Ireland: The Emerald Isle

Uncover ancient legends, coastal wonders, and emerald landscapes on a soul-stirring journey through Ireland's most enchanting trails and timeless cultural treasures. From the wind-swept cliffs of Moher to the medieval streets of Dublin, from the wild beauty of the Dingle Peninsula to the mystical valley of Glendalough, this adventure captures the essence of Ireland on foot. Walk through the Gap of Dunloe, take in the panoramic views from the Ring of Kerry, and end your evenings in welcoming pubs where the music and stories flow as freely as the Guinness.

📄Want the full picture? Download our brochure with the complete day-by-day itinerary, pricing, and trip details.

START YOUR JOURNEY

Aran Islands Pre-Tour

Arrive early and walk the ancient Aran Islands before your Emerald Isle adventure

Jul 28–30, 2026 · 3 days · From $1,985 per person

This pre-tour can be added during registration for Ireland: The Emerald Isle.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Walk Rating Key

Incline

Gentle — gain < 200 ft

Moderate — gain 200–1,000 ft

Steep — gain 1,000–2,000 ft

Terrain

🏙️ PavedAlmost entirely on pavement

🥾 TrailsWell-groomed trails, few obstacles

⛰️ RuggedRocky, rooted paths, or soft sand

Day 1

Arrive Limerick, Ireland · Welcome Dinner

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Travelers arrive throughout the day into Shannon International Airport on the west side of Ireland, about a 30-minute taxi ride to our hotel in Limerick. The day is free in Limerick until a Welcome Dinner this evening to rendezvous with the group coming back from the Aran Islands Pre-Tour.

Day 2

Limerick to Dingle · Tralee · Slea Head Drive

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Our coach takes us toward the southwest corner of Ireland through counties Kerry and Tralee, bound for the lovely Dingle Peninsula. Tralee is known for roses and its renowned Rose of Tralee International Festival — a good place for a stroll through the rose garden and lunch on your own. The Dingle area is a Gaeltacht, one of the few remaining enclaves where the Irish language, Gaeilge, is still the mother tongue. After checking into the hotel, join us for a drive around the peninsula on the spectacular Slea Head Drive with several stops to enjoy dramatic coastal panoramas. We spend two nights in Dingle.

Day 3

Dingle Peninsula · Gallarus Oratory · Pilgrim Way Walk

2 walks · 14 km

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This morning's trail combines fuchsia-lined country lanes, pastoral rural landscapes, and early Christian stone monuments including Gallarus Oratory (6th–9th century) and Kilmalkedar Church (12th century). Dingle Pilgrim Way — 5/9 km, rated 2B/4C. After the 5 km route, travelers may return to town for a free afternoon or tackle a challenge walk — an additional 4 km (2.5 miles) rated 4C. The evening is free to experience the charms of small-town Ireland: the waterfront atmosphere on Dingle Harbor with its photogenic fishing fleet, and the many pubs offering traditional Irish musical jam sessions.

Dingle Pilgrim Way5 km🥾 Trails

Dingle Pilgrim Way (challenge extension) (alternative)9 km⛰️ Rugged

Day 4

Dingle to Killarney · Gap of Dunloe Walk · Upper Lake Boat Ride

1 walk · 12 km

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Glacier-carved Gap of Dunloe in Killarney National Park provides the setting for today's memorable nature walk, a perennial WAI favorite. The plethora of panoramas in this dramatic gorge is accentuated by a babbling brook, crossed at intervals by picturesque stone bridges as it courses between remote mountain lakes. Gap of Dunloe Walk — 12 km, rated 2A. Following a boat ride through the lovely vistas of Upper Lake, a short drive delivers us to our hotel in the town of Killarney.

Gap of Dunloe Walk12 km🏙️ Paved

Day 5

Killarney to New Ross · Rock of Cashel · Dunbrody Famine Ship

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A scenic drive across counties Tipperary and Cork takes us to magnificent, medieval Rock of Cashel. This craggy stronghold rises dramatically from the Tipperary Plains and boasts a heritage of both royal and religious power dating back to the 5th century. Upon arrival in New Ross, we visit a replica of the Dunbrody — a famine ship that carried thousands of emigrants to North America between 1845 and 1851. This living history experience with costumed performers vividly connects us with the single greatest disaster in Irish history: the Great Famine, which claimed over a million lives and prompted 2 million more to leave Ireland forever.

Day 6

New Ross to Dublin · Glendalough Walk · Wicklow Mountains · Riverdance

2 walks · 14 km

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Our adventure continues at the 6th-century monastic city of Glendalough in the enchanting green Wicklow Mountains. The visitor center film and our nature walk in this "valley between the lakes" offer an intriguing glimpse into ancient Irish Catholicism in a breathtaking setting. Glendalough Between the Lakes Walk — 5/9 km, rated 1A/2B. This afternoon we arrive in Dublin, capital of Ireland, founded by Vikings in the 9th century. Dinner is on your own — but finish in time for Riverdance, an internationally acclaimed show of Celtic music and dance (contingent upon scheduling and ticket availability).

Glendalough Between the Lakes Walk5 km🏙️ Paved

Glendalough Between the Lakes Walk (extended) (alternative)9 km🥾 Trails

Day 7

Dublin · Story of Dublin Walk · Trinity College · Farewell Dinner

1 walk · 11 km

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A walk from our hotel passes Grafton Street, the National Museum, Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin Castle, and Trinity College, housing the famous Book of Kells (admissions not included). Story of Dublin Walk — 11 km, rated 1A. Walkers are free to peel off from the group at any time — this walk could easily fill a full day. Our plan is to arrive at Trinity College around lunchtime, the ideal place to leave the group and see the 9th-century illuminated manuscript. The balance of the afternoon is free for shopping and packing. Join us this evening for a light-hearted Farewell Dinner to reminisce about our experiences on the Emerald Isle.

Story of Dublin Walk11 km🏙️ Paved

Day 8

Depart from Dublin

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Depart at your leisure this morning. WAI guides will help batch travelers who share a similar departure schedule and would like to share a taxi to Dublin International Airport. Time to return to North American reality — we won't soon forget our walking adventure through the history, culture, and scenery of enchanting Ireland.

CONTINUE YOUR JOURNEY

Northern Ireland Extension

Continue north to the Giant's Causeway and the dramatic Antrim Coast

Aug 6–8, 2026 · 3 days · From $1,885 per person

This extension can be added during registration for Ireland: The Emerald Isle.

Take this itinerary with you.

Download the full brochure with day-by-day details, pricing, and what's included.

What's Included

Included

7 nights hotel accommodation
all breakfasts
3 group dinners
Riverdance show tickets
Cliffs of Moher admission
guided walks
motorcoach throughout
WAI guide service. Based on double occupancy.

Not Included

International airfare
lunches
most dinners
travel insurance
single supplement
personal expenses

Ready to Explore Ireland: The Emerald Isle?

Reserve Your Spot

Questions? Call 360.260.9393 · Mon–Fri, 7–10am Pacific

Enhance Your Trip

Make your adventure even richer with these optional additions. Pre-nights and activities can be added at any time — before booking, during registration, or later via your trip advisor.

Pre-Night in Dublin

Arrive a day early in Dublin before the Ireland tour begins.

$269/night

Single Supplement

For the Northern Ireland Extension

Single room supplement for the Northern Ireland extension.

$355

Single Supplement — Pre-Night

For the Northern Ireland Extension

Single room supplement for the July 29 pre-night in Dublin.

$109

Single Supplement — Main Tour

For the Northern Ireland Extension

Single room supplement for the main tour.

$1,108

Single Supplement — Pre-Night

For the Aran Islands Pre-Tour

Single room supplement for the July 27 pre-night in Shannon.

$109

Single Supplement — Aran Islands

For the Aran Islands Pre-Tour

Single room supplement for the Aran Islands pre-tour.

$274

Pre-Tour Pre-Night in Shannon

For the Aran Islands Pre-Tour

Arrive on July 27 for an extra night before the Aran Islands pre-tour begins.

$269/night

Available to add during registration or by calling 360.260.9393.

Before You Book

Start by browsing our tour calendar and finding the adventure that fits your interests, dates, and walking level. There are two ways to secure your spot. You can pre-register for $200 per person to express interest before full details are released — pre-registered travelers receive a Priority Booking Invitation with one week to register before remaining space opens to the general public. Full registration requires a non-refundable $500 deposit ($200 pre-registration + $300 additional, or $500 if registering directly). Final payment is due 90 days before departure and can be made online or mailed by check for a 1% discount. Final payment is non-refundable and non-transferable. You'll receive reminders before each deadline. About 2-3 weeks before departure, you'll receive a final email packet with hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a detailed daily schedule. All registrations are subject to our General Terms & Conditions. Questions? Call us at 360.260.9393 or email hello@walkingadventures.fun.

August is one of Ireland's warmest months, with daytime temperatures around 60-68°F (15-20°C). Irish weather is famously changeable — you can experience sun, wind, mist, and rain in a single afternoon. Pack layers, a quality waterproof jacket, and waterproof shoes. The upside: Ireland in summer has extraordinarily long daylight hours (light until nearly 10pm) and the landscape is impossibly green.

Airfare is generally not included in the tour price. The starting point for each tour is the arrival airport or first hotel. We recommend booking your own flights so you can use your preferred airline, frequent flyer miles, or travel credit. When air travel is necessary within an itinerary (such as inter-island flights in the Azores), it is usually included in the tour price. We recommend contacting Laura Pfahler, the travel agent we work with, to help book your flight arrangements. Detailed arrival and departure airport information is provided on each tour page and in your registration materials.

The Dingle Pilgrim Way is the most demanding walk on the Ireland tour. The standard route (5 km, rated 2B) follows rolling terrain with some elevation gain and pastoral countryside. The challenge extension adds 4 km rated 4C — steeper ascents on rougher ground with exposed hillside. Your guides will brief you on both options the night before, and there's no pressure to do the longer route. Most travelers find the 5 km version deeply rewarding on its own.

Once paid, your registration deposit is non-refundable. Final payment is due before departure — your tour page has the specific dates — and is non-refundable after the due date. We'll send you a reminder a week or two before each deadline so nothing sneaks up on you. If a tour doesn't reach the minimum number of participants needed to run, WAI may cancel the departure — and if that happens, you'll receive a full refund of everything you've paid. It's rare, but we want you to know where you stand. See our General Tour Conditions for complete cancellation and refund details.

US citizens do not need a visa for Ireland for stays under 90 days. You'll need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your travel dates. If you're booking the Northern Ireland Extension, note that Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom — but under the Common Travel Area agreement, there are no passport controls between Ireland and Northern Ireland, so the crossing is seamless.

WAI believes strongly in the importance of travel insurance for financial and medical protection from unforeseen circumstances before departure or during your adventure. We recommend a policy covering trip cancellation, medical evacuation, and emergency medical expenses. Be aware that some policies contain time-sensitive provisions — benefits like coverage of pre-existing conditions may only be available if the policy is purchased within a certain number of days of booking. Airfare is generally not covered by tour travel insurance. Using SquareMouth.com is a good way to compare pricing. Other options include Allianz, Travel Guard, and Travel Insured International. WAI bears no responsibility for travel insurance benefits advertised by credit card companies — verify coverage types and limits before relying on them.

Every WAI walk uses a two-part rating: a number (1–3) for incline and a letter (A–C) for terrain. Here’s what they look like:

1 — Gentle (gain < 200 ft)

2 — Moderate (gain 200–1,000 ft)

3 — Steep (gain 1,000–2,000 ft)

🏙️ PavedA — Paved (almost entirely on pavement)

🥾 TrailsB — Trails (well-groomed trails, few obstacles)

⛰️ RuggedC — Rugged (rocky, rooted paths, or soft sand)

Quick Reference

	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Gentle	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Moderate	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged
Steep	🏙️ Paved	🥾 Trails	⛰️ Rugged

Each tour page also has a Tour Pace rating (1–5) and a Walk Challenge rating (1–5) that summarize the overall difficulty. Use these to compare tours at a glance — then check the day-by-day itinerary for the full picture.

You'll receive a detailed packing list and final email packet about 2-3 weeks before departure, including hotel names, contact information, a list of fellow travelers, and a more detailed daily schedule. Key items for every WAI tour: well broken-in walking shoes (not new ones), layers for variable weather, a lightweight waterproof rain jacket, a small daypack for daily walks, sunscreen, and a hat. For international tours, check your tour page for destination-specific recommendations. Comfortable, modest clothing works for most group dinners — WAI tours are relaxed, not formal.

Most days begin with a group breakfast, followed by a morning walk or cultural visit. Midday includes a lunch stop — sometimes included, sometimes on your own at a local restaurant. Afternoons blend walking with sightseeing, and evenings are usually free with periodic group dinners. You'll never feel rushed, and there's always time to rest, explore on your own, or sit in a café and watch the world go by. Your guides will share a detailed daily schedule before the trip so you'll know exactly what to expect.

You don't need to be an athlete. WAI tours range from gentle strolls through city streets to more adventurous walks on hills and trails — and most walking days offer a shorter or easier alternative so you can choose your level. If you enjoy walking regularly and can handle a couple of miles at a comfortable pace, you'll find tours that fit. More experienced walkers will find plenty to challenge them too. The best preparation is to walk regularly in the weeks before your trip, gradually building up distance. Every tour page shows walk-by-walk ratings so you can see exactly what's involved — and if you're unsure, give us a call. We love helping people find the right fit.

WAI groups are small by design — every group is kept intentionally small so you're never just a face in the crowd. Two WAI guides accompany every trip (plus local national guides on international tours), which means more personal attention, better access to local experiences, and the kind of camaraderie that turns fellow travelers into lasting friends. Check your tour page for specific group size details.

Absolutely — and you won't be alone for long. Many of our travelers come solo and quickly find themselves part of the group. We offer a roommate matching service at no extra charge, or you can book a single room for a supplement (amount varies by tour). Solo travelers consistently tell us that the community feel of a WAI trip is one of the best parts.

Meal inclusions vary by tour — check your specific tour page for details. Most tours include daily breakfast, several group dinners, and select lunches. On free-meal days, your guides will recommend local restaurants that match the group's tastes and budget. Group dinners are a highlight — they're often at locally owned restaurants where the food tells a story about the place you're visiting.

With help from local experts and walking guides, Classic Curated itineraries are crafted with extensive on-site planning by WAI tour planners. Our objective is to capture the essence of a destination by weaving together its culture, history, natural beauty, and culinary traditions into a walking-centric adventure. Think of it as a fully planned trip where each day is thoughtfully designed — not a self-guided hike, not a resort stay, but an immersive journey with a small group led by experienced WAI guides.

After you register, we'll send you an Adventure Advice email with everything you need to plan your trip — recommended flights, arrival airports, timing tips, and important steps to take before departure. One big thing: please don't buy your flights until you've seen this email. It'll save you headaches and help you find the best options. Closer to departure, you'll get a final packet with hotel details, a list of your fellow travelers, and a day-by-day schedule.

If a tour departure doesn't reach the minimum enrollment needed to run, WAI reserves the right to cancel it. If that happens, registered participants receive a 100% refund of all payments made to WAI. Most tours reach minimum enrollment well in advance, and cancellations are rare — but we want you to know we stand behind our commitment if it ever happens. In cases where supplier non-refundable deposits limit what WAI can recover, we'll do our best to apply unrecovered amounts as credit toward a future tour.

Our approach to wellness on tour encourages travelers to: focus on health before the tour so you start healthy; pace yourself while on tour, as travel is inherently stimulating and can mask energy drain; stay hydrated and rested, especially on long-haul travel days and at altitude; and speak up if you're not feeling well — our guides are trained to help and would rather know early. We travel in small groups where everyone looks out for each other, and our guides carry first aid supplies and know local medical resources at every stop. Read our full Wellness on Tour Policy for details.

For Northern Ireland Extension

Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom, while the Republic of Ireland is an independent nation. In practical terms for travelers: the currency changes from Euros to British Pounds, and you're technically entering a different country — but there is no border checkpoint. The extension includes Belfast, where your guide will share the complex history of The Troubles with sensitivity and balance, and the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity.

For Aran Islands Pre-Tour

The Aran Islands Pre-Tour runs for 3 days immediately before the main Ireland: The Emerald Isle tour. Both start and end in Limerick, so the handoff is seamless — you'll already be at the hotel when the main tour begins. It's a wonderful way to ease into Ireland with a dramatic Atlantic coast experience before the full tour starts. You can book the pre-tour only if you're also registered for the main Ireland tour.

For Aran Islands Pre-Tour

The Aran Islands are three rocky limestone islands off Ireland's west coast where Irish (Gaelic) is still the daily language. Inishmore, the largest, is home to Dun Aengus — a 3,000-year-old cliff-edge stone fort that is one of Europe's most dramatic prehistoric sites. The islands feel like stepping back in time. Transport is by ferry (included), and on the island you'll walk and ride in local minibuses. Weather is Atlantic maritime — expect wind, possible rain, and spectacular light.

Ireland: The Emerald Isle

Tour Pace

Walk Challenge