Day 1  Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)
From Galway City, we will head south to the Burren Region of County Clare - a huge plateau of limestone and shale aptly summed up with the words, "savage land, yielding neither water enough to drown a man, nor a tree to hang him, nor soil enough to bury him";.
Our walk today is at the highest point in the Burren: Slieve Elva. We will be rewarded with great views across Galway Bay to the Aran Islands.
For the next two nights we will be accommodated in the Kincora Guest House in Lisdoonvarna. After dinner, we can venture into the village in search of traditional music in the pubs.
Day 2 Walking Distance 10 miles - option of 5 miles (16.1 km/16 km)
Today we will be accompanied by our local expert guide. He will take us to sites of botanical, geological and archaeological interest. This will include walking in two separate parts of the Burren with a break for lunch.
The Burren region is famous for its flora: you will never see anything like the carpets of primroses, or the white flower of the blackthorn cascading over all the hedgerows. Rare and spectacular plants occur in abundance. Nowhere else in Ireland, Britain or even north west Europe can such quantities of the blue Spring Gentian, cream Mountain Avens or yellow Shrubby Cinquefoil be encountered. Orchids grow everywhere in the Burren and 23 out of the 27 Irish species are to be found here. At the end of the afternoon we may have time for a pint in County Clare's oldest pub.
Day 3  Walking Distance 5 miles (8 km)
The Cliffs of Moher: one of Ireland's most notable sights. Towering 660 feet above the wild Atlantic, these cliffs are noted for abundant birdlife including puffins. There is a new state of the art visitors centre built unobtrusively in to the hillside.
Leaving County Clare, we will drive south to County Kerry via the Killimer to Tarbert ferry across the Shannon (look out for dolphins!). Weather permitting, we will walk part of the Dingle Way. Alternatively we will stop to walk the beach from Castlegregory.
.For the next three nights we will stay in the heart of Dingle town: an excellent base for some wonderful craft shops, galleries, quaint pubs and restaurants.
Day 4  Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)
We will drive across the highest road pass in Ireland, the Connor Pass. A lovely walk is on today's agenda: at Beenbo Mountain and the spectacular green valley of Magha na Bo. Enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this valley and witness 40 shades of green!
We then cross over the top of the pass and drop down to Annascaul village via Lake Annascaul. On arrival in Annascaul if is almost compulsory to take some liquid refreshment in the South Pole Inn.
Day 5  Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)
Some say this is the best walk in Ireland: weather permitting, we will climb Mount Brandon, Ireland's second highest peak. This is a steady ascent with spectacular views of Brandon Bay and then the Pater Noster Lakes. This is excellent walking country in a mountainous landscape dotted by a series of small lakes.
We will then return to Dingle for an excellent meal and a review of the day?s activity.
Day 6  Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7 km)
Today we will walk at Inch Beach (the setting for the film, Ryan's Daughter). We begin with views across to Glenbeigh and Ireland's highest mountains, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, then on rounding the peninsula we have views back towards the Dingle Peninsula and the Slieve Mish Mountains. Look out for rabbits and lots of estuary birds.
We move on then to the Gougane Barra region of County Cork. Our accommodation is the Gougane Barra Hotel: we stay here for 2 nights. This is a stunning location on the shores of a lake in a deep valley.
Day 7  Walking Distance 7 miles (11.3 km)
Wake up to peace and tranquillity and fine lake views. Catherine, our local guide today will take us on a circuit of Gougane Barra Lake and the source of the River Lee. We will be able to walk directly from the hotel. This is a walk that follows very little in the way of track. It can be rugged and tough underfoot, but well worth the effort.
If you prefer a more restful day then this is the ideal spot to enjoy the quiet tracks beside the lake and forest.
Day 8  Walking Distance 3 miles (4.8 km)
Cahir in County Tipperary: the town is dominated by a 13th century castle, one of the largest in Ireland. After taking a tour of the castle we will walk alongthe banks of the River Suir to the "Swiss Cottage": an exquisite thatched cottage designed by John Nash as a retreat for the 12th Baron Cahir.
We will be accommodated in the town of Cashel at a wonderful guest houuse with the most amazing views of St Patrick's Rock. Highly recommended entertainment tonight comes in the form of music and dance "Riverdance" style at the Bru Boru Centre.
Day 9   We must say Goodbye to Ireland after our 2 hour drive back to Dublin Airport.

… this list is only a guideline for you

X = Necessary

Check List

Travel documents and Voucher

X

Flight tickets

X

Passport

X

Visa (check with your consulate)

X

GEAR LIST - essential

Good strong waterproof hiking boots

X

Waterproof jacket

X

Comfortable hiking trousers (jeans are not generally recommended as they are too hot in fine weather and too heavy if they get wet)

X

Small day back pack for lunch, drinks, coat etc.

X

Water Bottle

X

Gloves (even in summer it can get really cool in some hilly and coastal areas)

X

Warm Hat

X

Personal toiletries and medication

X

General warm clothing such as sweaters, track suit bottoms (sweat pants), fleece jacket, etc.

X

Sun cream / sun block / after sun cream

X

X

X

Waterproof trousers

X

Camera

X

 Binoculars

X

Flask (Thermos)

X

Walking pole / stick

X

Torch (flashlight)

X

Book

X

Alarm clock

X

Drawing / painting equipment

X

Swimsuit

X

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

X

Insect repellent

X

Personal medications

X

Your favourite remedy for blisters.  (I highly recommend a product called “Compeed” which is available in most pharmacists.  In the USA and Canada it may be sold under a different brand name.  It is manufactured by Johnson and Johnson)

X

Sewing kit

X

Handkerchiefs

X

Adapter for electric appliances

X

Address book and pen (for postcards!)

X

Sun glasses with strap

X