Adventure Rating
How much Adventure do you want? This itinerary includes a few features to help gauge the following factors.
 Tour Pace: On a scale of 1 (slowest pace) to 5 (fastest pace), we’ve rated the following factors: number of 1-night hotels; driving miles per day; fullness of schedule; mid-tour airline flights; and average amount of walking per day.
 Walk Challenge: This number represents an average walk difficulty rating for the tour using a scale of 1 (easiest) to 5 (hardest) [same criteria used by American Volkssport Association].
The image of the Emerald Isle of Ireland has long captivated the imagination of the American traveler. Perhaps it's the ancestral linkage many of us feel with the “Old Country.” Possibly it's the stories of irresistibly warm Irish hospitality, or pictures of verdant, shades-of-green countryside and dramatic coastal scenery. Or maybe it's the dynamic Celtic heritage with its roots deep in devout Catholicism, artfully balanced by a playful obsession with music and dance.
Our itinerary will be packed with an outstanding collection of nature and sightseeing walks highlighting Glendalough in the enchanting green Wicklow Mountains, the dramatic Gap of Dunloe in Killarney National Park, the time-forgotten wonders of the Dingle Peninsula, the harsh limestone panoramas of the Aran Island of Inishmore, the fascinating sights of the Viking city of Dublin, and Giant's Causeway, the geological phenomenon in Northern Ireland.
Join us as imagination becomes reality -- Share the Adventure on Ireland - the Emerald Isle.
How to Register
To save yourself a spot on this Adventure, contact us to register with a $500 payment as soon as possible! Reservations will be accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis! Click here for more registration details.
A Note on the Walks
Walks are rated on a scale of 1-5. A walk rated 1 is fairly level and easy and a walk rated 5 is hilly and considered a challenging hike - see below for more details. (1 kilometer = .62 miles)
Daily Itinerary 
Day 1–6/23: 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 2–6/24: Limerick - Kilronan (BD)
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 3–6/25: Kilronan - Galway (BD)
Inishmore Dun Aengus Fortress Walk - 11 km, rated 2+
This morning’s ancient trail winds between a patchwork of stone walls to Dun Aengus, a prehistoric fortress perched atop 300-foot tall sea cliffs in one of Ireland’s most remote and starkly picturesque corners. 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 4–6/26: Galway - Letterkenny (BD)
From Galway, we continue north through undulating emerald green panoramas across Counties Mayo and Sligo, into County Donegal, then across the border to 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 have since mercifully faded into relative peace and harmony during years past. We return to Ireland this evening for a two-night stay in Letterkenny.
Day 5–6/27: Activities from Letterkenny (BD)
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 non-stop vistas climax at Giant's Causeway, astounding honeycomb-shaped basaltic rock formations that comprise Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 6–6/28: Letterkenny - Dublin (BD)
This morning’s visit to the Ulster American Folk Park provides thought-provoking insight into the 18th and 19th century exodus from poverty-stricken, famine-ridden Ireland, and the positive impact of Ireland’s immigrants on America. Leaving the Park, our route winds south through more pastoral scenes, back into Ireland, and on to Dublin. Upon arrival, you’ll be given 24-hour tickets for a hop-on-hop-off city bus tour to help you customize your exploration of this fair city.
Day 7–6/29: Activities in Dublin (B)
Dublin Sightseeing Walk - 10 km, rated 1+
All day is set aside to explore the capital of Ireland, founded, surprisingly, by Vikings in the 9th century. A walk from our hotel passes Trinity College (housing the Book of Kells), Grafton Street, the National Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, and Dublin Castle (admission not included). This evening’s optional excursion offers an unforgettable 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). Estimated price: $80
Day 8–6/30: Dublin - Kilkenny (BD)
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 overnight in the heart of old Kilkenny, considered Ireland's loveliest inland city.
Day 9–7/1: Kilkenny - Killarney (BD)
Today begins with a visit to Kilkenny Castle, an excellent 12th century example of Anglo-Norman invaders’ influence. 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 cross Counties Tipperary, Cork, and Kerry to Killarney, on the outskirts of Killarney National Park.
Day 10–7/2: Killarney - Dingle (BD)
Gap of Dunloe Walk - 11 km, rated 2+/3
Glacier-carved Gap of Dunloe provides the setting for today's memorable nature walk. The dramatic gorge’s plethora of panoramas is accentuated by its babbling brook, crossed at intervals by picturesque stone bridges as it courses between remote mountain lakes. Following a boat ride across the lovely vistas of Upper Lake, we drive north to timeless Dingle Peninsula for two nights in this westernmost corner of Ireland.
Day 11–7/3: 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. Enjoy taking in the waterfront atmosphere with its fishing fleet and relax with a pub dinner – the many pubs of Dingle offer one of the best opportunities to participate in a traditional Irish jam session!
Day 12–7/4: Dingle - Ennis (BD)
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 rendezvous this evening to share a fun Farewell Dinner and reminisce about our experiences together in Ireland.
Day 13–7/5: Depart from Ennis (B)
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!
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What's Included
Walking Ireland - the Emerald Isle 2012
June 23 - July 5, 2012 l 13 Days l $3950
Including:
- Airport to hotel transfers on first and last day**
- All land travel as outlined
- Round-trip ferry cruise to Inishmore, Aran Islands
- Superior tourist-class (3-star) or better hotel accommodations
- 22 meals: 12 breakfasts and 10 dinners as listed (BD)
- 6 walks as listed and fees for walking credit
- WAI guide service throughout
- Cultural and historical expertise of our driver guide throughout
- All tipping for local guides and coach driver
- Single Supplements are available: $600
- Visits to (including any admission fees):
- Cliffs of Moher
- Dun Aengus fortress
- Guided walking tour of Londonderry
- Giant's Causeway
- Ulster American Folk Park
- Dublin hop-on, hop-off bus tour
- Glendalough Visitor Centre
- Kilkenny Castle
- Rock of Cashel visit
- Killarney National Park
- Gallarus Oratory - Dingle Peninsula
- More fun stops than we can list!
Optional Excursions:
- Riverdance, or similar Irish music/dance show - Estimated price: $80 (DAY 7)
**Details of transfers provided are listed in Adventure Advice memo sent upon receipt of tour registration.
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Registration Details
To reserve your spot on this adventure, please mail the Registration Form along with a $500 per person deposit, or call in with your credit card. Make checks payable to Walking Adventures International. VISA, MasterCard, and Discover accepted.
The General Tour Conditions contain important information you should read before you register.
Mail payments to:
Walking Adventures International
PO Box 871000
Vancouver WA 98687-1000
USA
Travel Insurance
Walking Adventures has negotiated with an insurance carrier to provide travel insurance in the form of a Preferred Benefits™ policy. We are pleased to make this package available and believe that it will provide travelers with an important element of security at a reasonable price.
Why We Walk
Why We Walk
Walking and travel are a natural combination! For over 20 years, our Walking Adventures International team has been offering walking programs around the world, and we’ve found that walking and motorcoach travel is the best way to tour. Our coach takes you efficiently from point to point with little wasted time, but walking lets you get off the bus, stretch your legs, and explore the "must see" highlights and off-the-beaten-track wonders. For more on Why We Walk, click here.
Walk Rating System
1. An easy walk on pavement or well-maintained trail with no significant hills.
2. A moderately easy walk, may be on pavement or on trails. No significant difficulty with hills.
3. A moderate walk in any setting with some difficult terrain, one or two substantial hills and/or steps.
4. A more difficult walk. Most likely in a natural setting with poorly maintained paths and steeper or hilly inclines.
5. A very difficult walk. All in rough fields or woods. Many steep hills or high altitude trails, or very rough uneven terrain, steep or unstable inclines.
Volkssport
Some travelers like to keep track of their walks with a system known as volkssport. Click here if you’d like to know more about volkssport.
General Questions
And follow this link for more details on topics like: WAI’s approach to airfare, the number of people accepted on a tour, and finding a roommate!
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