Celtic Kerry Cultural Tour

Discover Ireland's heritage

This easy walking tour allows you to discover the best of ancient and modern Ireland. You are based in the National Park town of Killarney and the friendly market town of Caherciveen. Enjoy the stunning lake, mountain and Atlantic coast scenery of the southwest of Ireland as well as Irish whiskey tasting, Irish music, ancient castles, a magical evening walk and learning to play the Bodhrán (traditional Irish drum). All this plus traditional Irish hospitality, good food and friendly people will make this an unforgettable week. Ideal for those seeking a real Irish experience.

Your accommodation in Killarney and Caherciveen is in quality family-run guesthouses. Every room has a TV, private bathroom and there are tea & coffee making facilities for all guests. Full Irish Breakfast and Continental Breakfast are served each morning, and vegetarians are also catered for.

Tour Highlights:
- Killarney - a well-known, scenic, vibrant town in the heart of the Killarney National Park
- Visit of 19th century Muckross House, Gardens, Traditional Farms and Abbey
- Irish Whiskey and Irish Coffee Tasting Session - followed by Traditional Irish music
- Visit of 15th century Ross Castle
- Killarney National Park - lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer
- Jaunting Car ride in Killarney
- Horseriding and maze trail by the Atlantic Ocean
- Walk through Derrynane Beach and National Park
- A session to learn to play the Bodhran, followed by a traditional set dancing and Irish music session
- The ancient art of water divining
- Evening walk and magical musical evening in a prehistoric Ring Fort
- Discovery of Valentia Island ("The Treasure Island") by guided cycle tour
- Spectacular coastal and inland walks - unique flora, folklore, archaeology

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Day 1: Arrival

Optional airport transfer from Shannon or Kerry airports.
19:00 hrs. Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at guesthouse in Killarney.

Day 2: Killarney National Park

Distance: 10 km/6 miles. Ascent: None
A gentle walk through Killarney National Park allows you to experience the stunning lake and mountain scenery as well as the historical aspect of the Park, with a visit of 19th century Muckross House, the Gardens, the Traditional Farms- where guests walk back in time to a working 1930's farm - and 15th century Muckross Abbey. Off to a traditional Irish pub for a celebration of Irish Music!

Day 3: Ring of Kerry, Torc Waterfall

A short morning walk through Killarney National Park to Torc Waterfall. Transfer along the famous Ring of Kerry route to the coastal village of Caherdaniel. Visit Derrynane National Park & house, beach home of Daniel O'Connell, the Liberator. Walk along the mass path with beautiful views of the beaches, visit a 12th Century abbey on Abbey Island. Walk the blue flag Derrynane beach or a swim in the Atlantic ocean. Picnic lunch on beach or Abbey Island.

Day 4: On the Quest for Holy Celtic Water and evening walk to prehistoric Ring Fort

Distance: 5 km/3 miles. Ascent: 12 m/370 ft. Evening Walk: Easy. Ascent: None
Today's programme is certainly one with a difference! In the morning, you will be joined by a water diviner, who will show you the ancient art of water divining and take you to an old Irish Holy Well and ancient Irish sites to practice your newly acquired skills. Walk to the beautiful Bray Head on Valentia Island for lunch with superb views of the Skellig Islands. Continue to St Finians Bay and a visit to a chocolate factory!
After dinner in your guesthouse, we invite you to a magical evening walk - walk in the stillness of late evening to a prehistoric Ring Fort. To those legends of Celtic battles and lost loves, we add one final extraordinary note - an Irish harp. Your walk will be recompensed with the magical sounds of an Irish harpist waiting for you in the stillness of the Ring Fort (weather permitting). Simply unforgettable!

Day 5: Treasure Island, Art and Music

Distance: 5 km/3 miles. Ascent: 40 m/133 ft
Visit Valentia island, rich in wild and marine life, standing stones, sub-tropical flora & also the location of the first transatlantic cable. Visit Knightstown & Valentia grotto in the Slate quarry. Discover the ancient Ogham standing stones dotted around the island.
In the afternoon, learn to play the ancient Irish drum - the Bodhran - in a friendly and informal session with our Master Bohdran player. After dinner in your guesthouse, back to the pub where we invite you to meet the locals, join in (or just clap along) to a traditional set dancing session - and maybe practice beating those Bodhrans!

Day 6: Atlantic Beach walk, Sheep Dog Trials and Free time for you

Transfer along the Ring to Kerry to Killarney where you will stay for your last two nights. See real live sheep dog trials in Kells en-route. Completely rejuvenate your spirit as you walk along the award winning blue flag beach of Rossbeigh. Enjoy a free afternoon discovering Killarneys craft, book & coffee shops, visit a spa or walk in the National Park, adjacent to the town.

Day 7: Boat Trip through the Lakes of Killarney

Departing from Ross Castle enjoy one of Ireland's best day trips on an open top boat through the three Lakes of Killarney. Finish your day by either taking a wonderful walk through the Gap Of Dunloe and an Irish coffee at Kate Kearneys Cottage. Non-walkers have the option of hopping on a horse drawn jaunting car (supplement of 20-30 EUR per person).
A farewell dinner where you can celebrate and reflect on the wonderful walks, sights, sound and tastes of Ireland you have experienced throughout the week.

Day 8: Departure

Departure after a hot cooked Irish breakfast. Check below if the airport transfers to Kerry (closest airport) or Shannon airport suit.