Walking and Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way

Walking and Cycling the Wild Atlantic Way Trip Notes

Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
Destination: Ireland
Programmes: Cycling
Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
8 Days: Land Only
Ages: 18+
Trip Code: M07KE

Trip Overview

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.

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.

At a Glance

7 Nights, hotel-to-hotel accommodation
Luggage transfers between hotels
E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)

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

Is This Trip for You?

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Group

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local agent is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.

Adult min age: 18

Itinerary

Land Only

Start City: Killarney
End City: Annascaul

Land Only Itinerary

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 and 19th century Muckross House with renowned and beautiful gardens. Following your cycle return to Killarney to enjoy this vibrant town for your first overnight stop. Stay overnight at Abbey Lodge

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 lunch or a coffee. Cycle through the glaciated valleys of the stunning Gap of Dunloe with glistening mountain lakes with jagged rock faces before returning via the spectacular Killarney National Park. If you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the native wild red deer. Stay overnight at Abbey Lodge

Distance covered: 15mi (24km)

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Meals included: Breakfast

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 tradition, perhaps visit the Dingle Whiskey, Gin and Vodka Distillery and sample the ‘water of life’ or take a boat trip (payable locally) to see Fungi the resident bottlenose dolphin! Dingle’s most famous resident has been delighting visitors with his playful antics for many years. An optional walk from Annascaul to Dingle is also available – the taxi will drop you in Annascaul on the way from Killarney and your luggage will be transferred on to Bambury’s in Dingle.
Stay overnight at Bamburys Guesthouse

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Distance covered: 25mi (41km)

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Distance covered: 14mi (22km)

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Distance covered: 9mi (14km)

Meals included: Breakfast

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotels

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*

Single supplement from USD 381

Food & Drink

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.

Weather & Seasonality

The climate on the South West Coast of Ireland is mild due to its location and the influence of the Gulf Stream. The weather, however, is temperamental and proves quite hard to predict, therefore it is important to be prepared for all weather. The warmer months tend to be the summer months, July and August, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rarely fall below 0 during the year. The wettest months tend to be from October through to March. April is often the driest month. Rain can be expected at any time of the year.

Weather Charts

Joining Instructions

If you have pre-booked a transfer you will be met at Killarney train station and transferred to your bed and breakfast, less than five minutes walk from the centre of Killarney . Please contact us or your local agent to advise of arrival time.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Killarney
Location end: Annascaul

Transfer Details

Transfers can be arranged at a supplement to and from Killarney station.

What To Take

Essential Equipment

Waterproofs
Warm jumper/fleece
Suncream
Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the accommodation.

Practical Information

Visa

Ireland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccinations and Health

Ireland

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Local Time

Ireland's time zone: Europe/Dublin (UTC +01:00)

Electricity

Ireland's electricity: Plug type G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz

Money

Ireland's currency: Euro (EUR)

ATM Availability

ATMs are widely available, but we recommend taking some Euros cash with you in case you can’t get to a bank at the start of the trip. Cards are widely accepted.