Lichen-covered traditional stone walls, rolling soft green fields, an ancient history and welcoming people—these are just a few of the images that Ireland evokes in the mind of a wanderer.
This Wander Your Way Adventure in Ireland takes in the magical southwest counties of Cork and Kerry.
We’ll visit must-see destinations like the harbor town of Kinsale and Killarney National Park (one of my personal favorite places), as well as off-the-beaten-path locations such as Cape Clear (which I’ve been to and just love) and the Beara Peninsula which I actually visited with my parents.
On this journey — Exploring Ireland’s Charms — you’ll have the chance to engage with local artisans and experts, immersing yourself in hands-on experiences.
Whether your day involves a leisurely hike along a remote peninsula or strolling through the quaint cobbled streets of a village, you’ll be greeted with warm smiles and open hearts by the people of Ireland.
Important to know:
Please note that your airfare is NOT included.
You are responsible for booking your flight to Dublin and to arrive no later than the morning of May 15.
Ideally, it will be good to arrive in Dublin on May 14 so you can have a day to adjust to the time difference and get over your jet lag.
Lynne will happy to assist you in making arrangements for your stay in Dublin.
Please email her at [email protected].
The tour will end at Dublin Airport on May 24.
We will meet in Dublin at lunchtime. We then transfer South to Kinsale in County Cork.
Overnight: Blindgate House or similar.
Meals included: Dinner
Explore the charming town of Kinsale, known for its rich culinary scene and picturesque coastal views.
Here we embark on a food tour with a local guide, savoring the town’s delicious seafood and other specialties.
Afterward, we take a short seaside hike to Charles Fort, an impressive 17th-century fortification with stunning views of the harbor and surrounding landscape.
Overnight: Blindgate House or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
We will recommend places for dinner on your own.
Today we explore the picturesque West Cork region with its rolling hills and scenic coastal landscapes.
And the highlight is the fabulous Mizen Head (one of my personal favorites).
Perched on the edge of the north east Atlantic, Mizen Head is one of the most spectacular headlands on Ireland’s Atlantic seaboard.
It’s stunning!!
Overnight: Casey’s of Baltimore or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We start the day by taking a ferry to Cape Clear Island — a remote and unspoiled island off the coast of West Cork.
Once there we embark on a hike, exploring the island’s rugged coastline and taking in its stunning natural beauty.
We also visit a local goat farm where we learn about the island’s farming traditions and sample some of the delicious cheese made from the goats’ milk.
After a full day of adventure, we return to the mainland, feeling invigorated from our time on this beautiful island.
Overnight: Casey’s of Baltimore or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
We continue our journey, taking in the stunning views of the countryside as we make our way to Killarney National Park.
We spend the day exploring Killarney National Park — Ireland’s oldest national park and one of my favorite places.
Killarney National Park is a vast and beautiful expanse of protected land that is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including rare species of deer and golden eagles.
There are some nice trails as well as some interesting history in the park as well.
Later in the day we’ll make our way to Kenmare — my favorite Irish town.
Kenmare is a charming town nestled between the mountains and the sea.
It has the perfect blend of travelers and locals making it a fun place to be.
Overnight: Brooklane or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we visit the lesser-known Beara Peninsula, discovering a peaceful landscape that is defined by its history.
We’ll spend time with a charismatic local expert, visiting Neolithic sites, taking a short hike among Beara’s copper mines, and visiting little-accessed archaeological digs.
Beara is known to have some magic and mystery to it, so if this is your jam, you’ll love it.
Plus the landscape is gorgeous — both the coastline and the interior.
Overnight: Brooklane or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
We will recommend places for dinner on your own.
Our group sets off on an exciting day trip to the Skellig Islands, located off the coast of County Kerry.
These islands are known for their rugged beauty, as well as the large bird colonies that make their home here, including puffins and gannets.
We also have the opportunity to visit the well-preserved ruins of a 6th-century monastic settlement, a testament to the island’s rich history.
Overnight: Brooklane or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
The Dingle Peninsula is Ireland distilled, showcasing the best of Irish landscapes — from towering cliffs to soaring mountains to wild seascapes.
It was my first “peninsula drive” and remains a favorite of mine.
We are staying in the bustling and lively town of Dingle that is known country-wide for its traditional music, pubs and food.
Heading out onto the peninsula today we’ll enjoy a short hike from the Blasket Center where we will learn about island life before meeting Ireland’s first female brewer for a chat and a tour of her brewery.
This part of Ireland is a haven for crafters and artists so we will take time today to explore Dingle and the town’s galleries and workshops.
Overnight: Dingle Benners Hotel or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
We will recommend places for dinner on your own.
Probably the best part of the Dingle Peninsula is the Slea Head Drive, the coastal road on the far western end of the peninsula, which has been etched out of the steep hillside, following every contour of the coastline.
It’s narrow, winding and precarious — taking you through historic sites, Irish speaking villages, famous Hollywood film locations with close up views of the world renowned Blasket Islands and distant views of the Skellig Islands on the south western horizon.
The Slea Head Drive may not be long, but it packs a lot of WOW! in the short distance.
This is truly a stunning piece of Ireland.
Overnight: Dingle Benners Hotel or similar.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Today we sadly say farewell and transfer back to Dublin airport.
Meals included: Breakfast
