DAYHIKING ON THE KERRY WAY & BEARA PENINSULA IN IRELAND - Appalachian ...

DAYHIKING ON THE KERRY WAY & BEARA PENINSULA IN
                            IRELAND
                    April 30 – May 13, 2022
                           AT# 2209
                    TRIP RATING – Vigorous
        For ratings description click here: AMC ratings

Calling all hiking enthusiasts, have we got a trip for you! A two week trip of hiking in a
fabulously scenic area of Ireland with comfy accommodations and delicious food! We’ll fly
in/out of Shannon airport in order to explore the southwest corner of Ireland.
County Kerry contains some of Ireland’s most iconic scenery: surf pounded sea cliffs and soft
golden strands, emerald-green farmland crisscrossed by tumbledown stone walls, mist-
shrouded bogs and cloud torn mountain peaks. With one of the country’s finest national parks
as its backyard, the lively tourism hub of Killarney spills over with colorful shops and pubs filled
with traditional music. The town is the jumping off point for the famed Kerry Way loop which
skirts the mountainous, island fringed Iveragh peninsula. We’ll divide our time between here
and the equally beautiful Beara peninsula which is just to the south.

Day by Day Itinerary:
Participants should have achieved a moderate level of hiking ability and be able to hike up to 12
miles per day on rolling or rocky terrain with up to 2961 feet elevation gain on our longest day.
Hiking trails in the Killarney area travel through forests, open plateaus, along ridges, alongside
waterways (streams/rivers/creeks) and offer fantastic scenery.
This trip welcomes spouses, friends, and/or significant others who are not intermediate-
advanced hikers. One could use the many easier walking routes or do one of several alternate

activities. Although we will offer an activity each day, participants may opt to take a “day off”
at any point and make their own plans.

Day 1: April 30, 2022
Arrive in Shannon airport and transfer directly to Killarney via private charter transport. We will
have a group meeting in the afternoon or evening, and if time allows we’ll have a walking
orientation tour of Killarney.
Hotel: Drumhall Hotel Killarney or similar; https://www.dromhall.com/
Meals: (D)

Day 2: May 1, 2022 Muckross House & Killarney National Park
The core of the national park, which is a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, is the Muckross Estate, an
impressive Victorian mansion crammed with fascinating objects, 70% of which are original. The
park is rich in wildlife as well as scenic beauty;
Transfer to Muckross House and Gardens. Take a 1 ¼ hour guided tour of the house. The
gardens are free to wander around. Afterwards we’ll walk part of the Kerry Way Walking Trail
back to Killarney. Distance approximately 6 miles, elevation gain 750’, elevation loss 600’
Hotel: Drumhall Hotel Killarney or similar; https://www.dromhall.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 3: May 2, 2022 Killarney National Park
Boat Ride on Muckross Lake from Ross Castle to Lord Kenmare’s Cottage across the lakes
(Journey Time is around 1 hr. 30 minutes) If time allows we’ll walk the lake loop trail before
lunch. In the early afternoon walk part of the Kerry Way to Galway Bridge, pickup and transfer
back to Killarney. Distance 5 miles, elevation gain 680’, elevation loss 490’
Hotel: Drumhall Hotel Killarney or similar; https://www.dromhall.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 4: May 3, 2022 Kerry Way & Torc Waterfall
Transfer to Galway’s Bridge and walk part of the old Kenmare Road taking in Torc Waterfall
along the way. A short walk of approximately 650 feet brings us to the waterfall. From that point
steps lead to another viewing point at a higher altitude that provides a view over the Middle
Lake. The waterfall which is approximately 65 feet high is at its best after heavy rainfall. The
day finishes in Muckross and transfer back to Killarney. Distance 9 miles, elevation gain 1270’,
elevation loss 1110’
Hotel: Drumhall Hotel Killarney or similar; https://www.dromhall.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 5: May 4, 2022 The island of Skellig Michael
Depart Killarney for Waterville

A trip to the Skellig Islands, with its wave battered pinnacles of rock 12km off the coast and the
site of Ireland’s most remote and spectacular monastery, is an unforgettable experience. The
jagged 217m high rock of Skellig Michael is the larger of the two Skellig Islands and a Unesco
World Heritage Site. The monastic buildings perch on a saddle in the rock, some 500 feet above
sea level and are reached by 600+ steps cut into the rock face. The island featured prominently in
three of the Star Wars movies as well as in the movie “Saving Private Ryan”.
Transfer to Portmagee and take a boat across to Skellig Michael, please note, only 12 pax per
boat so two boats will be needed. This is very weather dependent so don’t be disappointed if you
don’t get across. The island has National Park staff on the island that will explain everything to
us. (This trip is not suitable for those who are not good sea travellers or who have a fear of
heights). If for some reason the island is closed, or weather conditions are not suitable for
landing it may be possible to do a boat trip around the island. Distance 1.25 miles, elevation
gain/loss 600’.
If we are not able to visit the island or circumnavigate the island, an alternative will be to visit
the Skellig Michael Visitors Centre. Here we would have the option to see an audio visual
display on the history and wildlife of the island. From the Visitors Centre there is a walk that
takes us onto the Bray Head Loop. The walk travels along the Skellig coast of the Wild Atlantic
Way, the Tower at Bray Head, and offers unrivalled views of the Skelligs, Blaskets, Valentia, the
Dingle Sound and the Ivereigh Peninsula. Distance is 7.5 miles with elevation gain of 840’ and
elevation loss 930’
Transfer back to Waterville
Hotel: Butlers Arms Hotel Waterville or similar; https://www.butlerarms.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 6: May 5, 2022
Transfer to Cahersiveen and do a circular walk onto Benfee Mountain, part of the Kerry Way
and back to Cahersiveen. Transfer back to Waterville
Distance: 7.5 miles, elevation gain 1617’, elevation loss 1095’
Hotel: Butlers Arms Hotel Waterville or similar; https://www.butlerarms.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 7: May 6, 2022 Kerry Way
Transfer out into the Kerry Mountains taking in mountain tops like Coomduff, Knag and An
Dromaid and finishes back at your hotel in Waterville. Distance 7.5 miles, elevation gain 960’,
elevation loss 855’
Hotel: Butlers Arms Hotel Waterville or similar; https://www.butlerarms.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 8: May 7, 2022 Waterville to Caherdaniel The trail starts from your hotel and follows the
Kerry Way east to the village of Caherdaniel. A fantastic low level walk. You will have a chance

to visit the home of Irish politician and statesman Daniel O'Connell, Derrynane House. It is now
an Irish National Monument and part of a 320-acre National Park. Daniel O'Connell was a
lawyer, politician and statesman and one of the great figures in Irish history.
Transfer back to Waterville,
Distance: 9 miles, elevation gain 1050’, elevation loss 870’

Hotel: Butlers Arms Hotel Waterville or similar; https://www.butlerarms.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 9: May 8, 2022 Transfer to the Beara Peninsula
(Journey time 3 hours)
After arriving in Castletownbere you have the option to relax and explore the town or do a
circular walk just outside the town called the Creha Quay Loop. This is a beautiful low-level
walk on forest tracks and open trails.
Distance 5 miles, elevation gain 369’, elevation loss 270’
Overnight in Castletownbere
Hotel: Beara Coast hotel or similar, https://www.bearacoast.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 10: May 9, 2022 Beara Island & The Beara Way
Take a ferry from Castletownbere to Beara Island (Journey Time 15 min)
This is an enchanted place, enriched with ancient myth with its many stone circles and standing
stones. This island is also a haven for wildlife. Our walk follows the Beara Way along quiet
country tracks offering stunning views in all directions that must be seen to be believed.
Overnight in Castletownbere.
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles, elevation gain 1425’, elevation loss 1395’
Hotel: Beara Coast hotel or similar, https://www.bearacoast.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 11: May 10, 2022 The Beara Way

Today you will walk from Castletownbere to the village of Allihies through the Slieve Miskish
Mountains. Some of today’s route passes through conifer forests, about the only alternative on
poor bogland to turf cutting or sheep farming. The Beara Way walking trail crosses open hill
terrain and is under the peak of Knockgour at 481 m. You will pass a ringfort (an ancient farm
enclosure), which would have served as a home for people and animals.
Your walk finishes in the village Allihies where you will be picked up and transferred to
Castletownbere.

Distance: 10 miles, elevation gain 1050’, elevation loss 840’
Overnight in Castletownbere
Hotel: Beara Coast hotel or similar, https://www.bearacoast.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 12: May 11, 2022 Dursey Island

Transfer from Castletownbere to (40 Min) Dursey Island, a small remote island that is serviced
by Ireland’s only working cable car. The cable car carries six passengers or one cow at a time.
Cows have priority over people here so don’t be upset if you have to wait your turn! Dursey
Island is a wild-bird and whale sanctuary and is a beautiful haven of tranquillity and therefore a
perfect end to your vacation.
Pickup and transfer back to Castletownbere
Distance: 6 miles, elevation gain 900’, elevation loss 720’
Overnight in Castletownbere.
Hotel: Beara Coast hotel or similar, https://www.bearacoast.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 13: May 12, 2022 The Beara Way
Pickup and transfer back to Lauragh
The trail takes us out of Lauragh on a small country road to ascend steadily passing Knockatee
and Drombohilly Mountains and the picturesque and lonesome Gowlaun Laugh. Skirting around
the base of Knockagarrane Mountain to join a small track and country road that leads us to our
final ascent onto the saddle of Derrysallagh. From here we start our descent into the charming
and colorful town of Kenmare. Pickup and transfer to Killarney.

Hotel: Drumhall Hotel Killarney or similar https://www.dromhall.com/
Meals: (B, D)

Day 14: May 13, 2022
Pick up in Killarney and transfer to Shannon Airport
Meals: (B)

Leaders’ right to change itinerary:

While the itinerary in this prospectus is what the leaders have planned at the time of writing,
various factors may require changes for reasons of safety, transportation or lodging availability,
and unforeseeable circumstances (such as weather considerations, natural disasters in areas to
be visited, or recommendations of governmental agencies). The leaders reserve the right to
make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip.

Leaders’ expectations of participants:

When you participate in this activity, you should be in proper condition for the challenges
outlined in this prospectus and equipped with the appropriate gear as stated. You should
always be aware of the risks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. You are ultimately
responsible for your own safety. Prior to your acceptance as a participant in this trip, you will be
asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. We may also request references to
confirm your fitness level and suitability for participating in trip activities.

This trip is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure in Ireland through shared
participation in activities and tasks in an organized group environment. AMC travelers are
known for their cooperative efforts, and expectations are that all participants will be
considerate of others sharing this AMC Adventure Travel experience.

It may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or
more of the planned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to
refuse participation in any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it will
be of the group or of the individual. Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a
particular activity are examples of some conditions that might result in a participant’s being
unable to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find a substitute activity for the trip
member, but this may not always be possible.

Tying trip to AMC mission:

AMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the
conservation, recreational and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders
encourage participant conduct consistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation
principles and local regulations.

AMC Membership

If you would like to join AMC, and save $100 off the cost of the trip, please visit the website:
JOIN AMC

What trip price of $6105(AMC member); $6205(non AMC member) includes:

     13 nights 4 star double/twin shared accommodations along Kerry Way and on Beara
      peninsula
     Group transfer to/from Shannon airport and hotel in Killarney
     Local guide for entire trip
     Entrance fee to Muckross House
     Group transfer to/from daily walks where required
     Skellig Michael ferry
     Beara Island ferry

   Dursey Island cable car
     Boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney
     All breakfasts and dinners as specified in itinerary
     AMC overhead expense fee
     Medical Evacuation Insurance

What trip price does not include:

     International flight to/from Shannon
     Beverages at dinner
     Lunches
     Housekeeping tips
     Tip for local guide, suggest minimum of 5 euros/pp/day
     Souvenirs and items of a personal nature
     Optional activities during free time
     Trip cancellation insurance
     Room service charges etc.
     Set of route notes and maps, cost is 60 euros per set

Please be aware that, in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing the leaders' costs.
Beyond this, the leaders are not allowed to realize any profit from this excursion. The trip price
also includes an AMC overhead fee to cover the administrative expenses of offering Adventure
Travel excursions. The trip fee includes emergency medical and evacuation insurance coverage,
which is required by the AMC. It does not include insurance for travel delay, interruption, trip
cancellation, or loss of baggage. If these possibilities concern you, individual travel insurance is
recommended. More information about included emergency medical and evacuation
insurance, as well as about optional and recommended travel insurance, will be provided to
participants in their formal acceptance letters.

The Irish Weather

Irish weather is famed the world ‘round as being one of constant rain with clouds and dreary
shivers. While it is true that something must make the Emerald Isle its lush shade of emerald it
is also true that Ireland has plenty of sunshine.
Irish weather is mild and perfect for walking; Ireland does not suffer from extreme
temperatures or fronts like inland countries or its Scottish neighbors. The average annual
temperature is about 48°F but the summer month’s average lingers around 66°F and the winter
a manageable 38°F. Walkers coming to Ireland in the summer can expect to be walking in
pleasant temperatures with sunshine and fluffy clouds. Most likely there will also be rain
showers along the way. Rain storms are rarely strong, a soft drizzle is more common than
anything else; Irish drizzles do not inhibit walking but they can invigorate the walker! The rain
showers and drizzles often result in incredible lighting and rainbows so the glowing Irish
landscapes will be complete for photos.

Although Irish weather is generally mild it is also unpredictable and constantly changing so it is
wise to expect everything. Storms are rare in the summer but not unheard of, they can be brief
or two days long with wind and rain. A walker coming in the spring can expect more fluctuation
in weather, a bit more rain, and cooler temperatures.
Breezes and wind are also a common aspect of Irish weather, which is another reason to pack
layers and rain gear that functions as a wind break.

Cancellation Policy:

The AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the premise that your cancellation
may not raise the cost to other participants or the leaders. Once you are notified the trip is
declared to run as scheduled, the minimum cancellation fee is $200. If actual costs (expenses
already incurred on your behalf and any unavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a
result of your registration and cancellation) are higher, they will be assessed instead. Should the
leaders be able to replace you with another acceptable participant, you may be charged a
reduced penalty. This will generally not be determined until after the trip. Failure to make trip
payment(s) in a timely manner will be considered a cancellation.
Before Sept 1, 2021, the minimum cancellation fee is $200.
On or after Sept 1, 2021, the minimum cancellation fee is $400
On rare occasions AMC Adventure Travel may need to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to
force majeure [e.g. terrorism, local health conditions, natural disaster, changes in local
regulatory environment, etc.] In the event of such a cancellation, your trip fee will be refunded
less any trip expenses already incurred plus any non-cancellable future trip expenditures. AMC
Adventure Travel is not responsible for additional expenses incurred by you in preparing for the
trip (including non-refundable air tickets, visa fees, gear or medical expenses, etc.

How air travel is to be handled:

While participant airfare is not included in the trip price, leaders may assist participants in
making suitable reservations. Participants will be told when and where they must join the
group for the official start of the trip’s planned activities. Once your air tickets are purchased
they are your responsibility – do not make any non-refundable travel plans until told to do so
by the leaders. The leaders will send out a document with a list of suggested flight from your
home airport which will work to get you to Shannon in time for the start of the trip.

The price for this excursion is based on quotes or estimates obtained at the time the trip was
submitted to the Adventure Travel Committee for approval (June 2020). The final price of the
trip will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. If the trip’s
financial position is strong enough at the start, the leaders may make partial refunds during the
trip, in the form of payments toward some meals and/or free time activities which would
otherwise not be included. Any savings we achieve, as well as any cost increases we incur, will
be shared by trip participants. Our cost estimates are conservative, and so a refund is
considerably more likely than a price increase. All Adventure Travel trips are run on a non-
profit basis and refunds, if any, are issued after the trip’s financial accounting is complete.

Conditioning and activity/fitness level:

Participants should be comfortable hiking up to 12 miles per day with elevation gain of up to
2961 feet (on our longest day). Participants should have recent previous experience hiking on
rolling/hilly/rocky/mountainous terrain.

Application process or how to apply:

To apply, you must complete and submit the Participant Application, Confidential Health
Questionnaire, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release form, enclosing a
registration deposit of $1000. You will be considered qualified for the trip when the leaders
have determined by conversation with you that you and the trip seem to be a good match. You
will be formally accepted, and your check will be deposited.
Deposit checks from wait-listed applicants will not be cashed until we offer them a spot on the
trip AND they accept.

Payment Schedule:

Final Payment: Balance due no later than Feb 15, 2022

Please make payments by check payable to the “Appalachian Mountain Club” and mail to:
Ginette Beaudoin
66 Graham Street
Biddeford, ME
04005

Safety:

As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies
have been developed to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work
with volunteer leaders to reduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants
should be aware that there are risks associated with outdoor adventure activities, including but
not limited to adverse weather and environmental conditions, remote locations of our trips and
camps, and transportation in vehicles, on foot, or on a bike. When you apply for acceptance
onto a trip, please carefully read and sign the Adventure Travel Acknowledgement and
Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and call if you have any questions.

Risks of trip activities:

Participants should be adequately prepared for cold and hot weather hazards such as wind chill,
hypothermia, dehydration, rain, sun exposure and insect bites by ensuring they have sun
protection, personal first aid kit, bug repellant and extra layers in their day pack during each
day’s activities.

.

YOUR VOLUNTEER LEADERS:

LEADER: GINETTE BEAUDOIN

Ginette has been a member of the AMC since 1988 and has led several day and weekend trips in the
White Mountains of NH, as well as various parts of Maine. She has led several Irelandn Alps adventure
trips through the years for both hiking and cross country skiing. She has also lead Adventure travel trips
to Yosemite, Bryce and Zion National Parks, Easter Island, Peru, Minnesota, Tuscany, Dolomites, Spain,
France, Patagonia, Bolivia, Azores Islands, Australia and New Zealand for the AMC. She has hiked to over
30 high Alpine Huts throughout Ireland, Germany, France and Switzerland and has hiked the NH 4000
footers. Her interests include hiking, photography, cross country hiking,             snowshoeing, travel,
and introducing others to adventure travel.

ADDRESS:             66 Graham Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005
PHONE:               (207) 590-4431
EMAIL ADDRESS:       ginette4000@yahoo.com

CO-LEADER: ANNA PANSZCZYK

Anna is a Boston Chapter INTRO (AMC) Leader. Anna has co lead AMC Adventure Travel trips to New
Zealand, Australia, Dolomites – Italy, Ireland, Azores, Yosemite National Park, Minnesota, Peru, Easter
Island, Australia, New Zealand, and Morocco. Anna leads hiking trips in the White Mountains and most
recently led an excursion to Waterville Valley and Craftsbury Vermont for snowshoeing and cross
country hiking. She has also co led the Claybrook ski trip on previous years. During the summer of 2014,
she and the trip leader backpacked the Haute Route from Chamonix France to Zermatt Switzerland as
well as Kepler Track in New Zealand. This is in addition to trips that she takes to all corners of the world!
Anna has completed SOLO Advanced Wilderness First Aid course as well as CPR training.

ADDRESS: 22 Alfred Rd, Arlington, MA 02474
PHONE:   781-648-2492;
EMAIL:   annatp12@gmail.com

Gear/Packing list:

You will be required to provide your own daypack, weather proof outerwear, hiking poles, as well as
broken in hiking boots. Bear in mind that it can get quite windy, cool and rainy along the coast of
England and especially on the offshore islands.

Clothing:

Polypro or wool tops (long and short sleeve) and bottoms, no cotton!
Fleece top
Soft Shell or similar jacket and pants
Raingear, top and bottom, Gore Tex or similar; not vinyl or plastic
Wool or fleece hat
Waterproof mittens/gloves
Sock liners
Slippers
Casual wear for hotels and sightseeing

Gear:

Hiking poles and good hiking boots
Sun Screen, sun glasses, sun hat
Gaiters, warm hat or headband
Daypack, water bottles, thermos
Camera with extra battery and memory card
Headlamp and extra batteries

Personal:
Prescription and OTC personal medications
Personal first Aid kit
Contact lens supplies
Toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, conditioner, etc
Plastic bags, thick ones and large enough to keep things dry inside your daypack
Alarm clock or just use the one on your smart phone
Bathing suit