Ireland’s Atlantic Coast

Welcome to Kerry

Meet your Wilderness guide in the bustling town of Killarney today. After a lovely lunch, enjoy a relaxed amble through Killarney National Park, a stunning landscape of mountains, lakes, woodland and waterfalls, as well as Ireland’s largest herd of native red deer. Winding our way along a scenic trail, we’ll learn about the local initiatives aimed at reducing the impact of invasive plant species and projects to protect invertebrates unique to the park. Tonight, astronomers and stargazers are in for a treat as we unwind after our first day of adventure, spending the night in an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | Approx: 2 hrs

Seal Spotting in South Kerry

After a relaxed breakfast, we’ll leave the leafy woodlands of Killarney behind and head out to explore Kerry’s rugged southern shores. As we stroll along the coast, breathing in the salt-stung air and soaking up the stunning scenery, we’ll keep a lookout for local wildlife, spotting seals and many species of coastal birds. At low tide, we’ll join a foraging workshop with a foreshore ecological expert, who will teach us to identify wild food and how to gather sensitively and ethically along the seashore.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 5 km / 3 miles | Approx: 3 hrs

Boat Trip to Skellig Michael

Today, we’ll take a boat trip out to the island of Skellig Michael* – a twin-pinnacled crag and UNESCO World Heritage site. Following in the footsteps of monks who once made this wild isle their home, we’ll visit their ancient beehive huts and learn more about how they survived this wind-swept, wave-whipped rock. We’ll also observe puffins and many other birds who nest here during the summer months. On the way back to the mainland, take a detour to circumnavigate the nature reserve of Skellig Beag (Little Skellig). Home to one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of gannets, this iconic rock was also used as a filming location for the Star Wars movies released in 2015 and 2017.

Note: The walk up Skellig Michael encompasses 618 uneven steps and ascends 600 feet (180 metres).

*Please note that tours departing before mid-May and after early September cannot land on the Skellig Islands. Instead, enjoy sailing around both islands, including the gannet colony on Little Skellig.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: | 183 m / 600 ft | Approx: 1 hrs

The Gardens of Garinish Island

Tucked into a corner of Bantry Bay lies Garinish Island. Unlike the ruggedness of the Skelligs, Garinish boasts meticulously kept gardens and, due to its unique microclimate, supports a diverse range of exotic plants – most of which are native to the southern hemisphere. Exploring the island today, breathe in the sights and smells of an Italianate garden, visit the Martello Tower, and wind our way through a myriad of historic buildings. Upon returning to the mainland, keep a look out for the local seal colony, which inhabits the sheltered harbour at Glengarriff.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Whale Watching in West Cork

Today is sure to be a highlight of your trip as we head out with an expert skipper to explore the beautiful coastline of County Cork and its rich marine wildlife. Cruising through the water, our knowledgeable guide will provide a fascinating insight into the behaviours of the various cetaceans that can be spotted here. Look out for dolphins, seals and porpoises, as well as minke and humpback whales, which can sometimes be seen swimming in the waters of West Cork.* After a fantastic day spent on the water, we’ll enjoy a relaxed afternoon walk before returning to the hotel with some time to relax before dinner.

*Please note that whale sightings are seasonal. If there is a particular species that you would like the best chance of seeing, please talk to one of our adventure consultants, who will advise on the best time to travel.

Kayaking on Lough Hyne

After breakfast, we’ll head out for a short stroll through the charming town of Baltimore and along the beautiful coastline. As the views stretch across the Atlantic Ocean, we’ll pass by a beacon, dating back to 1849, that serves as a landmark for returning sailors. Afterwards, explore Ireland’s first marine nature reserve, Lough Hyne, by kayak. Perfect for paddling, this tranquil and picturesque body of water, surrounded by wooded hills, is a saltwater lake renowned for its exceptional biodiversity and supports more than 1,850 animal and plant species. This evening, we’ll enjoy a celebratory dinner toasting our week of adventures, the friends we’ve made, and the fantastic flora and fauna spotted along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

West Cork Whiskey & Depart

On our final day, we’ll head out for a tour and a tasting at a distillery in West Cork. In Irish, the word for ‘whiskey’ is ‘uisce beatha,’ translating as ‘the water of life.’ End your trip on a celebratory note with a chance to taste this delicious drink. Afterwards, we’ll continue to the vibrant city of Cork, where the trip will conclude.