Guest Author - Julie Fredrick
Active vacations are becoming more popular as travelers feel the need to experience their journeys in an up-close and personal manner. Walking and hiking is one of the best and most readily available ways to do this, not to mention the fact that it is cheaper than renting an automobile or joining a tour group.
Ireland has long been a popular destination for multi-day walks. Traveling on foot between towns, sharing meals with locals and sharing time in small pubs and restaurants allows you to be more immersed in a culture, as well.
Some of the top long walks in all of Europe are in Ireland, and two well-known walks include the Dingle Way and the Kerry Way.
The Dingle Way trail begins and ends in Tralee, the capital of Kerry, completing a circuit of the Kerry Peninsula. The scenery changes seemingly around each bend, delighting the walker with different land and seascapes. An adult in average condition and good health should be able to complete the 179 km-long Kerry trail in 8-10 days.
The trail is typically walked in a clockwise direction. Beaches and some little-used small roads make up much of the trail. Open farmland is also crossed. One is never more than a few hours from a settlement, so there is no need to weigh one’s self down with food and water. Accommodations range from Hostels to bed and breakfasts to small hotels and inns. During the summer, it is essential to pre-book accommodation reservations on this popular trail.
There are a limited number of airlines the fly into Kerry, the closest airport. Cork or Shannon would be next best.
The Kerry Way, also in Ireland, starts and ends in Kilarney. At 200 km, it can be walked in 9 days, but it is recommended to add some days for rest and relaxation into the schedule. Looping the Iverugh Peninsula, it is walked in a counter-clockwise direction.
Unlike the Dingle way, the Kerry way follows a more remote and isolated path, lending itself to exceptional scenery, but with longer stretches between settlements. The terrain is not as well defined as the Dingle Way, and some of the mountainous paths and marshy areas can be demanding for the novice hiker.
Accommodations are plenty and varied. If you want to experience a truly Irish experience, spend a few nights at a local farm. Farm stays can be arranged in advance. Often, innkeepers will offer to transport your luggage from their inn to your next destination. This certainly lightens your load. Make sure you keep adequate foul-weather gear with you at all times, though, as the weather in Ireland is unpredictable, at best. Again, the Kerry airport is closest, but the Shannon or Cork airport easier to fly into.
As with all long-distance hikes, be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. It is essential to bring wet-weather wear and changes of clothing, especially socks and underwear. Cotton is NOT a good choice for clothing, as it holds moisture. Moisture-wicking clothing is recommended. Bring a hat and plenty of water-many hikers find that a camelback works well for hands-free drinking.
Waterproof footwear is advised, along with a poncho or parka. Many people like to take walking poles.
Before your trip, get plenty of exercise and practice hill-walking to make your trip more enjoyable.
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