This holiday, based in the Southwest of Ireland, in Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry, offers you what seems to be the impossible - a single base but with a sense of completing a journey. Four days on the Kerry Way, old coach and butter roads, take you from the Atlantic Ocean, on the shore of Dingle Bay, through the wild valleys of Mid Kerry to the Killarney National Park. The experience of travelling on foot as in the days of yore is complemented by superb views, unique flora and fauna and a landscape imbued with folklore. Add ample opportunities to enjoy the craic (fun) of evenings in an Irish pub and you get a satisfying cultural experience.
Glenbeigh(Gleann Beithe – Valley of the Birch trees) is a beautiful vibrant village situated by the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the mountains of the Iveragh peninsula, on the Ring of Kerry. Walk on the 6 miles of golden, blue flag beach of Rossbeigh, while breathing in the fresh Atlantic sea air. The town has great pubs and restaurants where you will have the opportunity to hear traditional Irish music or even partake in some dancing! Situated on the Kerry Way walking route you can walk from your guesthouse on two days. Accommodation Your accommodation for the week is in Kerry Ocean Lodge, a quality 20-bedroom walking lodge, based in the centre of Glenbeigh with every walkers need catered for. Every room has a TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathroom. There is also free internet access, free laundry facilities and private parking.
Tour Highlights • Glenbeigh – a picturesque, vibrant village by the Atlantic ocean • Glenbeighs strong tradition of music and dance • Rossbeigh Beach – an award winning blue flag beach • Killarney National Park – lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer • 19th century Muckross House (optional) and Gardens • Mid Kerry’s inland valleys and the Gap of Dunloe • Spectacular coastal walk overlooking Dingle Bay • ‘Sub-tropical’ & unique flora, folklore, archaeology • Optional boat trip to the Skelligs islands (a monastic settlement from 600AD) • Rock Art (4,000 years old) • Irish Whiskey Tasting evening
Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival 19.00 hrs. Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at guesthouse in Glenbeigh. Day 2 - Dooks Beach and ‘Mountain’ A gentle walk on road, bog road and beach allows you to experience a variety of habitats (blanket bog, sand dune, freshwater lake/stream and seashore) as well as to view peat cuttings. End the walk with a visit to Ireland’s only Bog Village museum where you can see how people lived in olden days.
Day 3 - The Kerry Way (Kells-Glenbeigh) The first walk takes you on the early Christian route and medieval coaching road, with detours to view archaeological artefacts and 4,000-year-old rock art, views across Dingle Bay and a possible diversion to a beach for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 4 - The Kerry Way (Glenbeigh-Glencar) You walk from the seaside village of Glenbeigh, ascend gradually to circle Seefin Mountain and stroll downwards into the lush valley of the Caragh River in storied Glencar. Private Irish Whiskey Tasting Session that evening in Glenbeigh.
Day 5 - Option/Rest Day - Options Day tours, i.e., Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, etc., or boat trip to Skelligs Rock. Alternatively go fishing, golfing, horse riding, hire a bike, walk or simply relax. Last day of 5-day guided walk
Day 6 - The Kerry Way (Black Valley) and the Gap of Dunloe There is a choice of routes through the dramatic, ice-carved Black Valley, followed by a walk up and through the internationally known Gap of Dunloe.
Day 7 - Killarney National Park The final leg of the Kerry Way takes you into Killarney National Park – through ancient oak woods, along the Old Kenmare Road, with a descent beside the spectacular Torc Cascade and into the gardens of Muckross House (19th century mansion), with its welcoming teashop. Optional extended walk to visit to the ruins of Muckross Friary (15th century).
Day 8 - Departure
Special Solo Dates April 26, May 24, June 28, July 12, Sept 30 These are exclusive dates for solo travellers, where there will be more single rooms available. The first 6 rooms booked are guaranteed a single room with no supplement. There will also be twin share option with someone of the same sex. Please note the 5-day option is not available on Solo dates.
Price includes • Courtesy transfer from and to Kerry and Shannon Airports on Saturdays. (Please see details below) • Seven/four nights in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouse based on two adults sharing with en-suite facilities* • Full Irish breakfast on seven days • Five packed lunches • Six dinners • Irish Whiskey Tasting evening • Transfers to and from walks each day • Experienced local guide throughout itinerary • Notes and maps by Seán Ó Súilleabháinn
