May 8 - May 16, 2025
Starting at
3,299
Ireland
A Wee Ramble in Kenmare: Hiking Ireland’s Southwest Coast
Program No. 2168260MEADV-1116-60
Discover the wonders of Ireland as you visit emerald coasts, seafaring villages, walk glorious footpaths and hike mountains and peninsulas, learning from local experts along the way.
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We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
800-454-5768
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9 days
8 nights
15 meals
7B 3L 5D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
5
Gleninchaquin Park
Kenmare
6
Sheep’s Head Peninsula
Kenmare
9
Program Concludes
In Flight
At a Glance
Learn about Ireland the best way possible — on hikes that range from quiet country lanes to centuries-old footpaths, mountainous parks to rocky peninsulas. Home for the week is the small town of Kenmare, situated along the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. It’s the ideal base to discover prehistoric tombs, remote islands, timeless villages and serene nature preserves along the southwest Irish coast. Join us on some of the most glorious hikes in the country, with plenty of time to fortify yourself with a pint or cup of tea and an Irish scone.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking or hiking 1-4 miles, approximately 3-5 hours per day. Hikes will be on paths and mountain trails with little shade and up and down over mixed terrain (dirt, rocks, pavement, river banks, forest trails).
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Enjoy daily, expert-led hikes through luminous green valleys, rock-studded mountains and colorful seafaring villages.
- Discover the pastoral landscape of Killarney National Park, where oak and yew woodlands stretch for miles.
- Take a ferry to Garnish Island, searching for inquisitive seals along the way, to visit a botanical paradise with a stunning variety of plants.
- Hike through secluded moorlands, green meadows and up into the mountains of Gleninchaquin.
Suggested Reading List
(17 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A Wee Ramble in Kenmare: Hiking Ireland’s Southwest Coast
Program Number: 21682
Modern Ireland, A Very Short Introduction
A remarkably concise, provocative history in the well-regarded series, touching on the major aspects of Irish history, politics, and society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
A Brief History of Ireland
Killeen traces the successive waves of warriors and colonists through the Celts, Vikings and Normans to Henry VIII, the era of rebellion and patriots to modern times in this brisk, measured history.
Irish Country Cooking, More Than 100 Recipes for Today's Table
An appealing collection of home-cooked, traditional Irish fare, including brown soda bread, braised Derrynaflan brisket, sweet fruit scones with homemade jam and much more.
Wild Decembers
A haunting novel of clan enmities and forbidden love in rural Ireland. Few writers have as sure a sense of place as Edna O'Brien, whose lyrical prose builds inevitably toward final tragedy.
History of the Rain
Ruth, the daughter of a dead poet, recuperates after an injury by piecing together her father's history through story, both his own and generations of family lore set in County Clare, Ireland. Longlisted for the 2014 Man Booker Prize.
McCarthy's Bar, A Journey of Discovery in Ireland
A droll account of McCarthy's encounters on a bar-hopping jaunt from Cork along the west coast to Donegal. His motto, assiduously followed, was never to pass up a bar with his name on it!
Ireland, In Word and Image
Jay Adlersberg's visual celebration of Ireland is accompanied by literary excerpts and poetry from Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, James Joyce, Samuel Beckett and many others. With 75 gorgeous color photographs.
At the Edge of Ireland, Seasons on the Beara Peninsula
Following Seasons on Harris (Hebrides and Seasons in Basilicata (Italian South, Yeardon and wife set up shop in southwest Ireland.
The Sea
Recently widowed Max Morden, a middle-aged Irishman, returns to the seaside of his youth in this exquisite novel of love and the power of memory. Banville's 18th novel and winner of the 2005 Booker Prize.
Ireland Map
A colorful map of Ireland at a scale of 1:400,000, featuring insets of the road approaches to major cities, as well as an index to cities, towns and villages.
A Traveller's History of Ireland
From the Celts to the Norman invasions to modern-day Ireland, this short history is highly recommended for those who would like a brief overview of the Emerald Isle through the centuries.
The Celts: A Very Short Introduction
A concise, revealing social history of the Celts by a reigning authority and popular writer.
For the Love of Ireland
Organized geographically, this rich anthology introduces Ireland through the words and lives of such luminaries as James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Frank McCourt and Samuel Beckett.
How the Irish Saved Civilization
This bestselling history tells the generally unknown story of Ireland's preservation of classical learning in the Dark Ages, revealing how the saints and scholars, monks and scribes labored to reproduce the important texts that spread as they evangelized Europe.
Eyewitness Guide Ireland
This superb guide is a wonderfully illustrated introduction to the country, featuring photographs, maps and short background essays on history and culture.
Irish Fairy and Folk Tales
Edited by the Nobel Prize-winning poet who spearheaded the Celtic Renaissance in the early 20th century, these enchanting stories introduce a cast of changelings, ghosts, mermaids, demons, saints, priests and fairies.
Twenty Years A-Growing
O'Sullivan's lyrical, sea-drenched memoir of coming of age among the Gaelic-speaking people of Great Blasket Island off the Dingle Peninsula.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Kenmare
Program Concludes
Shannon
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15
| 7B |
3L |
5D |
Activity Level
Learn about Ireland the best way possible — on hikes that range from quiet country lanes to centuries-old footpaths, mountainous parks to rocky peninsulas. Home for the week is the small town of Kenmare, situated along the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. It’s the ideal base to discover prehistoric tombs, remote islands, timeless villages and serene nature preserves along the southwest Irish coast. Join us on some of the most glorious hikes in the country, with plenty of time to fortify yourself with a pint or cup of tea and an Irish scone.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Enjoy daily, expert-led hikes through luminous green valleys, rock-studded mountains and colorful seafaring villages.
- Discover the pastoral landscape of Killarney National Park, where oak and yew woodlands stretch for miles.
- Take a ferry to Garnish Island, searching for inquisitive seals along the way, to visit a botanical paradise with a stunning variety of plants.
- Hike through secluded moorlands, green meadows and up into the mountains of Gleninchaquin.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Walking or hiking 1-4 miles, approximately 3-5 hours per day. Hikes will be on paths and mountain trails with little shade and up and down over mixed terrain (dirt, rocks, pavement, river banks, forest trails).
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(17 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
15 meals | 7B | 3L | 5D |
2 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Shannon, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Kenmare
Meals:
D
Stay:
Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 118 miles, approximately 4 hours riding time. Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Hotel check-in is available at 3:00 p.m. We may store our luggage with the front desk while we explore the area on our own while we wait for our rooms to be available. After checking in and getting our rooms, take some time to get settled into our rooms and freshen up before our Orientation session. Orientation: 6:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Our experienced and knowledgeable Group Leader will takes us on field trips where we will also learn from a series of local experts. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. On most days when lunch is not included, you will have the opportunity to purchase lunches individually in the morning, and take them with you to have during our walks. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At the hotel.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Beara Peninsula, Eyeries, Castletownbere
Location:
Kenmare
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 50 miles throughout the day, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking up to 3.5 miles, approximately 3 hours; trail ascent 185 feet; highest point will be around 190 feet; terrain includes gravel trails, paved sidewalks, rocky beaches, some grassy trails that can be slippery when wet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
From the hotel, we’ll board our motorcoach with our Group Leader for the transfer to the Beara Peninsula, one of the most impressive of Cork’s western outliers. It is a beautiful place of green valleys, rock-studded mountains, and peppered with prehistoric stone circles. Our loop walk along the coast will begin and end at Eyeries, a village of brightly colored houses overlooking Coulagh Bay. Once our walk concludes, we’ll settle in at a local establishment and have an Irish coffee.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch en route.
Afternoon:
After transferring by motorcoach, we will spend the afternoon ambling through the fishing village of Castletownbere where we will take in a lecture by a local expert about Dr. Aidan MacCarthy in the very pub in which he was born, which is still owned and operated by his family to this day. Dr. MacCarthy was a doctor in the Royal Air Force during World War II. He survived Dunkirk and the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
Dinner:
Enjoy local fare on your own in Kenmare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Ring of Kerry, Iveragh Peninsula, Derrynane House
Location:
Kenmare
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 60 miles, approximately 2 hours total riding time. Walking up to 4 miles total over approximately 3.5 hours; trail ascent of 131 feet, and descent of 705 feet; highest point will be around 600 feet; terrain includes asphalt road, rocky and gravely paths with some steps and uneven sections, and grassy trails that can be slippery when wet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Boarding our private motorcoach, we’ll travel to Derrynane on the southwestern tip of the Iveragh Peninsula where we will begin our drive along the circular Ring of Kerry route. Led by a local expert, our beautiful walk will start from the impressive Derrynane House and Gardens, situated in a magnificent national historic park. From here, we’ll continue along the idyllic Derrynane Beach and visit an ancient ecclesiastical site. This glorious walk affords spectacular views over the western tip of the Ring of Kerry, across to the Beara Peninsula, and west out over the Atlantic Ocean.
Lunch:
We’ll enjoy a picnic lunch en route.
Afternoon:
At the beach with our local expert, we will learn about seaweed. At the end of the lecture is a cafe where everyone can enjoy refreshments at Derrynane House. Once there, we’ll learn more from a local expert about this place, which was once home to Daniel O’Connell, famed for his role in the Catholic Emancipation in Ireland and known as “The Liberator.” We’ll then return to the hotel via motorcoach.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Gleninchaquin Park
Location:
Kenmare
Meals:
B
Stay:
Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 26 miles, less than 1.5 hours total riding time. Walking up to 2 miles, approximately 2.5 hours; tail ascent of 673 feet, and descent of 683 feet; highest point will be around 935 feet; terrain includes gravel and rocky paths with some short, steep, uneven sections. Some of the descent is on rocky steps that can be slippery when wet, there is a handrail available on this section.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Traveling via motorcoach, we’ll make our way to Gleninchaquin Park, a natural preserve featuring beautiful scenery, rolling plains, and a mountain waterfall. While here, led by our Group Leader and a local guide, we’ll hike through secluded moorlands and green meadows, visit a stone circle, and take in lovely views of the rugged coastline of the Kenmare River.
Lunch:
On your own to explore the local fare.
Afternoon:
After completing the remainder of our hike, we’ll return to the hotel via private motorcoach.
Dinner:
Enjoy local fare on your own in Kenmare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Sheep’s Head Peninsula
Location:
Kenmare
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 100 miles, approximately 3 hours total riding time. Walking up to 3 miles, approximately 3 hours; trail ascent of 614 feet and descent of 610 feet; highest point is around 580 feet; terrain includes uneven rocky paths, sections of loose gravel trail, and some sections of limestone that can be very slippery.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Prior to boarding our motorcoach, we’ll stop and purchase our lunches in a local shop. We’ll then head to Sheep’s Head Peninsula, that has a rare charm all its own. With our group leader and a local guide, we’ll walk the loop road, which runs close to the sea, as we appreciate the wonderful seascapes, its rich vegetation, and the abundant sheep.
Lunch:
During our hike, we’ll stop to have the lunches we individually purchased earlier in the day.
Afternoon:
After concluding our walk, we’ll head to a local community house for a cup of tea and an Irish scone. We’ll then transfer by private motorcoach back to the hotel.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Garnish Island, Botanical Gardens
Location:
Kenmare
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 35 miles, approximately 1 hour riding time. Getting on/off a ferry; cruising less than 1 hour. Walking up to 1.5 miles, approximately over 2 hours; trail ascent of 98 feet, and descent of 72 feet; highest point is around 108 feet; terrain includes gravel and asphalt pathways. Extent and duration of walking during self-directed field trip according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Setting out from the hotel via motorcoach, we’ll travel to Glengarriff where we will transfer to a ferry for the remainder of our journey to the botanical paradise on Garnish Island. With luck upon arrival, we may get to see some inquisitive seals that relax in the sheltered harbor. During the self-directed on-site visit, you might like to walk through the old private residence of the original garden’s creators, John and Violet Annan Bryce, and learn about their lives and enduring works.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will continue our full-day self-led field trip in Garnish Island’s iconic gardens. In the late afternoon, we will transfer back to the hotel in Kenmare by motorcoach.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
8
Killarney National Park, Transfer to Shannon
Location:
Shannon
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Park Inn by Radisson Shannon Airport
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 106 miles one way, approximately 3.5 hours total riding time; about 1.5 hours to Killarney in the morning and 2 more hours to Shannon in the afternoon. Walking about 3 miles; approximately 2 hours; trail ascent of 112 feet, and descent of 92 feet; highest point around 125 feet; terrain includes gravel and asphalt pathways, some rough forest paths with exposed roots, and areas that can be slippery when wet.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Aboard the motorcoach, we’ll travel to Killarney National Park to explore the pastoral landscape, as well as the oak and yew woodlands that stretch for miles. While on site, we’ll take in a lecture given by a local expert about the flora and fauna of Killarney National Park. We’ll take in the scenery from an open boat crossing the beautiful Muckross Lake.
Lunch:
At the park, we’ll enjoy previously purchased individual lunches, which are excluded from the program cost.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll complete our hike before transferring to Shannon, and then check in to the hotel.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes
Location:
In Flight
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
7 Breakfasts
3 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
- May 08, 2025 - May 16, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- May 22, 2025 - May 30, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Jun 12, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Jul 10, 2025 - Jul 18, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Aug 21, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Sep 04, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Sep 18, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
- Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025 (Kenmare to Shannon)
Participant Reviews
Based on 45 Reviews
Sort By:
I'm struggling to add anything new to the glowing reviews of this trip - others have already mentioned the oustanding itinerary in Ireland, our delightful and extremely knowledgable and organized guide and story-teller Paul and our amazing driver Paddy, the charming village of Kenmare, the excellent accomodations and food. What a delight to wake up every day during this trip to a nice breakfast with a delightful group of traveling companions, and have a well-planned , pleasantly paced, and fun day on the beautiful SW coast of Ireland to look forward to! This was a well executed trip with a lovely group of fellow travelers and just the right amount of fresh air and walking, humor, history and culture, and free time in Kenmare. Lightweight raingear and comfy hiking shoes that you don't mind getting muddy highly recommended. Be prepared to be charmed and come back with a love of all things Irish and Road Scholar if you're considering this most pleasant walking trip!
— Review left October 15, 2024
Fascinating and comprehensive review of Irish beauty, traditions, and history!
— Review left October 8, 2024
This was the trip of a lifetime! It was educational, fascinating, and beautiful!
The leadership was outstanding, the food delicious, the accommodations pristine, and the people very friendly. You do need to be physically fit and able to walk 3-5 miles a day but your age does not matter. If you want to see rural Ireland at its best, this is the trip for you.
— Review left October 8, 2024
A wee ramble was a good blend of walking/hiking/touring and free time in the SW of Ireland. It wetted my appetite to return to Ireland and further explore it's magical land and people.
— Review left October 6, 2024
I love the fact that we stayed at the same hotel and on our last day, we stay within walking distance of the airport. Group leader was able to accommodate different level of hiking within the group. I think 12 should be the max.
— Review left September 13, 2024
Fantastic trip with a fantastic guide! Paul was courteous, professional, knowledgeable and well organized. He was always providing helpful information so the entire trip was seamless. Paul also gave us insight into life in Ireland by sharing funny personal experiences and Irish expressions that kept the group entertained during down time in the bus. The itinerary and hikes were exactly as described in the trip overview. The food was good, the hotels were comfortable, and the itinerary was diverse and fun.
— Review left September 4, 2024
A great trip! See Ireland in its unspoiled beauty and learn from the experts. Our leader Paul was phenomenal and every place we visited was different in its own way. So glad my daughter and I could experience a lifelong promise to walk in this lovely part of Ireland.
— Review left August 31, 2024
Wonderful time on Ireland’s breathtaking Wild Atlantic Way! Our hikes were different every day— easy to moderately challenging, always highly enjoyable and eye-popping. Our guest speakers and guides offered additional insight into the history and nature of the island— fittingly augmenting the stories, humorous anecdotes, and cultural background shared by our very congenial and adept tour guide, Paul Howley. Our driver Paddy safely handled the wild hills and curves with a perpetual smile and outstanding expertise. Our group of 20 was particularly cohesive and amicable. Kenmare is a charming Heritage town and was easy walking distance from our hotel for dinner, shopping or strolling. Loved this trip!!!
— Review left August 31, 2024
I highly enjoyed participating in back to back programs: Hiking Ireland's Coastal Northwest followed by A Wee Ramble in Kenmare. Staying in the Kenmare Bay Hotel made it easy to walk into town for independent exploration and meals. The excellent leadership, local guides and selection of sights to visit made for a memorable and delightful first trip to Ireland.
— Review left August 31, 2024
Just returned from A wee Ramble In Ireland with Road Scholar. It was my first trip with them and it was wonderful! Can't wait to find another journey with them- although,I don't know that it could be topped!
— Review left June 24, 2024
A Wee Ramble was the best trip I could possibly dream of. A wonderful group of women from all over the US coming together to have a spectacular week of hiking and camaraderie with a local trip leader and expert local guides. So much learning, so much fun and so much beautiful scenery! Wish there were more trips like this!
— Review left June 24, 2024
I recently went on "A Wee Ramble in Ireland" with Road Scholar. This trip was a women's only hiking trip in the SW corner of Ireland where we hiked four of the five peninsulas on the Atlantic coast. The adventure was wonderful and hiking and traveling in the companionship of women was a refreshing and relaxing adventure and lived up to Road Scholar's commitment to providing a well-paced outdoor experience.
Thank you Road Scholar. For those who may not be aware of Road Scholars commitment to Women Only adventures, see below:
"A longtime travel tour company that began as Elderhostel in 1975, Road Scholar offers educational travel opportunities geared mainly toward senior travelers. More than 60 percent of its tour participants are women, and between 25 and 30 percent of its tour-goers are solo travelers, among which an overwhelming number are are women. Some are widows; others are women whose partners aren’t interested in traveling."
Thank you for serving this important constituency.
— Review left June 23, 2024
This was a wonderful trip to more remote parts of Ireland, these peninsulas on the SW Coast that are surprisingly mountainous and rugged with beautiful views of glacial lakes, bays and inlets. But the guides, especially Paul, the guide who was with us throughout, bring a personal quality to the program, giving us insight into the culture, history and way of life in Ireland. Not only did each guide have a special expertise but they were willing to talk about their own life growing up in Ireland. That make the program very special and takes it beyond being simply a tourist. Plus we had good weather, something you can't count on.
— Review left June 16, 2024
Having completed both the Northwest and Southwest Hiking Programs back to back I heartily
recommend them both. Of the two I found the Northwest hikes to be more challenging. Moving to a new accommodation every two days added to the travel increasing the challenge. The Southwest hikes were quite satisfying and two of them (Gleninichaquin and Sheepshead) could be challenging under wet conditions or to hikers with less experience. The Southwest program is probably the better option for those who haven't hiked a great deal. The Northwest program with the trails to Horn Head and Slieve League Cliffs offers an outstanding experience. Those two destinations will stay with me for a long time.
— Review left June 2, 2024
Even better than I had anticipated!
— Review left May 18, 2024
My husband & I went on this trip for our 40th Wedding anniversary! Despite the rain, we had a wonderful time and our tour guide, Paul, was the best!
— Review left October 4, 2023
Paul was an amazing guide. He was also an excellent storyteller. I would recommend this trip for Ireland’s beauty, and the grace of the people we met there.
— Review left September 21, 2023
I had never traveled abroad before this program, so I had some anxiety about the whole experience. I appreciated all of the program materials and information ahead of time, with packing lists and tips on equipment and things to be watchful for while traveling. My trip was wonderful and relaxing and comfortable due to the extensive planning and preparation done by Paul, the tour director, and others at Road Scholar. I definitely recommend this as a "first trip"!
— Review left September 11, 2023
This trip was a very good blend of hiking and learning about Ireland. It is just about the right amount of hiking for older folks like us (80-81). The pacing was just right. There was sensitivity to our physical needs and we enjoyed the food and very comfortable accommodations. The lectures were fascinating and the scenery second-to-none. The leader looked out for all of us and was a pleasure to be with.
— Review left September 7, 2023
I enjoyed the Wee Ramble in Kenmare, Ireland. It was a hiking tour and even though I do not hike, I do walk about 3-5 miles a day. I enjoyed the hiking and I had the option to sit parts out when I reached my limit. This did not stop the rest of the group from continuing. Very rewarding!
— Review left July 24, 2023
We had a wonderful trip with Road Scholar, which was enhanced by our excellent leader, Paul Howley, and out co-travelers. The blend of learning and physical activity was perfect. Small group is definitely the way to feel more immersed in the locality. This was our first, but not our last, Road Scholar trip!
— Review left July 3, 2023
The “Wee Ramble” was great fun, educational, and put us in the most beautiful landscapes of Ireland. Truly breathtaking hikes that were “spirited” (as described), as well as some rambles through historic places. The program was very well organized, days were full, and the experts joining us added to the learning experience. Our guide, Paul, was the BEST - an interesting, knowledgeable, funny, charming leader. Along with our excellent driver, Paddy, we were in good hands. We had a wonderful group of lovely people, all interesting, kind, and fun. I was a solo traveler and always felt included. This was my first RS trip and, after this amazing experience, I plan to take more! Very highly recommend for active, curious people who like to be in beautiful, uncrowded places. And if you like sheep, you will be in heaven!
— Review left June 22, 2023
Would recommend this program to all walkers. Our guide was the very best. The Irish people and vistas were unforgettable.
— Review left June 10, 2023
If you've dreamed of visiting Ireland, this "Wee Ramble" is the best of the best. (One man in our group was actually on this program for the second time!) The location was perfect, we tackled some challenging hikes with breathtaking views (along with some easier rambles), visited charming towns and colorful villages, touched ancient ruins brimming with history, feasted our eyes on rolling hills, jaw-dropping mountains, a turquoise ocean and the bluest of bays (even enjoying two boat rides) and had the best group leader (Paul Howley) and experts one could ever hope to meet. My only regret is not being able to stay longer.
— Review left June 7, 2023
One of our favorite trips. The people of Ireland, our guide Paul Howley (the best) and our group made this a special trip. Of all our trips with Country Walkers and Wilderness Travel we have never had a better guide and more fun. We would have liked a little more hiking but for the group as a whole it was probably just right. The accommodations made for our vegan diet were great. Thanks
— Review left May 24, 2023
Terrific experience overall. Great group leader, able to give options to varying levels of physical abilities. Alot of laughter. Wonderful participants.
— Review left May 21, 2023
Wonderful trip - first time to Ireland. Loved the small group - made new friends. Paul was excellent - informative, personable, and eager to answer questions and help where needed. A good balance of hiking and learning.
— Review left October 27, 2022
I recommend this “wee ramble” to people who #1 love or are curious about Ireland, #2 exercise @ least 3 times a week and #3 enjoy walking, climbing and hiking a portion of each day.
— Review left October 3, 2022
Join a group that has no equal- Roads Scholar allows you to get away from cities and enjoy the natural beauty and fresh air of the country. Top accommodations and meals are provided, and they have done the planning for you.
— Review left October 3, 2022
Fantastic home base in Kenmare and great field trips every day.
— Review left October 3, 2022
I like to walk and I like to walk in beautiful places, so this Kenmare-based trip was perfect for me. Staying in a comfortable hotel as home base and doing day trips is a great idea -- very restful not having to pack and unpack a lot during the tour. There was a lot of variety in the different daily expeditions, and I was thankful that I didn't have to drive on the very narrow twisting roads in Kerry and west Cork. Kenmare itself is a small charming walkable town with some excellent restaurants and lively pubs. I highly recommend this tour to moderately active folks who don't mind walking in changeable weather and who are interested in Irish landscape and history, from ancient times to the present. I am 65 and travelled in late September.
— Review left October 1, 2022
Great hiking tour of South West Ireland.Awesome leader,very knowledgeable and friendly.Very well organized.
Lots of beautiful places we visited. Breathtaking views .
Kenmare is very nice and delicious food in lots of different restaurants,some with Irish music.
Every day was different and lots of info and history.
— Review left September 18, 2022
I cannot recommend this trip highly enough. The group leader is terrific, this part of Ireland is fantastically beautiful, there is plenty of variety of things to do on the trip, and the experts are informative and fun. You will learn a tremendous amount about Ireland and fall in love with it!
— Review left September 3, 2022
If you want to (1) see the world along with well educated, interesting people, (2) be led by highly knowledgable and personable guides, and (3) not have to worry about the details of travel arrangements, all at an affordable price, Road Scholar is the organization for you.
— Review left September 3, 2022
Very enjoyable program- wonderful and knowledgable tour guide, many learning opportunities and, of course, beautiful Ireland
— Review left July 20, 2022
Great Hiking tour of peninsulas of Southern Ireland. We stayed at a wonderful hotel just at the edge of Kenmare. This allowed us easy walking access to the town each day. Our leader was outstanding and provided local experts to participate during the hikes. This Road Scholar Tour is well organized, with a leader who is flexible. This was one of my most favorite tours.
— Review left July 19, 2022
Perfect trip, not too hard not too soft. Great places to visit with lots of variety. No day was the same.
— Review left July 17, 2022
This was the most amazing trip! Paul our guide was professional, knowledgeable, fun and most of all just a wonderful young man. The other tour guides were also amazing!
I would recommend this trip to anyone who like adventure and wanting to see a beautiful country with beautiful people!
Janet G
— Review left November 2, 2019
A Wee Ramble through Ireland was a magical experience and if you like the outdoors, hiking, beautiful scenery than this is the trip for you.
— Review left October 13, 2019
I truly enjoyed this trip with some hiking divides into 2 groups which was helpful to be able to see more. Paul was an amazing guide with so many stories and worked well with our bus driver who also talked about life in Ireland. Our daily guides were amazing and such a good knowledge of plants, mushrooms, trees and the changing environment. The seaweed lecturer introduced us to a new food source with a lot of humor.
— Review left September 21, 2019
This is a very good hiking/walking trip, although it wasn't as vigorous as the other Road Scholar hiking program we've done (Cinque Terre). The areas we hiked were beautiful, the group leader (Paul) was terrific, and we learned a lot about Ireland and its people. Road Scholar did an excellent job of taking us to great places that were not overrun with tourists, which we appreciated. We traveled in June and had one day of hard rain, but the weather the rest of the week was wonderful.
— Review left July 13, 2019
This was my first Road Scholar program overseas - and it was absolutely wonderful. The hiking was breathtaking, the food was delicious and our guide Paul was intelligent and charming. I would recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see the beautiful southwest coast of Ireland, and doesn't want to do it from a tour bus window!
— Review left July 3, 2019
Best guided tour I've ever been on. Bring good rain gear and good hiking boots. I would call this a combination walking/hiking trip. Not for those that cannot walk for a few hours in a row.
— Review left July 1, 2019
This was a great experience for the novice hiker. We had only done hiking in CA. This experience provided hiking on several different terrains. The hikes were at sea level which made it much easier. We went from goat trails to beaches seeing castles along the way. An experience of a lifetime.
— Review left June 30, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed the Wee Ramble program. Staying in one location but branching out daily to varied terrains and historical locations allowed for a relaxing, yet very active time. Kenmare is spectacular in its beauty, geography, history, and very knowledgable local guides enriched each day. Our group guide, Paul, was a joy to have as an leader, instructor and story teller, true to the Irish tradition! He kept us laughing and learning all day. It was obvious that the local instructors and citizens that he dealt with had great fondness and respect for him, as did our group.
— Review left May 26, 2019
