A wonderful leisurely walking and cycling break – perfect for individuals,
friends, groups or families

TOUR: 8 days

DATES 2008: April 12, April 26, May 10, May 24, May 31, June 14, June 21, June 28,
July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, Aug 2, Aug 9, Aug 16, Aug 23, Aug 30, Sept 6, Sept 13,
Sept 20, Sept 27, Oct 11

Price 2008: €810 per person sharing. (US$1150 / Stg£559 approx.)
(please see booking information)

Single Supplement: - €189 per person (limited availability)

GRADE:

Walking Grades explained

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The perfect itinerary for those who wish to combine walking and cycling as well participate in one of Ireland's most spectacular boat trips. Suitable for all ages.

Two days guided walking, 8-12 miles (12-17 km) each day through Mid-Kerry's lonely glens and onwards to spectacular coastal views, enriched with legends and archaeological remains. An option day allows you to partake in sightseeing, visit Killarneys craft and book shops or visit a local spa. You then cycle (up to 32 km/20 miles) for two days, at your own pace, around Killarney's Lakes and Fells, with a choice of route descriptions and maps. A boat trip through the famous lake land of Killarney is a dramatic finale.


Tour Highlights:
• Glenbeigh – a picturesque, vibrant village by the Atlantic ocean.
• Kerry’s strong tradition of music and dance.
• Rossbeigh Beach – an award winning blue flag beach.
• Rock Art (4,000 years old).
• Killarney – a well-known, scenic, vibrant town in the heart of the Killarney National Park.
• Killarney National Park – lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer.
• 19th century Muckross House (optional) and Gardens.
• Mid Kerry’s inland valleys and the Gap of Dunloe.
• Spectacular coastal walk overlooking Dingle Bay.
• ‘Sub-tropical’ & unique flora, folklore, archaeology.
• Boat trip through the Lakes of Killarney.

Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival
Arrival at your accommodation in Glenbeigh (3 nights). Evening briefing and dinner.

Day 2 Dooks Beach and ‘Mountain’
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Ascent: 50m/165ft
A gentle walk on road, bog road and beach allows you to experience a variety of habitats as well as to view peat cuttings. End the walk with a visit to Ireland’s only Bog Village museum where you can see how people lived in olden days.

Day 3 The Kerry Way (Kells-Glenbeigh)
Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent: 300m/1,000ft
This spectacular coastal walk takes you on an early Christian route and medieval coaching road overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Opportunities to view 4,000 year old Rock art.

Day 4 Transfer /Rest day
Transfer to Killarney which is renowned for its world-famous lakes, combined with the rugged beauty of it's valleys and mountains, and its extraordinary wealth of trees and rare flowering-plants. Bike fitting and optional cycle around Killarney National Park.

Day 5 Killarney National Park
Cycle on traffic free trails through Killarney National Park, shared only with pedestrians and jaunting cars. Dramatically weathered limestone crags and lush vegetation surround the beautiful lakes. You can stop at the medieval Abbey at Muckross (15th C) or at Dinis cottage for some tea. Quaint stone bridges are crossed to bring you to the spectacular Torc waterfall (12 miles/19 km).

Day 6 Aghadoe & Ballymalis
Cycle by Aghadoe, one of the best views of the Killarney Lakes. Stop at the 16th century Ballymalis castle, where one can behold breathtaking views of the majestic MacGillycuddy Reeks and Ireland's highest mountain - Carrauntuohill (3,414 ft). Kerry Woollen Mills is worth stopping at en route to Killarney (Variable distances up to 32km/20 miles).

Day 7 Lakes of Killarney Boat Trip
Today, you can enjoy a breathtaking boat trip through the famous Three Lakes of Killarney. Enjoy lunch at Lord Brandons Cottage before you choose to either cycle, go on horseback or in a jaunting car through the Gap of Dunloe (7 miles). The tour starts at Ross Castle (15th century) and ends at the renowned 19th century Kate Kearney’s Cottage where you can enjoy an Irish coffee before being transferred back to Killarney.

Day 8 Departure Day

Price 2008: €810 per person sharing. (US$1150 / Stg£559 approx.)
(please see booking information)

Single Supplement: - €189 per person (limited availability)

Price includes:
• Seven nights accommodation, based on two adults sharing, in Irish Tourist
Board approved guesthouse with en-suite facilities.
• Return transfer from Shannon or Kerry airport to Killorglin on Saturdays
(please see below)
• 7 full Irish breakfasts
• Three dinners
• Two packed lunches.
• Experienced local guide for the 2 walking days.
• Transfer of luggage as per itinerary.
• Bike hire for 3 days – 21 speed touring bike (2007 model), carrier,
mud guards and pannier bag.
• Boat trip on Killarney Lakes. (Day 7)
• Horse ride through Gap of Dunloe (Day 7).
• Walk/cycle route descriptions & maps by Sean O Suilleabhain (founder of the Kerry Way and author of walk guide book).
• Telephone back-up and 24 hour emergency support throughout.