Ireland
A Wee Ramble in Kenmare: Hiking Ireland’s Southwest Coast
Program No. 21682RJ
Discover the wonders of Ireland as you visit emerald coasts, seafaring villages, walk glorious footpaths and hike mountains and peninsulas, learning from local experts along the way.
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Protecting the Environment
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9 days
8 nights
15 meals
7B 3L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
5
Gleninchaquin Park
Kenmare
6
Sheep’s Head Peninsula
Kenmare
9
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Learn about Ireland the best way possible — on hikes that range from quiet country lanes to centuries-old footpaths, mountainous parks to rocky peninsulas. Home for the week is the small town of Kenmare, situated along the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. It’s the ideal base to discover prehistoric tombs, remote islands, timeless villages and serene nature preserves along the southwest Irish coast. Join us on some of the most glorious hikes in the country, with plenty of time to fortify yourself with a pint or cup of tea and an Irish scone.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking or hiking 1-4 miles, approximately 3-5 hours per day. Hikes will be on paths and mountain trails with little shade and up and down over mixed terrain (dirt, rocks, pavement, river banks, forest trails).
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
What You'll Learn
- Enjoy daily, expert-led hikes through luminous green valleys, rock-studded mountains and colorful seafaring villages.
- Discover the pastoral landscape of Killarney National Park, where oak and yew woodlands stretch for miles.
- Take a ferry to Garnish Island, searching for inquisitive seals along the way, to visit a botanical paradise with a stunning variety of plants.
- Hike through secluded moorlands, green meadows and up into the mountains of Gleninchaquin.
Suggested Reading List
(17 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A Wee Ramble in Kenmare: Hiking Ireland’s Southwest Coast
Program Number: 21682
Ireland Map
A colorful map of Ireland at a scale of 1:400,000, featuring insets of the road approaches to major cities, as well as an index to cities, towns and villages.
How the Irish Saved Civilization
This bestselling history tells the generally unknown story of Ireland's preservation of classical learning in the Dark Ages, revealing how the saints and scholars, monks and scribes labored to reproduce the important texts that spread as they evangelized Europe.
The Celts: A Very Short Introduction
A concise, revealing social history of the Celts by a reigning authority and popular writer.
Wild Decembers
A haunting novel of clan enmities and forbidden love in rural Ireland. Few writers have as sure a sense of place as Edna O'Brien, whose lyrical prose builds inevitably toward final tragedy.
Modern Ireland, A Very Short Introduction
A remarkably concise, provocative history in the well-regarded series, touching on the major aspects of Irish history, politics, and society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Irish Fairy and Folk Tales
Edited by the Nobel Prize-winning poet who spearheaded the Celtic Renaissance in the early 20th century, these enchanting stories introduce a cast of changelings, ghosts, mermaids, demons, saints, priests and fairies.
The Sea
Recently widowed Max Morden, a middle-aged Irishman, returns to the seaside of his youth in this exquisite novel of love and the power of memory. Banville's 18th novel and winner of the 2005 Booker Prize.
A Traveller's History of Ireland
From the Celts to the Norman invasions to modern-day Ireland, this short history is highly recommended for those who would like a brief overview of the Emerald Isle through the centuries.
Ireland, In Word and Image
Jay Adlersberg's visual celebration of Ireland is accompanied by literary excerpts and poetry from Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and many others. With 75 gorgeous color photographs.
Twenty Years A-Growing
O'Sullivan's lyrical, sea-drenched memoir of coming of age among the Gaelic-speaking people of Great Blasket Island off the Dingle Peninsula.
For the Love of Ireland
Organized geographically, this rich anthology introduces Ireland through the words and lives of such luminaries as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Frank McCourt and Samuel Beckett.
History of the Rain
Ruth, the daughter of a dead poet, recuperates after an injury by piecing together her father's history through story, both his own and generations of family lore set in County Clare, Ireland. Longlisted for the 2014 Man Booker Prize.
McCarthy's Bar, A Journey of Discovery in Ireland
A droll account of McCarthy's encounters on a bar-hopping jaunt from Cork along the west coast to Donegal. His motto, assiduously followed, was never to pass up a bar with his name on it!
A Brief History of Ireland
Killeen traces the successive waves of warriors and colonists through the Celts, Vikings and Normans to Henry VIII, the era of rebellion and patriots to modern times in this brisk, measured history.
Eyewitness Guide Ireland
This superb guide is a wonderfully illustrated introduction to the country, featuring photographs, maps and short background essays on history and culture.
At the Edge of Ireland, Seasons on the Beara Peninsula
Following Seasons on Harris (Hebrides and Seasons in Basilicata (Italian South, Yeardon and wife set up shop in southwest Ireland.
Irish Country Cooking, More Than 100 Recipes for Today's Table
An appealing collection of home-cooked, traditional Irish fare, including brown soda bread, braised Derrynaflan brisket, sweet fruit scones with homemade jam and much more.
Meals
15 Meals
7 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Low Fat, Low Salt
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
- Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
- Jun 13, 2024 - Jun 21, 2024 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- May 08, 2025 - May 16, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- May 22, 2025 - May 30, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
6 nights
Kenmare
The Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort offers the perfect base for exploring the Southwest of Ireland, the picturesque Ring of Kerry, and the Beara Peninsula. The hotel is located near many local amenities and attractions.
1 night
Shannon
The Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport is conveniently located on the grounds of the Shannon International Airport. The airport terminals are only a two minute walk from the hotel.
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