Ireland North to South Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Ruth O.

Ruth is from the Irish Midlands and loves hiking, surfing and cycling along the Irish coast. After years of living abroad and travelling around the world in international sales and teaching roles, she moved to Achill Island to pursue her passions and obtain outdoor education leadership qualifications. Since then, she has been lucky enough to guide visitors along the Irish hills and discover hidden gems along with them. She loves sharing her joy of the outdoors with others.

Brendan O.

As an outdoor enthusiast, Brendan had a spoilt upbringing growing up in Killarney where the 22,000-hectare Killarney National Park was literally his very own backyard. He spent his youth out hiking, cycling, and boating in the park. Some years later, he went into ‘exile’ to Cork city for work. He was happy enough in Cork but something was always missing and it was photography that re-awakened Brendan’s love of the great outdoors. It was only then that it dawned on him – “what all these poets were on about.”

Kevin C.

From his earliest memories, Kevin has been drawn to exploring the remote, the wild and the isolated. Sharing these places with others on foot or bike brings him the greatest joy. The change of seasons, the abundance of nature, the sun, the wind and the rain are his oxygen. Hidden valleys, stone walls and ancient roads race in his blood. A quiet pint, fresh crab claws, a beautiful ballad or a story well told feeds his soul. Kevin has walked, cycled and explored much of Europe’s most amazing backdrops but is always drawn back to the wilds of Ireland.

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                    [Headline] => Arrive in Dublin & Transfer to Derry
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1-2 hours/1 mile city walk with 300\' elevation loss
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After arrival at Dublin airport in Ireland, meet your MT Sobek guide for a transfer to Derry - the United Kingdom\'s "City of Culture" in 2013. Check into the hotel, and then head out on a short walk to blow away the cobwebs. This evening, join a local guide to take a walk along the walls of Derry and learn first-hand a positive story of Northern Ireland.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 53.426448 N
                    [Longitude] => 6.24991 W
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                    [Headline] => Reach the Giant\'s Causeway
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours/6 miles hiking with 420\' elevation gain & 400\' elevation loss
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Today walk along clifftops and stretches of white-sand beaches to reach the Giant\'s Causeway, a dramatic landscape of steep cliffs and 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that project into the ocean. Rated Lonely Planet\'s top 2018 destination, the Giant\'s Causeway has for centuries inspired artists and stirred scientific debate. According to legend, a Scottish giant began hurling abuse across the English Channel at the Irish warrior, Fionn Mac Cumhaill. So the two giants could have a fist fight, Fionn built a causeway of these imposing columns all the way to Scotland.
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                    [Latitude] => 54.969262 N
                    [Longitude] => 7.27343 W
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                    [Headline] => Hike the Inishowen Peninsula
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/5 miles hiking with 290\' elevation gain & 400\' elevation loss
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Explore the most northerly point of our journey and of Ireland, the Inishowen Peninsula. This wild and windswept headland, peppered in ancient archaeological remains, is perfect for blowing away the cobwebs. Our walk takes us across rugged hills, overlooking dramatic coastal cliffs and hidden coves, providing us with views across the north coast of Inishowen, Northern Ireland and, on a fine day, even Scotland.
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                    [Latitude] => 55.353510 N
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                    [Headline] => Knocknarea and Queen Maeve\'s Grave
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2 hours/3 miles hiking with 930\' elevation gain & 660\' elevation loss
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Transferring from the north to west coast today we stop to climb the uniquely shaped Knocknarea, a little mountain perched on the shores of Sligo Bay. The hill is crowned by a 180-foot high cairn built over a millennium ago in honor of a Celtic heroine, Queen Maeve. Lunch is in Strandhill, the surf village that sits between Knocknarea and the perfect Atlantic waves that break here year round.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 3.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 53.801188 N
                    [Longitude] => 9.518955 W
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                    [Headline] => Climb to the Summit of Croagh Patrick
                    [ActivityOverview] => 4-5 hours/5 miles hike with 2,460\' elevation gain & 2,460\' elevation loss
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Croagh Patrick is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland - the tradition of pilgrimage to its summit stretches back over 5,000 years. Thousands of devout Catholics climb the heather-covered hills and rough-stone paths to the small chapel at the summit every year, some barefoot. Climb to the summit today and take in the magnificent views of the northwestern Wild Atlantic Way along Clew Bay and its 365 islands. This evening, take time to explore the town of Westport on your own.
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                    [Latitude] => 53.759912 N
                    [Longitude] => 9.659791 W
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                    [Headline] => Discover Killary Harbor & Kylemore Abbey
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours/5 miles hiking with 120\' elevation gain & 120\' elevation loss
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Today hike along the edge of one of Ireland\'s three fjords, visit the fairytale castle of Kylemore Abbey, and take in the rugged mountain scenery, with steep, craggy peaks framing the harbor on each side. This part of Ireland was particularly affected by the Great Famine of 1845-49; stone ruins across the landscape speak of the hardship of that era. Pass by a ruined village which was abandoned during that time, and a relief road dating back to 1846 which was constructed by locals in return for food rations.
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                    [Latitude] => 53.561639 N
                    [Longitude] => 9.889313 W
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                    [Headline] => Explore the Aran Islands
                    [ActivityOverview] => 2-3 hours/6 miles hiking with 290\' elevation gain & 80\' elevation loss
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Renowned the world over, the three isolated rocky outcrops of the Aran Islands once held a position of great trading power in ancient Ireland. Today they are renowned as the bastion of traditional language, culture and music. Inis Mor is the largest island, home to one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe: Dun Aonghusa (Dun Aengus), a semi-circular stone fort perched dramatically on top of a 328-foot drop into the sea. Walk to this spectacular location to take in magnificent vistas of Galway Bay, Connemara, and Black Head in the Burren.
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                    [Lunch] => 1
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                    [Travel_Type] => 40-minute ferry ride, 1.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 53.274475 N
                    [Longitude] => 9.046732 W
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                    [Headline] => See the Cliffs of Moher
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3 hours/4 miles hiking with 145\' elevation gain & 740\' elevation loss
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The staggering 700\'-high Cliffs of Moher are home to one of the largest colonies of nesting seabirds on mainland Ireland. Walking along the coastal trail, look out for humpback whales or basking sharks, and if the conditions are right, surfers playing in some of the world\'s largest surfable waves. Spend this evening in the quirky little village of Dingle, one of the great strongholds of traditional Irish music. In the evening, join the locals in one of the pubs to experience some real craic agus ceoil (fun and music).
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                    [Travel_Type] => 4-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 52.133789 N
                    [Longitude] => 10.268848 W
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                    [Headline] => Marvel at Mount Brandon
                    [ActivityOverview] => 6-7 hours/9 miles hiking with 3,120\' elevation gain & 1,720\' elevation loss
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One of the highest mountains in Ireland is named after St. Brendan (Breanainn) the Navigator, who, according to legend, had a vision of a promised land while seated at its summit. He and his monks consequently set sail for that land and disembarked in 535 AD (over 900 years before Columbus) on American soil. Though there\'s no way to prove it, there are many that believe the Irish discovered America! Today we will follow the Dingle Way along a spectacular trail that crosses a saddle to the north of the peak and descends into the fishing village of Brandon.
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                    [Latitude] => 52.234722 N
                    [Longitude] => 10.254444 W
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                    [Headline] => Walk Around Slea Head Along the Dingle Way
                    [ActivityOverview] => 5-6 hours/11 miles hiking with 760\' elevation gain & 605\' elevation loss
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Today the trail begins on the sand at Ventry Bay, then continues along the bottom of Mount Eagle, following the jagged Wild Atlantic Way around the spectacular Slea Head. Some of the finest archaeological sites in Ireland can be encountered on the Dingle Way, such as standing stones and beehive huts - dry-stone, dome-shaped buildings dating from circa 2000 B.C. At the end of the hike, have some time to peruse the art galleries and craft shops in Dingle before transferring to Killarney.
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                    [Travel_Type] => 1.5-hour private van transfer
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                    [Latitude] => 52.058833 N
                    [Longitude] => 9.50352 W
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                    [Headline] => Explore the Lakes of Killarney & Torc Mountain
                    [ActivityOverview] => 3-4 hours/6 miles hiking with 780\' elevation gain & 1,015\' elevation loss
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Today hike along a stunning stretch of the Iveragh Peninsula, or the Ring of Kerry, above the spectacular Lakes of Killarney. This is a windswept landscape broken only by the ruins of stone cottages and crumbling ancient monuments. The trail meanders between the mountains of Killarney National Park climbing up past Torc Waterfall to Torc Mountain. On a good day, the panoramic views of today\'s walk could claim to be the best in Ireland.
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                    [Latitude] => 51.999950 N
                    [Longitude] => 9.516723 W
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                    [Headline] => Adare Village & Transfer to Dublin
                    [ActivityOverview] => 1 hour/3 miles riverside walk with 290\' elevation gain & 290\' elevation loss
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For your last day\'s hike, head to Knockfeerina in County Limerick. This small summit gives 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. Then transfer to Adare Village, where thatched cottages recently converted into modern boutiques provide the option to grab some last minute souvenirs. Enjoy lunch together one final time before continuing to the airport to say our farewells.
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                    [Latitude] => 53.426448 N
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    [ActivityHighlight] => This trip is perfect for people who enjoy and are capable of 5 - 10 miles of hiking per day, over a period of several hours. There are days that are hilly, and you\'ll even climb a mountain. The terrain is varied, with time spent walking on beaches, footpaths, through fields and grassy meadows, and it is often wet underfoot.
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Accommodations

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From elegant historic hotels with gorgeous grounds to modern city hotels jam-packed with amenities, all featuring warm, welcoming service.

Westport Plaza Hotel-Westport, Ireland

Comfortable Hotel

Located close to the town of Westport, the elegant Westport Plaza Hotel features spacious rooms, with a Jacuzzi bath and separate shower in the en suite bathroom. Savor sophisticated European food at the Merlot Restaurant, take a quick break at the Plaza Bar over cocktails, indulge in one of Spa Sula's massages or facials, or unwind in its thermal suite.

Park House Hotel-Galway City, Ireland

Comfortable Hotel

Sitting in the heart of Galway City right next to Eyre Square, Park House Hotel is a stone's throw away from many attractions. The guest rooms are quiet, clean, and comfortable and The Park House is one of Galway's most popular restaurants, offering full Irish breakfasts and scrumptious dinners. An extremely hospitable staff make guests feel right at home.

Dingle Skellig Hotel & Spa-Dingle, Ireland

Comfortable Hotel

Situated on the beautiful Dingle Peninsula, surrounded by rolling hills and the calm harbor, Dingle Skellig Hotel has offered travelers comfort, warm hospitality, and great service since 1969. After a day on the trail, wind down with a drink at Blaskets Bar or the Cocktail Bar. The Coastguard Restaurant serves locally sourced seafood overlooking the bay and the mountains.

Great Southern Killarney-Killarney, Ireland

Comfortable Hotel

Opened in 1854, the Great Southern Killarney retains its elegant Victorian style and old-world charm. The luxurious rooms showcase a full spectrum of plush perks. Surrounded by delightful gardens, it serves locally sourced food at the Garden Room Restaurant, casual food and fine whiskies at The Punchbowl Bar, afternoon tea in the Grand Foyer, and drinks in the Killarney Wine Rooms.

Dingle Benners Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

This traditional manor house hotel offers airy, classic rooms featuring vintage-style furnishings and en suite bathrooms. Each comes with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Room service is offered.

Everglades Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Overlooking the River Foyle, this elegant hotel boasts bright, warmly decorated rooms that feature en suite bathrooms, TVs and free Wi-Fi, as well as tea and coffeemaking equipment. There's an airy grill restaurant and a library bar, plus a guest lounge.

Bishop’s Gate Hotel

Luxury Hotel

Located within the historic Cathedral Quarter of Derry City, the Bishop's Gate Hotel was built over 100 years ago and has maintained its traditional Edwardian architecture style. Each guestroom has modern amenities, such as satellite TV, a coffee maker and Wi-Fi, and has elegant accents to keep with the hotel's heritage. Sip on champagne at The Wig bar or tea in the Hervey Library to unwind at the end of the day.

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Inspiration to Explore

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