With 26,000 Acres of "free to roam" Killarney National Park surrounded by Kerry's wonderful landscapes and wilderness, miles of nearby golden "blue flag" beaches and a choice of accommodation, dining and entertainment options second to none, there are few places elsewhere on this earth that can offer the outdoor enthusiast such wonderful choice within such an intimate and hospitable location.
It is said that "in Killarney, you will find a different walking route for every day in the year". This may be an exaggeration, but only just !!. At any time of year, with or without guides, walkers can choose from low level parkland walks around beautiful lakes and through some of Ireland's oldest Oakwoods, to higher level hill walks on old coach roads and bridle paths, or for the more adventurous, take on the 3000 feet + summits of the "iconic" MacGillicuddy Reeks. Long and short "linear" walks including some of the pioneering "waymarked" walks like the Kerry Way and the Dingle Way can be navigated in full or in part. Killarney has a plethora of "loop walks" where walkers return to the start point without recovering their steps - some can be completed in 30 minutes while others can take 4+ hours.
A really exciting and extensive series of guided walks for 2013 has just been announced by the organisers of Walk Killarney. We at the Holiday Inn are delighted to be associated with the programme & can offer some great rates and hill walking deals in Killarney, which can include bed & breakfast, packed lunches & transfers, please contact us on 064 66 33000 or www.holidayinnkillarney.com to book your walking breaks Killarney today!
WALK KILLARNEY LAUNCHES 2013 PROGRAMME OF GUIDED WALKS
Since its inception in 2004, Walk Killarney has safely guided many thousands of walkers across the mountains and valleys of Killarney and South Kerry, offering participants a unique insight into the flora, fauna and heritage of this beautiful part of Ireland.
Speaking at the launch, Guide Leader Michael O’Connor said, “For the Public Holiday Sundays throughout 2012, we are offering two uniquely Killarney options of Guided Walks which will also include Lake Trips”. “To really appreciate the beauty and heritage of Killarney, you must include a lake boat experience, exactly as the early visitors did in the 18th century and as they did, hopefully have sightings of Killarney’s native Red Deer and the recently re-introduced magnificent White Tailed Sea Eagle”, he added. For these c. half-day outings, €20 will cover the cost of guide and boat. Bookings on walk@killarney.ie and 1850 566466. The two options available are:
Killarney Lake & Island Explorer (Category “C” easy walk):
Sunday March 18th, April 8th, May 6th, June 3rd, August 5th and October 28th. At 10.00.a.m. - Depart Ross Castle by traditional lake boat across Ross Bay to Inisfallen Island. Spend c. 45 minutes exploring the 11th century monastic ruins and learning of the Island’s amazing history. Depart on a c. 30 minute boat trip across Lough Lein to the mountain shore and O’Sullivan’s Cascade and returning to Ross Castle pier. After a short break, set out on a c. 90> minute trek of the Nature & Bronze Age Mining Trails of Ross Island, returning to Ross Castle. The total duration of this outing is c. 3.5>4 hours. €20 will cover the cost of guide and boat. Bookings on walk@killarney.ie and 1850 566466. NB: At the end of the Ross Island trek, if the Castle is open, walkers may decide to take a guided tour of the wonderfully restored Ross Castle (not included in the walk programme or cost).
Killarney’s Lakes and Lowlands Wilderness Experience (Category “B” moderate walk):
Sunday March 18th, April 8th, May 6th, June 3rd, August 5th and October 28th. At 10.00.a.m. Depart Old Boathouse at Dundag, Muckross by traditional lake boat, travelling across Muckross Lake, under Bricin Bridge and via the Back Channel to The Meeting of The Waters at Dinis. Then on under The Old Weir Bridge and passing underneath the Eagle’s Nest Mountain, via Long Range up through the Upper Lake to Lord Brandon’s Cottage – arriving at c. 12.00 noon. After a c.30 minute refreshment break, walkers will then follow the Kerry Way Trail via Derrycunnihy and the Old Kenmare Road, descending Torc Waterfall Trail and returning to Muckross House car park. The total duration of this outing is c. 4.5>5 hours. €20 will cover the cost of guide and boat. Bookings on walk@killarney.ie and 1850 566466. NB: Upon return to Muckross, walkers may decide to visit Muckross House, visit the Mucros Craft Shop or visit the Muckross Traditional Farms (not included in the walk programme or cost).
President of Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, Michael Buckley said, “Killarney is one of Ireland’s finest walking destinations, with Ireland’s highest mountains, oldest oak woodlands, and beautiful lakes and of course the magnificent 10,000 hectare National Park, all within the beautiful compact Killarney Valley”. He went on to say, “All of this is supported by the best of hospitality and leisure options, with a warm welcome that has been Killarney’s trademark for the past 250 years”. Mr Buckley thanked Killarney National Park and Failte Ireland for their on-going support of walking in Killarney & South Kerry.
Other Options on Request:
In addition to the above listed walks, Walk Killarney is also offering a wide range of walking and mountain trekking options on request at other times of the year, subject to level of interest, weather etc. Full details of these options are contained on www.killarney.ie/walkkillarney and they include: • 2.5>4 hour Category “C” low and medium level walks at €5 per head • 3.5>4.5 hour Category “B” medium level mountain treks at €10 per head • 5>6.5 hour Category “A” and “B” high level mountain treks at €25 per head • 6.5>8.5 hour Category “A”++ and “B”+ high level & difficult mountain treks at €30 per head NB: 1. All these walks must be booked at least 48 hours in advance on walk@killarney.ie and on 1850566466. Bookings are not valid until confirmation is issued by Walk Killarney. 2. Special Group and Corporate Rates are available.
OTHER OPTIONS / ROUTES:
• CATEGORY “A” & “A”++ - Difficult to Strenuous Climbs Requiring a High Level of Mountain Climbing Fitness o Mangerton & Stoompa – Grade “A” – 5.5 to 6.5 hours o Shehy & Tomies – Grade “A” – 5.5+ hours o Purple & Tomies – Grade “A” – 5.5 to 6.5 hours o (Reeks) Cruach Mhor / Big Gun / Cnoc na Peiste – Grade “A”++ Very strenuous & exposed – 6.5+ hours o (Reeks) Cnoc na Peiste / The Bone – Grade “A”+ - 6.5 hours o (Reeks) Toinne / Corran Tuathail (Zig Zag return) – Grade “A” – 6.5 to 7.5 hours. o (Reeks) Corran Tuathail / O’Shea’s Gully / Heavenly Gate – Grade “A”+ - 6.5 to 7.5 hours o (Reeks) Coomloughra Horse Shoe – Grade “A”++ - 7.5 to 8.5 hours
o CATEGORY “B” – Moderate to Good Climbs Requiring Good Level of Hill/Mountain Walking Fitness. o The Paps of Danu – Grade “B” – 4.5 to 5 hours o Mangerton Mountain – Grade “B” – 3.5 to 4.5 hours o Drishna, Tarbh & Strickeen – 5.5 to 6.5 hours o Torc Mountain Summit – Between a Grade “B” and a Grade “C” moderate hill climb from the upper car-park – 2.5+ hours
o CATEGORY “C” – Low Level to Foothills Walks – Requiring Normal Level of Fitness. o Muckross & Dinis returning via new trail running parallel / above the N71. 3.5 hours o Muckross & Torc Waterfall returning down the southern trail 3.5 hours o Mangerton Lowlands – 3+ hours o Tomies Woods & O’Sullivan Cascades – 2.5+ hours o Muckross – Boat to Dinis Cottage – return via Muckross Peninsula or via new trail running parallel / above the N71. 3.5+ hours
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR ALL 2012 WALKS:
All Walks must be booked at least 24 hours in advance on the Walk Killarney Booking Line 1850 566 466 or by e-mail on walk@killarney.ie - Places should only be considered as booked when Walk Killarney confirms bookings by return phone call or e-mail. Walkers must be properly attired in terms of proper walking boots and rainwear. Walkers are asked to bring a back-pack with food, refreshments, sunscreen and perhaps a change of clothing. In deference to Wildlife and Landowners, the organisers regret that dogs or other pets are not allowed on the walks. Finally, the organisers regret that the Full Day Walks are not considered suitable for children under 12 years. All intending walkers should make sure they are appropriately physically fit for the category of walk being undertaken. Walkers are asked to adhere to the “Country Code” and “Leave No Trace” of their visit. NB: ORGANISERS MAY CHANGE OR CANCEL WALKS OR ROUTES IN THE EVENT OF WEATHER OR ROUTE DIFFICULTIES Don’t forget your Camera!
