Western Ireland Guided Walking with Sightseeing

We travel north from Kenmare to Killarney National Park, to explore majestic lakes and the grounds of Victorian Muckross House. Have your camera at the ready from the off – our walk begins at impressive Torc Waterfall, then follows the shore of Muckross Lake to the magnificent house & gardens.  

We’ll follow with free time to explore as there are many options to choose from – stroll a bit further and enjoy the spectacular scenery, walk the plentiful marked trails, or sit and enjoy the view, Alternatively, pay a visit to the farms, the house or it’s gardens. Keep a lookout for the traditional Irish jaunting cars (horse-drawn carts) here, too.  

Please note - Entrance to the grounds of Muckross House is free, if you wish to visit the house itself, the gardens or the farms, entrance is payable locally. 

Distance: 5 miles (8km) 

Ascent: 570 feet (175m) 

Today we’ll take a boat trip out into Kenmare Bay to admire its beautiful scenery, and hopefully sight some of its wildlife, too. In the afternoon, our walk is a fabulous induction to the area. We’ll be led on a walking tour that introduces us to the stories and histories of the town, from its stone circles and Georgian architecture to its lace-making industry. We’ll also learn of some of the town’s famous characters including Antarctic explorer Tom Crean.  

Distance:  4 miles (6km) 

Ascent:  little ascent 

Today we visit Glengarriff Nature Reserve, home to myriad flora, fauna and ancient tales. We walk a short loop following the river and view some ancient oaks on the way. Our coach then takes us to Glengarrif where we’ve time to get our lunch or explore the Bamboo Park (payable locally), before we take the boat over to Garinish Island. Keep your eyes open for seals, they often make an appearance on the way. A short walk on the island takes us on a discovery of its fabulous gardens, which flourish in this microclimate. 

Distance:  3 miles (5km) 

Ascent:  500 feet (150m) 

Wild and dramatic coastline today as we follow the rocky Atlantic shores to the beautiful gardens of Derrynane House, ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell known as Ireland's nineteenth century liberator. We enjoy a guided tour of his former home (included) and time to explore the gardens, before we head to the mountains and Moll’s Gap, where we get an insight into rural life with a visit to a working farm to learn how they train their working dogs, and manage to thrive in this beautiful but rugged landscape 

Distance:  4 miles (7km) 

Ascent:  500 feet (150m) 

Waterfalls, woodland and a wealth of history, are the highlight today as we follow the Heritage Trail within Gleninchaquin Park. Our walk will take us past the “Famine Cottage” – renovated and thatched in recent years, the cottage has become a popular setting for films based in Ireland – see if you recognise the scene. 

From Gleninchaquin, we travel along the Beara Peninsula and out to the beautiful 19th century woodland - Dereen Gardens (entrance included). We’ve 60acres to explore – subtropical plants and sublime views of mountains, sea and shore.  

Distance: 2.5miles (4km) 

Ascent: 320 feet (100m)