Coastal, Mountain, and Island Hikes in Cork and Kerry
Spirit of Ireland
Overview
To hike Ireland's gorgeous landscapes with our beloved Trip Leaders Con Moriarty and Ann Curran is to experience the wild and mystical side of this island in ways not possible on an “ordinary” tour. We'll walk the seascapes of the unspoiled Sheep's Head Peninsula, discover the pilgrim trails of the Dingle Peninsula, boat out to wild islands steeped in early Christian history, and hike into the Gap of Dunloe in County Kerry past sparkling lakes and green pastures where sheep graze. We'll hear tales of clans and chieftains, enjoy pub evenings, and meet artists, shepherds, and singers throughout our journey. Come experience days full of magic—and the true spirit of Ireland.
Arrive: Cork, Ireland
Depart: Dingle, Ireland
Highlights
- Enjoy an insider's introduction to Ireland's rich traditions, powerful history, and breathtaking landscapes
- Hike the Killarney National Park, Beara Peninsula, and legendary MacGillycuddy's Reeks, with easy or moderate options
- Meet shepherds, artists, poets, musicians— our Trip Leaders welcome you into their world!
- Hike sacred Mt. Brandon, optional climb of Corrán Tuathail, Ireland's highest mountain
- Savor Ireland's superb culinary scene and farm-to-table cuisine
Itinerary
In the lush beauty of West Cork, we hike the narrow Sheep's Head Peninsula, a place of breathtaking beauty with a local community of some 600 souls, a mix of farmers, fishermen, and colorful “blow-ins” (newcomers) who add to the eclectic atmosphere. Our hike here offers views at every turn, from Dunmanus Bay to the broad expanse of Bantry Bay, and we'll enjoy an evening of music, poetry, and song in a local pub. Con regards his friends in this community “as some of my life's richest blessings.” This region's deep history stretches back to the arrival of Ireland's earliest people, through to the collapse of the world of the Gælic chieftains in the 17th century, to the ensuing English plantations, and on to the story of the emergence of modern Ireland. Our accommodation is a wonderful country house set in the heart of West Cork.
Named for the Gælic land goddess Beara, the Beara Peninsula holds some of Ireland's wildest ground. Bronze Age people recognized the sanctity of the Beara Peninsula and placed many evocative stone circles here. One of our hikes straddles a high ridge dividing the counties of Cork and Kerry, and another brings us into the dramatic glen known as the Gap of Dunloe, a narrow mountain pass where Con's ancestors have lived since the 18th century. At hike's end, we'll toast with a pint at Kate Kearney's Cottage, a 150-year-old establishment nestled at the entrance to the Gap. A private boat charter brings us out to two very special islands—Church and Beginish, full of early-Christian and Viking history. Overnights are at the grand Aghadoe Heights Hotel, with its magical views over the lakes of Killarney.
On the Dingle Peninsula, notched with bays and hidden troves of pre-Christian antiquities, we hike a pilgrim route across Mt. Brandon. When we get to Dingle, known for its music scene, Ann and Con will take us to the pubs where the finest musicians join in “a session.” And after a great day of hiking, there is nothing quite like finding yourself in an Irish pub, a pint of Guinness in hand, as the session unfolds. The spirit and energy of this music has to be experienced to be believed. Our grand finale brings us to mesmerizing Great Blasket Island, the westernmost point in continental Europe, where we'll have a sense of walking along the edge of the world. Depart on Day 9
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3, Moderate, according to our trip grading system, depending on the hiking options you choose. You will need to be comfortable hiking 7 miles a day and being on your feet for up to 5 hours a day. You will need to be able to keep up with the moderate but steady pace of the group; however, there are alternative hiking options available most days. Trail conditions, weather, and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times and pacing.
Average Hiking Day
Review Trip Level Details
- 5-6 miles
- 3-4 hours
- 500-600 feet gain/loss
- Day 6: 6 miles, 5 hours, 1,200 feet gain, and 1,500 feet loss
Some paths and trails are well-groomed, but many can be rough with rocky and uneven terrain. With the frequent rain, trails can be muddy or even wet underfoot. As is common in Ireland, we may sometimes hike off-trail where the terrain allows, gaining lofty summits via switchbacks across wide, grassy hillsides. Hiking boots with ankle support are always best (though sneakers are sufficient for the lighter hiking options) and hiking poles are recommended.
This trip takes place when Ireland has some of its best weather. Being the Emerald Isle, however, you must be prepared for rain showers at any time. Ireland's weather is dictated by the pressure systems coming in from the Atlantic and is notoriously variable. Gore-Tex outerwear, warm layers, and proper boots are necessary. Overall, Ireland's climate is milder than Britain's, thanks to the Gulf Stream, and a morning of rain can easily be followed by a brilliant blue sky and abundant sunshine.
Our accommodations range from a historic family-run guesthouse to a quaint traditional Irish downtown hotel to a relaxing countryside property with a pool and spa. They are charming and comfortable, but since they are often in historic buildings, the rooms are not always of uniform or international size. Our leaders do their best to assign rooms in a fair way so that all participants experience an equal advantage throughout the trip as a whole. Single rooms can be requested but are not always available, due to the limited space in the hotels. If you prefer a single room, please make your request as early as possible.
Most accommodations serve big, hearty Irish breakfasts, which include sausage, black and white pudding, and homemade apple juice. Most lunches are picnic-style during our hikes, but we occasionally stop at a local cafe or pub. Dinners will be at restaurants in town or at the hotels, and plenty of fresh seafood is available. Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.
We will use a mini-coach/van throughout the trip, which will transport the group's luggage, so you only need to carry a daypack for items you need for the day (rain gear, sweater, camera, water bottle, etc.). Trip members are always free to skip a day's hike and travel to the next destination in the support vehicle (or remain at the hotel if we are not transferring that day). We will also take three boat journeys, one over typically calm and placid lake waters, and two in the open ocean. Please note that these can be affected by weather and sea conditions.
Client Testimonials
"The Spirit of Ireland was fantastic! This is truly a beautiful experience, and Con and Ann are amazing. Thank you for all you do for travelers like us! I wish I had a way to describe this experience to you!"
Bill and Jill F.
Corvallis, OR
"The trip was beyond great, a satisfying mix of hiking, music, and other activities, amid some of the most beautiful landscapes I've seen. It was 8 days of magic."
Carol G.
Brooklyn, NY
"Well planned, lots of beautiful walks, and plenty of time to enjoy the countryside. Great evening meals, music, and fun!"
Donald H.
Farmington, CT
"I was almost overcome by the beauty, history, and culture of Ireland—a magical trip. Thank you for memories that will last a lifetime."
Ed D.
Alameda, CA
"This was a fantastic trip, full of wonderful hiking in a beautiful location, made so much more interesting by our terrific guides, Con Moriarty and Ann Curran. They had a wealth of information about the area, having grown up there, and so much information about the history and lore of Ireland. They also had great knowledge of current happenings and events, the best restaurants and shops and pubs."
Emily S.
San Mateo, CA
"A wonderful trip, with a great mix of hiking and learning."
Ivy W.
Essex, CT
"The Spirit of Ireland is the only possible way to describe this adventure. From beginning to end you are filled with the beauty and history of a very special place, shared with leaders deeply committed to every facet of Ireland, her culture, and landscapes."
Jane S.
Santa Fe, NM
"Definitely one of the best trips I've taken. Not only is Ireland just spectacularly beautiful, the accommodations were nice, we were well fed, and the hiking excursions were outstanding. The best part was our guides, Con and Ann. I'm spoiled for life. Thank you!"
Joan E.
Moraga, CA
"A spectacular trip! Ireland is a beautiful country. Hotels were charming and quaint, food was amazing, hikes were fantastic."
Joyce E.
Coral Cables, FL
"This was the most wonderful walking tour imaginable. The itinerary and the quality of the guides especially, as well as the accommodations, food, etc., were first rate. Southern Ireland is beautiful, the food was fantastic, the music in Dingle divine!"
Karen R.
Hayesville, NC
"‘Excellent’ doesn't come close to how I would describe the trip. It deserves more. ‘Spectacular’ or ‘The Best Ever,’ or words to that effect!"
Karen S.
Dallas, TX
"Ireland’s beauty was beyond all my expectations. People always comment on the green of Ireland, but for me it is a very magical place. The views spectacular, the people very friendly, the hikes were challenging and worth the effort. The history of the Irish people touched my soul."
Kim T.
San Diego, CA
"Con and Ann were incredible leaders. Caring, knowledgeable, wonderful. I cannot say enough of how wonderful they were during our trip."
Linda F.
Bend, OR
"Sometimes the universe opens up and shares with you wondrous and mystical gifts. That was my experience on the Spirit of Ireland journey. I am grateful."
Linda V.
Vienna, Austria
"The Spirit of Ireland was a magical experience infused with the spirit and passion of Con, whose love for his country and the people in our group was evident at every turn of our journey! Ann was fabulous too, with her sunny smiles and sense of humor. The two are an awesome team!"
Mary Ellen M.
Nanuet, NY
"This trip was an experience one could never get on a 'regular' tour of Ireland. You might see the usual tourist sites, but you would never see or experience what we did with Con."
Midge M.
Alameda, CA
"With his larger than life-size charm and personality, Con truly is the Pied Piper of Ireland! He is supremely knowledgeable and passionate about his country's culture. Which means hiking with Con is like taking a moveable history class. Thanks to his intimate knowledge of the area (both in terms of the land and its inhabitants) we were able to enjoy a very personal journey filled with wonderful music, fascinating facts and thought-provoking insights."
Nikki A.
Brewster, MA
"Far above excellent. The experience far exceeded my expectations and sent me home with a love for Ireland, Irish history, music, land, and sea! A perfect trip."
Paula J.
Half Moon Bay, CA
"Our guides, Con and Ann, were absolutely wonderful! They exceeded my expectations by a long shot! They both were so professional, attentive to our needs, concerned for our safety, knowledgeable, and entertaining! I appreciated their warmth, wonderful personalities, and enthusiasm for what they do. Simply put, I couldn't be more pleased."
Richard M.
Los Angeles, CA
"This was an extraordinary experience of the west of Ireland, the wild and mystical side of this amazing island."
Roy G.
Sunriver, OR
"Both Con and Ann went out of their way to make the trip one of the most memorable trips for each of us. Both of them are so knowledgeable of the history of the island and made each of us feel welcome. Perfect leaders."
Sara P.
Aptos, CA
"This trip was absolutely fantastic—especially because of the two guides. The countryside was breathtaking, and the individual destinations were spectacular. And I loved the boat rides!"
Sara W.
Longmont, CO
"This was an excellent trip! We enjoyed every minute of it! The guides were tremendous...the hiking was terrific...and the people we met are our new friends!"
Sarah T.
Mahtomedi, MN
"Con and Ann embraced us as if we were family. Always concerned about our welfare and safety. I would return just to be with them and the ‘spirit of Ireland.’"
Susan K.
Franconia, NH
"Ireland is a magical corner of this world and I feel very lucky to have had it so beautifully revealed."
Suzy M.
Pittsburgh, PA
"This was our first trip with Wilderness Travel, but we were with many friends on the trip who have done over 10 of them...and now I see why. Everything was perfect, from hotels to food, to hiking and itinerary—we loved every minute! Wilderness does it right."
Tim and Kacey S.
Amherst, MA
"Waterfalls everywhere, sometimes seeming to flow backwards when a great gust of wind sent enormous plumes of spray skyward. The wind was strong and the rain was constant with vast sheets of it dancing magically across the mountain sides. The force of the Irish weather combined with the landscape created a feeling of being . . . being in exactly the right place at precisely the right time. You just had to grab the moment with both hands and hold on tight. Imagine the blasts of wind against your body, the sharp peppering of rain on your face, the sloppy sucking sounds your boots make as they land on and pull out of this muddy, mucky, grassy area. Nothing but beauty all around, air so fresh it shocks your lungs, and a heart full to brimming with joy. Do you have that in your mind? If so, you have an inkling of what it felt like to be there."
Virginia V.
Salem, OR
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
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- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.