The Ring of Kerry - September 26-October 2, 2010
Introduction
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The mystical Ring of Kerry, with its emerald hills and clear blue waters, provides us with an insight into the ancient heritage of Ireland.
Meeting in the town of Killarney, we discover a land of forests and lakes, of Franciscan abbeys and Druidic stone circles. We visit the Torc waterfalls and examine Celtic writings on an ancient Ogham stone, before sampling the famous Irish âcraicâ in a traditional lakeside inn.
A highlight of our trip is meeting a local farmer on the hills above Caragh Lake who explains the traditional methods for cutting turf.
Walk Summary
| Date | 26-SEP-10 - 02-OCT-10 |
| Trip | 7 days, 6 nights |
| Terrain |  Walk Rating: Moderate to Energetic. Soft turf, narrow lanes and tracks, modest hills. 8-12 miles of walking per day. |
| Price |
Walk begins in Killarney, with arrival at Killarney Rail Station and ends in Caragh Lake, with departure from Killarney Rail Station.
Walk Itinerary
Sunday
Meet The Wayfarers in Killarney for a Welcome Dinner and Introductory Talk.
Monday
We walk forest and lakeside trails leading to the ruins of a Franciscan abbey, scene of secret midnight weddings in Elizabethan times, followed by lunch in the grounds of Muckross House and Park. After crossing the famous lakes of Killarney by boat, we take a horse and cart ride to the spectacular Torc Falls and walk a 16th-century track to the lively little town of Kenmare. Optional afternoon guided tour of Muckross House.
Tuesday
We follow the remote 'Beara Way' for views of the Kenmare Estuary and the peaks of McGillycuddys Reeks. A country lane passes a Druids' stone circle leading to a lakeside inn where we enjoy a traditional Irish lunch. We continue along country lanes to a remote farmhouse to sample the delicious local cheeses.
Wednesday
We begin at the 2000 year old Staigue Fort where we learn about Celtic folklore and follow the 'Kerry Way' to enjoy Atlantic Ocean vistas. We continue across pastures and lanes, pausing to examine the ancient Celtic writings on an Ogham Stone, then crossing the white sands of Derrynane Bay to visit the home of 'The Liberator', Irish patriot Daniel O'Connell. We transfer to our next hotel in Waterville for dinner and overnight.
Thursday
We follow an old track beside a stream to Dingle Bay with sweeping sea views to the distant Mount Eagle. We rejoin the Kerry Way to Caragh Lake which, if the tide allows, we cross by fishing boat to land at the magnificent lakeside gardens of our hotel.
Friday
We walk the gorse and heather-covered hills above Caragh Lake over to Blackstone Bridge where salmon fishermen gather. After a picnic lunch we meet a local farmer to discover how he cuts the turf for winter fuel and see his faithful sheepdog at work. We return to Caragh Lake for our Farewell Dinner.
Saturday
The Wayfarers see you safely on your way back to Killarney Rail Station.
This itinerary represents a typical Walk. We prepare itineraries well in advance of the trip and therefore we reserve the right to make changes due to weather, local events or other circumstances - but always to improve the experience of our guests.
Hotels
To see the complete list of hotels, please login or register.
The Lansdowne Arms Hotel - Monday & Tuesday
The Lansdowne Arms hotel is situated right in the heart of Kenmare town where you can enjoy the lively evening atmosphere as you sing and dance to some of Ireland's finest traditional music. Built in the 1790's as the town residence for William Perry Fitzmaurice, the 2nd Earl of Shelbourne, the Lansdowne Arms hotel is steeped in history with a long tradition of hospitality.
Standard room features include TV, hairdryers, tea, coffee making facilities, safe and direct dial telephone. The dining room offers guests excellent food, combining traditional Irish dishes with international cuisine. The hotel is home to two bars: "The Bold Thady Quill" is extremely popular with guests and locals alike, or you can unwind and relax in elegant surroundings of the "Poet" where you can enjoy a quiet drink with friends.
The Butler Arms Hotel - Wednesday
Waterville
County Kerry
T: +353 (0)6-6947-4144
F: +353 (0)6-6947-4520
E: reservations@butlerarms.com
W: www.butlerarms.com
The warmest of Irish hospitality welcomes you at this hotel. The well-known Butler Arms, run by the same family for four generations, is treasured for its air of luxury combined with a homely, intimate atmosphere. The unique climate of Waterville is aided by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and this enables visitors to enjoy the region all year round.
Bedooms are impeccably furnished to be a comfortable home from home with full ensuite facilities. The restaurant offers a varied menu, specialising in a variety of fresh seafood & local meats and all of the seafood is caught daily by local fishermen in the waters of the south-west coast.
Carrig Country House & Restaurant - Thursday & Friday
Caragh Lake
Ring of Kerry
T: +353 (0)6-6976-9100
F: +353 (0)6-6976-9166
E: info@carrighouse.com
W: www.carrighouse.com
This charming and meticulously restored Victorian residence is situated on the shores of Lake Carragh. Originally built in 1850 as a hunting lodge, the property is set in four acres of private grounds, surrounded by beautiful gardens and natural woodlands. It has spectacular views across the waters of the lake to the wildness of the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
All bedrooms are ensuite with period style décor and antique furnishings and provide most of the usual modern facilities. However, in-keeping with it being a peaceful hideaway, there are no TVs in the bedrooms but there is a TV in the comfortable hotel lounge. Internet access is not available in this hotel. Good food and wine is all part of 'The Carrig Experience' and the team are very proud of their culinerary achievements and award-winning restaurant. The cooking style is modern Irish and European with a French Country House influence. Meat & vegetables are carefully sourced from local markets and fresh fish are caught in the nearby Atlantic ocean.
This hotel list is a provided as an example. We may use different hotels of the same quality and style on specific trips. The Wayfarers will notify confirmed travelers of any changes to the hotels.
Photo Gallery
Travel Information
Before & After Your Walk:
- Visit Dublin - recently restored as a Grand European Capital
- Head to the west coast to take in Connemara, Galway Bay and Donegal
- Explore more of the Beara Peninsula or the Dingle
Weather:
Temperatures usually range from around 45º to 65ºF (7º to 18ºC) in spring/autumn and from 60º to 70º F (15º to 21ºC) in summer although it can rise to above 80º F (27ºC) on some days. You are likely to need a light jacket or sweater in the evenings. Rainfall is unpredictable but occurs all year round and can be heavy, even in summer. Equally there can be long spells of warm dry weather so you will need to bring clothing to accommodate all situations.
To see more Travel Information and a list of our recommended tips please register or sign in. Once you confirm a booking for this walk, as a registered website member, you will be able to access detailed Joining Instructions including exact arrival and departure points and times as part of the Travel Information.
FAQs
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Are there any hidden costs?
Our Vacations do not include the cost of air or rail fares to and from the destination or tips for your walk leader and manager. -
How large are the Groups?
Our maximum group size is 16, but groups average between 8-12 people. -
Will I feel welcome as a single traveler?
Yes! Our walks are the perfect environment of comfortable camaraderie for the single traveler. -
Can you accomodate special diets?
Yes! -
How physically fit do I have to be to do a Wayfarers Walk?
If you are in good health and reasonably fit you will be comfortable participating in a walk.
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Scrapbook
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What's Next?
At this point we would like to thank you for looking at our website, we hope you will have seen a little of the places we walk to, hotels we stay in and that we have answered some of your questions.
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