August 29 - September 8, 2022

Special small group size - be first on the waitlist!

Trip Leader - Deirdre Butler | Assistant Leader - Lyn Potier

Known as the ‘Emerald Isle’ Ireland is indeed a beautiful gem rising out of the Atlantic and the Ring of Kerry, tucked away in the South West is arguably one of Southern Ireland’s most picturesque regions. The correct name for the Ring of Kerry is the Iveragh Peninsula. A wild, unspoilt and exhilarating place to visit, sitting as it does on the Wild Atlantic Way, a huge coastal touring route that covers 9 counties.

The area really does have everything, from expanses of wilderness, majestic mountains and breathtaking waterfalls to stunning sandy beaches and even ancient woodlands where Ireland’s only herd of wild Red Deer can be found. We will take you on a trip to uncover some of its treasures and experience a culture famed for its myths, legends and music.

We will be based in the historic town of Killarney on the shores of Lough Leane and the very edge of Killarney National Park. Just 7.5 miles off the coast of Kerry, a twin-peaked pyramidal crag of rock juts out from the Atlantic Ocean: Sceilg Mhichíl, also known as Skellig Michael, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 and famed film location in the Star Wars movie, is the most spectacularly situated of all Early Medieval island monastic sites. A highlight of this trip is a visit to Skellig Michael, with the possibility of a land tour.

Steeped in history, our days will include a 15th century abbey and castle, fabulous gardens, waterfalls, a horse-cart ride, boat ride and an unsurpassed variety of natural beauty. Walk with us and experience the warmth of a traditional Irish welcome and savor a well earned pint or two of their famous Guinness at the end of the day!

This trip is designed for the moderately active hiker but will present a few challenges along the way. The route will vary in difficulty with walking distances between 3 – 10 miles and elevation gains up to 1300 feet. The terrain is varied; from quiet country lanes to uneven rocky trails, mountain paths and boardwalks. Some sections will be steep and others will be boggy and some agility will be needed to climb stiles.

What's Included:

  • Lodging (double/twin -occupancy with en suite bath). Single supplements are limited.

  • All on-trip transportation.

  • Skellig Michael landing tour or eco-boat tour

  • Entrance fees to Skellig Experience Visitor Center, Ross Castle and Muckross House

  • Day 8 - Boat-ride and horse-cart ride

  • All breakfasts

  • Nine dinners

  • Gratuities for local service providers

  • All hikes

What’s Not Included:

  • International airfare and in-country travel pre- and post- trip

  • Lunches and one dinner, beverages with meals

  • Expenses of a personal nature

  • Tips for trip leaders are at your discretion

  • Other expenses including Covid-19 tests, quarantine and medical evacuations.

We recommend purchasing travel insurance.

Trip Dates: August 29 - September 8, 2022 | 11 day trip

Special small group size - be first on the waitlist!

Trip Price and Deposit: $4,185 per person | Deposit $1,046 | Single supplement $725

Remainder due May 29, 2022

Price is based on double occupancy of rooms. Same gender roommate will be assigned to participants traveling solo. Single supplements are limited. Your non-refundable deposit will hold your reservation. Either pay on line (credit/ debit cards accepted) using our secure PayPal payment system or write a check, payable to “Big Round World”, and mail it to: PO Box 1337, Lyons, CO 80540.

How to Sign Up

  1. Complete the COVID-19 Vaccination Status Form

  2. Follow the next steps.