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Hiking Ireland
Destination: Ireland
| Activities: Hiking and Culture
The Emerald Isle is known for its varied and delightful hiking and on this trip we aim to sample the best. We'll experience the diverse geography of the island as we hike parts of the Wicklow, Kerry, and Burren Ways, visit Killarney National Park and the Cliffs of Moher, and hike in mountains and along cliff tops. We'll also listen to Irish music and sample Irish cuisine, learn about Irish history, and experience the hospitality for which Ireland is known. Maximum group size: 14
Highlights
- Hiking the Wicklow Way and seeing the ruins of the former monastery
- Exploring the Gap of Dunloe and the Muckross Estate in Killarney National Park
- Hiking to and along the Cliffs of Moher
- Learning about the complex and unique geology of the Burren
- Listening to Irish music and enjoying Irish food
Inclusions
- An AGC guide and a local guide (There will be an AGC guide with 8 or more participants, below 8 there will not be an AGC guide)
- All transport within Ireland other than the Dublin airport transfer
- 9 nights double occupancy lodging
- Meals as noted on the itinerary
- Entrance to the Rock of Cashel and Muckross Estate
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip is designed for active women in good physical condition who want to experience Ireland on foot. Previous hiking experience is desirable but not required; more essential is having the required level of fitness. This trip is rated a 3, which means typically hiking about 6 hours a day, although there is one longer day of hiking. Hikes are typically from point to point, so there are limited options to shorten hikes. Preparation for this trip will require aerobic conditioning at least 4 times a week with some preparatory hiking on weekends. Rating: 1 2 [3] 4 5
This is primarily a hiking trip and our focus is on experiencing some of the classic trails of Ireland. There will also be some visiting of historic sites and learning about Irish culture and history from our Irish guide, who is a wealth of information about all things Ireland.
On this trip, we will be staying in a mix of hotels, lodges and guesthouses, in double occupancy rooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Arrive in Dublin on Day 1 in time to meet at our hotel at 5:00 p.m. If you arrive before your room is ready, the hotel is happy to store your luggage. We will meet in the lobby of our hotel for introductions and then go out together for a welcome dinner, where we will continue getting to know each other and talk about our upcoming Irish hiking adventure. Dublin is a very happening place on any night and if you don't need an early bedtime, it's a safe and fun place to walk around.
Overnight: Dublin (D)
Overnight: Dublin (D)
DAY 2
After eating breakfast and packing up, we'll meet our Irish guide and head south. Our destination is a section of the Wicklow Way, one of Ireland's premiere long-distance paths. While the entire Way is 79 miles, we'll be hiking 2 sections of it widely regarded as among the finest.
Our section today, from Roundwood to Glendalough, is an excellent warm up hike. While considered one of the easier sections, it's our first exposure to a true mountain route. This will also allow some time for exploring the very heart of the Wicklow uplands, located at the junction of four major glacial valleys: Avonmore, Glenmacnass, Glendasan and Glendalough. A combination of public road (briefly), forest track, and mountain trail takes us across rivers, down into valleys, and onto mountain sections. Our final section is a descent into lovely Glendalough (pronounced glen-da-lock), which is Gaelic for "The Valley of Two Lakes", and formerly a monastic site founded by a 6th century hermit. We'll end at the Glendalough Visitors Center and shuttle to our hotel for the night.
Driving: 1.5 hours. Hiking: 4 hours, 7.5 miles, 1,130-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Glendalough Hotel or similar. (B, D)
Our section today, from Roundwood to Glendalough, is an excellent warm up hike. While considered one of the easier sections, it's our first exposure to a true mountain route. This will also allow some time for exploring the very heart of the Wicklow uplands, located at the junction of four major glacial valleys: Avonmore, Glenmacnass, Glendasan and Glendalough. A combination of public road (briefly), forest track, and mountain trail takes us across rivers, down into valleys, and onto mountain sections. Our final section is a descent into lovely Glendalough (pronounced glen-da-lock), which is Gaelic for "The Valley of Two Lakes", and formerly a monastic site founded by a 6th century hermit. We'll end at the Glendalough Visitors Center and shuttle to our hotel for the night.
Driving: 1.5 hours. Hiking: 4 hours, 7.5 miles, 1,130-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Glendalough Hotel or similar. (B, D)
DAY 3
We'll spend another day on the Wicklow Way, starting where we stopped at the Visitor's Center and continuing on to Glenmalure. Our hike starts in the valley and then steadily heads up. We'll see the ancient ruins of the Monastic City as we pass Polnass Waterfall, after which we follow a forest road that heads up steadily to the boggy saddle between Mullacor and Lugduff. Here, we're rewarded with a view of Ireland's longest valley, where we'll soon find ourselves enjoying the hospitality in the evening at dinner.
Hiking: 5 hours, 8.7 miles, 1,270-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Glendalough Hotel or similar. (B, D)
Hiking: 5 hours, 8.7 miles, 1,270-foot elevation gain. Overnight: Glendalough Hotel or similar. (B, D)
DAY 4
We have a longer drive today as we head towards the western side of Ireland and Killarney National Park.
Killarney is home of the MacGillycuddy Reeks and the famous Muckross Estate. We'll enjoy a short hike today on a lovely, looped walk featuring lakeshore trails, medieval ruins, babbling brooks, and woodland solitude. It takes us past the estate and into the historic ruins of Muckross Abbey. Originally the home of Franciscan friars who then relocated into town, the ruins feature well-preserved cloisters that surround a famous Yew Tree. The path leads back by a different way, ending with a total of about 1.5 miles.
Then it's on to Dingle Town, known for its pretty setting, good restaurants, and most of all - 54 pubs! (in a town of 2,000) Traditional music can be found playing any day of the week. We'll stay here for the next four nights, so you'll have plenty of time to explore.
Driving: 4 - 5 hours, Hiking 1.5 miles. Overnight: Dingle (B, D)
Then it's on to Dingle Town, known for its pretty setting, good restaurants, and most of all - 54 pubs! (in a town of 2,000) Traditional music can be found playing any day of the week. We'll stay here for the next four nights, so you'll have plenty of time to explore.
Driving: 4 - 5 hours, Hiking 1.5 miles. Overnight: Dingle (B, D)
DAY 5
Today's hike is undoubtedly the most demanding one of the trip, on a very popular section of the Dingle Way. We’ll choose between one of two options: Dingle to Dunquin or Dunquin to Feohanagh to hike for the day. With either option, you’ll see wonderful vistas, beaches, and archaeological sites with cultural significance.
Dingle to Dunquin Hiking: 5 - 7 hours, 12.4 miles, 1,214 foot elevation gain.
Dunquin to Feohanagh Hiking: 5 - 7 hours, 12.4 miles, 410 foot elevation gain.
Overnight: Dingle. (B)
DAY 6
There are many options for hikes today and our final choice depends on the weather and our energy. One possible option is a popular walk through The Gap of Dunloe. The gap is a long narrow valley, splitting the MacGillycuddy Reeks from the Purple Mountain Massif, and is widely considered one of the most beautiful areas in Killarney. The hike starts from Kate Kearney's cottage and after hiking through the gap, a boat picks us up for an hour boat ride to Ross Castle. It's a mellow hike after yesterday and well worth it.
Driving: 1 hour Hiking: 3 - 3.5 hours, 8.8 miles 650-foot elevation gain. Boat ride: 1 hour. Overnight: Dingle (B, D)
Driving: 1 hour Hiking: 3 - 3.5 hours, 8.8 miles 650-foot elevation gain. Boat ride: 1 hour. Overnight: Dingle (B, D)
DAY 7
The morning is yours to explore Dingle. The gaily colored buildings, craftsman's studios, and multitude of shops make this a fun town to explore. If towns don't interest you, there is a lovely walk along the bay. In late morning we'll drive to Annascaul where we'll have lunch at the South Pole Inn. Tom McCrean, a very famous Irish hero and explorer who is credited with being instrumental in the rescue of the Shackleton Expedition to the South Pole, was born on Dingle and when he returned, he settled in Annascaul and opened the South Pole Inn. Our hike today is called the Three peaks of Annascaul, one of those hikes where you are well rewarded for your effort. We'll be walking across the Brackloon Ridge with its trio of 1000-feet mountains, including Brackloon Mountain and Knockafeehane. Along the way it offers magnificent views of the Slieve Mish mountains, the Com Dubh river system, majestic Dingle bay and the never-ending Inch strand. We'll return tonight to Dingle for a dinner is on your own and your last chance to enjoy some local music.
Hiking 2 -3 hours, 4.3 miles. Overnight: Dingle (B)
Hiking 2 -3 hours, 4.3 miles. Overnight: Dingle (B)
DAY 8
We'll head north today to the Burren Way as it traverses a spectacular coastal path from Liscannor in the south to the Cliffs of Moher. On a clear day there are expansive views of the Aran Islands, Galway Bay, Aill Na Searrach and the Atlantic Ocean way below your feet! The trail starts from Liscannor, following quiet country roads and paths to Hags Head and the signal tower. From here it's a relatively flat as it follows the remote and exposed cliff top path. It's the views more than the exertion that might leave you breathless. Approaching the Cliffs this way allows us to experience them without the crowds, which gradually increase as we approach the Visitor's Center where our transport awaits.
Driving 4 hours, Hiking: 3 - 4 hours, 7.5 miles, 650-feet elevation gain. Overnight: Hotel in County Clare (B, D)
Driving 4 hours, Hiking: 3 - 4 hours, 7.5 miles, 650-feet elevation gain. Overnight: Hotel in County Clare (B, D)
DAY 9
We'll spend our last day of hiking in Burren National Park. The Burren is one of Ireland's most unique landscapes. Burren comes from the Irish word "Boireann", which means a rocky place. And that is an accurate description: call it "limestone karst meets glaciation". It is also described as a lunar landscape. There are many trail choices here, from nature trails to treks into the remote upland, and which and how many trails we hike will be guided by the weather and our energy. One popular route is the Mullaghmore Loop, a 4.9-mile loop that traverse the classic limestone landscape and ascends Mullaghmore Mountain. The view from the top offers a sweeping view of the geology. There are also two nature trails starting from the same area, so it is possible to offer shorter options or add additional hiking. Whichever we choose, you can be sure of a stunning end to our trip. We'll return to the same lodging to the same lodging tonight and share a final Farewell Dinner.
Overnight: Hotel in County Clare (B, D)
Overnight: Hotel in County Clare (B, D)
DAY 10
After breakfast, it's an hour drive to Shannon airport. We'll have you there in time for flights out after 11:00 AM. (B)
4.5
(14 reviews)
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1
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "What made this trip special for you?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Julie B.
2 months ago
The country, the weather, the well planned and executed trip that was constantly and seamlessly adjusted as needed by our guides
Judith R.
3 months ago
This was my first trip. As a single senior I was able to see and do more with this group than on my own.
Teresa T.
3 months ago
I very much enjoyed the Irish people and country side. The tour was diverse in the kinds of hikes we did and diverse in geography. Loved it! All the fellow travelers and staff were positive and fun to be around.
Terry T.
3 months ago
Definitely the people: our wonderful guides, the Irish people and of course the other women on the trip! The landscape was pretty gorgeous as well.
Kathleen M.
3 months ago
The group of women with whom I shared this adventure. Everyone was giving and supportive.
Diane S.
3 months ago
Wonderful way to see Ireland. Hiking the Cliffs of Moher, Dingle Way, Burren Way,, and Wicklow Way and others. On foot is a great way to see Ireland if you have the physical ability. If you are a single traveler this is a great way to be part of a group enjoying a common experience.
Janine L.
1 year ago
First AGC trip and it was awesome. Cannot say enough about our wonderful Ireland guide Adele and our AGC guide Kailtlyn they were super at organizing and switching up plans to accommodate the group.
Dawn O.
1 year ago
The hiking Ireland trip was by far one of the best vacations/hiking adventures I've ever been on. I would have to give most of the credit to our two amazing guides (Kaitlyn and Adelle), they made the trip such a lovely experience. They were not afraid to change things up when needed and I liked that a lot. The ladies I formed friendships with were another highlight of this trip as well as the most beautiful majestic views and scenery made this the top of my list of best trips....
Elizabeth H.
1 year ago
A local guide who shared lots of information and insights and even tweaked the itinerary to take advantage of nearby options. I've visited several of the cities we visited before, but without hiking and without the local insights. This felt in many ways like a wholly different trip from my prior ones due to the local knowledge and the great group of women. The rolling hikes were truly beautiful and the timing during lambing season was perfect. I also loved how Edel hooked us up with the pubs with good music.
Tracy J.
1 year ago
I really liked the way the guides would alter the hike based on weather and the group. Ireland it gorgeous and I felt like we hit many of the top spots. I loved going to the pubs and having time to do some exportation of dingle (went to the falconry). I also liked staying in the same place for multiple nights instead of constantly being on the move. I also really enjoyed the ferry boat ride and the boat right to the gap of Dunloe
Susan R.
1 year ago
Having two outstanding guides that worked seamlessly together, adjusting & improving the travel plans on the fly - remaining calm & professional no matter what happened, making us laugh while educating us on the beauty & history of Ireland. A perfect trip!
Margaret T.
1 year ago
Hiking the cliffs of Moher, Gap of Dunloe, first half of hike on Kerry Way. And of course the majority of the women. Great group. Our Irish guide, Edel, was fun, funny and kept us entertained on the bus. Katelyn was supportive and caring.
Janet S.
1 year ago
Tracy H.
1 year ago
The scenery and hiking excursions were spectacular. Our guide Edel was a true gem. She found great hiking alternatives when the weather was iffy. Edel sang Irish songs to us, taught us an Irish dance, and gave us fun challenges to add to our experiences such as looking for a special icon at a castle, teaching us to pace our steps on long hikes, and telling us about Irish culture old and new. She kept us engaged on long road trips. She really made the trip enjoyable. Hopefully, Edel will be the guide for AGC in Ireland and many other places for many years to come.
- Where do we eat?
Your breakfasts will be buffets at the hotels where you're staying. Dinner is in restaurants with typically a choice of vegetarian or non-vegetarian entree. Lunches are not included in this itinerary, but you'll have wonderful options which may include either picnics or stops in pubs, cafes, or restaurants along the way - Could I combine this trip with the other Ireland trip?
Absolutely. You would have a day to relax and wash your clothes between trips. And while both trips include visits to the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren, the hiking will be different. - What dietary preferences or restrictions can you accommodate on this trip?
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. Know that Irish cuisine has a big focus on meat and potatoes, and vegetarian options may be somewhat limited. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, options may be limited and we ask that you bring some additional protein bars. If you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register. -
I will be coming by myself. Do I need to pay a single supplement?
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
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