Ireland Up Close


Experience the beauty of Ireland’s southwest on a small-group walking and hiking tour, limited to just 16 guests.

Experience the Beauty of Ireland’s Southwest on a Walking and Hiking Tour

Discover the wild beauty of West Cork and Kerry on this light active tour, featuring daily guided hikes through the Beara Peninsula, Killarney National Park, and the Dingle Peninsula. 


Along the way, explore iconic sites like the Rock of Cashel and Muckross House, visit hidden gems such as Garnish Island, and enjoy hands-on cultural experiences like turf-cutting and breadmaking.


 Evenings bring time to unwind in charming towns like Glengarriff and Dingle — perfect for enjoying traditional music in a cozy pub. Ideal for active travelers, with up to 5 hours of scenic walking daily (2–6 miles) on mostly gentle paths and hill trails. Expect occasional muddy or rough sections and climbs up to 1,500 feet. This tour begins and ends in Dublin. 

Experience the Beauty of Ireland’s Southwest on a Walking and Hiking Tour

Guided Tour Limited to 16 Guests


Depart the US on Saturday June 5, 2027, or arrive earlier in Dublin before your tour begins.


Day 1 : Dublin

Depart from your hotel at 2:30 PM for a city walking tour. Explore Dublin’s historic streets, impressive architecture, famous landmarks, and hidden gems as your guide shares insights into the city’s unique character. In the evening, get to know your guide and group over a welcome drink, followed by dinner at a popular Dublin restaurant. Walk details: about 2 hours, 2 miles (4 km). (D)


Day 2: Rock of Cashel & West Cork

Take a scenic journey toward West Cork. Along the way, stop at the Rock of Cashel, a medieval monastic site perched atop a limestone hill. Walk among Celtic crosses, church ruins, and a round tower as you learn about Ireland’s rich past. Enjoy lunch with your group nearby, then continue through the countryside to Glengarriff, a picturesque coastal village nestled between mountains and sea. Dine at your hotel this evening. Walk details: about 30 minutes, 1 mile (1 km). (B, L, D) 


Day 3: Glengarriff & Garnish Island

Enjoy a relaxed hike near Glengarriff, surrounded by lush woodlands, brooks, and panoramic views of Bantry Bay and the Beara Peninsula. Enjoy lunch in a local café with your group. Next, take a short boat ride to Garnish Island, known for its Italianate gardens with rare plants, sculptures, and peaceful ponds. Stroll the tranquil paths and admire the views before returning to Glengarriff for a free evening. Walk details: about 2 hours 30 minutes, 5 miles (8 km). (B, L)


Day 4: Beara Hike & Farm Visit

Embark on a hike through the Beara Peninsula, taking in heather-covered hills, dramatic cliffs, and serene lakes. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way. Visit Molly Gallivan’s Cottage and Traditional Farm for a hands-on experience of rural Irish life. Try traditional turf cutting as you explore the ancient practice of harvesting peat for fuel and knead a loaf of traditional soda bread before watching it bake on the open hearth. Travel on to Killarney for dinner at your hotel. Walk details: about 3 hours 30 minutes, 6 miles (10 km). (B, L, D)


Day 5: Killarney National Park & Muckross Park

Discover Killarney National Park, beginning with a boat trip across Lough Leane, then a hike on well-defined paths through ancient woodlands. Pause for a packed lunch near Torc Waterfall. Next, tour the lavishly furnished rooms of Muckross House, a Victorian mansion, and stroll through its gardens and lakeside paths. Spend the evening exploring Killarney and dining as you wish. Walk details: about 3 hours, 6 miles (10 km). (B, L)


Day 6: Inch Strand & Dingle

Take a leisurely walk along stunning Inch Strand, a sandy coastline between the Dingle Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and watch for seabirds and dolphins. Have lunch in a local pub, then continue to Dingle town for free time to explore and dine as you wish. You might visit a pub for a traditional Irish music session to hear some lively tunes. Walk details: about 1 hour, 3 miles (5 km). (B, L)


Day 7: Slea Head & Blasket Centre

Hike along Slea Head, with views of the Dingle Peninsula’s hills, stone walls, farmhouses, and cliffs. See the Blasket Islands on the horizon and enjoy a packed lunch along the trail. Visit the Blasket Centre, a museum dedicated to the literary heritage and cultural legacy of the community who once resided there. Return to Dingle for dinner in a local restaurant. Walk details: about 4 hours, 6 miles (10 km). (B, L, D)


Day 8: Adare & Dublin

Travel back to Dublin, stopping in the charming village of Adare. Browse local craft boutiques and stroll the picturesque streets before lunch with your group. Continue to your hotel, say farewell to your guide, and enjoy a free evening for dining and exploring Dublin as you wish. (B, L)


Day 9: Tour Ends in Dublin

Your tour ends after breakfast. Depart for home or continue your journey in Ireland and beyond.


B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; D: Dinner

 **All components of this tour (hotels, meals, visits and attractions) for 2027 are subject to change until finalized in September 2026)** 


Land Tour Pricing : $5395 per person, double occupancy,  $6580 single occupancy

About our Tour Operator
CIE Tours

CIE Tours has helped generations of guests experience the beauty and wonder of Europe, forge new friendships, and be welcomed home far away from their homes. Founded in 1932, our reputation for excellence is rooted in our signature Irish hospitality, the genuine warmth of our guides, and a talent for fostering lasting friendships on the road. We offer exclusive access, authentic experiences, and in-depth knowledge that, in the spirit of our heritage, often begins with a story.


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