Celtic Kerry Cultural Tour

Discover Ireland's heritage

This easy walking tour allows you to discover the best of ancient and modern Ireland. You are based in the National Park town of Killarney and the friendly market town of Caherciveen. Enjoy the stunning lake, mountain and Atlantic coast scenery of the southwest of Ireland as well as Irish whiskey tasting, Irish music, ancient castles, a magical evening walk and learning to play the Bodhrán (traditional Irish drum). All this plus traditional Irish hospitality, good food and friendly people will make this an unforgettable week. Ideal for those seeking a real Irish experience.

Your accommodation in Killarney and Caherciveen is in quality family-run guesthouses. Every room has a TV, private bathroom and there are tea & coffee making facilities for all guests. Full Irish Breakfast and Continental Breakfast are served each morning, and vegetarians are also catered for.

Tour Highlights:
- Killarney - a well-known, scenic, vibrant town in the heart of the Killarney National Park
- Visit of 19th century Muckross House, Gardens, Traditional Farms and Abbey
- Irish Whiskey and Irish Coffee Tasting Session - followed by Traditional Irish music
- Visit of 15th century Ross Castle
- Killarney National Park - lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer
- Jaunting Car ride in Killarney
- Horseriding and maze trail by the Atlantic Ocean
- Walk through Derrynane Beach and National Park
- A session to learn to play the Bodhran, followed by a traditional set dancing and Irish music session
- The ancient art of water divining
- Evening walk and magical musical evening in a prehistoric Ring Fort
- Discovery of Valentia Island ("The Treasure Island") by guided cycle tour
- Spectacular coastal and inland walks - unique flora, folklore, archaeology

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Day 1: Arrival

Optional airport transfer from Shannon or Kerry airports. Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at the guesthouse in Killarney

Day 2: Killarney NP and the Wonderful World of Irish Whiskey

A gentle walk through Killarney National Park allows you to experience the stunning lake and mountain scenery as well as the historical aspect of the Park, with a visit of 19th century Muckross House, the Gardens, the Traditional Farms- where guests walk back in time to a working 1930's farm - and 15th century Muckross Abbey. Off to a traditional Irish pub for a celebration of two ancient Irish traditions - Whiskey and Music!

Distance: 10 km / 6 miles; Ascent: None

Day 3: Ross Castle, Ross Island and Killarney Town

A short car trip takes you for a visit of 15th century Ross Castle, majestically set on the shores of the Killarney Lakes. Afterwards we follow the old mining and historical trail along Ross Island, with spectacular views over the lakes and Innisfallen Island. The afternoon and evening are free to make the most of Killarney town for sightseeing, or a boat trip, shopping, and the many pubs and restaurants of this famous town.

Distance: 6.5 km / 4 miles; Ascent: None

Day 4: Glenbeigh and the Atlantic Ocean

Transfer along the famous Ring of Kerry route to Glenbeigh. A short morning's walk will take you through National Parks to the beautiful Torc Waterfall. Then a short trip to Killorglin, home of Puck Fair. The afternoon offers a variety of options: horse riding along the beach (suitable for beginners - additional cost), the challenge of an old fashioned hedge maze and an option to play crazy golf, a swim on Rossbeigh Beach or a guided walk up Rossbehy Hill (250 m). Lunch with panoramic views on the top of Rossbehy hill. Continue along the Ring of Kerry route to Caherciveen for dinner and overnight in your family run guesthouse.

Distance: 8 km / 5 miles; Ascent: None

Day 5: On the Quest for Holy Celtic Water and Ring Fort

In the morning, you will be joined by a water diviner, who will show you the ancient art of water divining and take you to an old Irish Holy Well and ancient Irish sites to practice your newly acquired skills. Walk to the beautiful Bray Head on Valentia Island for lunch with superb views of the Skellig Islands. Continue to St Finians Bay and a visit to a chocolate factory. After dinner in your guesthouse, we invite you to a magical evening walk to a prehistoric Ring Fort. Your walk will be recompensed with the magical sounds of an Irish harpist waiting for you in the stillness of the Ring Fort (weather permitting). Simply unforgettable.

Day: Distance: 5 km / 3 miles; Ascent: 12 m / 370 ft

Evening Walk: Easy; Ascent: None 

Day 6: Art and Music

A short drive to Caherdaniel and Derrynane National Park. Walk along the path with beautiful views on the beaches, visit a 12th Century abbey on Abbey Island. Walk the blue flag Derrynane beach, visit Daniel O'Connell's home and gardens or perhaps even have a swim. Picnic lunch on the beach or the island. In the afternoon, learn to play the ancient Irish drum - the Bohdran - in a friendly and informal session with our Master Bohdran player. After dinner in your guesthouse, back to the pub where we invite you to meet the locals, join in (or just clap along) to a traditional set dancing session – and maybe practice beating those Bodhrans!

Distance: 5 km / 3 miles; Ascent: 40 m / 133 ft

Day 7: Valentia Island (The Treasure Island)

Today you have a cycle tour around Valentia Island. A short ferry ride will take you to this small island, rich in wild and marine life, standing stones, sub-tropical flora and which was also the location for the first transatlantic cable. Visit Knightstown, the Valentia grotto and a slate quarry and enjoy cycling the quiet peaceful roads of Valentia. Cyclists may opt to cycle all around the island (approx. 25 km/16 miles) and discover the many standing and Ogham stones dotted all around the island. Your farewell Dinner will be in an excellent restaurant in Caherciveen, where seafood and modern Irish cuisine await you.

Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles; Ascent: 80 m / 266 ft

Day 8: Departure

After your final breakfast in your guesthouse you may opt for a complimentary transfer to either Shannon or Kerry Airport (please see below).