From Dublin to Waterford, Granville Hotel, historian Jack Burtchaell,  Three Rivers Guest House at Cheekpoint,  from Woodstown to Portally, Waterford Crystal Glass factory, Comeragh Mountains, Hanora's Cottage.

Day 1

We begin with a drive directly south from Dublin to Waterford. After an early dinner at the Granville Hotel, we will be given a guided evening walking tour of the city with local historian Jack Burtchaell. We'll then make our way to our accommodation for the next two nights: Three Rivers Guest House at Cheekpoint, just a few miles outside the city.

Info: Walking Distance 1 mile (1.6km)

Day 2

A full day walk along beaches, lanes, and cliff tops from Woodstown to Portally. This is a one-way route and you will be picked up at the Strand pub in the village of Dunmore East (made famous in the book Echoes by Maeve Binchy.

Info: Walking Distance 7 miles (11.3km)

Day 3

As we drive west today from Waterford City we'll stop for a guided tour of Waterford Crystal Glass factory. We will then take a half-day walk in the Comeragh Mountains of County Waterford. We'll spend the night at the lovely Hanora's Cottage Guest House in the heart of the Comeragh Mountains. Hanora's Cottage is located deep in the stunning Nire Valley where dippers bob on stones in the river lined with willow and hawthorn.

Info: Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7km)

Strings in the earth and air

Make music sweet;

Strings by the river where

The willows meet.

There's music along the river

For love wanders there,

Pale flowers in his mantle,

Dark leaves on his hair.

All softly playing,

With head to the music bent,

And fingers straying

Upon an instrument.

James Joyce

Day 4

After leaving the mountains we'll travel down to the coast and along the cliff path and beaches at Ardmore. Strolling through the village we can visit the 12th century round tower, said to be the best preserved round tower in Ireland. Kieran and Mary O'Driscoll will be our hosts on Cape Clear. Kieran will meet us with his boat at Baltimore and ferry us out to the Island: a 45-minute journey.

Info: Walking Distance 4 miles (6.4km)

Day 5

Cape's remote location, coupled with its proximity to the continental shelf, makes it the foremost centre for bird watching in Ireland. Whale, leatherback turtle, sun fish and shark are spotted every year, dolphins regularly. Most of the 150 inhabitants speak Irish and English. Removed from the hustle and bustle of mainland life, Cape offers relaxation, nature, and peace. By now you will have relaxed into the Cape pace of life - slow and sometimes slower. Wander at leisure around the island's lanes, tracks, harbours and cliffs. The Cape plays host to many rare resident and migratory birds.

Info: Walking Distance 8 miles (12.9km) option of 4 miles

Day 6

We make an early departure for Baltimore back on the mainland. Drive up through some magnificent scenery to Kenmare in County Kerry to walk the Old Kenmare Road to Torc Waterfall just outside Killarney. Then we travel on to Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula. We will stay at the Anchor Guest House (situated next to the famous Dan Foley's pub) for the next three nights. A trip over to the South Pole (a great little pub once owned by Tom Crean, one of the heros who accompanied Shackleton on his epic journey) is on tonight's agenda.

Info: Walking Distance 9 miles (14.5km)

Day 7

This morning we will head over the magnificent "Connor Pass", the highest road pass in Ireland with absolutely breathtaking views. We will then walk in the Magha na Bo valley. We begin by walking in to a magnificent deep valley decorated with what seems like 40 shades of green, then we gradually travel up beside a beautiful waterfall and on to the top of a mountain on an ancient track which links the north side with the south side of the Dingle Peninsula. We walk down beside the lovely Lake Annascaul before a refreshment stop at the South Pole Inn.

Info: Walking Distance 9 miles (14.5km)

Day 8

Some say this is the best walk in Ireland: weather-permitting we will climb Mount Brandon. This is a steady ascent with spectacular views of Brandon Bay and then the Pater Noster Lakes. Mt. Brandon is Ireland's second highest peak. We will be doing the "there and back" route.

Info: Walking Distance 6 miles (9.7km)

Day 9

Inch Beach and Ryan's Daughter country: an unusual and beautiful walk with spectacular views across to the Iveragh Peninsula and Ireland's highest mountains, the MacGillicuddy's Reeks. This walk also includes great sand dunes and loads of rabbits! We then drive from Annascaul to Cashel in County Tipperary. Our last night will be spent in the lovely Legends Guest House.

Info: Walking Distance 7 miles (11.3km)

Day 10

Goodbye to Ireland as we drive to Shannon Airport.

"Here he loosed from his hold

  A brown tumult of wings,

  Till the wind on the sea

  bore the strange melody

  of an island that sings.

  He made you all fair,

  You in purple and gold,

  You in silver and green,

  Till no eye that has seen

  Without love can behold."

From "Ireland" by Dora Sigerson, 1866-1918

Lismore Castle, County Waterford

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