EUROPE
IRELAND: HIKING THE EMERALD ISLE
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS • Approach the enchanting valley of Glendalough from above, descending along the beautiful Wicklow Way. • Hike a portion of the Dingle Way, and encounter the beehive huts and cliff-lined coast of the Dingle Peninsula. • Take to the trails of the spectacular Ring of Kerry, passing ancient forts and monasteries. • Go cycling on Inishmore, and get acquainted with the rich Irish traditions of the Gaeltacht.
Galway
IRELAND Glenmalure
Wic klow
Shannon Rock of Cashel Dingle
ITINERARY
| 10 DAYS
DAYS 1–3 DUBLIN, IRELAND/ POWERSCOURT/GLENDALOUGH Arrive at our hotel in central Dublin and enjoy a free day to explore the city. The next day, visit the elaborate gardens of Powerscourt House, a country estate dating back to the 1300s. Then hike through lush pine forests as we journey along the beautiful Wicklow Way to Glendalough, a sixth-century monastic site. In the Vale of Avoca, site of Wicklow’s gold rush, visit the Avoca Handweavers mill. Day 2: 10 miles hiking (5 hours); Day 3: 9 miles hiking (5 hours) Buswells Hotel, Glendalough Hotel
DAYS 4–6 KILLARNEY/GAP OF DUNLOE/ RING OF KERRY Travel to the Rock of Cashel, an exquisite example of Ireland’s medieval architecture. On the outskirts of Killarney, stroll the gardens of the 19th-century Muckross House. Bike or hike in the Gap of Dunloe, the narrow valley that splits the Purple Mountain Range from Macgillycuddy’s Reeks; and see Ross Castle, site of strong resistance to Oliver Cromwell’s Roundheads during the Irish Confederate Wars. Around the idyllic Ring of Kerry, watch a sheepdog demonstration and visit monasteries and Iron Age forts. Or climb to the summit of Carrauntoohill,
Ireland’s highest peak, for incredible views of the Irish countryside. Transfer to the Dingle Peninsula.
Moun tains
ARAN ISLANDS
Dublin Mullacor (2,156 ft) Glendalough Avoca 52° 37' N
Killarney
Gap of Dunloe Killarney National Park Carrauntoohil Ring of (3,415 ft) Kerry
Motor route Hiking route Boat route 8° 11' W
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MILES
Day 4: 3 miles hiking (2 hours); Day 5: 7 miles hiking or 30+ miles biking (3 hours); Day 6: 10–12 miles hiking (6 hours) or 11 miles (8 hours) for the Carrauntoohil climb Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, Dingle Benners Hotel
DAYS 7–10 DINGLE/THE BURREN/ ARAN ISLANDS Hike along the Dingle Way, tracing the rocky coastline of the Dingle Peninsula. Along the way, see the Gallarus Oratory and ancient beehive huts perched on the windswept green hills. Visit the enigmatic Ballintaggart Ogham Stones, then travel to the unusual limestone karst landscape of the Burren, where we’ll meet a local farmer to learn about this otherworldly place and the traditions of its people. Ferry to the Aran Islands, part of the Gaeltacht, where the Gaelic language is still spoken. On Inishmore, hike up to Dun Aengus, a mysterious ring fort perched on the edge of a cliff. Explore the island by bicycle before enjoying a farewell dinner in festive Galway. Depart the next morning for your flight home. Day 7: 11 miles hiking (6 hours); Day 8: 3 miles hiking (2 hours); Day 9: 2 miles hiking (1 hour)
INFORMATION 2017: May 29–June 7 • June 12–21 • June 26–July 5
Aug. 7–16 • Sept. 4–13
$5,495
COST:
Price is per person, double occupancy. For a single room, add $600. Airfare to Dublin and return from Shannon is not included in the cost. All meals are included between group arrival and departure, with the exception of dinner on days 5 and 8. ACTIVITY LEVEL: MODERATE We will be hiking 1 to 6 hours per day (2 to 11 miles) on moderate to steep grades at elevations ranging from 300 to a maximum of 3,500 feet, in variable weather. All optional biking excursions are on local roads and are suitable for beginners. During hikes, vehicle support is provided at various points along the way, and participants always have the option to rest a day. GROUP SIZE: 8–16 ACCOMMODATIONS: We will stay 9 nights in comfortable hotels that are conveniently located near each day’s activities.
Dingle Benners Hotel, Park House Hotel Above: Hikers trace the rugged coastline while trekking Ireland’s spectacular Dingle Way.
CALL 1-888-689-2557 OR VISIT NATGEOADVENTURES.COM
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