Are you coming to Ireland?
Do you want to get off the beaten track?
Are you unsure if you would like to explore independently or with a guide?
Here we will help you decide between a Guided or Self guided tour? We are here to give you an insight into the difference between both tour type options.
Why join a Guided Walking Holiday?
Our guided tours are ideal for people who want to enjoy our wonderful walking and hiking routes in the company of a local guide. Our qualified, experienced and knowledgeable guides will bring each days activities to life with stories of the local history and culture.
We have limited our tour group numbers to ensure all our guests get the full experience and there will be no more than 8-12 on each tour.
The hikes each day are generally a little shorter than the self-guided hikes, but you will get taken to locations not visited by the marked hiking trails.
All of our scheduled guided tours are 8-day long – 7 overnights and 6 hiking days.
We offer 3 different destination on the Emerald Isle for our guided tours this year, and they all have a set departure date each month between May and September.
Kingdom of Kerry Hike – takes you to the south western corner of Ireland. Visiting Killarney, and it’s National Park, and the Dingle Peninsula on the west coast of the Atlantic Ocean in County Kerry.
Burren, Aran Island and Connemara Hike – where you will see the Cliffs of Moher, stay on the largest Aran Island – Inis Mor – and explore south Connemara and its historic sites.
Wild Atlantic Way and Islands Tour – exploring the parts of Connemara the Burren, Aran Island and Connemara Tour doesn’t. You will hike the pilgrimage hike up Croagh Patrick, visit Inis Boffin and even stay on Achill Island, with its Deserted Village.
These tours typically include:
- Stays in our select guesthouses or small hotels.
- Breakfast and Lunch each day.
- 3 course evening meal on 3 nights.
- All holiday transport as listed in the tour itinerary
- Experienced Irish guide who will accompany you for the duration of your tour.
- Full pre-departure information pack to assist your holiday plans and ensure a great holiday
- Dedicated holiday coordinator during the planning stage
Airport transfers or extra nights can be arranged/booked if required.
Why book a Self-Guided Hiking Tour?
Our Self guided tours are ideal for the more independent and experienced guest who wants to explore a particular part of Ireland more in-depth than on a guided tour.
The great thing about a self-guided tour is your are able to take each day at their own pace and book the tour to suit your travel plans – not join a scheduled departure.
For 2021 we updated our route notes to have all our maps integrated in to the documents.
This allowed us to introduced the option to select a Traditional or Digital pack for your trip. The Traditional Pack means your route note pack will be printed and waiting for you at your first house on arrival to Ireland.
If you go for the Digital option you would get the same documentation, only emailed to you as a PDF file 4-6 weeks before your trip. You can choose to print this document yourself at home before your trip, or use your phone or tablet to navigate.
All of our self-guided guests get access to our bespoke GPS app – tailored just for your trip.
Our self-guided hikes can be anything from 3 to 11 days, depending on how much time you have in Ireland, and how much of the trails you want to explore.
There are also a lot more tour destination options on a self-guided trip –
Antrim Coast and Glens – Experience Northern Ireland’s famous Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Glenarriff Forest Park and Fair Head
Beara Way – West Cork is home to Ireland’s only functioning cable car – to Dursey Island – ancient copper mines in Allihies, Bere Island, and, of course, stunning scenery.
Burren Way – Visit the stunning, barren limestone landscapes of the Burren, the famous Cliffs of Moher and the ancient forts on Inis Mor (Aran Islands)
Dingle Way – Looping around the most westerly headland in Europe the Dingle Peninsula is renowned for its countless historic and religious sites, stunning coastal views and Mount Brandon.
Donegal – The north west corner of Ireland is home to the Slieve League Cliffs, Glenveagh Castle and National Park and the Bloody Foreland looped walk.
Kerry Way – Travel parallel to the famous Ring of Kerry, highlights include Killarney National Park, Derrynane House, the Black Valley and Kenmare Bay.
Sheep’s Head Way – The last remaining “hidden gem” in Ireland with its panoramic sea views, remote Lighthouse, Bantry House and historical sites.
Wicklow Way and Dublin – Head in to the Wicklow Mountains to discover Glendalough Monastery, Powerscourt Waterfall, Lough Tay and Marley Park. If you would like to explore our capital city we can also offer you our Dublin city trek, taking you to the most famous historical, cultural and literary sites in Dublin.
On a self-guided trip you will –
- Stay in our choice guesthouse accommodations.
- Enjoy breakfast each day.
- Be transported as listed on you itinerary
- Receive 24/7 telephone support service.
- Have your luggage transferred while you hike each moving day.
- Access easy to read route description for all walks with integrated maps of the area.
- Get a bespoke GPS app for your hike
- Be sent full pre-departure information pack to assist your holiday plans and ensure a great holiday
Airport transfers or extra nights can be arranged/booked if required.
We hope this has helped your tour choice.
- If you need any additional information please get in touch.