Our special interest Traditional Ireland holiday is ideally suited to the less experienced walker or someone on their first walking holiday to Ireland. It takes you to two of the most beautiful areas of Ireland. The county of Kerry in the southwest with its alluring Stack Mountains and its breathtaking coastline and Clare that boasts of having some of the finish coastal scenery in Ireland, is complimented by its inland charms, historic monuments and dramatic landscapes. Doolin, the village where you stay is the birthplace of traditional Irish music. The influence of music, song, dance and the way traditions have lived on in these two very different regions combine to make this a wonderful and very different holiday. Traditional Ireland Special Interest Guided Holiday 2004 Day 1 A courtesy transfer from Shannon and Kerry Airports within our timetable is available. Our first three nights are spent in Listowel, a busy market town, made famous by its’ many writers, including John B. Keane - author of “The Field”. Evening meal and a general chat about the coming week. Day 2 Walk from Lyracrompane over to Stack’s Mountain and Ballincollig Hill - a very unspoilt region of North Kerry. This area is full of stories about the local match-maker - “Dan Paddy Andy”. A fascinating place with spectacular views over Tralee Bay and the Dingle Peninsula. Return to Listowel for dinner and overnight. Walk Details Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Ascent: 400m. Rocky tracks and open mountain with no tracks. Bogland and some road walking. Boots essential. Day 3 Drive over to Ballyheigue and enjoy a wonderful coastal walk around Kerry Head - taking time to enjoy this magnificent coast line on the shores of the Shannon Estuary. Afterwards - if time allows we will make a visit to the historical Ardfert Cathedral which had such a tremendous influence on the history of this region. Transfer back to Listowel for dinner and overnight. Walk Details Distance: 16kms. Duration: 4 hours. Max. Ascent: 250m. Mountain tracks and open roads. Can be wet - boots essential. Some road walking. Day 4 Transfer from Listowel to Tarbert - taking the Tarbert to Killimer ferry across the Shannon River (the longest river in the British Isles) into Co. Clare. Drive on through this unknown region of Clare to the famous Cliff of Moher and enjoy a walk along the full length of these breath-taking Cliffs. Overnight and evening meal in Doolin. Walk Details Distance: 14kms. Duration: 4 hours. Max. Ascent: 260m. Grass tracks and rocky pathways. Some road walking. Boots recommended. Day 5 This is your Free Day - but weather permitting - we will arrange a visit to one of the famous Aran Islands. Overnight and evening meal near Doolin. Day 6 Walk along the Burren Way from Ballinalacken to Formoyle finishing at the beautiful Caher River and Khyber Pass. A wonderful walk giving the true experience of the Burren and its fascinating limestone landscape. Overnight and evening meal in Doolin. Walk Details Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Ascent: 300m. Tracks, open mountain, some rocky terrain and some road walking. Boots essential. Day 7 Starting in the Gleninagh Valley, the walk then ascends across open mountain to join an old green road around the spectacular Black Head with views across Galway Bay and over to Connemara. Throughout the day we will have the opportunity to examine some of the flora and fauna that is unique and world renowned to this region. Overnight and final evening meal in Doolin with plenty of opportunity to enjoy more wonderful music in this great little place. Walk Details Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Ascent: 400m. Grass and rocky tracks, open bogland and mountain. Some road walking - boots essential. Day 8 Departures. After breakfast we arrange a transfer to Ennis Bus/Rail station. From Ennis there is an excellent bus and train services to all major towns, cities and Shannon
Meeting Place on Arrival Day: The Listowel Arms Hotel, The Square, Listowel. Tel: 068-21500 at 17.00hrs. Holiday Includes - Bed and breakfast accommodation, full Irish breakfast, picnic lunch (on walking days only), dinner each evening, 6 days walking with expert Irish Guide, mini-bus transport to/from walking locations, luggage transport transfers from airports to the start of your holiday (within our timetable) & transfers to nearest bus/train station at end of holiday (also within our timetable). Not Included - Any boat trips, personal drinks, entrance fees to theaters, parks or museums etc. or gratuities. Airport Transfers - Saturdays only: Shannon Airport - Collection at 12 noon Kerry Airport - Collection at 16.00hrs Irish Cycle Tours & Walks reserve the right to alter this itinerary due to weather conditions or the walking ability of individuals or groups. Difficulty of Walk: Moderate 75% to Energetic 25% Maximum group size: 8 persons |
