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FOR MORE DETAILS ON OUR EUROPEAN TRIPS, VISIT 71
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 Trip Leaders Con Moriarty and
Ann Curran, we’ll enjoy an insider’s view as
we 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, the extraordinary island-monastery
of Skellig Michael (now of Star Wars fame)—
they’re all on this journey. Along the way, we
hear tales of clans and chieftains, enjoy
pub evenings among new friends, savor the
fantastic Irish culinary scene, and meet
artists, shepherds, singers, and more. Come
experience the true Ireland with us!
Days 1-2 Cork / Sheep’s Head Peninsula
In the lush beauty of West Cork, we enjoy a
spectacular hike and a warm welcome at our
country manor house. On the narrow ridge
of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula, a place of
breathtaking beauty and home to some 600 souls,
a mix of farmers and fishermen, our airy trail
offers views at every turn, from Dunmanus Bay
in the south to Bantry Bay in the north.
Days 3-5 Beara Peninsula / Killarney
National Park / Kerry Way As early as 4,000
years ago, Bronze Age people recognized the
power and sanctity of the Beara Peninsula and
located some of Ireland’s most beautiful stone
circles here. We hike through this wild valley,
then follow the Kerry Way to Killarney Lakes,
with a spectacular descent into the Gap of
Dunloe, a narrow pass between Macgillycuddy’s
Reeks and Purple Mountain. Con’s family
has lived in these hills for generations and he
describes this area as “a powerful place of great
shapes, nature, history, and stories.”
Days 6-9 Skellig Michael / Dingle Peninsula /
Great Blasket Islands We boat out to dramatic
Skellig Michael, an 8th century monastic outpost
set atop a rock pinnacle, then head to the Dingle
Peninsula, a misty spine of mountains notched
with beaches, bays, and pre-Christian antiquities.
On Mount Brandon, a spiritual anchor point on
Ireland’s Atlantic seaboard, we follow a pilgrim
route past spectacular sea cliffs. Our grand
finale finds us hiking the ancient green roads
of mesmerizing Great Blasket, the westernmost
point in Europe, where we’ll have a sense of
walking near the edge of the world. Depart on
Day 9 via Cork.
Our adventure includes a journey out to breathtaking Skellig Michael, a World
Heritage Site. PHOTO: DAVID LYONS
BRIAN MCGILLOWAY
COASTAL, MOUNTAIN, AND ISLAND HIKES IN CORK AND KERRY
HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy an insider’s introduction to
Ireland’s rich traditions and powerful
history
• Hike the Kerry Way, Beara Peninsula, and
legendary McGillicuddy Reeks, with easy
or moderate options
• Cross the famed Lakes of Killarney by
private boat
• Summit Corran Tuthail, Ireland’s
highest mountain, and hike sacred
Mount Brandon
• Savor Ireland’s superb culinary scene
• Hear traditional music and song
(our leaders will take you to hear the
finest musicians)
DETAILS
• 9-day trip begins and ends in Cork
• 8 nights charming inns and hotels
• All meals included except 1 dinner
DATES
May 5-13, 2018
May 27-Jun 4
Jun 16-24
Jul 7-15
Aug 18-26
Sep 15-23
TRIP COST
$4895 (11-15 members)
$5395 (4-10 members)
Single supplement: $255
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