Ireland: Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula

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! (D)

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. (B)

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. (B)

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. (B)

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). (B)