5 Day Guided Hiking Tour

ITINERARY & MAP

• Day 1 - From Cork City, travel to the hiking centre of Ireland, County Kerry. Day one of this guided hiking tour is a true hidden gem. The hike begins by passes through fields of grazing sheep. There are views of forests, lakes and a waterfall. The path winds its way up hill to open mountain. As you hike on top of the mountain you will have panoramic views of Kenmare Bay. The hike takes approximately 4 hours and is a perfect opener to the tour. After lunch the tour calls to Muckross National Park. Here you visit Muckross Abbey and the gardens of Muckross House. Tonight’s accommodation is in Killarney.
• Day 2 – There no time spent in the tour vehicle on day 2. The day begins with a short hike to Ross Castle, followed by a boat trip through the three lakes of Killarney. On the boat trip you may be able to spot some of the park’s wildlife. In the afternoon, there is a guided hike through two spectacular glaciated valleys. The nights’ accommodation is in a local bed and breakfast, located at the foot of the mountains. A perfect place to relax and unwind on the second night of the tour.
• Day 3 – Day three is one of the tours highlights. Today’s hike is to the top of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Carrauntoohil is 1,040 meters and is part of the Macgillycuddy Reeks Mountain range. The route to the summit is one of the lesser used but more enjoyable routes. The hike begins from the previous nights’ accommodation. It follows a broad ridge which for the first 3 hours. Then the ground steepens, and the effort required increases. After approximately 4.5 hours of hiking, you will be on an open ridge between Ireland’s three highest peaks. At the mountain summit there are views that will take your breath away. The descent takes an alternative route. On the descent you are rewarded with views of the Black Valley and the Hags Glen. The hike is a challenging but very rewarding endeavour. Tonight’s accommodation is in Dingle.
• Day 4 - Today’s hike is on a magnificent section of the Dingle Way. The hike takes 4 hours to complete. There are expansive sea views during the hike. After the hike we travel on the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. This is a magical part of Ireland with ancient monuments and amazing views. The tour calls to Gallarus Oratory, a stone-built 9th century Christian Church. Tonight’s accommodation is in Dingle. In the evening you will have time to explore Dingle. Perhaps sample a Guinness and enjoy some traditional Irish music.
• Day 5 – On the final day of the tour, we hike through a ‘secret valley’ in Stack’s Mountains. The hike begins in a mixed deciduous Irish woodland of oak, ash, and chestnut trees. The route slowly rises climbing out of the valley. On the hike there are panoramic views of the mountains of Cork and Kerry. This is a very special hike and is one of Ireland’s hidden gems. A perfect end to the guided hiking tour. In the evening, the tour returns to Cork City.
• The 5 day guided hiking tour is led by knowledgeable, experienced and friendly guides.