Ireland is a land of many contrasts. The geography can vary from near moonscape to some of the most verdant and beautiful mountains, valleys, and grasslands on earth. Sandy beaches to rugged cliffs. Quaint villages to modern cities. A common element throughout the country is the warmth and hospitality of the Irish people.

Join us for a 2-week, three-region walking tour of southeastern and southwestern Ireland. We’ll fly directly from Chicago to Dublin and transfer to Glendalough, in the center of County Wicklow and the Wicklow Mountains National Park, for a 4-night stay. The name in Gaelic means “Valley of Two Lakes,” and it is often referred to as the “Garden of Ireland.” The area has a rich cultural heritage dating to about 700 AD when St. Kevin founded a monastery there. Numerous structures including a round tower and remnants of a cathedral, churches, a castle, celtic crosses, and grave markings remain from that era. Wicklow Park is a popular hiking area in Ireland. The trailheads for numerous hiking trails start near the National Park Information Center near the upper lake. With trails ranging from 2 km. to 18 km. and varying degrees of elevation change, there will be ample hiking opportunities for casual and more hardy hikers alike. Bus services are also available for those who might wish to visit Dublin for a day.

From Glendalough, we will transfer to Killarney in County Kerry for 5 nights for hiking and sightseeing. Just south of the town of Killarney are the Lakes of Killarney and Killarney National Park. Many trailheads lead to hikes of varying distances within the park. There are many attractions to be explored, either by foot or via rented bicycles, boats, or horse-drawn Jaunting Cars. In the city are St. Mary’s Cathedral & the Museum of Irish Transport. In the park we’ll see Knockreer Gardens, Ross Castle, & the Muckross Estate which includes the house, Abby, & farms. Killarney is also a jumping-off spot to visit other areas in County Kerry, including the Ring of Kerry, Tralee with its beautiful rose gardens, the Dingle Peninsula, and more, via regular bus services.

Our third location will be Ennis, the capital of County Clare; we will be there for 3 nights. There are historical centers and a museum in the city. There are numerous areas nearby areas for hiking and sightseeing. Among them are the Dysert O’Dea, (a religious settlement), the Cliffs of Moher, the Burren peninsula, the village of Kilkee, the Aran Islands, and others. We will transfer to Shannon for our last night in Ireland and will celebrate with a medieval castle banquet. The next day we fly from Shannon to Chicago.

Mid-September is an ideal time to visit Ireland. It is after the main tourist season, but most of the attractions will still be open. Temperatures should be moderate, and there should be ample daylight for active days of hiking and exploring.

REGISTRATION, DEPOSITS, & PAYMENTS
Adults of any age are welcome, providing very good physical condition. Past participants have ranged in age from 18 to 84. Adaptability and a sense of adventure are more important than cycling experience. Formal registration must be accompanied by a NON-REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT of $200. EARLY REGISTRATION IS ADVISED! A payment schedule will be sent on receipt of your application and deposit. Fees paid will be refunded, minus deposit, upon withdrawal up to 12 weeks before departure on written notice. After that, housing and airline
cancellation charges will be assessed.