Walking Experiences 2012
Walking, Wildlife & Environmental Tours
CELEBRATING OUR 21st YEAR!
Walking, Wildlife & Environmental Tours
CELEBRATING OUR 21st YEAR!
Walking & Wildlife Vacations
June 9th - June 16th. (8 days) $3190 per person sharing Single supplement: $350
From the rugged coast of the Dingle peninsula to the tranquil valleys of the Killarney National Park, join us as we delve into Ireland's Celtic hinterland. Running in a swathe from west to east, the great coastal peninsulas of Kerry are home to a fascinating mix of local cultures, from fishermen in the west to survivors of Cromwellian battles in the east. Hiking and history by day, with evenings spent discovering the great musical tradition of this region. Day 1: Collect at Shannon airport and transfer to our first hotel in Dingle, on the western tip of the Dingle peninsula. With its extensive hiking trails, offshore islands, prehistoric sites and outstanding local artists, Dingle has everything to offer the visitor. This afternoon we will take a short hike to get some good sea air into our lungs. Overnight Dingle (three nights).
Day 2: A five mile hike across Ballydavid Head offers spectacular sea views, with the afternoon exploring some local historic sites, and trying to separate the truth from folklore about St. Brendan, 'the Navigator'. This 6th century monk is reputed to have discovered America on one of his great sea voyages, recreated in the book 'The Brendan Voyage' by Tim Severin.
Day 3: A ferry crossing takes us to Great Blasket island, with its abandoned village, seabirds and the chance of passing whales and dolphins. Lunch will be eaten among the pre-historic ruins near the summit, offering the finest lunchtime views you will ever see!
Day 4: Departing Dingle, we'll head east for a beautiful hike along Inch beach, before turning south to the village of Portmagee. We drive the famed Ring of Kerry to our next ferry for the island of Scellig Michael, 8 miles offshore. With its well-preserved early Christian monastery and teeming throngs of puffins, gannets and other seabirds, this is always a day to remember.
Day 5: We'll cross a nearby bridge to Valentia island for another great coastal hike. This magical island offers excellent coastal scenery, and abounds in Bronze and Iron Age antiquities, as well as sites of more recent historical interest. Return to Portmagee.
Day 6: We turn inland to Killarney and its national park. Our afternoon will see us learning about the park's Bronze-Age mining site, set among the yew and oak forests along the shores of Lough Leane.
Overnight Killarney (two nights).
Day 7: A delightful boat cruise will drop us at the start of an eight mile hike across moorland and peat bogs to Torc waterfall. Along the way we'll look for red and sika deer, and hope to spot the massive outlines of white-tailed sea eagles. This hike will also take us through one of the country's best preserved pre-Famine period (1845-50) landscapes, where we'll learn about the cause and impact of this sad period of Irish history.
Day 8: We depart in the early morning for Shannon airport and your return flights.
