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.

Enroll with Confidence

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. Learn more

Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

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.
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.





Recommended For You

loading spinner