Kenmare KERRY & CORK 2018

Transcription

1 Kenmare KERRY & CORK 2018

2 WELCOME TO Kenmare A warm welcome awaits you on the Emerald Isle, and this spectacular land offers a multitude of interests for every visitor. Whether you re fascinated by the ancient relics and their accompanying legends of fairies and leprechauns, looking to uncover the past and discover the adversity faced by your ancestors, or simply want to enjoy great walking in this lush green land, Ireland has it all. Ireland is the third largest island in Europe after Great Britain and Iceland. The neighbouring counties of Kerry and Cork make up Ireland s wild southwest tip. Kerry is probably most famous for the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula and its circular tourist trail known as the Ring of Kerry. However, this is only the tip of this county s offering and the abundance of lakes, mountains and beautiful peninsulas creates a varied landscape just waiting to be explored. To the east of Kerry lies County Cork, the largest Irish county, which features the sandstone Caha mountain range and part of the Beara Peninsula, which overlooks Bantry Bay. Our holidays are ideally situated in the beautiful harbour town of Kenmare which nestles between the Kerry Way and the Beara Peninsula. Just 5 minutes stroll from our hotel takes you to the heart of the friendly town where colourful shops and pubs can be enjoyed. The town is peppered with a variety of cultural interests making it worth exploring. 2 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

3 ACCOMMODATION All our chosen hotels are all 4-star and have comfortable en-suite bedrooms. KENMARE BAY HOTEL Kenmare Co Kerry Tel: The 3-star Kenmare Bay Hotel sits on the edge of the pretty little town of Kenmare, facing the hills of the Kerry Way. The hotel has a pleasant restaurant, cosy bar and a large indoor swimming pool with sauna and spa pool. Bedrooms: The hotel has 127 bright and spacious en-suite bedrooms with direct- dial telephone, hairdryer and tea and coffee making facilities. Facilities: The hotel has a range of facilities to enhance your stay, including the Courtyard Bar, which has a cosy atmosphere. The Courtyard Terrace leads off the bar to a decked area where you can relax with a drink and chat with fellow guests. There is also the Bay Health Club, spa pool, sauna, steam room, swimming pool and gymnasium. An extensive selection of beauty and holistic treatments are also available (payable locally). A drying room is available to our guests. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. For vegetarian options and any other special dietary requirements we recommend that you spend a few minutes discussing these with the hotel staff. Breakfast: Served from 7.30am in the Bay Restaurant. There is a wide choice of hot and cold items from a self-select buffet. Evening Meal: The evening meal will normally be taken from 7.30pm in the Bay Restaurant, which enjoys views of the Kerry Mountains. On three evenings, meals will be taken in local restaurants. Lunch: You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops or on some days to eat at one of the local cafés; your leaders will advise you of the options. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3

4 Guided Walking Easier Walks: 4 to 7 miles (6.5-11km) with some short steep ascents and some sections on quiet country lanes. Up to 1,500ft (450m) of ascent in a day. Day 1: Arrival day For those arriving on the HF Holidays flights to Cork, the onward journey to Kenmare is by coach. In the afternoon your leaders will organise a stroll around the town pointing out the sights, and the shops you may require for your packed lunch. On your first evening your leaders will explain more about the walks. 4 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk ITINERARY A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Kenmare you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Harder Walks: 7 to 9 miles (11-14km) with some rough terrain and some short sections on country lanes. Up to 1,800ft (540m) of ascent in a day. Please note that the itinerary outlined could be subject to change. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. For the most up to date information, please check our website. Day 2: Sneem and its surroundings The beautiful village of Sneem on the Ring of Kerry is a wonderful introduction to our week. Nestled between mountains and wild rugged coast it offers some of the best views of the country. Both walks explore the historical and geographical features in the area. Easier Walk: Starting from Sneem we follow the

5 Lomanagh Loop walking on minor roads, forest tracks and across fields until we join the Kerry Way to make our descent into Sneem where we can sample some Irish hospitality. On this walk we will have the opportunity to enjoy spectacular views of the Kerry Mountains, the Beara Peninsula and Kenmare Bay. 7 miles (11km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent. Harder Walk: This walk starts from Sneem too but follows the Fermoyle Loop which covers a distance of 14 Kms on minor roads, farm tracks and way marked paths across hillsides and through farmland. We pass features such as a Standing Stone, turf cutting and a cillin (unconsecrated graveyard). This walk also provides spectacular views of the mountains and the sea. We make our way into Sneem to meet up with the easier group. 9 miles (14.5km) with 700ft (210m) of ascent Day 3: Beara Peninsula Today both walks start at the tip of the Beara Peninsula, a stone s throw away from Dursey Island. It s mostly coastal walking, finishing at the old copper mining town of Allihies for a drink. Easier Walk: This walk leaves the active fishing harbour of Garnish and goes along the shoreline of Ballydonegan Bay. We traverse below Lackacroghan where we can enjoy fabulous views back to Dursey before dropping back down towards Allihies and its beautiful beach ending in Allihies itself. The landscape has scattered remains of the once thriving copper mining industry. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Harder Walk: Starting near the Dursey cable car station, we ascend Ballaghboy and straddle the ridge with fine views across the north and south of the peninsulas. We soon view lofty sea cliffs before we finally descend back to the Garnish Pier and finish with the easier walkers. 8 miles (13km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent. Day 4: Gleninchaquinn Today s walks will take us through the rolling hills of the Gleninchaquinn Park, offering great views over the Kenmare River. Along the way we will discover one of the many stone circles scattered around this area as we follow part of the famous long distance path, the Beara Way, back towards Kenmare. Easier Walk: We start our walk near Red Trout Lake and, after climbing onto the Beara Way, we walk just below Knocknagorraveela Mountain enjoying views towards Dromoghty Lake and Kenmare River. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Harder Walk: This walk takes in the Beara Way but rises gently towards a gap on the northern side of Knockagarrane and an open valley with views back to the Kenmare River. Our route runs parallel with the river still offering great views of the Cloonee Loughs, Lough Inchiquin and Gleninchiquin Park. 8 miles (13km) with 1,600ft (480m) of ascent. Day 5: Free Day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include: Kenmare Spend the morning visiting in the colourful town of Kenmare. Walk the Heritage Trail and visit the Lace & Design Centre. For the afternoon, relax in the hotel s swimming pool, sauna and spa facilities. Seal watching Join a seafari from the pier at Kenmare to view seals and sea eagles. Times vary according to the tides. Refreshments are served and included in the price. Car hire Local car hire available to explore the surround areas including: Derreen Gardens Derreen Garden (60 acres) lies on a promontory in Kilmakilloge Harbour on the Beara Peninsula and is well worth a visit. There are a number of marked walks within this large area. Killarney Visit the interesting town of Killarney, located in the Killarney National Park. The town boasts many fine churches and art galleries. Lakes of Killarney Enjoy a boat trip from Ross Castle across the lakes to Lord Brandon s Cottage, lunch in the café there and a short walk to Galway Bridge. Please consult your leaders who can pre-book transport to pick you up at this bridge to take you back to the hotel. Local information website: For information on Ireland please visit Day 6: Glengarriff Easier Walk: Today this group walks within the protected area of Glengariff Nature Reserve, home to a multitude of wildlife, flora, fauna and ancient tales. We walk a short loop following the river and view some ancient oaks on the way. After crossing meadows, we ascend to Lady Bantry s Look Out point. After enjoying lunch in Glengarriff, we take a boat to Garnish Island via Seal Island and then walk around this fabulous garden flourishing in its own microclimate. We return to Glengarriff harbour by the same boat. 5miles (8km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent Harder Walk: From the little town of Adrigole, the harder walk follows the Beara Way and heads up the north side of the lofty Sugar Loaf Mountain to 500m with great views of Bantry Bay and Sheeps Head peninsula. Our path then descends towards Glengarriff Nature Reserve before heading down into Glengarriff. 7 miles Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 5

6 (11km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent and 2,000ft (600m) of descent. Day 7: Killarney National Park North of Kenmare takes us to the Killarney National Park and the majestic lakes amidst the surrounds of the abbey, castle and magnificent Victorian mansion of Muckross House. Easier Walk: We walk from Galway Bridge along the Kerry Way passing through Esknamucky Glen, Cores Cascade to follow the Old Kenmare Road to Torc Waterfall and Muckross Estate. Here we will have time to explore the gardens and visit the café. 7 miles (11km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Harder Walk: :We walk along the Kerry Way from Galway Bridge passing through Esknamucky Glen, Cores Cascade on good tracks to Torc mountain. The ascent is rewarding with panoramic views across the lakes and up the Black Valley and beyond. We make our descent and follow the Old Kenmare Road to Torc Waterfall and Muckross Estate to join the easier group. 9 miles (14.5km) with 2,000ft (600m) of ascent Day 8: Departure Day In the evenings: The friendly atmosphere of our holidays continues into the evening. We ll enjoy a leisurely meal and then you may also like to join your leader for an evening stroll, listen to local musicians, relax with a book in a quiet lounge or enjoy a drink at the bar with your fellow walkers talking about your day. TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Cork airport. From the UK we offer flights from London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham; these may arrive at different times causing a short wait for the rest of your group to arrive. Please note that meals are not usually provided on European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may arrive on another flight. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign. The onward journey to Kenmare by coach takes approximately 1½ hours. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Cork airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional flight times can be found on or by calling (0) ). Cost per single journey from Cork airport is 25. Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Our Airport Taxi service. operates at this resort, offering quick and easy transfers for guests booking their own flights. From Cork airport by taxi transfer 120 per taxi single journey We can also arrange taxi transfers from Shannon and Kerry airports. Please call for more information. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0) Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 6 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

7 WALKING INFORMATION Your walking leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our Guided Walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest en route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions for things that they might do differently are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied with any element of your holiday, our leaders are the best people to help. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The maps available for this area are Ordnance Survey Ireland 84 1:50,000, Ordnance Survey Ireland 85 1:50,000, Ordance Survey 78 1:50,000, Xpoloreit Map of County Kerry 1:100,000. Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map Shop, Tel: or visit www. themapshop.co.uk Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. WALKING SAFETY Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from additional water sources as required. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for pre-existing illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on or holidayservices@hfholidays. co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable for the conditions likely to be encountered. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities: comfortable outdoor clothing waterproof jacket and overtrousers ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses In addition to the above, the following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents camera personal first aid kit Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 7

8 Language: English. Currency: Euro HOLIDAY TIPS Changing money: : There are several ATM machines in Kenmare where you can obtain money. Electricity: 220 Volt AC with the same 3-pin plugs as in the UK. In the older part of the hotel the pins are round (apaptors can be borrowed from the reception). Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialing the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial an Irish number Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

9 RECOMMEND A FRIEND AND SAVE 50 Do you know someone who would enjoy our holidays as much as you do? Invite them to book a holiday and you ll receive 50! If you recommend HF Holidays to a friend who subsequently makes their first ever booking with us, we will give you 50 off your next holiday for each person recommended. Plus, as a welcome, we will also give your recommended friend or friends 50 per person off their holiday, meaning savings for everyone! Claim your 50 in three easy steps When your friend books a holiday, ask them to mention at time of booking your name and address. If they have never travelled with us before, we will give them a discount of 50 per person. We will send you a 50 voucher off a future HF Holidays break for each friend you have recommended. Terms & conditions apply, visit hfholidays.co.uk/raf for details. PATHWAYS FUND Last year guests donated 19,500 to our Pathways Fund and we spent 25,000 on projects. For more information on the projects the Pathways Fund has supported, plus how to donate, please visit hfholidays.co.uk/pathways HF Holidays continues to work in partnership with the Family Holiday Association to provide Feel Good Breaks designed to reward families who could not otherwise afford it with the gift of a break in the outdoors and the chance to spend quality time together. Help us continue this work by donating to the Pathways Fund. JOIN US TODAY AND BENEFIT TOMORROW HF Holidays is the only UK holiday provider that s a co-operative. We re owned by our members who help shape our business for future generations. Join our award-winning and sociably responsible society that s passionate about helping others to enjoy holidays in beautiful countryside. For a minimum purchase of shares you can benefit from: Members loyalty scheme earn points on your holidays and use as a discount on your next holiday Member-only events and holidays Members come first with advance registration for the holiday you want 10% discount at our country house bars 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoor 15% discount at Rohan 25% discount at Hi-Tec Annual interest on your shares ALREADY A MEMBER? There are many ways for you to further your support: Help choose our Board Attend member events Encourage others to join us Increase your shares at any time Top up to 1,000 shares to become an investment member with enhanced benefits Give membership as a gift To join or increase your investment call our Membership team on , membership@hfholidays.co.uk or visit hfholidays.co.uk/membership Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9

10 linger a little LONGER If you enjoyed your holiday in Kenmare, we recommend our new holiday in Luz, on the Western Algarve, Portugal. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as Sorrento on the Neapolitan coastline and Altamura, in the undiscovered region of Puglia. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, we recommend our Self-guided Walking holidays. In selected European destinations you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. SAVE ON OUTDOOR CLOTHING From time to time our outdoor clothing partners have special offers for our guests. Visit hfholidays.co.uk/partnerships to see the current offers. 10 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

11 Contact details HF Holidays Ltd Catalyst House 720 Centennial Court Centennial Park Elstree Borehamwood, WD6 3SY hfholidays.co.uk For any questions before your holiday, we re here to help, so please contact us on: (local rate) +44 (0) (from outside the UK) Monday-Friday: 9am-7pm. Emergency contact details: In all instances during your holiday, your first point of contact should be our HF Holidays leaders. If for any reason this is not possible, HF Holidays emergency contact details are as above or between the hours of Friday 7pm to Monday 9am are: +44 (0) or Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11

12 EXPERTS IN ADVENTURE SINCE 1913 Call Visit hfholidays.co.uk