.

EMERALD WALKING TOUR Type : Walking & Cultural FREE Day Tour with this tour Duration : 15 Days

Dunguire Castle, Kinvara – Co. Galway

Tour Type : Walking & Cultural Group Size : 16 Max Accommodation : Guesthouses Grade : Easy / Moderate

Departure Dates 2018 : 21st May | 18th June | 16th July | 6th Aug | 3rd Sept

Tour Highlights Tour Essentials • Visit the 6th Century Monastic Site Accommodation : 14 nights in quality guesthouses • Hike along the world famous Cliffs Of Moher Included Meals : 14 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners • Visit the 14th Century Start Point : Dublin • Walk the lunar landscape of National Park End Point : Dublin Transport : Minibus – 16 Max • Visit ’s romantic, Kylemore Abbey Inclusions : Listed in notes • Hike the famous ‘Famine Walk’ along Killary Fjord Exclusions: Listed in notes Details

Painted with a mythological past, Ireland has peaked the curiosity of millions. Quiet and tranquil, the island is gifted with a kaleidoscope of greens and a variety of natural landscapes. From winding rivers to rugged mountains and sandy beaches fringing the shores, Ireland hypnotizes and possesses those who travel here with its sheer beauty. On our Emerald tour, you will hike the amazing coastline, try local brews with the friendliest locals, and breathe in the fresh sea air as you explore the untamed beauty of Ireland. Route Map

What's Included ?

• 15 full days of pure adventure • The best and friendliest guides in the business. • All you tour transport for 15 days • 14 hearty Irish breakfasts • Glendalough Monastic Site • The Gap of Dunloe & boat ride • The Tarbert Ferry • St Brigids Well • The Cliffs Of Moher , North Antrim • The Burren • Kylemore Abbey House & Gardens • The Famine Walk at Killary Fjord • The Country Life Museum • WB Yeats Grave • Donegal Castle • National Park • • Dunluce Castle • The Giants Causeway – UNESCO World Heritage Site • Belfast City tour Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough Monastic Site What’s Not Included ?

• Lunches, evening meals, drinks • Travel insurance • Kayak with Fungi the dolphin in Dingle – Optional €45 • Flights

Cliffs Of Moher – Co Clare

1 Wicklow Mountains & Glendalough Monastic Site DAY Our Adventure Begins ! After leaving Dublin, you will travel through the Dublin/Wicklow Mountains, over the Sally Gap, and view the Guinness Lake (where a member of the Guinness family lives). We will make our way to our guest house in Glendalough. Once we get booked in, we'll get our gear ready for our first walk! Glendalough is a majestic place, a previously important religious centre in ancient Ireland where St. Kevin resided and lived with his fellow Christians. It might have been a happy time here before the Vikings were marauding around their monasteries! After your walk, which is about three hours and all around the valley, you will come back to relax at the guest house.

Highlight of the day: Visit the 6th Century Glendalough Monastic Site Overnight : Laragh Village - Wicklow Restaurant Suggestion: The Wicklow Heather Restaurant

2 Dingle Village & The South Pole Inn DAY

Today we will travel to the south west of Ireland to the kingdom of Kerry. On route we will stop in the cute Irish village of Adare before we head directly for Dingle. On our approach we will drive through Annascaul Village and make a stop for a quick drink in the South Pole Inn. This pub was owned by the great Antarctic explorer, Tom Crean, who was an important member of both the Scott and Shackleton South Pole expeditions. You can enjoy a drink here before your guide will stop at Beenbane beach and you can take the cliff walk into Dingle Village - a wonderful way to arrive to this magical little corner of Ireland !

Highlight of the day: Cliff walk into Dingle Overnight: Dingle Town

Restaurant Suggestion: An Canteen

3 & Conor Pass DAY

Today we get ourselves ready for an amazing walk up Mount Brandon. On the way to the start of our trek, we will drive over the famous Conor Pass where you will enjoy amazing views of the Dingle peninsula and Mt Brandon. From the top you can see down to the Blasket Islands on one side and all the way to Tralee on the other. It is one of the most scenic mountains in Ireland. This walk is not difficult with an easy slop to the top. The summit is 1000m and should take no longer than 4 hours. After our great adventure, we will head back to Dingle and you will have the option to see, swim or kayak with Fungi , a wild dolphin that calls Dingle his home.

Highlight of the day: Climbing up Mt Brandon Overnight : Dingle Town

Restaurant Suggestion : Walkers Bar & Restaurant

4 Slea Head Walk & Views of The Blasket Islands DAY

Slea Head lies ahead of us today. National Geographic has put this peninsula in the top 10 dives in the world and I would put it in the top 3!! We will meander slowly through the gorgeous fuchsia lined roads of Slea Head and follow the cliffs around to our view point of the Great Blasket Island. There are more megalithic relics on this peninsula than on the rest of the island, it is an archaeologist’s heaven. Our walk is nice and easy today, with spectacular views out to the Atlantic and Dead Man’s Island. This is the closest you can get to America in Europe. Your walk will finish in the village of Ballyferriter, a Gaeltacht area, where all the locals speak in Ireland’s native tongue.

Highlight of the day: Hike Slea Head Overnight: Dingle Town Restaurant Suggestion: The Chart House

5

DAY National Park & The Gap of Dunloe

Today you will experience one of the most beautiful walks you will find in all of Ireland through The Gap of Dunloe. The 'Gap' stretches through the highest mountain range in Ireland called the MacGuillicuddy Reeks. This spectacular glacial valley simply must be experienced to be fully appreciated. The walk will take you through the gap and you will finish on the far side. From there a river boat will take you for an hour long boat ride through the finishing at Ross Castle a short walk from Killarney village.

Highlight of the day: The Gap of Dunloe & the lakes of Killarney Overnight : Killarney Restaurant Suggestion: Bricin Restaurant

6 The Cliffs Of Moher Walk DAY We now make our way up the west coast and cross the river Shannon by ferry at Tarbert. The river Shannon is the spine of Ireland, dividing the land in two. It won’t be long before arriving in the Burren and getting to see the Cliffs of Moher. Heading just up the road, we may stop at Brigid’s Well before we get a start on our walk along the amazing Cliffs Of Moher. Living on the edge is fantastic but at these cliffs, it is advisable to stay away from the 214m high cliff edges. This walk is truly amazing !

Highlight of the day: Cliffs Of Moher Overnight: Lahinch

Restaurant Suggestion: The Cornerstone

7 The Burren & Galway City DAY This morning we will walk through this karst limestone region that covers 250 square miles. Because limestone is one of the most permeable rocks, there are many subterranean caverns in the area. You can walk these pavements and feel like you are walking on the moon! After leaving Doolin early in the morning, we will follow the coast all the way to Galway. Unfortunately, we will be bidding farewell to some of our brave adventurers today as Galway is the final stop for the people of the 'Southern Gem tour'. However, it is also the beginning for our new friends who wish to do the Northern part of the tour. You will have a few hours to spend in Galway to do some shopping or enjoy the many sights this wonderful city has to offer.

Highlight of the day: Walk through The Burren Overnight: Clifden

Restaurant Suggestion: Ardagh Restaurant

8 Connemara & Kylemore Abbey DAY

We will have a few options today but one we love is a walk up and on down to Kylemore Abbey. As we ascend this mountain, you will have unrestricted views of the lakes of Connemara made famous in the song by Marcel Sardou. There are lots of wild mountain goats in this part of the country and you may be lucky to see a Connemara pony rambling beside you. After our 4-hour walk, we will take you on a guided tour of Kylemore Abbey, seen as one of the most romantic places in all of Ireland. The chapel in the grounds is a miniature replica of Norwich Cathedral and the gardens are immaculately kept.

Highlight of the day: Kylemore Abbey Overnight: Clifden Restaurant Suggestion: Guy’s Bar & Snug Restaurant

9

DAY Connemara & Killary Fjord

After breakfast, your tour guide will bring you to a spot where you can get the most out of the sights and views from this magnificent landscape. The 'famine walk runs along the shores of Killary Harbour. You will be walking on an old famine road that was built by the starving Irish during the great famine 1845-1849. On the route, you will clearly see the ruins of famine villages and 'lazy beds', the name given to the potato ridges where the starving Irish peasants tried to provide food for their families. This walk finishes at a beach and is around 12k long.

Highlight of the day; Killary Fjord Overnight: Clifden

Restaurant Suggestion: Guys Bar & Snug

10 Sligo & Amazing Beach Walks DAY

After our hearty Irish breakfast, we will first visit the Country Life Museum where you will learn all about life in rural Ireland about 150 years ago. Then, we will take a nice relaxing stroll along a secluded beach at Mullagmore ! As we travel further north, we will make a stop at the grave of WB Yeats which lays at the foot of Ben Bulben, a spectacular last resting place. We will then travel through Sligo and stop in Donegal for a walk around the town, which includes entry into Donegal Castle.

Highlight of the day: Walk along Mullagmore Beach Overnight: Donegal

Restaurant Suggestion: The Harbour Restaurant

11 Donegal & The Mighty Slieve League Cliffs DAY

This morning, we will head to the highest sea cliffs in Europe at Slieve League. This is a truly a magnificent sight to see. Because of the cliffs location and height, winds can get very strong here so your guide will make a call as to whether it's safe to walk along the top. If it's not, we have a fantastic alternative at Glen Colm Kill, which will give you spectacular sights of the cliffs from below.

Highlight of the day; Slieve League Cliffs Overnight; Donegal

Restaurant Suggestion; The Village Tavern

12 Glenveagh National Park DAY

Donegal is one of the most unspoiled landscapes in Europe. It’s famous for its beautiful scenery, coastline, impressive mountain ranges, glens and lakes, and rich reminders of a historic past. We will travel to Ireland's most northerly national park: the great Glenveagh National Park. It is a wonderful place that even breeds wild eagles. If you're lucky enough, you might catch a glimpse. After our hike through the national park, we will give you a guided tour of Glenveagh Castle. A magical fairy tale place set on the banks of the lough. Once owned by a rich American of Irish ancestry, after his death he donated the castle to the state. Lots of very cool picture opportunities !

Highlight of the day: Hike through Glenveagh National Park Overnight: Donegal Restaurant Suggestion : Manhattan Steakhouse

13

DAY Derry & Dunluce Castle

Today, we enter into Northern Ireland for the first time on our tour. We will first visit the ancient fort at Grianan An Aileach before visiting a city which dominates the North-western landscape of Ireland, the City of Derry. Meander through the bustling streets of the only completely walled city in the UK and listen to the echoes of 1450 years of history. Stroll along its 17th century walls, and marvel at the ever-changing skyline of a city which is constant only in the warmth of its welcome. We will travel along one of the most northerly roads in Ireland. We will stop at Dunluce Castle once owned by the infamous McDonnell Clan from who came to Ireland to increase their power.

Highlight of the day; Walk along Derry City Walls Overnight: Ballintoy

Restaurant Suggestion: The Fullerton Arms

14 The Giant’s Causeway & Coastal Walk DAY Get ready to experience the Giant’s Causeway today! The coastal scenery adjacent to the causeway is some of the most beautiful and awe inspiring that you are likely to find anywhere. You will walk from the harbour at Balintoy made famous by the ‘Game Of Throne’s and hug the coast all the way to the UNESCO world heritage site of the Causeway. . Many ships have foundered below these towering cliffs, but none as tragic as that of Girona, a ship of the Spanish Armada. Carrying the crews from two previous Armada shipwrecks, the Girona was on passage from Killybegs and trying to reach the relative safety of Scotland. As she rounded Inishowen peninsula, heavily over laden and in deteriorating sea conditions, her rudder failed. In the teeth of a full blown north-westerly gale, the crew battled to her off the coast but she finally struck Laca Point in view of the Giant’s Causeway at midnight on October 30th, 1588 with the loss of over 1,200 men!

Highlight of the day: The Giant’s Causeway Coastal Walk Overnight: Ballintoy

Restaurant Suggestion: The Fullerton Tavern

15 Belfast City & Return to Dubin DAY

This is the day everyone dreads for the whole trip, it’s the day we return to Dublin. On route, we will stop in Belfast city and do a tour around the centre and the divide that exists between the Catholic and Protestant communities that live so close together. It is quite fascinating to learn about! After our visit to Belfast we will travel through Co. Meath where the High Kings of Ireland once ruled the country from before we arrive back in Dublin. We hope you enjoyed touring with us, experiencing the very best of Ireland’s finest gems and landscapes! We also hope that you enjoyed your tour guide and we hope to see you again soon for another amazing adventure.

Highlight of the day; Belfast City End of Services; Thank You ! Tour Information

Price : €2599

Duration: 15 Days

Departure Time: 08:00

Departure Location: Suffolk Street ( outside the old stone church)

Single Supplement: €560

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Your accommodation is included in the price of the tour each night. The standard is a high quality lodge or guesthouse with each room having its own en suite. We see the tour accommodation as a very important part of the overall tour experience and each year we travel around Ireland handpicking the very best quality accommodations that are relevant to our tours. The hosts are welcoming and very friendly and give our customers a homely feeling when they arrive.

Meals: Each morning you will get a full cooked breakfast with continental options to set you up for the day ahead. Lunches and evening meals are not included however your guide will direct you to where you can get a packed lunch . Normally this would include a sandwich, water and maybe a chocolate bar or something sweet. Do make sure to bring sufficient water for the day ahead. Evening meals are another important part of the tour experience and we always encourage our customers to try local and traditional food on tour. Each night we make a suggestion of where to eat however the night is yours to own. Sometimes the group eats together and if some wish, they can eat elsewhere. Our Guides

At Extreme Ireland Adventures we put so much energy into handpicking and training our guides. In our view, you can be brought on the most amazing tour, but if the guide is bad then the tour fails. All our guides are born to do what they do. They have a deep love and knowledge of this little island and they want to share it with everyone. Their only aim is to make sure that our customers have an unforgettable time in Ireland. Each guide has their own particular style which we always encourage but all will give a professional and fun tour experience. Budgeting for your Tour

You will need some extra money for tour, for the likes of lunches, meals, drinks, souvenirs etc. Here are some tips and information that will be helpful for you to budget your tour before you arrive.

Lunches Depending on the day, you will either have a packed lunch for a hike or you will have lunch in a pub or restaurant. Each day tour guide will let you know what is the best option and you can choose. Here are some guideline prices for your lunch options.

Sandwich - €5 Water - €2 Sweet - €2

Pub Lunch - €10 - €15 Coffee - €4 Tea - €3

Evening Meals Each night you have the choice of eating with the group or if you wish you can eat separately. We will give restaurant suggestions which we choose based on their local produce and quality. This area can vary greatly but this will give you some guideline on what to expect.

Budget Main Meal - €6 - €10 Average 3 course - €25 - €30 High end 3 course - €35 - €55

Glass of Wine - €5 Pint of Beer - €5 Whiskey / Short - €5

Foreign Exchange

ATM Availability: Widely available in main towns

Cash Back : Most pubs, large shops and restaurants will offer a cash back service

Credit Card Acceptance: Widely accepted

Travellers Cheques: Can be changed in most banks and post offices

Local Currency: Euro in the Rep of Ireland / UK Sterling in Northern Ireland

Where to Exchange: Your tour leader will advise where you can exchange.

Preparing for your Tour

Climate Ireland has a temperate climate and can be changeable. Our wonderful green landscape doesn't come without a sprinkle of rain once in a while! In general the summers are warm with the hottest months being July and August. Winters are cool and the lowest temperatures are recorded during January and February. Whatever the season it is advisable to prepare for rain.

Gear & Equipment Here are some essentials that we would suggest to bring on tour ; Comfortable waterproof walking boots; Waterproof jacket & over trousers; At least 2 pairs of comfortable walking trousers and breathable tops ; Day pack 25L will do ; Gaiters and walking poles ( personal choice but recommended ) ; Thick socks , hat and gloves ; Water bottle & lunch box ; Sunscreen & insect repellent ; .....and don’t forget your camera !!

Luggage on tour Most people will have two pieces of luggage on tour. Their main larger piece and a smaller day pack used for day hikes etc. The larger piece depending on the day will be secured in the bus or at the accommodation. This tour stops in some accommodations for more than one night to allow less packing and unpacking.

Electric & plug supplies 3 Pin Flat

Airport Transfers You can get to Dublin city from the airport by bus or taxi which run regularly from outside the airport arrivals.

Visas Depending on what country you are travelling from there are different visa requirements needed. We would advise you to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade to check whether you will need an visa for Ireland before your trip. www.dfa.ie

Other General Information

Population : 4,600,000

Size of Country: 70,273 sq km

Major Language: English / some smaller parts in the west speak Irish as their first language

Main Religion: Roman Catholic

International Phone Code: +353

International Phone Calls: We suggest you use ‘Viber’ or ‘Skype’ for free international calls

Some Fun Facts about the Irish & Ireland

• Over 40% of all American Presidents can trace their ancestry back to Ireland • Newgrange passage tomb in Co. Meath is 600 years older than the Pyramids and 1000 years older than Stonehenge • St Brendan is said to have discovered America 1000 years before Columbus • Dublin was originally called ‘Dubh Linn’ meaning ‘Black Pool’ • The national symbol of Ireland is the Celtic harp, not the shamrock.

Free Day Tour

On selected tours we offer a free day tour from Dublin as an extra bonus for booking your tour with Extreme Ireland Adventures. Apart from our adventure travel business we also operate a day tour business from Dublin. A day tour will allow you to experience a part of Ireland that may not be on your tour and you can choose from one of seven different iconic destinations free of charge either before or after your tour date. Just get in contact with us and let us know when and where. You can view our day ours from; www.extremeireland.ie

Travel Insurance

Your tour with Extreme Ireland Adventures does not include travel insurance. In-light of this, we would suggest that you get covered before you embark on your Irish adventure. Choosing what insurance company to use is entirely up to you, however if you need a suggestion, we would direct you to World Nomads who specialise in adventure travel. www.worldnomads.com

Booking Your Tour

10% Deposit With any of our multi-day tours we can secure your place with a small deposit of 10%. The remainder of the balance can be paid up to two weeks before departure. Once we have a deposit, your name is added to the tour rooming list and the logistics for your tour is started. You can do this through our website www.extremeireland.ie , just click the 10% deposit box in the booking form. Otherwise you can pay in full online or call us on 00353-1-4100700 / email; [email protected]

Your Tour Advisor

Mike Murphy Adventure Travel Specialist

Mike has been with Extreme Ireland Adventures since the beginning. Having travelled a large part of the globe solo, he still holds Ireland as among the most beautiful countries in the world. Mike will be delighted to answer any questions, queries or indeed assist you in booking any of our tours. You can contact him by phone or e-mail ;

E-mail : [email protected] Phone : 00353-1-4100700