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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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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
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.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Paul Howley
Paul grew up in Glencar, County Sligo, Ireland. From a young age, he was enamored by nature and spent more time camping in the mountains than in a bed! He studied real-estate finance and marketing and worked in New York before realizing his suit and tie could never replace his backpack. He took a job leading people through the Guatemalan Highlands to raise funds for a local school. Now back in Ireland, Paul looks forward to sharing his knowledge and passion of Ireland with visitors.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Paul Howley
Paul Howley View biography
Paul grew up in Glencar, County Sligo, Ireland. From a young age, he was enamored by nature and spent more time camping in the mountains than in a bed! He studied real-estate finance and marketing and worked in New York before realizing his suit and tie could never replace his backpack. He took a job leading people through the Guatemalan Highlands to raise funds for a local school. Now back in Ireland, Paul looks forward to sharing his knowledge and passion of Ireland with visitors.
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