Ireland

Ring of Kerry
June 22-28, 2008
Walk Begins:
Shannon
Walk Ends:
Shannon
Terrain:
Each day's walk is within sight of water, lakes, sea, or rivers. Our paths are on the soft turf covering hillsides, narrow lanes, or tracks -islands are in view most days.
Distance:
We cover 7-10 miles daily encountering modest ups and downs. The van is always at hand.
Estimated Cost: $3595
(excluding international flight)
Single Supplement Cost: $470
 
"The hospitality of an Irishman... springs like all his qualities… directly from the heart." So said Daniel O'Connell, whose beautiful estate is part of the walk over the mystical Ring of Kerry. Ireland's past is present in Iron Age forts, Celtic churches and the mysteriously carved Ogham Stone. The Irish celebrate this land of emerald hills, woodlands, lakes and sea with annual walking festivals. When not blazing these stunning trails, visitors can fish, ride, sail and surf. Revel in Irish music, be it a rousing rebel song or a lyrical harp. Irish spirit and spirits prevail in convivial pubs and countryside where you hear the lilt of Irish laughter and the old Gaelic language - Caed Mille Failte - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes!

Please note that registration is now open!

 

Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Photo Provided Courtesy of www.travelsinireland.com
Final Trip Itinerary
SUN
Jun
22

Meet in Shannon and travel by motor coach to Killarney for a welcome dinner and introductory talk.

Overnight in Killarney at The Rose.

MON
Jun
23

We will walk forest and lakeside trails leading to the ruins of a Franciscan abbey, scene of secret midnight weddings in Elizabethan times, followed by lunch in the grounds of Muckross House and park. We will take a horse and cart ride to Torc falls and walk a 16th-century track to Kenmare.

Overnight in Kenmare at The Lansdwone Arms.

TUE
Jun
24

We will follow the remote 'Beara Way' for views of the Kenmare Estuary and the peaks of McGillycuddys Reeks. A country lane passes a Druids' stone circle leading to a lakeside inn where we will enjoy a traditional Irish lunch. We will continue along country lanes savoring idyllic sea views over Kenmare Bay and through the sub-tropical gardens of Dereen House on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Overnight in Kenmare at The Lansdwone Arms.

WED
Jun
25

We begin at the 2000 year old Staigue Fort where we will learn about Celtic folklore and follow the 'Kerry Way' to enjoy Atlantic Ocean vistas. We will continue across pastures and lanes, pausing to examine the ancient Celtic writings on an Ogham Stone, then crossing the white sands of Derrynane Bay to visit the home of 'The Liberator,' Irish patriot Daniel O'Connell.

Overnight in Waterville at The Butler Arms Hotel.

THU
Jun
26

We will follow an old track beside a stream to Dingle Bay with sweeping sea views to the distant Mount Eagle. We will rejoin the Kerry Way to Caragh Lake which, if the tide allows, we will cross by fishing boat to the lakeside gardens of our hotel.

Overnight in Caragh Lake at the Carrig Country House & Resteraunt.

FRI
Jun
27

We will walk the gorse- and heather-covered hills above Caragh Lake over to Blackstone Bridge where salmon fishermen gather. After a picnic lunch we will meet a local farmer to discover how he cuts the turf for winter fuel and see his faithful sheepdog at work. We will return to Caragh Lake for our farewell dinner.

Overnight in Caragh Lake at the Carrig Country House & Resteraunt.

SAT
Jun
28

We will return to Shannon by motor coach.

 

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES BEFORE & AFTER THE WALK

East or west coast offers countless opportunities. Dublin is recently restored as a grand European capital while the west coast beckons with Connemara, Galway Bay, and Dingle.
 

Outdoor activities

Dolphin-watching, fly-fishing, bird-watching, horse-riding
Golf Courses

Waterville, Tralee, and Ballybunion are three of the best
Genealogy
Browse local records to trace your family tree

 
The Wayfarers can assist with making pre/post walk arrangements.
 

For more information, please contact Kelli E. Palmer, Assistant to the President.
P.O. Box 400224, Charlottesville, VA 22904-4224, or email kellipalmer@virginia.edu. Tel.: 434-924-3337
E-mail comments to: (Web Communications Office)
Last Modified: Friday, 19-Oct-2007 09:55:03 EDT
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