Five day \'To The Edge of The World\' Tour of Ireland - Overland Trip

Accommodation

Three nights hotel and one night Guesthouse accommdotion in first class locally owned establishments.

***Price of E659 based on two sharing - single supplement applies of E75 for single rooms***

Kitty Notes

Only for additional activities such as surfing or horse-riding

Itineraries

On day one we head for the remote valley of Gougane-Barra hidden in the mountains of West Cork. We overnight here in an idyllic setting by an old chapel and monastery on a gorgeous lake. The hotel has an award-winning restaurant and the locals speak Irish. On the way here we’ll travel through the horse-breeding area of Kildare, passing picturesque country towns and villages. We’ll explore the majestic Rock of Cashel (once home to Irish high kings and bishops). For more fresh air we take a stroll in the remote Galtee Mountains overlooking the Golden Vale. Then it’s off to Blarney village to visit the Castle and Gardens, kiss the Blarney Stone and just possibly find some fairies. To get to Gougane Barra we follow the beautiful Lee Valley right to its source in the Sheehy Mountains of West Cork.

Day two starts with a stroll in the local forest park overgrown with ancient mosses and wild shamrock. Then, options include hiking over the remote Healy pass or a spot of sea-kayaking to visit a seal colony in the sheltered bays of the Beara peninsula. For the rest of the day we explore Beara at leisure. There are plenty of short hike options, quaint villages (with great pubs for a pint) and lots of stone circles and other archaeology worth exploring. Mid-afternoon there’s the chance to visit the Dursey Island Cable car at the end of the peninsula, take a stroll along the Beara Way, or simply relax with your toes in the sand on one of the many beaches in the area. After taking some hidden country roads we can visit the ruins of Dunboy Castle where Gaelic chieftains made a gallant last stand against invaders or head straight for a late afternoon pint in McCarthy’s bar in Castletownbere. We overnight on the wonderful Bere Island unbeatable for its tranquillity (and its off-roading options).

Next morning there’s still some exploring on the island to be done – old ruins, tombs and lots of sheep – before catching our ferry back to the mainland. We then make for the market town of Kenmare, where we begin to explore the Ring of Kerry, Vagabond style. Options on this day include hiking in Ireland’s highest mountains along the Kerry Way, exploring through ancient oak forests of Killarney National Park, horse-riding along the unspoilt beaches of Derrynane or simply strolling through the gardens of Derrynane House – once home to Irish Liberator Daniel O’Connell. For lunch we either picnic in the mountains, along the coast or stop off for refreshments at one of the many pubs in the area. The Ring of Kerry boasts some of the finest coastal views in the country so there’s plenty of time for photos or simply sitting on a stone wall and soaking it all up. Optional surf-lesson available for early evening in the remote St Finian’s bay with the Skellig Islands as a backdrop. We overnight in the fishing village of Portmagee where we often are treated to a traditional Irish musical evening and dine on fresh locally-caught seafood.

On day four we complete The Ring of Kerry and make for the stunning Dingle peninsula, but not before off-roading or hiking through some of Ireland’s most breathtaking scenery. There is an optional horse-ride along the strand at Rossbeigh. Other options for today include hiking to remote waterfalls above Aunascaul village, learning the rules of Gaelic sports on Inch Beach or taking time out to explore the nooks and crannies of Dingle – home of many art galleries, locally produced crystal, pottery and jewellery. This afternoon we head out to ‘The edge of the World’ along the beautiful Slea Head Drive. Stone walls, green fields, heritage buildings and crystal clear coves await discovery. Irish-speaking villages, ruined abbeys and short hikes with breathtaking views make this one of Vagabond’s favourite locations. We overnight in Dingle town, the narrow streets ringing with traditional Irish music from the many pubs and echoing with the local brogue.

The last day brings us through the Connor Pass – Ireland’s highest navigable mountain road. A breathtakingly rugged location that we soak up either by walking along it or by simply finding a rock from which to enjoy the views. Then on to the vast open beaches of Castlegregory for some fresh ocean air. On our return to Dublin we take in the heritage village of Adare with its many abbeys and thatched cottages before heading to the Fair City for fond farewells.

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