Hiking Advice

Yankeesmama · Member

Hiking Advice

tony2phones · Guru

Adare too Killarney no problem except for the ferry confuse as far as I know there are still bridges along the roads wink you might be confusing with the Cliffs and Burren in Clare. I would only use the Shannon Ferry to cross if exploring the south west of Clare and Loop Head for everything else north use the Shannon Tunnel. Adare is ok as a base but if you plan on exploring a little use 2 or 3 bases.

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Killarney is worth at least two days - particularly for the hiking enthusiasts. If I had to choose between the Gap and the National Park, though, I believe that I would chose the Gap.

With 7-8 days total, you can see a lot of the SW from an Adare base, SEE: http://ireland.activeboard.com/t42977148/march-april-in-adare-a-tale-of-joy-and-woe/ , I have to agree with Tony that there are better options.

A lot depends upon you Wish List of Must Sees and you groups traveling style, though

Michele always recommends that you FIRST make a prioritized List of the things and places that you would like to visit and then plot them out, on a map. The largest clusters generally indicate the optimum location for your accommodations. For example -- If you descover 2-3 days worth of interests in and around Killarney, then it makes sense to stay IN Killarney for two nights, rather than commute there from Adare ( which is 1 to 1.5 hours away) as each day will have to factor in 2-3 hours of driving time, just to GET to the area that you wish to visit.

Don't forget to allow time in your planning to actually visit the attractions,either -- The full Gap of Dunloe Trip -- whether you walk to Lord Bandon's Cottage, or ride the Jaunting Cars, and the subsequent boat ride to Muckross House takes a full 7 hours. The Deros Tour departs about 10:00 AM and ends, back at their mid-town office about 5 PM

Hope this helps!

Bob

Judy · Guru

The distance from Adare to Killarney is approximately 58 miles on National Roads (no ferry) and should take about 1.5 hours. Since only 2 in your group are interested in hiking and the Gap of Dunloe would be the most scenic area for hiking, you could drop them off at Kate Kearneys Cottage, which is the entrance to the Gap. The rest of the group could spend the day in Killarney and surrounding area visiting Muckross House and gardens and Muckross Farms. Also take the Ross Castle guided tour and a short ride up to Ladies View would be nice.

At the end of your day trip to Killarney, pick up your daughter and son-in-law back at Kate Karneys and drive back to Adare. No need for using the Deros Coach tour bus unless they want to ride the pony and trap through the Gap and the boat ride back to Ross Castle where the tour bus would pick them up.

The drive up to Ladies view is part of Killarney National Park, however it would be a steep hike to the top on narrow roads and not as good a hike as the Gap. There other hiking options for KNP, but The Gap of Dunloe (in my opinion) is by far the most beautiful.

Michele Erdvig · Host

I agree with everyone that the Gap of Dunloe is the place to hike through in the Killarney area. I always enjoy the Cherry Tree Walk especially in the spring when the trees are blooming. However, if you are staying in Adare there are other places closer that you can hike. There is a lovely cliff walk in Ballybunion.

Also check out Irish Trails.

tony2phones · Guru

Possibly of interest
http://www.shannonregiontrails.ie/FindaTrail/Walking/