South West Of Ireland Walking Tour – 7-Day Tour

Your adventure begins with a scenic journey south from Dublin to the colourful town of Dingle in County Kerry. Along the way, we’ll make a stop in the storybook village of Adare, often called Ireland’s prettiest town. Wander among its charming thatched cottages, snap photos of the striking heritage buildings, once home town to the Earl of Dunraven. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs and soak up some old-world atmosphere.

Next, we travel west into the wild heart of Kerry, stopping in the historic village of Annascaul. This is the birthplace of legendary Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, who braved icy expeditions with Scott and Shackleton. We’ll visit his famous pub, The South Pole Inn, for a well-earned drink or coffee and to toast one of Ireland’s unsung heroes. If there is time we may visit Inch beach.

From here, we wind our way to the vibrant harbour town of Dingle, where music, culture, and spectacular scenery await. This will be your home for the next two nights.

Dingle or “An Daingean” which is its Gaelic and original name is a fantastic port village known for its small quaint pubs, live Irish music and relaxed atmosphere. There is plenty to see and do in his small town with great restaurants, pubs, coffee shops, craft stores, etc.

Your guide will recommend a few places to eat for you and where you might catch some Irish music.

There are many restaurants with varied dishes to choose from in Dingle.

The Walks may vary due to weather conditions and groups abilities. (Guide has last say)
Guided Walk on Mount Brandon: Grade: moderate- strenuous Length 8km, Duration: Approx. 4hrs, Ascent: 750m, Terrain: Open Mountain Tracks.

After a hearty breakfast, we lace up our boots for one of the most unforgettable walks in the southwest—an exhilarating climb up Mount Brandon. Steeped in legend and named after Saint Brendan the Voyager (said by some to have reached North America before Columbus), this sacred mountain calls pilgrims and adventurers alike. Echoes of his mythical journey still drift on the wind:

Is it right or left for Gibraltar?
What track do I take for Mizen Head?
I’d love to settle down near Ventry Harbour…
— St Brendan’s Voyage

Rising to just under 1,000 metres, Mount Brandon may not be Ireland’s tallest peak, but don’t be fooled—it offers a thrilling challenge and a soul-stirring reward. The 4-hour hike takes you through raw, wild landscapes where every step reveals more of the majestic scenery. At the summit, you’ll be greeted by panoramic views stretching across the Atlantic Ocean, with the Blasket Islands shimmering to the west, the Star Wars-famous Skelligs in the distance, and the towering peaks of the Iveragh Peninsula beyond. It’s a walk that lingers long in the memory.

After our invigorating climb of Mount Brandon and a well-earned break, we’ll take a relaxed scenic drive around the stunning Slea Head Loop, one of the most breathtaking coastal routes in Ireland. This short drive packs in dramatic Atlantic views, windswept beaches, and ancient landmarks at every turn. You’ll pass beehive huts older than the pyramids, film locations from Star Wars, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the wild Blasket Islands.

Afterwards we return to the town of Dingle.

Gap of Dunloe Walk:
Grade: moderate, Length: 13km, Duration: Approx. 4hrs, Ascent:250m, Terrain: Small roads and hill trails.

This morning, we bid farewell to Dingle and set off early for the enchanting town of Killarney and its world-famous National Park. Our adventure begins in unforgettable style as we board a boat at the 15th-century Ross Castle, gliding across the serene lakes beneath towering mountains and ancient woodlands.

Keep your camera ready—this is one of the most magical stretches of water in Ireland. Our destination is the remote and charming Lord Brandon’s Cottage, tucked away deep in the park.

From here, we begin one of Kerry’s most spectacular walks—through the legendary Gap of Dunloe. Towering above us is the mighty Purple Mountain, as we follow a winding path through a glacial valley carved by time and framed by craggy peaks and peaceful streams.

This atmospheric walk is like stepping into a fairy tale. At the end of the trail, we arrive at Kate Kearney’s Cottage, where you can enjoy a well-earned rest and maybe a treat or two, before hopping on the bus back to Killarney to relax and relive the day’s wonders.

Killarney is known for its vibrant music scene. Pop into a local pub like O’Connor’s, Courtney’s, or The Danny Mann for live traditional music sessions. With fiddles, bodhráns, and a warm crowd, it’s the perfect way to cap off the day.

Today offers a choice of some of Kerry’s captivating walks in Killarney National Park, each showcasing the area’s natural beauty and rich history. You can decide on the tour with your guide’s expert advice.

Option 1: Embark on a memorable hike up Mangerton Mountain or Torc Mountain, some of County Kerry’s most rewarding yet often overlooked peaks.  Both walks are approx. 12km with ascent of approx. 600m – 800m and take approx. 4hrs to walk – Your guide will decide which walk to do depending on group and weather conditions.

Both of these walks offer a serene escape with panoramic views of the Lakes of Killarney and the surrounding valleys. Along the way, you might spot Ireland’s only remaining wild herd of native red deer. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a nature enthusiast, either walk provides a peaceful and scenic adventure in the heart of Killarney National Park.

Option 2: Leisurely Walk to Torc Waterfall and Return to Killarney via the Kerry Way trail.

Starting at the stunning Torc Waterfall, this gentle section of the Kerry Way leads you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Killarney National Park. You’ll follow peaceful woodland trails and open fields, with views of lush green hills and glimpses of Killarney’s sparkling lakes. The path is well-marked and mostly easy underfoot, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a brisk walk to soak in the fresh air.

This option allows for a leisurely return to Killarney, perhaps with time to explore Muckross House and gardens. or enjoy a lakeside picnic. Don’t miss the 600-year-old Franciscan ruins at Muckross Abbey.

The walk is approx. 6.5 km (4 miles) one-way. This scenic route typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make to enjoy the surroundings.

Regardless of the path chosen, these walks provide an opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural splendour of Killarney National Park.

Cliff Walk: Near the coastal town of Kilkee
Grade: easy / moderate, Length: 8km, Duration: 2.5hrs, Ascent:100m, Terrain: Grass tracks.

Leaving Killarney behind, we continue our journey north along Ireland’s wild and windswept west coast. Travelling through scenic countryside and small rural villages, we reach the mighty River Shannon, where we board a ferry for a short but memorable crossing—keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the waters below! Once across, we follow the coastline into County Clare, where dramatic Atlantic views and hidden gems await.

Our first stop is the charming seaside town of Kilkee, home to one of Ireland’s most spectacular coastal walks. The Kilkee Cliff Walk offers a thrilling trail along rugged sea cliffs, past blowholes, sea stacks, and natural rock pools, with panoramic ocean views and the raw power of the Atlantic all around you. After stretching our legs and filling our lungs with sea air, we continue onwards to the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, rising 214 metres above the ocean, these towering cliffs are among Ireland’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders.

Evening: You will be staying in Doolin tonight, the capital of Irish traditional music in the west. This is a tiny little fishing port made popular due to its importance in Irish music and dance. Doolin is also in another “Gaeltacht area” (Irish speaking region) so you can try your new learnt language skills on the locals, I’m sure they’ll be impressed.

Here we can relax and enjoy a bite to eat, while listening to some of the best Irish musicians in the world.

Today offers a change of pace as we explore one of Ireland’s most magical and unforgettable places, the Aran Islands.

From the harbour at Doolin, we’ll catch the ferry across the Atlantic to Inis Mór, the largest of the three islands and a proud Gaeltacht area where Irish is still spoken as the everyday language. As you step off the boat, you’ll feel like you’ve travelled back in time to a place of stone walls, windswept landscapes, and deep-rooted tradition.

Inis Mór is full of hidden treasures and raw beauty.

A highlight of our visit will be the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dún Aonghasa, a prehistoric stone fort perched dramatically on a 300-foot cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic Ocean—truly a sight to take your breath away. If the weather’s kind and you’re feeling brave, there are beautiful beaches where you might even fancy a dip!

From Dún Aonghasa we can take a walk back along the lower coast road on the island to get our return Ferry. Easy walk of approx. 2hrs along small coastal roads with stone walls on either side.

After a day soaking up the island’s magic, we’ll return to the mainland, freshen up, and enjoy a relaxing evening with a delicious meal in one of the welcoming pubs or restaurants nearby

Burren Loop Walk:
Grade: easy / moderate, Length: 7.5km, Duration: 3hrs, Ascent:140m, Terrain: Limestone karst, smooth rocky surface.

This morning, prepare to step into one of Ireland’s most extraordinary and otherworldly landscapes—the Burren. This vast limestone karst was once the floor of an ancient sea, and its fascinating geology still tells that story today in the cracked stone pavements and dramatic rocky outcrops that stretch as far as the eye can see. The very name “Burren” comes from the Gaelic for “stony place,” perfectly capturing this raw and rugged terrain.

But the Burren is far more than just stone—it’s a botanical wonderland, home to a remarkable variety of rare and delicate flora found nowhere else in Ireland. As we walk through this unique landscape, winding past ancient stone walls and across limestone “floors,” you’ll witness an extraordinary blend of Arctic, Mediterranean, and Alpine plants coexisting in one magical place. It’s a walk unlike any other—both wild and strangely beautiful.

We’ll set out to explore Mullaghmore, one of the most iconic peaks in the Burren. Rising to 192 meters, Mullaghmore offers a wonderfully accessible walk with incredible panoramic views over the unique limestone landscape and out towards Galway Bay. As you climb, you’ll be surrounded by the Burren’s signature stone pavements, wildflowers, and ancient walls that tell stories of centuries past.

The summit rewards you with breathtaking vistas—a sweeping 360-degree panorama where the patchwork of rocky terrain meets the shimmering Atlantic Ocean. It’s a perfect spot to pause, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and take in the wild beauty that makes the Burren so unforgettable. This walk combines natural wonder, history, and stunning views all in one memorable experience.

Today unfortunately we will be saying goodbye to the west of Ireland for a while as we make our way back to Dublin…

We should arrive back in Dublin for 6pm, depending on traffic.