Irish Walking Holidays

Specialist Reports Activity Holidays Walking Holidays non-UK Operators Irish Walking Holidays 

	Irish Walking Holidays
The Old Rectory, Ballycanew, Gorey, Co. Wexford Ireland
tel: +353 55 27479

Recommends the best dates as being February to June when cool but usually dry, April to June being particularly good with long daylight hours and wild flowers out. July and August are warmer, August and September cooler and usually clearer, October and November good for the colours of autumn and seeing and hearing the wild deer.

Where

Conemara, Kerry, Donegal and Wicklow plus the Burren and Giant's Causeway.

Style

Groups of up to 14, collected from the airport, usually based in a single hotel for the week, with a guide doing a series of walks in the region, or independent say walking one of the long distance paths like the Kerry Way or the Wicklow Way, the accommodation booked in advance the bags moved each night. The advantage of the guided holidays is that the walks are not compulsory daily so if want to do a different activity one day, say pony trekking for the children, that can be organised.

Minimum Age

On guided walks 10-14 years accepted. On independent walks have had younger children, including on one occasion a baby in a backpack, OK in summer though not recommended at colder times of year, and have had extended family groups do that kind of holiday with mix of ages. Walks can be made a bit easier so with a lift part way with the baggage so only actually walking part way rather than the usual eight to 10 miles. Is looking seriously into organising a walking holiday for those with toddler age children.

Accommodation

Usually small family hotel or guesthouse with evening meal or with two or three restaurants in the village.

Length of Trips

Usually one week.

Sample Price

Guided walks between I£420 (less 20% for sterling) and I£540 per person for seven nights, flights extra. Independent holidays are cheaper because generally only b&b, Wicklow Way six nights £360, seven nights £420 and 10-night Kerry Way for £590.