Kerry Saints and Scholars with Seán Ó Súilleabháin (8 days)

Arrive at accommodation in Glenbeigh. Evening dinner at 18.30 hrs followed by briefing.

Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent: 300m/1,000ft

The first day's walking takes you on the early Christian route and medieval coaching road from Glenbeigh to Kells with detours to view archaeological artefacts such as the 4,000 year old rock art and Ogham stones of Drunghill and spectacular views across Dingle Bay and out to the Atlantic Ocean.

Distance: 10.5km/6.5miles Ascent: 700m/2,300ft

Views of the Atlantic Ocean and Dingle Bay are enlarged on a mountain walk. Knocknadobar (Cnoc na dTobar, the hill of the wells) was a pagan mountain. Now you can follow the Stations of the Cross to the Canon’s Cross near the summit.

A spur of the Kerry Way descends to Kells Cove where a refreshing swim could be an appropriate way to end the day. Transfer along the Ring of Kerry to the village of Caherdaniel. Overnight Caherdaniel.
 

Distance: 1.6km/1miles (steep) Ascent: 180m/600ft.

The pilgrim theme is continued as we take a boat trip to a World Heritage Site, the monastic island of Sceilg Mhichíl, dedicated like so many other isolated hermitages to Saint Michael. We pass the international gannetry of the Little Skellig. Overnight Caherdaniel.

Note: We have not included the price of visiting the Skelligs as this is a weather dependent trip. There will be a charge of €45 per person for the trip.

Distance and Ascent: optional

You can enjoy a choice of walks - on the Blue Flag Derrynane Beach, through Derrynane National Park or the gardens of Derrynane House. A longer walk on a Mass/Smugglers Path allows views from a higher level, as you return to Caherdaniel on the butter road leg of the Kerry Way.
 

Distance: 8km/5miles Ascent: 350m/1,150ft

You return to walking the old coach road, continuation of the butter route, linking the picturesque villages of Caherdaniel and Sneem. There are spectacular views across the island-studded Kenmare Bay to the Beara peninsula. Pick-up at, the pre-historic stone fort of Staigue (circa 1,000 BC). Transfer along the Ring of Kerry to overnight in Killarney.

Distance: 6km/3.75miles Ascent: reasonably level

A variety of experiences await you on your final day. A walk on Ross Island introduces you to copper mining dating from prehistory. A short boat trip to Innisfallen Island allows exploration of its monastic ruins. The boat drops us near 15th century Muckross Friary, to be explored before a short walk on the Kerry Way to the 19th century Muckross House, its Gardens and Tea Shop.

Overnight in Killarney. Farewell Dinner.
 

The tour ends after breakfast.