Ireland Family Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Premiere & Deluxe Hotels
Ireland Family Walking & Hiking Tour
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 1-4
Premiere & Deluxe Hotels
2025: Jun-Aug
Cork, Killarney & Ancient Celtic Wonders
Appreciate the artistry of a stone wall. The warmth of a wool sweater. The magic of a centuries-old footpath. The delight of an afternoon pint. The laughter of strangers. The drama of a shanachie's story. Discover that a beautiful day can be cloudy with a chance of rain. And that fantastic family vacations don't need to be measured in tan lines. Find your bliss in Ireland.
Highlights
- Revel in the renowned beauty of the Emerald Isle on treks through varied landscapes, from dramatic coastline to country trails
- Meet our amazing local guide who brings stories of the region to life
- Enjoy a private whiskey tasting with a local expert and an evening listening to yarns spun by a well-known Irish storyteller
- Witness the dramatic peaks, sparkling lakes, green hills and vast gorges in wild and scenic Killarney National Park
Start/EndCork
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Take in Ireland’s spectacular natural beauty during country road rambles and coastal cliff walks • Hike in the Gap of Dunloe—a striking glaciated valley • After a climb, arrive at a viewpoint over verdant Kerry farmlands and the mountain ranges of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, home to some of Ireland's highest peaks • Witness the inspiring panorama of Caragh Lake and Dingle Bay from the top of aptly named Windy Gap • Delight in the art of storytelling as a local shanachiespins enchanting tales • Victorian décor charms at our lakeside Ring of Kerry lodge.
Nights 1-2
Enjoy the gracious hospitality of the Slattery family at this restored Victorian gem—originally a hunting lodge—set on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.
Day 3
Our local guide shares secrets of Muckross Estate, its ruined abbey and Torc Waterfall • Trek to 15th-century Ross Castle on the shore of Lower Lake and tour its restored tower • Visit historic Killarney's craft shops, boutiques and lively pubs.
Night 3
A luxurious modern hotel set amid lush countryside, with panoramic lake and mountain views. (pool, spa)
Days 4-6
Alongside our local expert, hike in wild Killarney National Park, with windswept mountains, deep lakes and gorges • Climb Torc Mountain for 360-degree vistas before arriving in charming Kenmare, where rows of houses sport cheerfully painted façades • Treat yourself at our hotel's state-of-the-art spa • On the rugged Beara Peninsula, trek over Mount Knockagarrane, taking in awe-inspiring views of lakes and mountains • The undeveloped peninsula probably looks today like it did to the ancient Celts • Test your palate at a private whiskey tasting with aficionado John Moriarty • Peaceful paths lead past old-growth trees and saltwater marshes to one of County Kerry's largest stone circles, a Druid site dating from 2000 BC.
Nights 4-5
It's just a short walk to the pubs and shops from this regal Victorian estate, nestled amid magnificent parkland on Kenmare Bay. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Carrig Country House and Park Hotel Kenmare are Premiere Hotels. While they offer outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning. Despite the region's generally temperate climate and cool nights, guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
*Deluxe Hotel
Enjoy the gracious hospitality of the Slattery family at this restored Victorian gem—originally a hunting lodge—set on the world-renowned Ring of Kerry.
Night 3
Premiere Hotel
A luxurious modern hotel set amid lush countryside, with panoramic lake and mountain views. (pool, spa)
Nights 4-5
Premiere Hotel
It's just a short walk to the pubs and shops from this regal Victorian estate, nestled amid magnificent parkland on Kenmare Bay. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.