5-Day Hiking Tour Of The Wild Atlantic Way

What You'll Do

During this 5 day hiking tour you will experience and hike through Ireland’s beautiful wild places along the Wild Atlantic Way. The tour includes some of the region’s best walks located in stunning locations, designed for those people who love to hike and love for the outdoors. The tour departs from Cork City and over five days travels west as far as Dingle in County Kerry.

Available dates:

23-27 May, 2022
11-15 July, 2022

The 5 Day Hiker Tour begins in Cork City and it travels along the Wild Atlantic Way through counties Cork and Kerry as far as the Dingle peninsula. On each day of the Adventure Tour there is a fantastic hike.

Immerse yourself in Ireland’s Mountains trails and coastal paths. During the 5 days you will hike, trek and walk through Ireland’s dramatic landscapes and experience the best of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way.

Soak-up the wonder of Ireland as you hike along her most beautiful peninsulas, passing through picturesque villages and witnessing breath-taking scenery on Ireland’s West coast.

Relax and unwind at the end of each day’s adventures as you experience first-hand the best in Irish culture and hospitality. Savour the bountiful gourmet food on offer and sample a pint of Guinness.

Experience
Highlights

Explore the beautiful southwest section of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way.

Five guided hikes along its stunning coastal paths.

Experience Ireland's hospitality and culture at its very best.

Experience Itinerary

Meet up & travel to Killarney

After meeting in Cork City, you’ll travel to the hiking centre of Ireland, County Kerry. The first hike begins in beautiful mixed woodland. The route continues to an open mountain path leading to the summit, where you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the lakes of Killarney.

On the return, take an alternative route to visit Torc Waterfall. The hike takes approximately 4 hours and is a perfect start to the tour. After lunch the tour calls to Muckross National Park. Here you visit Muckross Abbey and the gardens of Muckross House.

Accommodation

You’ll be staying in 3* & 4* accommodation, carefully selected by your host James to ensure you have the best place to rest your head and recuperate after each days travel.

The accommodation is a mixture of hotels and B&Bs offering authentic Irish hospitality. The standard for all accommodation includes private en-suite bedrooms with TV, WiFi and breakfast daily.

On the first night the tour stays in Killarney.

Ross Castle, boat trip & valley hike

Today is a wonderful itinerary with zero time spent in the tour vehicle. Begin with a short hike to Ross Castle. This is followed by a boat trip on the three lakes of Killarney, giving you a chance to enjoy the scenery and spot local wildlife. In the afternoon there is a scenic hike through two spectacular glaciated valleys. At the end of the hike the tour arrives at the nights’ accommodation.

Accommodation

Stay in a locally owned B&B, which is wonderfully nestled at the foot of the mountains in the Bridia Valley. This is a perfect place to relax and unwind on the second night of the tour.

Hike Ireland's highest mountain - Carrauntoohil

Today is certainly one of the highlights! Today’s hike is to the top of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Carrauntoohil stands at 1,040 meters and forms part of the Macgillycuddy Reeks Mountain range. The route the tour takes is one of the lesser used but most enjoyable routes to the summit.

The hike begins from the previous nights’ accommodation and very quickly begins to gain height on a broad ridge. Gradually the ground steepens and the effort required increases. After approximately 3.5 hours of hiking you will be on an open ridge between Ireland’s three highest peaks. At the summit there are views of the winding Wild Atlantic Way that will take your breath away.

The descent takes an alternative route where you will be rewarded with more fantastic views out over the Black valley and the Hags Glen. The day is a challenging but a very rewarding endeavour. A less strenuous hike is available on day 3 for those who rather a more leisurely day.

Accommodation

Tonight’s accommodation is in Dingle.

Slea Head & Dingle

On day four the tour travels to the spectacular Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula. This is a magical part of Ireland with ancient monuments and amazing views that leave long lasting memories.

Today’s hike is on a magnificent section of the Dingle way. The tour calls to some ancient sites and there is time to explore the wonderful harbor town of Dingle.

Accommodation

Tonight, you’ll be staying in Dingle.

Stack's Mountains & return to Cork City

On the final day, the hike is in a ‘secret valley’ in the Stack’s Mountains. The hike is through mixed deciduous Irish woodland of Oak, Ash and Chestnut trees. The walk rises slowly climbing out of the valley to be greeted with panoramic views of the mountains of Cork and Kerry. A very special hike and a great way to finish the tour.

In the evening, you’ll return to Cork City where the tour will finish.

Location Information

This tour will depart from Cork City and, over five days, you’ll travel west as far as Dingle in County Kerry.

Your meeting point will be at an arranged spot in Central Cork City at 8am, where you will meet James and the rest of the group. Load your bags in the minibus and off you go!

On day 5, your final day, the tour will return to Cork City in the evening. Accommodation is not included on this night.

FAQs

- This tour runs on selected dates; in 2021 there are two scheduled departures in May and July

- Those who love the outdoors and have a reasonable level of fitness
- A typical activity is a 3-hour hike on uneven ground
- 16 years old and up

- Absolutely, this tour is a small group tour which means you will be join an existing group of other solo travellers or friends/partners travelling together
- All solo travellers will have there own private room

- Walking boots & comfortable trainers
- Comfortable and breathable outdoor clothing, including shorts, swimwear, trekking trousers, fleece and hat
- Gaiters & walking poles (optional but recommended)
- Good quality waterproof jacket and trousers (preferably breathable)
- Day-pack/rucksack & water bottle
- Sunscreen and insect repellent