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Ireland: Castles, Culture, and Hiking
Destination: Ireland
| Activities: Hiking and Culture
Ireland, appropriately known as the Emerald Isle, is a country steeped in history and rugged vistas. We'll encounter these vistas firsthand as we hike to high cliffs, remote islands, coastal areas, and the lunar landscape of the Burren. We'll learn about Ireland's turbulent past, including the Great Famine, and the centuries of conflict between the British and Irish. We'll visit sites including Caherconnell Fort, Bunratty Castle, and the famous Kylemore Abbey. This trip offers a mix of hiking and culture, and of course, plenty of opportunities to enjoy some local Irish music!
Highlights
- Touring Kylemore Abbey and several castles, in various states of repair
- Delving into Ireland's past along the famous Famine Walk on Killary Fjord
- Walking the Cliffs of Mohr and exploring one of the Aaron islands in the Bay of Galway
- Hiking in Connemara National Park at the foot of Diamond Hill
- Learning about and experiencing the food and culture of Ireland
- Spending time in the lively city of Dublin
Departures and Prices
| June 11 to June 19, 2023 |
| $3945.00 - Available |
| Book Now |
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
- 8 nights double occupancy lodging
- Meals as noted in the itinerary
- Entrance to the castles on our itinerary as well as Kylemore Abbey House & Gardens
Trip Documents
Trip Info
This trip is designed for active women in good physical condition who want to combine walking, hiking and sightseeing with immersion in the rich history and culture of Ireland. This trip is rated a 2 with one option for a longer hike. Preparation for this trip will require about 40 minutes of brisk walking 4 times a week (on hills if possible), or some type of aerobic conditioning 3 times a week. Rating: 1[2]3 4 5.
We will combine hiking throughout the trip with visiting some of the many historic and cultural sights, ranging from castles to remote islands. Our Irish guide is a wealth of information about all things Ireland and we will leave with a deeper knowledge of this country and its people.
Our nights will be spent in high quality lodges and/or guesthouses 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.
Driving: 1 hour. Overnight: County Clare. (D)
Driving: 1 hour. Hiking: 2 - 3 hours. Overnight: County Clare. (B, D)
Once reaching the Visitors Center, we'll take full advantage of their exhibits before boarding our shuttle and finding lunch. Our afternoon adventure offers us a glimpse into one of Ireland's well-known family run businesses: The Burren Perfumery. The Burren Perfumery is a family company that is run on a small scale with local staff. You'll have a chance to visit and enjoy their blending rooms, herb garden and their tearoom and perhaps you'll choose to sample their wonderful organic cakes.
Overnight: County Clare. (B)
Driving: 2 hours. Hiking: varied depending on activity choices on island. Overnight: Clifden (B, D)
Driving: 2 hours. Hiking: 3 hours Overnight: Clifden (B, D)
Next, we'll delve into the history of this magnificent landscape as we follow the Famine Walk that runs along the shores of Killary Harbour. Part of our walk will be along a famine relief road, constructed by the starving Irish during the great famine of 1845-1849 in return for food. Along the way we'll clearly see the ruins of famine villages and old 'Lazy Beds', an ancient practice of building ridges for planting potato crops. While the potato blight that was the immediate cause of the great famine ravaged crops throughout Europe, its most devastating impact was in Ireland where the impoverished population was heavily dependent on potato crops for survival. The severe economic conditions were inherently interwoven with the policies of British governance at the time and soured the already strained relations between these countries. The magnitude of the famine indelibly changed Ireland and became a rallying cause for the Home Rule movements that eventually led to independence.
We'll end today's memorable walk with a cruise through the Killary Fjord where we'll see dramatic sweep of the landscape, as you pass between the Twelve Bens and the Maam Turk mountains to the South, in County Galway and the Mweelrea mountains to the North in County Mayo. The shelter of the fjord is home to both mussel and salmon farming and toward the mouth of the fjord is a small island where dolphins traditionally like to make an appearance!
Driving: 1.5 hours. Hiking: 2 - 4 hours. Overnight Clifden (B)
After lunch, we will continue to Clonmacnoise, an ancient monastic site founded by St Ciaran in the mid-6th century that includes a cathedral and 7 churches. It was a great center of religion and learning, visited by scholars from all over the ancient world. Afterwards, we'll have a bit of free time before meeting back up for dinner.
Driving: 2 hours. Hiking: 1- 2 hours. Overnight: Athlone (B, D)
Driving: 1 hour. Hiking 2 hours. Overnight: Dublin (B, D)
4.8
(11 reviews)*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.
This trip was a good mix of hiking and site seeing. I liked that we spent the majority of our time in rural areas and small towns. Our Irish guide contributed much to the overall experience.
Outstanding guides and travel companions, exploring a beautiful country I'd never been to before, learning the history and culture of Ireland. Edel, the Irish guide was delightful. Please make sure she is part of future AGC Ireland trips.
This trip was absolutely wonderful in almost every way, and a huge part of the credit goes to our two outstanding guides, Kaitlyn and Edel (sp?). Their ease with each other and with all the participants created such a friendly, close feeling amongst the group that began early and lasted throughout the trip. They were upbeat, completely competant to deal with any situation that arose, and just a joy to be around. I've been on many AGC trips in which guides obviously worked well together and enjoyed each other's company, but this team were on the same page and so compatible, a skyrocket team!--they pulled us all together in every way. We felt we were in great hands without being coddled or micro-managed.
I really enjoyed the potato famine walk, and the hike up to the Cliffs of Mohr. I also loved the sheep dog demonstration at Fort Caherconell. The food at the Doolin Inn was excellent!
Edel, our Irish guide, was delightful! She sang, told stories and had endless energy! Our weather cooperated beautifully, and we had great hikes, great tours of castles and other ruins, and great food and fun. As with each AGC tour I've been on, the other women on the tour were excellent company! I also really liked the pace of this level 2 trip compared to the most recent level 3 trip I had taken. I felt like I had an hour or more in the evening to reflect and decompress and we always had time in the morning for breakfast and general preparation for the day. It was helpful that twice we stayed in one hotel for 3 nights which also makes for a calmer approach to things. And Ireland is absolutely gorgeous! Incredible natural beauty!
A wonderful and entertaining Irish guide that made me forget I was a tourist and the chance to meet and talk with local people. At the end of the day, I always called going back to our small and quaint Inns "going home". They truly had the feel of home. The food was over-the-top delicious!
Both guides were awesome! People were so friendly
Unique landscape with a guide that took routes with hidden gems. Historical information provided gave insight to the meaning of the various sights for both past and present.
The guides are what made the trip exceptional. All the stories, songs, side trips etc.
Cliffs of Mohr, monastery, hotel K
The itinerary, the beautiful scenery, the hiking, wonderful Irish people, the fantastic group of women on the trip
- It looks like you're arriving in Shannon and leaving from Dublin. Isn't that more expensive?
That used to be true but ticketing has changed and it typically is not more expensive. And it saves a lot of driving time! - Could I combine this trip with the hiking 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. - 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. -
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.
