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. Maybe it's the dynamic Celtic heritage with its roots deep in devout Catholicism artfully balanced by a playful obsession with music and dance.

The mystique of this special land has compelled us to return to the Emerald Isle for our third season in 2006. Our itinerary will be packed with a 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 this summer. Share the Adventure on the Emerald Isle of Ireland! 

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ARRIVE DUBLIN, IRELAND—KILKENNY (D)
Glendalough Between the Lakes Walk 5/10 km, rated 1/3+

Our Adventure on the Emerald Isle begins this morning from Dublin, capital of the land of leprechauns and gateway to an unforgettable walking vacation in Ireland! We'll rendezvous at the Dublin airport, then continue south by motorcoach through the enchanting green Wicklow Mountains to the 6th century monastic city of Glendalough. The film in the visitor centre and our nature walk in this “valley between the lakes” offers an intriguing glimpse into Irish Catholicism in a breathtaking setting. We'll overnight in Kilkenny, considered Ireland's loveliest inland city.

KILKENNY—KILLARNEY (B,D)

Today begins with a guided tour of Kilkenny Castle, an excellent example of the influence of 12th century Anglo- Norman invaders. Next stop is the magnificent medieval Rock of Cashel. This rocky stronghold rising dramatically out of the Tipperary Plains 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 resort community of Killarney in Killarney National Park.

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

The 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 lunch and a guided boat trip across pristine Upper Lake, we'll drive north to the timeless Dingle Peninsula for two nights in this westernmost corner of Ireland.

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

This morning's coach tour offers more archeological wonders, outstanding coastal scenery, and laid back Irish rural living. Another world-class walk this afternoon combines spectacular sea cliffs, crescent-shaped beaches, fuchsialined 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 Ireland's best opportunities to participate in a traditional Irish jam session.

DINGLE—ENNIS (B,D)

A more relaxing day is in store today. The beauty of Ireland continues to unfold as we drive north toward County Clare. Along the way, we'll enjoy an extended lunch break in charming Tralee, home of the famous Rose of Tralee International Festival.

ENNIS—KILRONAN (B,D)

Our coach takes us deeper into County Clare today to wonder at the stupendous Cliffs of Moher, a 5-mile stretch of 600-foot tall sandstone cliffs rising boldly from the Atlantic. A guided walking tour of Galway introduces us to her 14 leading medieval- era families, known as the “tribes.” After a 45-minute ferry ride across Galway Bay, we'll arrive on the Aran Island of Inishmore. Join us after dinner for a taste of Ireland's fastpaced music and dance. Ragús is an internationally renowned team of singers, dancers, and musicians that epitomizes the Celtic energy of this uniquely Irish form of entertainment.

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

We'll explore another unforgettable trail today between a checkerboard of stone walls to the prehistoric fortress called Dun Aengus, perched atop the 300-foot tall sea cliffs of Inishmore in one of the most remote and starkly picturesque spots in Ireland. The balance of the walk transits the desolate beauty of an island of rock walls and bare limestone where locals still manufacture soil by hand, mixing sand and seaweed atop the barren limestone plateau.

WESTPORT—LONDONDERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND (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'll continue north through varying emerald green panoramas across counties Mayo, Sligo, and Donegal for a 2-night stay in Northern Ireland.

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

A stretch of stunning sea cliff scenery comprises one of our favorite coastal walks, finishing at the astounding honeycomb-shaped basaltic rock formations of Giant's Causeway, Ireland's only World Heritage Site. Later this evening, a fascinating walking tour through the Catholic and Protestant neighborhoods of Londonderry will provide insight into The Troubles, which began in the ʻ60's, but have faded into relative peace and prosperity during the past several years.

LONDONDERRY—DUBLIN, IRELAND (B,D)

This morning's visit to the Ulster American Folk Park provides compelling insight into the 18th and 19th century's exodus from poverty-stricken, famine-ridden Ireland and the impact of Ireland's emigrants on America. From the Park, our route winds south through more pastoral scenes and across the border to Dublin for our last two nights in Ireland.

ACTIVITIES IN DUBLIN (B,D)

Dublin Sightseeing Walk 10 km, rated 1+

All day is set aside to explore this fascinating capital city, 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). In addition, you'll receive a ticket for a sightseeing coach tour (hop-on, hop-off) allowing access to many other uniquely Dublin attractions like Kilmainham Gaol Museum and Guinness Storehouse (admissions not included).

DUBLIN—USA (B)

We depart from enchanting Ireland (flight not included) today 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!

Walking the Emerald Isle of Ireland
June 24 -July 5, 2006
12 Days     $3190
Single Supplement $390

Including:

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Fill out our Reservation Form and reserve your spot today!

To reserve your spot on this adventure, please mail the registration form along with a $500 per person deposit to the address listed below. Make checks payable to Walking Adventures International. VISA or MasterCard also accepted.

Mail payments to:
Walking Adventures International
P.O. Box 871000
Vancouver, WA 98687-1000
USA

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