Ireland—The Emerald Isle Walking Tour

Itinerary at a glance

We meet in Killarney and take a brief ride to Torc Waterfall for an easy warm-up walk and picnic in Killarney National Park. Lovely Kenmare is our home for the first two nights. On the Beara Peninsula we'll explore the magnificent 19th century woodland gardens at Derreen and the luxuriant display of rhododendrons and camellias.

Moving to the sea, we follow the ancient Mass path into Waterville (1 night) on the Ring of Kerry. We'll visit one of Ireland's fine ancestral homes, Derrynane House, cross the dunes to the beach (and a swim if you like) then stroll back along the shores of Ballinskelligs Bay. After a ferry trip out to majestic Skellig Michael Island, we'll share with you a favorite island walk past colonies of seabirds to an ancient ruined monastery. Later, the day ends in the colorful fishing port of Dingle (2 nights). From here, we walk a stretch of the famed coastal path to Dunquin and the Blasket Islands Heritage Center.

Glaciers carved the way for the beautiful and gentle footpath we'll take through the Gap of Dunloe en route to lunch at Lord Brandon's cottage. Captivated by story-telling boatmen, we sail across the Killarney Lakes to our manor house hotel in Killarney town (1 night). After dinner, we'll drop in on the local pub for some traditional music and dance. Our final day leads us to Muckross House and Gardens, as well as 15th century Muckross Abbey. We part company at the Killarney rail station.