| KERRY & NORTH CORK, IRELAND Tour 9 days/ 8 nights Call for current prices and availability. From the rugged coast of the Dingle peninsula to the tranquil valleys of the Galtee Mountains, join us as we delve into Ireland's Celtic hinterland on this 9 day tour. Running in a swathe from west to east, the ancient baronries of Corca Duibhne and Duhallow are home to a fascinating mix of local cultures, from fishermen in the west to survivors of Cromwellian battles in the east. Hiking and history by day, with evenings spent discovering the great musical tradition of this region. Day 01:(Sunday) Collect at Shannon airport and transfer to our first hotel in Dingle, on the western tip of the Dingle peninsula. With its extensive hiking trails, offshore islands, prehistoric sites and outstanding local artists, Dingle has everything to offer the visitor. This afternoon we will take a short hike to get some good sea air into our lungs. Overnight Dingle (three nights). Day 02: (Monday) A five mile hike across Ballydavid Head offers spectacular sea views, with the afternoon exploring some local historic sites, and trying to separate the truth from folklore about St. Brendan, 'the Navigator'. This 6th century monk is reputed to have discovered America on one of his great sea voyages. Day 06: (Friday) Leaving Killarney, we cross the 'county bounds' into west Cork, where our first stop is the enigmatic pre and early-Christian site at Ballyvourney. Continuing east we'll explore Kanturk and its attractive castle. Around 1600, Donagh MacCarthy of Lohort Castle, Cecilstown, near Kanturk, started building his large castle outside Kanturk. The English Privy Council decided that it was too large and threatening, and in 1608 troops were sent to stop the building. All the slates from the roof were thrown in the nearby stream, since called the 'Blue Pool'. We'll finish with an afternoon hike around Doneraile Park to learn about the life and times of the 18th and 19th century Anglo-Irish aristocracy. Stay near Mallow (three nights). Day 07: (Saturday) We'll take an extended morning hike in the Galtee Mountains, with views stretching over at least five counties, before visiting the wonderful Rock of Cashel, one of the premier sites in the country. The rich farmimg country around here abounds with antiquities, and we'll stop of on our way home to visit one of the largest megalithic tombs in Ireland. Day 08: (Sunday) Our last day will take us south to two fascinating coastal towns - Cobh, departure point for so many 18th & 19th century emigrants, and Youghal, a lovely walled town linked with Sir Walter Raleigh, and the making of the movie 'Moby Dick'. Back to our hotel for drinks on the lawn before our final dinner. Day 09: (Monday) To Shannon airport (1 hr) or nearby Mallow train station for trains to Dublin or Cork. Other sites nearby we may visit include: BALLYBEG ABBEY, Buttevant. A monastery built by the Barrys of Buttevant. KILCOLMAN CASTLE, Doneraile. In the late 1500's and early 1600's the home of Edmund Spenser and where he wrote the 'Faerie Queene'. Tours must be booked at least 45 days prior to arrival.
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