Trip Overview

Venture across Ireland on a breathtaking hike that winds near the Rock of Cashe, through the Glen of Aherlo, and onto the Beara Peninsula. Along the way, participate in Irish traditions and meet local entrepreneurs – including a brewer and an oyster farming family- for the full Irish experience with your AdventureWomen group.

Fáilte go hÉireann—Welcome to Ireland! Start in Dublin, the largest city in the Republic of Ireland and home to around 1.8 million people. Dublin has always been a center for education, arts, economics, industry, and history. Its importance on the international stage has made it one of the few cities that have achieved global city status. Meet your fellow AdventureWomen travelers and enjoy a lively welcome dinner.  You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure.

Dublin to Kerry

Cradled in the heart of the bay, Kenmare is a haven of tranquility, gourmet food, breathtaking scenery, and one of the most unspoiled environments in Europe. The Irish name of the town, “Neidin,” means “little nest” – it really feels like one, too.

The Beara Peninsula sits along the southwest coast of Ireland and makes up a portion of the Wild Atlantic Way. Many relics from the Bronze Age such as standing stones and wedge tombs remain in the area, and ancient buildings and the copper mine museum help preserve more of the past. Take a forty-minute ferry ride to the mysterious and enchanting Skellig islands

Killarney to Doolin

Crowned by the spectacular McGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Range, Killarney National Park is Ireland’s first national park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Discover the wild beauty of its native woodlands, pristine lakes, and lively waterfalls on a memorable day trip through the country’s “adventure capital.”

The charming town of Dingle, an active fishing port set in a bowl of green mountains, looks out over Dingle Bay to the Blasket Islands. It is full of friendly pubs with live traditional music. Popular area attractions include the beaches, Mount Brandon, and Ballydavid and Ballyferriter villages, and driving the area is like a trip through an open-air museum!

The Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most popular destinations, with spectacular ocean views seen from atop towering seaside cliffs. From the tower on the Cliffs, you can see the Aran Islands, the Loop Head, and the two mountain ranges of County Galway.

Doolin offers local pubs, folk music, and a hike through the Burren region, followed by a father-daughter oyster farming visit.

A farewell dinner at a local restaurant will allow you to celebrate all the incredible sights and amazing hiking you experienced with your traveling companions during your time in Ireland.

Main Attractions

  • Hike the Cliffs of Moher, the Dingle Peninsula, and Killarney National Park
  • Visit the Skellig Michael bird sanctuary
  • Meet a female writer, brewer, and perfumer!
  • Learn how to make traditional soda bread

What You'll See and Do

  • Archaeology
  • Cooking Class
  • Hiking
  • Historical Sites
  • Local Delicacies
  • National Parks
  • Natural History
  • UNESCO Site
  • Women-To-Women Exchanges
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If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Dublin
Fáilte go hÉireann—Welcome to Ireland! Dublin is the largest city in the Republic of Ireland and is home to around 1.8 million people. Dublin has always been a center for education, arts, economics, industry, and history. Its importance on the international stage has made it one of the few cities that have achieved global city status.

Arrive in Dublin, Ireland (DUB) before 12:00 PM today. One group transfer at 12:00PM is included; private transfers at other days and times are available for an additional fee.

You will be picked up at the Dublin airport and transferred to your hotel.

Check into your hotel at 3:00PM today and take some time to relax before dinner tonight.

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman on your trip is excited to explore Ireland!
Dinner

Overnight: Brooks Hotel

Day 2

Dublin to Kerry
After breakfast this morning, set out on a drive as you make your way to the Kingdom of Kerry. Along the way, stop at the Rock of Cashel, the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster that has been of strategic importance for thousands of years. Take in the 12th and 13th century buildings and graveyard that lie within the ancient walls.

Following a bit more driving and a stop for lunch with the group, you’ll arrive in the Glen of Aherlow, a verdant valley that sits below the Christ the King statue. Enjoy a 3-4 mile walk through old growth woodland before making the final drive to your hotel for the next 3 nights.

Arrive at your hotel and check in before enjoying dinner with the group tonight.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Brook Lane Hotel

Day 3

County Kerry
Today you will explore the Beara Peninsula, an area that is rich in ancient history and is a central location in Irish mythology.

As you hike along a 6-7 mile trail that covers beach, fields, and minor roads en route to the mountain, you will be joined by a female writer and historian who will introduce you to the modern and ancient history, mythology, and spirituality of the region.

You will pass abandoned mine buildings while you take in the ocean and mountain views during this easy-to-moderate hike. Enjoy lunch with the group along the way today.

Take some time for dinner on your own tonight after a full day of hiking and exploration.
Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Brook Lane Hotel

Day 4

County Kerry
Take a forty-minute ferry ride to the mysterious and enchanting Skellig islands. These floating pyramids of sandstone have been home to some of the earliest monastic settlements in Ireland as well as providing sanctuary to fantastic numbers of birdlife in the area.

Land on Skellig Michael, which rises to 714ft. The climb to the summit takes you past hundreds of Puffins, Kittiwakes, and other seabirds. Near its summit nestles the well-preserved remains of its 6th century monastary, with its beehive-shaped huts, tiny stone oratory and walled garden. The remains of the monastary and most of the island were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Enjoy a boxed lunch with the group along the way.

After a full day at the birding sanctuary, return to Kenmare via boat before enjoying dinner on your own this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: Brook Lane Hotel

Day 5

Killarney National Park
After a short drive, walk The Kerry Way into Killarney National Park. Hike the Old Kenmare Road, one of the most popular walks in Ireland, and part of the Kerry Way. As you hike, be alert for wildlife such as deer, eagles, and the elusive pine marten. Ascend to Windy Gap, at a little over 1,000 feet, the highest point of the walk. You will have spectacular views of Killarney National Park, the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, the Lakes of Killarney, Kenmare Bay, and the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a packed lunch during the journey today. Hike to the shores of Lough Leane and finish at Muckross House, a 65- room, Tudor-style mansion built in the mid-1800s for the watercolor painter Mary Balfour Herbert and her husband.

This evening you will learn how to bake traditional soda bread from a local Irishwoman who will teach you her special family recipe that has been handed down through many generations. Have dinner with the group after your cooking lesson.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Dingle Benners Hotel

Day 6

Dingle Peninsula
Take a scenic drive to visit the Great Blasket Island Center, which is a fascinating heritage and cultural center/museum honoring the unique community who lived on the remote Blasket Islands until their evacuation in 1953. From there, you will set off on a 3 mile hike.

Stop by the brewery of Ireland’s first female brewer today, where you’ll have the chance to speak with her and tour the brewery before settling in for lunch with the group.

Dingle is a haven for crafters and artisans, so take some time this afternoon to visit some of the town’s galleries and workshops on your own before meeting back for dinner with the group this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Dingle Benners Hotel

Day 7

Dingle to Doolin
This morning after breakfast, head out on a northern drive that will be broken up by a ferry crossing of Ireland’s longest river, the Shannon River. After lunch with the group, continue driving up the Wild Atlantic Way via the Cliffs of Moher.

Hop out of the van for a 6-mile hike along the Cliffs of Moher to your hotel for the next 2 nights in Doolin. Stop along the way at the Visitor’s Center.

In the evening you will have an opportunity to listen to the finest traditional musicians in local pubs.
Breakfast, Lunch

Overnight: The Doolin Inn

Day 8

Doolin
Set out on a 6-mile hike today through the Burren region. With a lunar-like landscape, this area has given rise to a unique way of life over many generations. You will hike past nooks and crevices that hide many wildflowers – some of which are only found in this region – and you will see medieval churches and ancient healing wells along the way. A packed lunch will be provided for you to enjoy during today’s hike.

Later today, you will meet a local father-daughter oyster farming duo for a behind-the-scenes visit. Learn about oyster farming and enjoy some fresh- from-the sea oysters before heading to dinner.

Spend tonight’s farewell dinner in a local restaurant celebrating all the incredible sights and amazing hiking you experienced with your traveling companions during your time in Ireland!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: The Doolin Inn

Day 9

Depart Ireland
After breakfast this morning, begin the drive back to the Dublin airport for your flights home. Depart Dublin, Ireland (DUB) any time after 3:00 PM today.
Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants.

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Traveling to Ireland



Arrival and Departure Information

June 26, 2023 Departure

Arrive: Arrive in Dublin, Ireland (DUB) on June 26, 2023 before 12:00PM.

Depart: Depart Dublin, Ireland (DUB) on July 4, 2023 after 3:00PM.

 

August  20, 2023 Departure

Arrive: Arrive in Dublin, Ireland (DUB) on August 20, 2023 before 12:00PM.

Depart: Depart Dublin, Ireland (DUB) on August 28, 2023 after 3:00PM.

 

We are happy to help you make your flight and travel arrangements. If you’d like to do anything prior to or following the AdventureWomen trip, we’d be delighted to help you arrange any trip extensions you’re interested in.

Note: The recent trend in travel is for travelers to finalize their plans much closer to departure time than was customary in the past. While we try to be as flexible as possible booking last-minute registrants, we must release hotel rooms two to three months prior to departure! Please keep this in mind when making your travel plans.

Preparation and Packing  

Please use the following guides as a reference when preparing for your adventure. We also encourage you to adapt the guides to your travel style as well as the destination’s forecasted weather.  

Gratuities  

Gratuities are a personal decision and are at your own discretion based on your level of satisfaction with the service provided. Gratuities are dependent upon the number of guests on your departure, and they vary greatly from trip to trip. As a general reference, AdventureWomen suggests you plan for 360-600 EUR (or more) worth of gratuities for this adventure. Specific tipping recommendations for your trip will be provided to you closer to your departure date and may fluctuate due to inflation, exchange rates, and the number of travelers on your trip. 

Passports and Visas

Citizens of the United States must have a passport valid for six months beyond their travel dates with at least two blank-facing pages. If you do not have a passport, please apply now!

Activity Level

We rate this trip as High Energy. Our High Energy adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing. Please note that this is a general description of what you might encounter; for specific details about your trip, please consult the itinerary.

We recommend training before your trip (with your doctor’s permission) to make the most of your adventure. With this itinerary in mind, we have a partnership with Trailblazer Wellness, a woman-owned, women-run company that will design an individualized fitness plan just for you! Best of all, AdventureWomen guests get a 10% discount with the code AVW. Learn more on the Trailblazer Wellness website.

Health Considerations

Make an appointment with a travel clinic, as they may have recommendations for vaccines and medications based on the destination as well as your age, health, and past vaccination history.

For more health information, go to www.cdc.gov/travel and navigate to the page about Ireland.

How to Register

Call the AdventureWomen office at (800) 804-8686 to determine space availability and register for this trip. We can complete your registration, including taking your credit card deposit over the phone.

If you prefer, you can register online by clicking “Sign Up for this Trip” on the trip page.

Please be sure to read the AdventureWomen policies before registering!

Forms and Final Payment

The deposit for this trip is $800, and is nonrefundable and nontransferable. Once you book, you will need to fill out and return to AdventureWomen:

  • Information Form
  • Booking Conditions Form
  • Copy of Flight Information
  • Copy of Issuing Page of Passport (Photo Page)
  • Supplemental Release for COVID

Final payment is due to AdventureWomen in a cash form (check, money order, or wire transfer). A maximum of $1,500 per person can be put on a credit card, which includes your deposit.

June 26, 2023 Departure Final Payment Due Date: March 28, 2023

August 20, 2023 Departure Final Payment Due Date: May 22, 2023

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

What's Included

Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • All ground transportation
  • Drinking water available from taps to refill personal bottles
  • All gratuities except guides and drivers

Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Ireland
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for guides and drivers

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary

Accommodations

Brooks Hotel

The Brooks Hotel is a boutique property located in the cultural district of Dublin. Many of the major tourist sites of the city are within walking distance of the hotel, as are a variety of shops and restaurants.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, WiFi

Brook Lane Hotel

The Brook Lane is a family run 4-star boutique hotel. Its staff are friendly and local, the design is contemporary, hospitality is instinctive, and the atmosphere is easygoing. And it's all just a short walk from the pretty town of Kenmare on the Wild Atlantic Way. The perfect location to explore Kenmare!

Amenities: soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, WiFi

Dingle Benners Hotel

The Dingle Benners offers a relaxed and cozy atmosphere is the heart of Dingle town. The hotel serves as a great base to explore the beauty and landscape of the Dingle Peninsula.

Amenities: soap, shamppo, conditioner, hari dryer, WiFi

The Doolin Inn

A charming bed and breakfast with only 22 guest rooms, The Doolin Inn is nestled in the heart of Doolin at the start of the Cliffs of Moher walk.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, conditioner, hair dryer, WiFi

 

If you're curious about this trip, we would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

Call us ~ 1.800.804.8686
Email Us
Browse Detailed Itinerary

Download Extended Itinerary