Ireland Coast to Coast Hiking

Ireland Coast to Coast Hiking Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Dublin, Ireland. Arrive at the Dublin airport this morning by 8:30 a.m. and transfer to our guesthouse in Bray. This afternoon, choose from self-guided options that include a return to Dublin where you can enjoy a historic walking tour, visiting Trinity College or Christchurch Cathedral; a walk along a beautiful coastal path to the colorful village of Greystones; an invigorating hike up Bray Head; or just spend the afternoon relaxing in Bray. Dinner included.
  
  Hiking: 3-6 miles, 2-4 hours; Terrain: City streets or coastal path.

• Day 2

  Just outside Bray we arrive at the spectacular Wicklow Mountains. Today's highlights include a stroll through the grounds of the magnificent Powerscourt Gardens and an invigorating hike in Wicklow Mountains National Park starting at the site of the impressive 6^th century monastic village founded by St. Kevin at Glendalough. The hike takes us along the Wicklow Way and up the Spinc, a 1600' ridge with spectacular views of the beautiful Glendalough valley below. (Depending upon the weather forecast, we may reverse the order of today's activities.) Overnight back in Bray. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 7-9 miles, 4-5 hours. Terrain: Walking paths, moderate hilly trails, boardwalk, many steps in one downhill section.

• Day 3

  A three-hour drive from Bray takes us to our next magical destination of Kilkenny, Ireland's loveliest inland city. Along the way we visit the picturesque village of Avoca, famous for its weaving mill, and the amazing Browneshill Dolmen, Ireland's largest megalithic tomb. In Kilkenny, the heritage of the once-powerful Earls of Ormonde is still evident. The city's rich history, including Kilkenny Castle and St. Canice's Cathedral are a joy to explore on our guided walking tour through the narrow medieval lanes. At the end of the day we drive onward to Cashel, one of Ireland's most well-known and beloved Heritage towns. All meals included.
  
  City, sightseeing walks: 2-3 miles, 2-3 hours. Terrain: City streets, gentle grades. Driving time: 4 hours total.

• Day 4

  From Cashel our scenic drive to the Beara Peninsula is punctuated with several stops at fascinating Irish Heritage Sites along the way. After a brief stop at the Rock of Cashel, we visit and explore the magnificent Cahir Castle and stroll along the banks of the peaceful River Suir to Swiss Cottage, an architectural wonder originally built as a romantic escape for the local landlords. In the afternoon we pass through West Cork's spectacular scenery, stopping for a rest break in one of Cork's quaint towns like Dunmanway or Glengarriff. We overnight in the picturesque town of Castletownbere for the next two nights. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 3-4 miles, 2-3 hours. Terrain: River walk, gentle grades. Driving time: 4+ hours.

• Day 5

  These next two days we explore the rugged beauty of the Beara Peninsula, one of Ireland's best-kept secrets! Today, if weather allows, we take Ireland's only cable car to Dursey Island on the tip of the Peninsula for a wonderful walk along one of the most remote stretches of the Beara Way. This big hike yields breathtaking views, rugged island villages, and a host of historical sites including a Napoleonic signal tower. Overnight back in Castletownbere. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 7-9 miles, 6-7 hours. Terrain: Trails, coastal paths, rolling hills; some steep and exposed sections.

• Day 6

  We start our day with a short drive to a favorite stretch of the Beara Way that features incredible panoramas, stone circles, and old oak woodlands. There we meet a colorful local guide who takes us on a hike through sheep pastures, peat bogs, and green rolling hills while he shares with us tales of growing up and living in such a remote and traditional outpost. In the afternoon, choose from a variety of additional walks in the nature park at Gleninchaquin, dominated by a magnificent waterfall. At the end of the day we drive a few minutes to the tiny town of Kenmare, one of Ireland's most picturesque and friendly towns, for a two night stay. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 4-5 miles, 3-4 hours; Terrain: Rough trails, rolling hills; can be muddy.

• Day 7

  Today we head through Molls' Gap to begin our walk along a favorite stretch of the Kerry Way into one of the most spectacular and wild parts of Killarney National Park, Ireland's largest remaining preserve of native woodlands. You'll easily discover why Killarney has been a Mecca for outdoor pursuits since the Victorian era as our route takes us along centuries-old droving paths past waterfalls, through dense woods and mountain valleys. Alternatively, if the weather is less favorable we'll walk more protected paths in Killarney National Park, visiting ancient yew woods and Dinis Cottage at the Meeting of the Waters. There may be time to visit the majestic Muckross House and Gardens at the end of our hike. Later in the day we return to Kenmare for shopping and another night on the town. All meals included.
  
  Hiking: 6-8 miles, 5-6 hours; Terrain: Rolling hills, trails, gravel roads and paved paths.

• Days 8-9

  We complete our coastal journey as we ramble to Dingle, the true gem of County Kerry. The Dingle Peninsula is a treasure trove of ancient history and breathtaking panoramas, and the streets of Dingle beckon with many wonderful shops and cafes. We arrive in Dingle town in time for lunch. The afternoon is free for you to explore on your own or take a scenic walk along Dingle Harbor. We have two nights to enjoy Dingle's nightlife with over 50 pubs to choose from! Geographically speaking, the Dingle Peninsula is the westernmost point in Europe and is also a "Gaeltacht" or center of Irish-speaking culture. Hiking opportunities are plentiful, so on Day 9 we select from a number of favorites based on weather and other conditions. Choices include an invigorating hike up Mt. Eagle, overlooking Slea Head on the Dingle Way; a walk along Ballydavid Head; or the Pilgrim's path to the top of Mt. Brandon. There's also the opportunity to combine our hike with an archeology tour, visiting some of Dingle's most famous sites like the Gallarus Oratory and Kilmalkedar Church. We conclude our adventure with a flourish as we gather for our farewell dinner. Lunch and dinner on Day 8 are on your own; all other meals included.
  
  Hiking: 4-7 miles, 3-5 hours; Terrain varies with some possible steep, exposed trails.

• Day 10

  After breakfast we drive to the Shannon airport for your flight home (roughly 3-3.5 hour drive). We arrive at the airport around 11:30 a.m. for afternoon flights. A transfer to the Farranfore rail station and the charming town of Ennis are additional options to extend your stay and continue to explore Ireland on your own. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate. 

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary.  If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available.  If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee which is one- half of the full single supplement.  Please be advised that there are a limited number of single accommodations available.

Airport group transfer for those arriving in Dublin on the morning of Day 1 (subject to certain timetable), hotel/guesthouse accommodations, all meals as noted in the daily itinerary, transportation to and from each day's hiking, entrance fees to parks and the following sites: Powerscourt Gardens, Cahir Castle, Swiss Cottage and Gleninchaquin Park; experienced guide, tour information and luggage transportation.

Air transportation to Ireland and any private airport transfers resulting from arrivals/ departures outside of the normal timetable, 1 lunch and 1 dinner, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, guide gratuities, alcoholic beverages, and other items of a personal nature.

This trip is rated Moderate [3] and will be enjoyed by anyone who is physically fit and likes to hike.  Prior hiking experience is recommended.  The hikes vary from 5-9 miles (4-6 hours) with elevation gains to 2000 feet. Some sections may be steep and rocky. Walking, jogging, hiking and biking to condition are highly recommended.  Try to include some hill hikes as well.

Weather conditions may vary from day to day.  Rain showers with intermittent sunshine are common.  In some mountainous areas it can be windy and cold even during summer months.  Daytime temperatures usually range from 60° - 75° F, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 55° - 60° F.  Having good waterproof raingear and boots that are strongly water repellant is important as weather is very changeable and some hikes lead through bogs and marshy areas.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

Weather conditions may vary from day to day. Rain showers with intermittent sunshine are common. In some mountainous areas it can be windy and cold even during summer months. Daytime temperatures usually range from 60° - 75° F, with nighttime temperatures dropping to 55° - 60° F. Having good waterproof raingear and boots that are strongly water repellant is important as weather is very changeable and some hikes lead through bogs and marshy areas.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, a change of clothing, hiking boots and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• Wind chill can be a significant feature of this trip. Air temperatures are not very cold, but when the wind is constant, you can be robbed of body heat quickly. Wind and rain gear is very important.
• Cotton is wonderful in warm weather. However, once it becomes wet, it will drain your body heat. Bring wool or synthetics such as Capilene®, MTS® and Thermax®.
• Always test your layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding and bunching up.
• With changes in elevation and terrain on many hikes, the use of hiking or trekking poles is highly recommended.
• Make sure boots are broken-in and bring moleskin, Second Skin® or Blister Block® for foot treatment. Thin liner socks worn under regular hiking socks may minimize the risk of blisters (the liner sock should be silk or synthetic).
• The use of washcloths is not necessarily common in Europe, so hotels and guesthouses oftentimes do not provide them as a bath accessory. You may wish to bring your own in a resealable Ziploc bag.