Walking and Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way

8 days
From $235/day
$1,880
From: 
$2,538
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews  
98%
Trip last updated: 1/1/2020
Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
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Overview

Highlights

    • Cycle through the stunning Gap of Dunloe
    • Boat trip from Ross Castle through the three lakes of Killarney to Lord Brandon's cottage.
    • Optional 2nd boat trip into Dingle harbour in search of Dingle's most famous resident 'Fungi' the Bottlenose Dolphin

What's this trip about?

    A haven for hikers and cyclists, with magnificent views of land and sea at every turn. Kerry also boasts an abundance of welcoming towns, B&Bs and cosy pubs in which to rest weary feet. Admirably referred to by locals as 'The Kingdom', Kerry will give you a striking, authentic and truly memorable experience of Ireland with its astonishing natural beauty, enriched by the warm welcome of its people. The Wild Atlantic Way spans the full Western coast of Ireland and on this holiday you explore its wonderful Southern peninsula. With one of the country's finest national parks as its backyard, the lively tourism hub of Killarney is often the starting point for Kerry's two famed loop drives: the larger Ring of Kerry skirts the mountainous, island-fringed Iveragh Peninsula. The more compact Dingle Peninsula is like a condensed version of its southern neighbour, with ancient Christian sites, sandy beaches and glimpses of a hard, unforgiving land. Killarney's exquisite beauty makes it one of Kerry's most popular tourist destinations. We ensure you escape from the crowds, along a mountain pass, an isolated cove or an untrodden trail.This seven-night self-guided walking and cycling holiday explores County Kerry, the location of Ireland's 10 highest peaks and a vast national park containing the country's oldest oak forests.
Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range65+, 50 - 64, 36 - 49, 18 - 35
Flights and transportN/A
Start CityKillarney
End CityAnnascaul

Travel Themes

Activities

Trip includes

    • All breakfasts
    • GPS Device
    • Route directions and maps
    • Boat trip from Ross Castle on Killarney's lakes

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive in Killarney

Check into the Abbey Lodge B&B where you stay for 3 nights and discover the delights of Killarney. Or if you have time enjoy a circular route to Killarney National Park, cycling to Muckross Lake; one of the famous 3 lakes of Killarney, 15th century Muckross Abbey ...

Day 2 Ross Castle and the Lakes of Killarney

Cycle to the 15th century Ross Castle once home to The O'Donovan Rossa Clan who ruled these lands in bygone times. You will enjoy a scenic boat trip through the three Lakes of Killarney to finish at the Lord Brandon's cottage, stopping perhaps at the cafe here for lun...

Day 3 Esknamucky Glen and Torc Waterfall

A transfer to Glaways Bridge today and there are panoramic views of the Killarney lakes and mountains as you walk from Galway's Bridge along the old Kenmare road through the Esknamucky Glen. It truly is one of Ireland's premier walking routes. Finish by visiting the famous Torc waterfall before returning to Killarney. Stay overnight at Abbey Lodge

Day 4 Transfer to Dingle

Today's transfer takes you to Bamburys in Dingle where you stay for 3 nights. Dingle is the South West's home to traditional Irish music, language and culture and Gaelic is still the daily language of the locals. Enjoy this picturesque town full of true Irish traditio...

Day 5 Choice of cycle route

Cycle west from Dingle via Ventry to Slea Head, with magnificent views and breath taking views across the Blasket Sound to the famous Blasket Island. Continue to Dunquinn and Ballyferriter before returning to Dingle. Alternatively, from Dunquinn harbour take the ferry (pay locally) to Great Blasket Island to explore this mystical and enchanting place. Stay overnight at Bamburys Guesthouse

Day 6 Cycle to Ballydavid and on to Brandon Creek

Cycle north to the beautiful village of Ballydavid, one of the largest fishing ports in the region. Continue to Brandon Creek, the most westerly point of Ireland before returning to Dingle. Stay overnight at Bamburys Guesthouse

Day 7 Walk to Annascaul Lake and Annascaul

A wonderful walk along the Dingle Peninsula from North to South, following a spectacular old farmer's track. You walk over the plateau, passing a deserted famine village and Annascaul Lake on the way before descending into your home for the last night in Annascaul at the southern foothills of the Slieve Mish Mountains. Stay overnight at Teac Seain

Day 8 - 7 Leave Annascaul

After a final breakfast and farewell follow your own arrangements for your onward journey.

Dates & Availability

Price from
$1,880
Price per day
$235

Walking and Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way Reviews & Ratings

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Tour Operator

Exodus Travels

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Details

Accommodation:

You'll stay in a mix of friendly bed and breakfasts. You will be sure of a warm Irish welcome everywhere. It is easy to add extra nights in all of the towns - perhaps you'd like to visit Valencia Island or take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands. Just ask your sales adviser to arrange. *This holiday is also available as a 4-night Short Break*

Group size:

Small Group - 24 max

Trip Excludes:

  • Travel insurance
  • Single supplements (available on request - compulsory supplement)
  • Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)

Meals included:

All breakfasts included.Irish food is not exactly famous, but what you will find is extremely good ingredients used to create basic and classic dishes, both Kerry beef and Kerry lamb, are certainly well known all over Ireland and further afield. You will see rack of lamb, lamb stew and shepherd’s pie, in most places. The county’s other basket is the Atlantic Ocean, and its rivers and loughs. Sea bream and Sea Bass are popular.Trout and Salmon can be served in many different ways, and there is an abundance of shell fish, local chowders are excellent and look out for crab gratin.Wine is readily available but of course one of the symbols of Ireland is Guinness, and we can say from experience that it tastes better in Ireland, but if have a thirst after a long walk, beware the Guinness is not poured quickly, many might say there is a certain amount of time you need to leave after filling the glass halfway up the harp. However it should be left until you see a vivid distinction between the dark body and the creamy white head. Only then can the rest of the glass be filled. Learning from the locals, you should order your second pint before you have finished your first!Craft beer is making a name for itself in Ireland and there are some excellent local ones. Then there is the Irish whiskey, the famous one being Bushmills and Jameson’s, and there are many local whiskies for you to try, the Dingle distillery produces a good whiskey and an excellent gin.

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