Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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FOR A DETAILED ITINERARY: 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL 42
Crashing seascapes, emerald valleys, the twining music of
the fiddle, the lilting rhythm of the language, and a people
who offer one of the warmest welcomes in the world—this
is the magic of Ireland. In the exuberant company of our
beloved Trip Leaders Con Moriarty and Ann Curran, you’ll
enjoy an insider’s view as you hike and explore the most
spectacular mountains and coasts of Southwest Ireland.
Remote Sheep’s Head Peninsula, the ancient woodlands
of Killarney National Park, the stone circles and pilgrim
trails of the Dingle Peninsula, extraordinary Skellig
Michael (seen in the recent Star Wars
film)—they’re all on this journey. Along
the way, hear tales of clans and
chieftains, enjoy pub evenings among
new friends, savor the emerging Irish
food scene, and meet artists, shepherds,
singers, and more. Come experience
the true Ireland with us!
Days 1-2 Cork / Sheep’s Head
Peninsula We breathe in the freshest
mountain air on our hike into a spectacular valley on the
Cork-Kerry boundary, perhaps meeting a shepherd along
the way. On the narrow spine of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula,
our airy trail offers incredible views at every turn, and among
the day’s highlights will be meeting with members of this
vibrant community.
Days 3-5 Beara Peninsula / Killarney National Park /
Kerry Way The Beara Peninsula holds some of Ireland’s
wildest land, and our hike straddles a high ridge. As early as
4,000 years ago, Bronze Age people recognized the power
and sanctity of this peninsula and located some of Ireland’s
most beautiful stone circles in the deep valleys. We follow
the Kerry Way to Killarney Lakes, with a spectacular descent
into the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass between
Macgillycuddy’s Reeks and Purple Mountain. Con’s family
has lived in the shadow of these hills for generations and he
describes this as “a powerful place of great shapes, nature,
history, and stories.” His grandfather guided Victorian travelers
through this stunning landscape.
Days 6-9 Skellig Michael / Dingle Peninsula / Great
Blasket Islands We boat out to dramatic Skellig Michael, a
remarkable Christian monastic outpost set atop a rock
pinnacle, then head to the Dingle Peninsula, a misty spine
of sandstone mountains notched with beaches, bays, and
troves of pre-Christian antiquities. On Mount Brandon, one
of the great spiritual anchor points on Ireland’s Atlantic
seaboard, we follow a pilgrim route past a spectacular line
of sea cliffs. Our grand finale finds us in the ethereal Great
Blasket Islands. Hiking along the ancient green roads of
mesmerizing Great Blasket, the westernmost point in
Europe, we’ll have a sense of walking near the edge of the
world. Depart on Day 9 via Cork.
ANDREAS BERTHOLD
JACKIE ELLIS
We’ll journey out to the enigmatic monastic outpost of Skellig Michael, one of Ireland’s spectacular
sacred sites. PHOTO: CHRIS RYAN
HIGHLIGHTS
• Hike the Kerry Way,
Dingle Peninsula, mystical
Blasket Islands, Sheep’s
Head Peninsula, and boat
to Skellig Michael
• Enjoy an insider’s
introduction to Ireland’s
rich folklore, traditions,
and colorful history
• Whiskey tasting with an
expert, meet a shepherd
and his border collies
• Traditional music, lively
pub evenings, charming
hotels in great locations
DETAILS
• 9-day trip begins and
ends in Cork
• 8 nights charming inns
and hotels
• All meals included except
1 dinner
DATES
May 6-14, 2017
Jun 3-11
Jul 8-16
Aug 19-27
Sep 16-24
TRIP COST
$4695 (11-15 members)
$5195 (7-10 members)
Single supplement: $510
TRIP LEVEL
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A mix of moderate walks
and hikes, 4-6 hours a day,
van support