spectacular views of the area. From Cashel we drive to Killarney. After lunch, we take a leisurely bike ride through the Killarney National Park. Look for centuries-old farmhouses, churches and castle ruins. After moving under our own pedal power, we drive to the quaint town of Kenmare. We will have dinner and visit a pub (or two) for some local craic and music.

Day 5 - Sunday - September 4, 2011
     We start our day with a kayak adventure on Glengariff Bay. We paddle out of the harbor and out into the bay. Keep your eyes open for seals, dolphin, and other sea life! After our bay excursion, we visit the town of Glengarriff and then tour the Beara Peninsula. Our drive takes us looking for historic Celtic sites and more. We return late to Kenmare for dinner and, perhaps, more entertainment.

Day 6 - Monday - September 5, 2011
     After a late start, today's journey takes us north to the Iveragh Peninsula, over the mountain pass to Glencar. Keep an eye out for mountain goats and deer. Near Glencar we take a short hike along the Kerry Way. The trail takes us through farmland, forests, lakes and streams.
     We continue our drive to the Dingle Peninsula. We have stops along the way at the picturesque Inch Strand and Minard Castle. Built in the mid-1500s, Minard Castle was attacked by Cromwell 100 years later. Though scarred and splintered, Minard Castle stands stoically on the coast overlooking Dingle Bay. We then proceed into Dingle, where we can explore the town shops and/or take a walk along the coastline and harbor in search of the town mascot — Fungie.

Day 7 - Tuesday - September 6, 2011
     Today we explore the Ring of Dingle, stopping to visit historic sites — Dunbeg Fort, the Fahan Beehive Huts, Slea Head and other points of interest (and photo ops). We will break from the tour route to take a small hike near Ballydavid. This walk/hike begins on the country roads; but returns us along a trail above the rugged coastline. We see WWII outposts and watch fishermen plying their trade on the rough seas. We return to our tour loop, stopping to see the 1,300-year-old Gallarus Oratory and the 12th-century church of Kilmalkedar. Our circular tour of the peninsula returns us to Dingle in time for dinner and some music.

Click here for images from our 2008 tour
  

Day 8 - Wednesday - September 7, 2011
     We leave Dingle, climbing over Conor Pass for some great views and perhaps a brief hike to a waterfall and lake. We continue through the cities of Tralee and Listowel, passing farmland and peat bogs. After crossing the River Shannon by ferry,  we drive into Lahinch, past the Cliffs of Moher and on to Doolin. The town of Doolin is considered the country's epicenter for traditional Irish music. We will visit the pubs, grab a bite to eat, and take in some music.

Day 9 - Thursday - September 8, 2011
     Since we spent most of yesterday sitting, we will make up for it today by hiking. It is a very short drive to the Cliffs of Moher. We hike along the cliffs, 700-feet above the ocean. The trail offers spectacular views across the sea towards the Aran Islands. We end at the visitor's center where we will have lunch and rest. From the visitor center we can see the other sites along the developed tourist area or tour the museum exhibits within the center. We depart the Cliffs of Moher and return to Doolin. (You may walk the short distance if you like.)

Day 10 - Friday - September 9, 2011
     We have something of a leisurely day with a pleasant drive to Shannon through the Burren. Along the way we have opportunities to see 4,000-year-old portal tombs, more castles and castle homes, monastic ruins, and picturesque countryside. Our journey ends in Limerick. We'll explore this historic city as time permits and have our last dinner as a group.

Day 11 - Saturday - September 10, 2011
     It's the worst part of the trip. (It's time to leave.) After breakfast we’ll make our way to the airport. We have one last chance for souvenir shopping in Shannon Airport's expansive gift shop.
 

Look here for more images of Ireland


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