WALKING IRELAND - The Emerald Isle

Day 1

ARRIVE IN LIMERICK, IRELAND (D)

Upon arriving at Shannon International Airport, a WAI representative will help arrange transportation to our hotel in the center of old Limerick. Since travelers will be arriving throughout the day, the first group activity will be our “Get Acquainted” dinner this evening in anticipation of an unforgettable walking adventure on the Emerald Isle of Ireland!

Day 2

LIMERICK - KILRONAN (B,D)

Our coach takes us into County Clare this morning to wonder at the stupendous Cliffs of Moher, a 5-mile stretch of 600-foot tall sandstone cliffs rising boldly from the Atlantic. Later this afternoon, after free time in Galway, a 45-minute ferry ride takes us across Galway Bay for a night on the Aran Island of Inishmore. One of our most “Irish” experiences gives us a chance to mix with locals this evening at the guesthouse pub in the tiny village of Kilronan.

Day 3

KILRONAN - GALWAY (B,D)
Inishmore Dun Aengus Fortress Walk - 11 km, rated 2+

This morning’s ancient trail winds between a checkerboard of stone walls to Dun Aengus, a prehistoric fortress perched atop 300-foot tall sea cliffs in one of the most remote and starkly picturesque spots in Ireland. The balance of the walk displays the desolate beauty of this island of bare limestone where locals still manufacture soil by hand, mixing sand and seaweed on the barren limestone plateau. Later this afternoon, we return by ferry to the mainland at Galway.

Day 4

GALWAY - LETTERKENNY (B,D)
Ballintubber Abbey Walk - 10 km, rated 1+

Ballintubber Abbey is emblematic of the resilience of the Irish spirit. In spite of repeated waves of persecution, Mass has been celebrated here continually for over 750 years. Our morning activity is a walk from the Abbey on country roads through the surrounding bogs and farmland. From Ballintubber, we continue north through varying emerald green panoramas across Counties Mayo and Sligo and into County Donegal for a 2-night stay in Letterkenny.

Day 5

ACTIVITIES FROM LETTERKENNY (B,D)
Giant's Causeway Sea Cliff Walk - 10 km, rated 2+/3

We cross into Northern Ireland today for one of our favorite nature walks, a stretch of stunning sea cliff scenery on the north coast of the island. The wonderful views climax at the astounding honeycomb-shaped basaltic rock formations of Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 6

LETTERKENNY - DUBLIN (B,D)

Our first stop today is Londonderry, Northern Ireland. A fascinating walking tour through the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods provides insight into “The Troubles”, which began in the '60's, but has faded into relative peace and prosperity during the past several years. From Londonderry, our route winds south through more pastoral scenes and across the border to Dublin.

Day 7

ACTIVITIES IN DUBLIN (B)
Dublin Sightseeing Walk - 10 km, rated 1+

All day is set aside to explore this Irish capital, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. A walk from our hotel passes Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Grafton Street, the National Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, and Dublin Castle (admissions not included). Join us this evening for a taste of Ireland's fast-paced music and dance. Riverdance is an internationally renowned team of singers, dancers, and musicians that epitomizes the Celtic energy of this uniquely Irish form of entertainment (contingent upon scheduling).

Day 8

DUBLIN - KILKENNY (B,D)
Glendalough Between the Lakes Walk - 5/10 km, rated 1/3+

Our Adventure on the Emerald Isle continues this morning in the enchanting green Wicklow Mountains at the 6th century monastic city of Glendalough. The film in the visitor centre and our nature walk in this “valley between the lakes” offer an intriguing glimpse into ancient Irish Catholicism in a breathtaking setting. We'll overnight in the heart of old Kilkenny, considered Ireland's loveliest inland city.

Day 9

KILKENNY - KILLARNEY (B,D)

Today begins with a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle, an excellent 12th century example of the influence of the Anglo-Norman invaders. Next stop is the magnificent medieval Rock of Cashel. This rocky stronghold rises dramatically out of the Tipperary Plains and boasts a heritage of both royal and religious power dating back to the 5th century. From Cashel, we'll cross Counties Tipperary, Cork, and Kerry to the outskirts of Killarney at Killarney National Park.

Day 10

KILLARNEY - DINGLE (B,L,D)
Gap of Dunloe Walk - 11 km, rated 2+/3

Glacier-carved Gap of Dunloe provides the setting for today's memorable nature walk. Non-stop vistas of the dramatic gorge are accentuated by its babbling brook, crossed at intervals by picturesque stone bridges as it courses its way between remote mountain lakes. Following a boat ride across the lovely panoramas of Upper Lake, we'll drive north to the timeless Dingle Peninsula for two nights in this westernmost corner of Ireland.

Day 11

ACTIVITIES FROM DINGLE (B)
Dingle Gallarus Oratory Walk - 10 km, rated 2+

Another all-Irish walk this morning combines spectacular sea cliffs, crescent-shaped beaches, fuchsia-lined country lanes, and early Christian monuments (7th century) on the Dingle Peninsula. You'll have the evening free to experience the charms of small town Ireland: Take in the waterfront atmosphere with its fishing fleet and enjoy a pub dinner – the many pubs of Dingle offer one of the best opportunities to participate in a traditional Irish jam session.

Day 12

DINGLE - ENNIS (B,D)

Enjoy a morning of invigorating exploration in the beautiful harbor town of Dingle. Following lunch, the coach transports us through outstanding coastal scenery, giving a glimpse of laid-back Irish rural living on the way to a ferry crossing of the Shannon Estuary. The beauty of Ireland continues to unfold as we drive north through County Clare to the town of Ennis. We'll rendezvous this evening to share a fun Farewell Dinner and reminisce about our experiences together in Ireland.

Day 13

RETURN HOME FROM ENNIS

An early-morning motorcoach ride to Shannon International Airport prepares us for our flights from enchanting Ireland back to our North American reality. We won't soon forget our walking adventure through the history, culture, and scenery of the beautiful Emerald Isle!