Dingle
and the Southwest
Celtic
winds sweep across rich, green moors, the weather intertwining with Ireland’s
mythical ancient history. We walk the rugged coast, lush moorlands, and ancient
ruins of Ireland’s impressive Southwest. Brightly painted fishing boats and
traditional rowing skiffs line Dingle Harbor. Crooked streets reveal charming
shops where we can watch craftspeople knit the finest sweaters, throw
earthenware pots and weave traditional textiles.
We
leave Dingletown to discover the 7000 year-old remains of ancient Gaelic and
Celtic settlements hiding amidst windswept grasses. We climb Mount Eagle on the
renowned Sliabh an Iolair trail, and visit Slea Head, Europe’s western most
point. We spend the evening in Dingle, enjoying traditional music and local
fare, welcomed with warm hearts and open arms by locals in every pub and along
every path.
The
next day we view sacred Mount Brandon from the 3000 year-old trails that cross
Connor Pass, before departing for the Ring of Kerry, well known for its
charming picturesque village set in a beautiful, rugged landscape.
We
walk a leg of the Kerry Way on an old coaching road. Dramatic coastal views of
Kenmare Bay and the Beara peninsula line our route to Staigue Stone Fort,
dating from 1000 BC. As we head
into the Lakeland of the Killarney National Park along Old Kenmare Road, we
pass through the ancient oakwoods of Derrycunnihy and the moorland of Eshknamucky. Finally, we follow Torc Waterfall to
the formal gardens of Muckross House, an Elizabethan style mansion on the
shores of Muckross Lake.
We
finish with a short voyage on a traditional, wooden, twelve-passenger boat
through the Three Lakes of Killarney, and a six mile walk through the ice-carved
valley of the Gap of Dunloe.
Days/Nights: 8D/7N
Meeting/Ending
Location: Shannon Airport
Comfort
notes: 3 star country inns and Bed and Breakfasts