Why Walk in Ireland?

Ireland has a lot to offer the walker: dramatic sea cliffs, high mountain ridges, quiet green roads, butter roads, fuchsia-lined lanes, heath and moorland, sweeping expanses of beach. And then there are the sleepy villages, oak woods, sky-blue lakes, torrential waterfalls and babbling brooks.

Ireland's climate ideally suits the walker as generally it rarely gets too hot to be uncomfortable. Rain and cloud-formations are what bring the interesting light patterns and rainbows. The Western coast and islands are known for magnificent sunsets.

Don't be surprised at the very few people you will meet whilst walking, after all, the entire population of Ireland is only around four million! Ireland is a bird-watcher's paradise with many rarities such as the corncrake. It is also a great place for botanists, especially the area of the Burren, Co. Clare.

Maybe the best attraction of all is the people, you'll never find another place like it for hospitality, friendliness, warmth, generosity, humour, love of life and love of the land.

Why a Group Tour?

Sit back, relax and let your guide do the driving. No need to plan ahead, leave that headache to us. You will not be disappointed at being brought to tourist-free areas where the only other people you may see in a day's walking are the local farmers.

Independent travel in Ireland is not easy: for example, there is no railway system in Donegal and an infrequent bus service will not get you to the remote walking areas. You will find that taking a Joyce's Ireland tour is an ideal opportunity for meeting other like-minded travellers who enjoy the outdoors.

We will have plenty of pub evenings and chances to sample the Guinness or Irish Coffee, and you will never have to worry about driving home. If you play an instrument, please feel free to bring it along (pianos, double bass and harps excepted!).

What's Included?

From the time you are picked up at the airport to the time you are dropped off, you will receive all meals consisting of either full Irish or Continental breakfast, packed lunch and dinner. Two dinners per trip are excluded, to give you the opportunity of sampling what the local restaurants have to offer, or simply enjoying fish and chips down by the harbour.

All accommodation is provided on a twin or double share basis. If you are travelling as a single person we will find a room mate for you. Single rooms are available on request and at a supplement.

All land transportation within Ireland is included. Return ferry to Cape Clear is included on the Ireland Coast To Coast tour and return ferry to Rathlin Island is included in the Causeway, Cliffs and Castles tour. The service of a guide / guides is provided and you will be accompanied by them throughout your holiday.

The Walks / Hikes

It is important that you are fit and at least a regular hiker / walker. When we do half day walks the distance covered could be from 4 to 9 miles, when we do full day walks the distances covered could be 6 to 13 miles. The pace is relaxed with time to enjoy your surroundings, take pictures, watch the birds, etc. Generally the terrain comprises of combinations of tracks, lanes, moorland, heath, coastal paths, beaches and mountain paths. You may choose not to walk on certain days, it's your holiday, there are always alternatives. You may prefer to relax at our accommodation, draw, paint, read, think...

Generally after a day of walking we can help ourselves to complimentary tea and coffee at our accommodation. We allow for some relaxation time before dinner. We have an official "Diary" which has been kept by previous groups and you may choose to make a contribution at the end of your day. After dinner there is nearly always the option of visiting the local pubs for some traditional music and dancing.