Ireland TRIP ITINERARY WALKING TRAILS OF THE EMERALD ISLE. June 17-24, 2018 July 15-22, 2018 September 2-9, 2018

Transcription

1 Ireland WALKING TRAILS OF THE EMERALD ISLE ACTIVE CULTURAL ADVENTURE 8 DAYS June 17-24, 2018 July 15-22, 2018 September 2-9, 2018 TRIP ITINERARY

2 How we deliver THE WORLD S GREAT ADVENTURES A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that infectious spirit is woven into every one of our journeys. Our staff travels the globe searching out hidden-gem inns and lodges, taste testing bistros, trattorias, and noodle stalls, and discovering the trails and plying the waterways of each remarkable destination. When we come home, we separate wheat from chaff, creating memorable adventures that will connect you with the very best qualities of each destination. Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, handcrafted journeys have received accolades from the world s most revered travel publications. Beginning from our appreciation for the world s most breathtaking and interesting destinations, we infuse our journeys with the elements of adventure and exploration that stimulate our souls and enliven our minds. Whether you are looking for a challenging physical expedition or a leisurely cultural exploration, Boundless Journeys has exceptional itineraries to match your sense of adventure. Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider, and our expert local guides will open doors for you that other travelers miss, like dinner with their extended family in Peru s Sacred Valley, or meeting an art scholar in Florence. Relationships developed over many years allow you to experience our destinations through a well-connected friend. Small groups. Although the camaraderie of a group of likeminded travelers often enhances the journey, there can be too much of a good thing! We tread softly, and our average group size is just 8 10 guests, allowing us access to opportunities that would be unthinkable with a larger group. Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both scheduled, small-group departures and custom journeys so that you can choose which works best for you. Not finding exactly what you are looking for? Let us customize a journey to fulfill your travel dreams. Customer service that goes the extra mile. Having trouble finding flights that work for you? Want to surprise your traveling companion with a bottle of champagne at a tented camp in the Serengeti to celebrate an important milestone? There is no request that is too big or too small for our staff to handle. From your first call, we guide you through choosing your trip, provide advice on preparing for your adventure, and hold your hand until you return home. Multi-year recipient of Travel + Leisure magazine s World s Best Tour Operator ; and recognized by the editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE magazine as one of the Best Adventure Travel Companies on Earth. 2 Boundless Journeys 2018

3 Ireland WALKING TRAILS OF THE EMERALD ISLE Thank you for joining us on this fantastic journey to Ireland. We have handcrafted this tour from our own experience and hope you fall in love with the area as we have! THE INSPIRATION FOR THIS JOURNEY We begin our Irish exploration in the charming town of Dingle. Our days here are spent walking the beautiful coastline past ancient beehive huts or boarding a ferry for a hike on Great Blasket Island a trip back in time. We then move south to the famed Kingdom of Kerry, with dramatic mountains, lush valleys, and the tranquil lakes surrounding Killarney. Here, we visit a 6th-century monastery and take a boat ride across the lakes. Finally, we make our way to County Cork, home to some of the Ireland s most fertile farmland, wildest peninsulas, and most colorful towns. We are enchanted by the Glengariff Reserve and walk along a rugged promontory of land that reaches out into the Atlantic Ocean. In the evenings, there is time to savor local music (perhaps even enjoy a bit of dancing!), indulge in excellent fresh seafood and lamb, stroll through the colorful towns of Dingle and Killarney, and enjoy glorious sunsets over the wide expanse of Bantry Bay. HIGHLIGHTS Spectacular walks featuring expansive coastal landscapes and enchanting mountains Traditional Irish music in friendly pubs The lively towns of Dingle and Killarney Great Blasket Island steeped in Irish history Sweeping seascapes on the Sheep s Head Peninsula Creative and inspiring meals at Michelin-recommended restaurants TOC TOUR OVERVIEW... 4 THE JOURNEY... 6 ACCOMMODATIONS... 9 WHAT TO EXPECT OUR GUIDES NEXT STEPS BOUNDLESS BEYOND

4 TOUR OVERVIEW THE BASICS Duration: 8-day trip Tour start: Cork, Ireland Tour end: Cork, Ireland Accommodations: 7 nights in first-class hotels and inns Trip rating: Easy Strenuous (See page 10 for more details) Land cost: $4,295 per person Single Supplement: First two reserved on each departure: $0*; Additional singles: $295 *Must reserve at least 120 days ahead WHAT S INCLUDED Just pack your bags we ve got you covered! When you re on a Boundless Journeys adventure, every detail is taken care of for you, so you can relax and truly experience each moment. Put your wallet away, leave your travel books behind, fold up your maps, and BE there. Your Boundless Journeys adventure includes: Expert leadership All accommodations All meals except two dinners (Days 2 & 6) Local beer and wine with included dinners All on-tour transportation Park fees All activities as noted in the itinerary All gratuities except for those for your guide(s) and driver, which are at your discretion International airfare is not included in the price of your trip. Please contact your local travel agency or the airlines directly to make any arrangements you may need. If you would like assistance with booking your flights or other travel plans, please contact Boundless Journeys directly at for a referral to our partners who will best fulfill your needs. 4 Boundless Journeys 2018

5 ITINERARY AT-A-GLANCE DAYS 1-3: DINGLE PENINSULA Meet in Cork and drive west to the Dingle Peninsula. Enjoy coastal walks past ancient beehive huts and board a ferry for a day of walking on Great Blasket Island. In the evenings, enjoy local music, fresh seafood and lamb, and leisurely explorations of the town from our centrally-located hotel. DAYS 4-5: KILLARNEY Walk through the moss-covered woodlands of Killarney National Park. Take a scenic boat ride through Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lakes. Visit an old Irish monastery and hike to Torc Waterfall. DAYS 6-7: COUNTY CORK Travel to County Cork where charming old fishing towns and villages touch Ireland s ancient past. Hike in the lush Glengarriff Nature Reserve and along the breathtaking Sheep s Head Peninsula. DAY 8: DEPARTURE Depart from Cork, Ireland

6 THE JOURNEY DAY 1: Transfer to Dingle Activity Overview: Walk Activity Level: Easy to Moderate Activity Length: About 3 hours, 2-3 miles in the morning; about 4 hours, 3-4 miles in the afternoon with a 700 climb This morning we make our way west to the Dingle Peninsula. Our day begins with a walk along the shoreline of Dingle Harbor, past the old stone watch tower to the picturesque Dingle Lighthouse. Here you can taste the fresh marine air and let the nostalgia and mystery of the ocean take hold. This afternoon you may opt for an energizing walk in the outskirts of Dingle. This walk departs directly from our hotel and ascends to a ridge with panoramic views over West Kerry. This evening we enjoy dinner in one of the town s wonderful Michelin-recommended restaurants, featuring seasonal, local ingredients in rustic, flavorsome dishes. Accommodation: Benners Hotel, Dingle Meals: L, D DAY 2: Smerwick Harbor Activity Overview: Walk Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 3-4 hours, 5 miles Today, we walk along winding roads from Tír a Bháin to reach Smerwick Harbor. Along the way, we may visit our friend and accomplished artist and tour her studio. Once we reach the shore, we take in beautiful coastal views and fresh sea air as we walk along the Dingle Way, linking the beaches Smerbhic, Béal Bán,Trá n Fhíona, and Muiríoch. This afternoon we will have time to explore the town of Dingle steeped in history and culture, with numerous galleries, stores, and lively pubs. Tonight you are free to choose from one of Dingle s many restaurants for dinner. Our guides will be happy to make suggestions for you. Accommodation: Benners Hotel, Dingle Meals: B, L DAY 3: Great Blasket Island Activity Overview: Walk Activity Level: Moderate Activity Length: About 4 hours, 4-5 miles Our excursion today takes us back in time before cars, cell phones, and computers. If the sea permits, we will board a ferry from Dingle to Great Blasket Island, the largest of a group of islands clustered off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. Made famous by local author and Blasket native, Tómas Ó Criomhthain, the people of the Blaskets eked out a tough existence by fishing, turf-cutting, and taking advantage of odd shipwrecks in their waters. The population has dwindled, but Great Blasket Island still offers excellent options for walking and hiking, or perhaps just relaxing and imagining life on these islands in centuries past. (Please note: ferry service to Great Blasket Island is highly dependent on weather conditions. If it is not possible to ferry to the island, our local guides know numerous 6 Boundless Journeys 2018

7 This trip was beyond my expectations. Pól, our guide, was an important part of this. He obviously loves Ireland and his enthusiasm was contagious. The places we visited were outstanding! R.K., Greenwich. CT excellent walking and hiking options around the peninsula, each with their own special highlights.) Dinner tonight is at yet another Michelin-recommended restaurant in Dingle, offering freshly-sourced food from the owner s garden, local farms, and the sea. After dinner, those who wish can seek out any of a number of trad music sessions taking place nearby. In Dingle, it is still common for talented musicians to spend their evenings playing together in a local pub, and it is delightful to witness this Irish tradition. Accommodation: Benners Hotel, Dingle Meals: B, L, D DAY 4: Killarney National Park Activity Overview: Walk Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: 2-3 hours, 4-5 miles This morning we depart the Dingle Peninsula for Killarney National Park. This section of the Kingdom of Kerry is one of the few areas of Ireland that remains forested, and MacGillicuddy s Reeks are among the highest mountains in the country. Nestled between the base of the mountains and the town are the Lakes of Killarney, the centerpiece of Killarney National Park. We begin our exploration by walking the Muckross Peninsula. This beautiful, pastoral walk encircles Muckross Lake and brings us past the 200-yearold Dinish Cottage and the Old Weir Bridge. Nearby, we pass the meeting of the waters, where a stream feeds Muckross from the other two lakes. If we are lucky, we may also see the Irish red deer, the only surviving herd of native deer in the country. After lunch, we continue our walk to Muckross Abbey, an old Irish monastery built in the 6th century. The remains include the Abbey s bell tower, church, and massive gothic arcades and arches. In the center of the inner court is an old Yew tree, said to be as old as the Abbey itself. This evening we check into our home for the next two nights, a lovely four-star hotel situated on its own private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park. Accommodation: Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney Meals: B, L, D DAY 5: Old Kenmare Road Activity Overview: Walk Activity Level: Moderate to Strenuous Activity Length: 4-5 hours, approximately 9 miles (shorter options available) We begin our adventure today in an unusual way boarding an open boat for a scenic two-hour trip through Lough Leane, Muckross Lake, and Upper Lakes the perfect way to see another side of the park before walking Old Kenmare Road, a local favorite. Our trail begins at Lord Brandon s Cottage, the impressive hunting retreat of an 18th-century aristocrat, and ends at the beautiful Torc Waterfall. We make our way through magical, moss-covered woodland the oldest oak woods in Ireland and into the open valleys of Esknamucky Glen. Tonight, we enjoy dinner at one of Killarney s best familyrun restaurants, offering a seasonally inspired menu. Accommodation: Cahernane House Hotel, Killarney Meals: B, L, D

8 A BOUNDLESS MOMENT IN IRELAND This was Great Blasket Island, just a piece of rock and a scrub of green coastline, cast away into the North Atlantic. Our guide says the Norse called it Brasker, meaning a dangerous place. It s not hard to imagine why, and what life must have been like for these sturdy islanders, surviving on the fish they could catch and the peat they cut from the land to stoke their fires. DAY 6: Glengarriff Nature Reserve Activity Overview: Walk Activity Level: Easy Activity Length: About 3 hours, 4.5 miles This morning we travel one of the most spectacular roads in all of Ireland to picturesque Kenmare and then on to Glengarriff, tucked away in the thickly wooded, northernmost corner of Bantry Bay. Here, we begin our walk through Glengarriff Nature Reserve, one of the finest examples of native woodland, nestled in a sheltered, steep-sided glen at the base of the Caha Mountains. We follow a path through old oak woods where the lush growth of ferns, mosses, and bryophytes form a green canopy. Lunch will be at a local café before continuing on to our accommodations overlooking Bantry Bay. We will have time to freshen up and enjoy the manicured gardens surrounding the estate before taking a short stroll into town for an evening meal at a pub or restaurant of your choice. Accommodation: Bantry House, Bantry Meals: B, L DAY 7: Sheep s Head Peninsula Activity Overview: Walk Activity Level: Easy to Moderate Activity Length: About 5 hours, 7 miles After a hearty breakfast, we set out for a memorable day s hike along the Sheep s Head Peninsula. With Bantry Bay to the north and Dunmanus Bay to the south, this promontory offers rugged beauty and jaw-dropping sea-cliff views. For those who know this area, it is a place of breathtaking beauty and peace. Our hike along the Sheep s Head Way leads us along the spine of this narrow peninsula affording stunning panoramas over two bays and four headlands. We follow ancient byways and sheep trails, learning about the region s deep history. After a delicious home-cooked lunch at the lovely Heron Gallery in Ahakista, we carry on for an afternoon walk around the tip of the Sheep s Head Peninsula and past the spectacularly-situated lighthouse. This evening, we will dine at Manning s Emporium, a founder of the Slow Food movement, where they specialize in locally-produced and grown artisan meats and cheeses. Accommodation: Bantry House, Bantry Meals: B, L, D DAY 8: Departure Today, you will be transferred to the Cork Airport by 11 a.m. or you may continue to explore the charms of Ireland on your own. Meals: B PLEASE NOTE: This is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise. See our booking terms and conditions for more information about our change policy. 8 Boundless Journeys 2018

9 ACCOMMODATIONS NIGHTS 1, 2, & 3: Benners Hotel Main Street Dingle, Co. Kerry Tel Centrally-located in the spirited town of Dingle, Benner s offers traditional Irish warmth and comfort, coupled with modern facilities. NIGHTS 4 & 5: Cahernane House Hotel Muckross Road Killarney, Co. Kerry Tel info@cahernane.com Beautifully-situated on its own private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park and a 10-minute walk to Killarney town center, Cahernane House Hotel is a unique combination of old Irish history and modern hotel luxuries. NIGHTS 6 & 7: Bantry House Seafield Bantry, Co. Cork Tel info@bantryhouse.com Bantry House and Garden is a stately home situated on the Wild Atlantic Way overlooking Bantry Bay. It has been home to the White family since 1739 and was open to the public in With its drawing room, columned library, and extensive gardens and lawns sweeping down to the sea, a stay here reminds us of an elegant and adventurous past

10 WHAT TO EXPECT TRIP RATING Boundless Journeys trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Walking Trails of the Emerald Isle is rated 2, easy to moderate, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walking and hiking on this trip averages 3-5 hours a day with a few strenuous sections. Most of our walks are on trails and greenways with only occasional vehicle support. PREPARING FOR THIS TRIP It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well-prepared you are for the activities, the more you will enjoy yourself. As a general guideline, we suggest that you engage in easy to moderate aerobic activities (such as walking, hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability (consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness program). Please contact us if you have any doubts regarding your physical match with this tour. WEATHER Ireland s weather conditions can vary greatly, even in a single afternoon. It is not uncommon to have deep blue skies followed by soft weather (the local term for a bit of rain), and of course, the trademark Irish rainbow. Then the cycle begins again. It is essential to be prepared for a variety of conditions including dressing in quick-drying layers. Waterproof hiking boots are also suggested, as mornings are often dewy and the grass can be long. The following are average temperatures in the regions we ll be exploring: June 64 F 46 F July 70 F 50 F September 62 F 51 F WHEN TO GO The southwest coast of Ireland enjoys a milder climate than you might expect, and spring comes quite early. By May, flowers are in full bloom, including the many varieties of orchid. Lambs are everywhere at this time of year as well. July and August are the height of summer, and days tend to be warmer and perhaps a bit drier, although weather can change at any time. September brings fewer crowds and cooler temperatures, perfect for hiking through the countryside. TRAVELER S RESPONSIBILITY Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation with Boundless Journeys staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide s discretion, a guest may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to the rest of the group. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers. 10 Boundless Journeys 2018

11 SMALL GROUP TRAVEL Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 8-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure, are all part of this intimate experience. DRINKS WITH MEALS At Boundless Journeys we believe group dinners are a time to celebrate our day, while enjoying the best of local cuisine, and good company. In keeping with this spirit, we typically include local beer and wine with group dinners. If you prefer premium wine, or liquor, please feel free to order what you like, and you may settle your tab at the end of the meal. DRINKING WATER We provide purified or bottled water on all trips; however, in an effort to reduce waste, we strongly encourage you to bring a water bottle to refill where safe to do so. This will be the case in Ireland, as well as a number of other European destinations, where tap water is safe to drink. In parts of the world where water must be purified, bottled water may be our only option. Here, we do our best to provide purified water from larger containers to refill your bottles, rather than using many small single-use bottles throughout your trip. This is just one small way we strive to travel more responsibly and we appreciate your efforts in helping us to protect the extraordinary places we visit. Boundless Journeys has taken the Travelers Against Plastic company pledge to promote sustainable travel and encourage travelers to avoid buying bottled water when they travel. You can take the pledge, too, and learn more about TAP s efforts at CUISINE Irish cuisine has come a long way in the past decades, from a time when fish and chips, blood pudding, and meat pies were the only items to be found on the menu. Modern Irish cuisine has expanded from these traditional dishes and uses fresh local ingredients (seafood, lamb, and root vegetables) in a variety of culinary creations. On this tour we dine at a number of award-winning and Michelin-recommended restaurants, serving only fresh ingredients from the garden, ocean, and local farms. Some menu options might include Atlantic Rock oysters, seared scallops, Mackerel fillets, garlic crab claws, lamb with yogurt, pan-glazed halibut and salmon, roast breast of free-range Irish chicken, slow-cooked Kerry beef bourguignon, baked dahl strudel, quinoa with mango chutney, and seafood chowder complemented by local brews and wine. Vegetarians can be accommodated with advance notice, though choices tend to be more limited. Please inform us of specific dietary restrictions by completing your Guest Questionnaire. TRANSPORTATION All on-tour transportation is provided in private, airconditioned, passenger vans

12 OUR GUIDES With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work the mark of a truly great leader our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure. Here are some of the guides we work with in Ireland. PÓL Ó COLMÁIN An accomplished guide with nearly two decades of experience, Pól has designed many tours, and his work has even been recognized by National Geographic Traveler magazine in their annual Tours of a Lifetime issue. He is creative to his core an artist, published poet, and musician and songwriter with five albums to his name. He often breaks out his instruments and poems on tour to our guests delight! Pól is funny, genuine, and exudes the famed Irish hospitality. His diverse talents, combined with his extensive knowledge about his beloved Ireland make him an ideal person to show you the island. MARIE CULLEN Marie is a well-known Irish landscape artist with a passion and appreciation for the beautiful environment of her country. She lived for ten years on Great Blasket Island where she ran a restaurant, guesthouse, and hostel, and she currently runs an art center in western County Cork. When she s not creating or inspiring art, Marie loves guiding active tours and sharing her intimate knowledge and the beauty of western Ireland. Her thoughtful and friendly personality is an instant hit with travelers. 12 Boundless Journeys 2018

13 NEXT STEPS TO MAKE A RESERVATION You can call Boundless Journeys at , request a reservation online, or contact your travel agent. We will confirm your spot with a deposit of $500 per person and the payment of internal airfare, payable by check or credit card. The balance for your trip is due 90 days prior to departure. ONCE YOU RESERVE As soon as you confirm your adventure, we will provide you with an extensive, detailed trip planner that includes arrival and departure instructions, a complete packing list, regional information, required documents, a reading list, and other details. TRIP CANCELLATION INSURANCE In addition to your detailed trip planner, we will you a quote for Travel Guard trip insurance. Please let us know if you would like us to purchase a policy on your behalf. If you choose to decline this service, we ask that you sign and return the Insurance Waiver included in your trip planner package. Boundless Journeys strongly recommends purchasing Trip Insurance. CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY If it becomes necessary to cancel your trip, the following schedule applies to your land cost and is determined by the day that we receive written notification: >90 days prior to the trip will be charged $ days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 25% of the trip price days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 50% of the trip price. <45 days prior to the start of the trip will be charged 100% of the trip price. QUESTIONS? WHICH TRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Adventure travel may involve exotic destinations, unusual levels of physical exertion, and activities that may be new to you. If you have any questions about the level of comfort, difficulty, or activities included on your trip, please call Boundless Journeys at , or us at info@ boundlessjourneys.com. Our travel experts look forward to helping you select the perfect adventure. VISIT US ONLINE for: additional departures special promotions detailed itineraries inspiring photography guide bios ENJOY FOOD & WINE? Check out... ITALY: Tuscany & Umbria CROATIA: Dalmatian Coast Kayaking & Hiking SLOVENIA: Julian Alps Hiking EXTENDING YOUR TRIP? Consider... SCOTLAND: Highlands & Islands Hiking ITALY: Tuscany & Umbria SPAIN: Hiking the Camino de Santiago PREFER A PRIVATE TRIP? The perfect option for alumni and family reunions, birthdays and anniversaries, or just to catch up with friends in fabulous destinations. Mark your calendar and leave the planning to us! Call our travel experts today:

14 BOUNDLESS BEYOND RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL At Boundless Journeys we are committed to exploring the world in a responsible way and continually seek ways to tread lightly across the unique landscapes and diverse cultures on this planet. Here are just some of the ways we aim to travel responsibly: MAKING CONNECTIONS On some of our trips, our guests have the opportunity to visit organizations working to protect the environment and improve the livelihoods of local communities. Whether it is bathing elephants at a conservation center in Myanmar, or enjoying a farm-fresh meal at a family-owned organic farm in Costa Rica, our guests form meaningful connections with the people and places they visit. GOING LOCAL Whenever possible, we use small, locally operated hotels that have sound environmental practices; groups dine at restaurants that feature fresh and authentic regional cuisine; we choose partners that strive for the highest standard of responsible practices; and we employ local guides and support local economies. CONSERVING WILD PLACES On many of our trips, we explore stunning natural landscapes where conservation is of the utmost importance. As visitors, we not only tread lightly, but actively contribute to the conservation of parks and protected areas. LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION? Here are just a few examples - one more involved, and one quite simple - of how our travelers give back to the places they have explored with us: The Botswana School Project was created in 2012 by Boundless Journeys guests who saw that there was a need for books, supplies, and computers in schools they visited in northern Botswana. A Bhutan guest donated baby outfits to families she met on mountain trails and in rural communities and schools. Two sisters who traveled to Peru donated school supply kits to a local school we visit on our Sacred Valley & Machu Picchu tour. Learn more: -travel/ PROUD MEMBERS Boundless Journeys is proud to support the following organizations and the important work that they do: 14 Boundless Journeys 2018