Trekking Ireland

• Locations: Dublin, Connemara, Diamond Hill and Kylemore Abbey, Killary Fjord and Lough Fee, St. Patrick’s Church and the Western Way, The Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, Inis Mór, Black Head, The Dingle Way, Dunquin
• Trip Host: Chuck Wilcoxen
• Dates: July 17–26, 2021
• Costs: Starting at $2,999/person for a double occupancy (shared) room
• Trip Capacity: Minimum of 20  
• Registration Deadline: February 1, 2021
• Final Payment Deadline: May 1, 2021 

Trip Overview

This walking vacation showcases an Ireland rich in culture and tradition—and worlds away from the fast pace of city life. Connemara, where the guided tour begins, is part of the world famous Wild Atlantic Way. The local scenery includes not only a stunning coastline but also lakes, mountains, white cottages, woolly Highland sheep, fast flowing streams, and many stone walls. The second part of the tour, in The Burren in County Clare, features an exceptional rock formation and a micro-ecosystem of rare plants. The area is thought to have inspired J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. The trip also includes a visit to Inishmore, which holds the highest density of archaeological and cultural artifacts in Ireland. You will certainly sense the spirit of the Celts and early Christian settlers while enjoying life at a slower pace.

The trip includes the following: 

• Nine nights at Leenane Hotel, Hylands Burren Hotel, Dingle Benners Hotel
• Nine dinners
• Eight packed lunches
• Transportation from and to Dublin Airport
• All transport to and from walks and evenings out
• Ferry to and from Inis Mór Island
• Ferry across the River Shannon on the way to Dingle
• Two professional guides leading the daily walking tours
• Principia Lifelong Learning member and a Principia host

The following are not included:

• Lunch on travel days (day one and day ten)
• Trip insurance and passenger travel protection plan (available for purchase at www.insuremytrip.com)
• Airfare
• Any checked bagged fees imposed by the airlines
• Tips and gratuities for guide/driver
• Personal expenses (spa, laundry, souvenirs, etc.)
• Soft drink beverages

Activity Level

This trip is strenuous. Guests should be strong, experienced hikers in excellent physical condition who are capable of hiking 6–15 miles (5–9 hours) on most days over uneven, rocky and occasionally steep terrain with daily elevation gains up to 2,050 feet. You will carry a daypack containing food, water, fleece jacket, raingear, sunscreen, ditty bag, and camera (if desired).

Airline Tickets

Please check with Principia’s PLL team before purchasing airline tickets to ensure that this trip is confirmed with the minimum number of participants. Aer Lingus is considered the Irish airline, but Ryanair is a popular, low-cost airline headquartered in Dublin. Both often offer promotional airfares, so it is worth keeping an eye on their fares. Dublin Airport is located approximately 8 km north of the city center. Travel time by taxi is approximately twenty minutes. Our tour provider will be offering a group transfer from the Dublin Airport to Connemara, where our walking tour begins.

Weather

In summer, the average high temperatures are between 64 and 68°F. The warmest months, July and August, get about 18 hours of daylight. It gets dark only after 11 p.m., hence the well-worn phrase in Ireland, "sure there's a grand stretch in the evenings." Don't be fooled into thinking you won't need sunscreen. When the sun shines in Ireland it's quite strong, so wear a high factor and bring a sunhat.

Packing

A packing list will be sent to all group members. You'll want to be adaptable and bring layers that you can put on or take off as temperatures change. A sweater, waterproof rain clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses are a few important necessities.

Meet Your Trip Host

Chuck Wilcoxen worked at Principia College for many years as head coach for cross country and track and field teams and also served as assistant athletic director. In 2017, Chuck founded Team Long Run in Maine, a non-profit organization dedicated to making safe, professionally directed endurance running available to children without access to after-school sports. A lifelong world traveler and hiker, Chuck has led PLL walking trips to the Lake District, Hadrian’s Wall, and the Scottish Highland. He loves sharing adventures with friends, new and old alike.