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Ireland: Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula

Ireland: Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula

From $ 4,265 AUD

Description

This section of Ireland packs a real cultural and historical punch. Welcome to the Ring of Kerry and the Dingle Peninsula – a land of rolling hills, serene beaches, national park and lakeside castles, all ready for you to explore. Embark on a five-day Intrepid adventure from Dublin, heading to the charming and historic Killarney region, along the rugged Ring of Kerry, and arriving at the scenic Dingle Peninsula. On the way, appreciate the history and local lore of Ross Castle, meet a custodian of Sean-nós singing in Dingle town, and spend the evenings doing as locals do – a hearty meal a the pub. It’s a quintessential Irish experience in its southwest reaches, but with some unique inclusions and a local leader to show you the best of what’s around.

Trip Name
Ireland: Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula
Last Updated
2022-12-20
Days
5
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Explore the rugged coast of the Ring of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula, with plenty of time spent walking by the clifftops and stopping at scenic viewpoints. This is the best of Europe’s most westerly reaches.
  • Gain an insight into the O’Donoghue clan and historical significance of the Killarney region with an included private visit to Ross Castle, situated on the banks of Lough Leane.
  • Be treated to a traditional Gaelic experience, joining with a custodian of Sean-nós singing in Dingle town. They will explain the importance of their music and show you their craft, sung in the Irish language.
  • Meet with a seaweed expert on your way along the Ring of Kerry, taking a walk along the beach and discovering the region’s history, as well as the importance of seaweed foraging. Seaweed-based snacks included!
  • An Irish adventure wouldn’t be complete without some hearty pub visits. Enjoy an included meal at a traditional pub in Killarney. You'll have plenty of time to keep exploring – or eating – at your own pace.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Dublin / Killarney
Welcome to Dublin! Meet your leader and fellow adventurers at Heuston Station – check the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information for further details. After a quick meet and greet, board a train for the 3.5-hour journey to Killarney. Be sure to keep an eye on the changing landscapes outside your seat window – soon enough, the pastoral hills and rolling midlands will be swapped with dramatic mountain scenes. On arrival in Killarney, drop your bags at the accommodation, and then head out and about on a leader-led orientation walk. You’ll stroll down Killarney’s colourful streets and notice how scenic the backdrop of the town is, hugging the edge of a nearby national park. This evening, join together with your group for an included welcome dinner, plus a whiskey tasting led by your leader. Cheers!
Day 2 - Killarney
This morning, join your travel crew for a private visit to Ross Castle, down on the shores of Lough Leane. A stronghold built by the O’Donoghue clan, this tower house has borne witness to much of Ireland’s history over the centuries. Learn about the history surrounding the castle from your local guide, providing you much-needed context for the rest of your trip. Afterwards, Killarney is all yours to explore. Perhaps you can go take a look at the 15th-century Muckross Abbey, or otherwise, book yourself in on a tour of the nearby lakes. If chilling out is on the cards, there are plenty of local cafes and shops to explore in town. It’s all up to you, but be sure to ask you leader for their recommendations.
Day 3 - Ring of Kerry / Dingle
After breakfast, depart Killarney by private vehicle towards the Iveragh Peninsula, more commonly known as The Ring of Kerry. Along the way, meet a local seaweed forager on a golden-sand beach off the tourist trail. Take a walk and not only learn about the importance of seaweed, but also all about the region’s coastline and some local lore. You'll also have the opportunity to try a range of seaweed-based snacks. Keep driving down the coastline and through the countryside, stopping regularly along the way, before reaching Dingle town. On arrival, you’ll meet a Sean-nós singer – a unique style of singing in Ireland. They will introduce you to their ancient craft and this Gaelic-speaking region.
Day 4 - Dingle Peninsula / Dingle
Today’s destination is Slea Head – Europe’s westernmost point, but on your way, you’ll stop at the Blasket Centre. Here, learn of the region’s remote island cultures and surprising literary heritage. Located impressively perched amid rolling hills and overlooking the ocean, leave the centre and take a short hike along the coast to admire the best of Dingle scenery. You’ll trot along country lanes and past beaches and cliffs, so be sure to keep an eye out for nesting seabirds, seals and maybe even dolphins! After lunch, explore parts of Slea Head a little further, stopping by the Gallarus Oratory – an early Christian Church of unknown age and origin. This evening, return to Dingle town and celebrate your time in Kerry with a hearty feed at a cosy pub and a traditional music performance.
Day 5 - Dingle / Tralee
After breakfast, head to the nearby centre of Tralee on a public bus, where you’ll disembark at the bus terminal and adjacent railway station. Once arrived, there are no activities planned so you are free to continue your adventure as you please. From Tralee, there are regular train services to Dublin or Killarney, plus buses to Dublin and Shannon airports. Otherwise, you might like to spend a night or two more on Ireland’s southwest coast. If so, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
05-09-202409-09-2024AUD $ 4,265-

Accommodation

Comfortable Hotel (4 nights)

Transport

Train,Public bus,Private vehicle,Taxi,On foot

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