Irish Walks: An Active Journey from Dublin to Dingle

Arrive in Dublin on an overnight flight, and transfer to your hotel in the city center. The afternoon is yours to explore this lively city.  In the evening, get to know your group leader and fellow travelers at a welcome orientation before a local guide leads us on a walking tour of Dublin. Stroll past famous landmarks such as Trinity College and the 1,000-year-old Christ Church Cathedral, and the cobbled streets of Temple Bar. Then it’s on to a delicious welcome dinner. (D)

Walking: 2 hours on paved city streets.

Journey west this morning, stopping for a visit to the Kilbeggan Whiskey Distillery, Ireland’s oldest licensed distillery, founded in 1757. On a tour of the working distillery, learn about their time-tested process of crafting fine spirits and hear colorful tales from over 200 years of whiskey making. End the experience with a tasting “master class” in the old cooperage. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route to County Clare, where your destination is the village of Doolin in the heart of the Burren. This region is known for its unusual limestone-crusted landscapes—and the abundant wildflowers that grow between the cracks.

After checking in to your inn, set out with a guide on a scenic walk from the village to the iconic Cliffs of Moher. You’ll have rolling green pastures dotted with sheep on one side of the trail—and 700-foot cliffs that drop sharply to the crashing sea on the other. Take in expansive views of the Aran Islands (weather permitting) as your guide interprets the geography as well as the history and folklore associated with these cliffs.  Drive back to the village for an evening at leisure or opt to join the group leader at a village pub for some entertainment: Doolin is the home of traditional Irish music. (B,L)

Hiking: 5 miles on coastal trails that can be windy or rainy, primarily a descent of approximately 650 feet with about 330 feet of elevation gain due to the trail's undulating terrain.

Head out just after breakfast to catch the ferry across Galway Bay to the largest of the Aran Islands, Inishmore. The Aran Islands are part of Ireland’s Gaeltacht, where the Irish language and Gaelic traditions still hold strong. Sit down to a lunch at an island pub then discover this enchanting island on a guided bike tour, delving into mythology, geology, and everyday life as you pedal past stone-walled cow pastures and thatched cottages. Covered in sheets of limestone much like the Burren, Inishmore harbors dozens of Celtic and early Christian ruins, including the enigmatic ring fort of Dún Aonghasa, perched high on the sea cliffs. After a short hike, enjoy some free time exploring the fort’s surroundings before taking the ferry back to Doolin.During an evening at leisure, consider seeking out live Irish music in one of the village pubs. (B,L)

Biking: 9 miles (2 hours) on country roads and unpaved trails; mostly flat.

Hiking: 1-2 miles over a mix of gravel paths, grass, and rugged limestone rocks with an elevation change of 285 feet.

Drive south toward the Dingle Peninsula, stopping in the fairy-tale-like village of Adare. After lunch, take in views of the rugged coast and green hills as you approach the town of Dingle, perched on a natural harbor on the southern edge of the peninsula. Check in to your hotel, then take a walk through this charming town with your trip leader, learning about its heyday as a bustling trading port.  End the walk with a pint at a lively local pub, which has been filling glasses since 1899. With your evening free, choose to stay for dinner at this popular pub or seek out another restaurant in town. Your trip leader will have recommendations. (B,L)

Walking: 2-3 hours of walking tours in Adare and Dingle, city street.

Begin your day on the fabled Slea Head drive, a route that links ancient ruins, jagged cliffs, and remote fishing hamlets. Make stops along the route to get a closer look at historic forts and beehive huts and visit traditional villages where Irish is still spoken. Visit the Blasket Centre, dedicated to preserving the stories and unique culture of communities along the region's windswept shores, before heading out on the Lub na Cille trail to enjoy views of the remote Blasket Islands, where islanders lived on subsistence farming for generations Immerse in local folklore, mythology, and history as you walk along the coast with your guide. Opt to hike the full loop trail along this part of the Dingle Way or return to the Blasket Centre with free time to explore and enjoy the clifftop viewing deck. After lunch, continue along Slea Head Drive, which circles the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. If weather permits, take in views of the rocky crag of Skellig Michael. Enjoy a free evening in Dingle. (B,L)

Walking: 5 miles (2-3 hours), 480 feet of elevation gain.

Leave the Dingle Peninsula and drive to Killarney, the gateway to Killarney National Park. Check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore this UNESCO Biosphere—its lakes and rolling hills are intertwined with peaceful trails. After lunch on your own in town, meet a local guide for a cycling tour of the park, following a loop trail through mossy old growth forests and past historic landmarks. Explore the ruins of Muckross Abbey, once attacked by Oliver Cromwell’s forces, and get a sense of rural life at the working Muckross Traditional Farms. Pedal past the lakeside Muckross House and admire Torc Waterfall, which tumbles some 75 feet down a rocky mountainside. Later this evening, meet up for dinner at a popular local pub. (B,D)

Biking: 6-8 miles (2 hours) over paved paths with gentle hills.

A quick morning drive brings you to the historic Kate Kearney House, the starting point for today’s hike through the Gap of Dunloe. Carved by the retreating glaciers of the last Ice Age, this picturesque pass separates MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s tallest mountains, from the Purple Mountains. Follow the trail beneath the looming peaks, crossing the old stone Wishing Bridge and skirting gem-like lakes and green pastures scattered with sheep.  Enjoy a picnic lunch at Lord Brandon's cottage at the end of the pass. From here, board a boat for a relaxing ride across Killarney’s lakes to Ross Castle and opt to explore its ruins. Late this afternoon, transfer back to town and enjoy an evening on your own. (B,L)

Hiking: 7 miles, paved trail; with an ascent of 825 feet on the first section of the trail.

Head a few hours east to Kilkenny, a city known for its vibrant arts and handicrafts traditions. After lunch, embark on an entertaining walking tour along the Medieval Mile, hearing about Kilkenny’s history as well as its legends and ghost stories. Highlights include Kilkenny Castle, the old city jail, and the towering St. Canice's Cathedral. Next, stop in at the Smithwick's brewery for a guided tour and learn how red ales have been crafted here for some 300 years. Finish off the tour with a pint of your favorite ale and take the rest of the day to discover the city’s artisan shops, galleries, and vibrant nightlife. (B,L)

Walking: 2-3 hour medieval walking tour, city streets.

Journey into the heart of the Wicklow Mountains for a visit to enchanting Glendalough. This mystical valley, surrounded by steep mountain slopes, harbors the ruins of an ancient monastic settlement.  On a walk around the lake, discover lush forests, wildlife, and archaeological ruins steeped in history. After lunch on your own, return to Dublin and enjoy a free afternoon. This evening, toast your Irish adventure over a farewell dinner at a local pub accompanied by live Irish music. (B,D)

Hiking: 2 miles, varied terrain; 400-500 feet of elevation gain.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your onward flight. (B)