FMC Travel Club

A subsidiary of Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand (Inc.) www.fmc.org.nz

Club Convenor : John Dobbs Travel Smart Napier Civic Court, Dickens Street, Napier 4110 P : 06 8352222 E : john@travelsmart.co.nz

*** THE ABSOLUTE BEST OF THE EMERALD ISLE ***

One glorious month in Ireland, visiting all major national parks and significant climbs or trails, numerous instances of spectacular coastal scenery, plus visits to Dublin, Belfast, Londonderry,

Donegal, Galway, Limerick, Cork and Kilkenny, with intervening rest days.

17 June - 18 July, 2018. Trip Leader : Phillip Donnell $5095 ex Dublin (estimated as at May 2017) (based on a minimum of 7 participants and subject to currency fluctuations)

Any payments by visa or mastercard adds $130

PRICE INCLUDES :

All accommodation in Ireland : small hotels, B & B’s, hostels etc

All transport to complete the itinerary : hired minivan or similar

All breakfasts and two dinners

An experienced and knowledgeable Kiwi leader

Inclusions and entry fees as shown in the daily itinerary PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE :

Travel to and from Dublin

Lunches and other dinners

Travel insurance

Personal incidental expenses HIGHLIGHTS

Discover the best of Ireland on a rewarding circular tour. See countless castles and historic highlights, unspoilt lakes, moody mountains, wild coastline and serene loughs.

Easy access to some great walks that have been hand-picked for you, ensuring you explore the best trails.

Viewing the places you have heard immortalised in song: Galway Bay, Tipperary, Tralee, etc.

Marvel at the Giant’s Causeway, an amazing example of columnar basalt.

Soak in the atmosphere of the Queen of the Glens in the Glenariff National Park.

Taking a deep breath before crossing the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.

Enjoying the warmth and welcome of the great Irish hospitality.

Driving the famed Ring of Kerry and exploring Killarney National Park.

Following Ireland’s classic national trails—the Dingle, Wicklow, Kerry and Burren Ways.

The chance to traverse Ireland's highest cliffs (Slieve League) and climb Ireland's highest mountain (Mt. Carrauntoohil).

Listening to live music and chatting with the locals in traditional Irish pubs.

Visiting cultural and historic gems—Glendalough, Newgrange, Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle.

Stepping back in time at the wonderful new Titanic Experience in Belfast.

Rest days in Londonderry, Galway, Killarney, and Kilkenny.

Distances quoted are by the most direct route, which may not always be followed. They are given as a guide only, and to show that distances in Ireland are not huge!

Walks in red are featured in the book "1001 Walks You Must Experience before You Die" (2015)

Walks will be selected from those listed.

Trip Leader

Phillip Donnell lives in sunny Tauranga with his wife Katrina. He has three married children and nine grandchildren. He has been involved in outdoor activities for more than 40 years, leading hundreds of tramping expeditions in New Zealand and overseas, as well as extensive involvement in kayaking and mountain-biking. He has also run 96 marathons and 114 half-marathons. He has an M.A. in Geography, which has given him a deep enthusiasm for travel and for exploring places. He has been a teacher of Geography, History, English and ESOL; is a published author of poetry, articles and short stories; and currently works in the tourist industry. He really enjoys visiting other countries and interacting with different cultures, as has considerable experience in leading groups. Phillip led our Biblelands Pilgrimage 2015 and Absolute Best of the USA National Parks trips in 2015 and in 2016. In 2017 he will lead our trip to the Canada Rockies. “My ancestry is Irish. My great grandparents had a farm at Gortkilly near Strabane in County Donegal. My grandfather grew up on this farm before moving to Derry and establishing a grocery business. He was married to my grandmother in Derry in 1903. After the birth of four children, the family emigrated to NZ in 1909 and my father was born in Auckland. I still have relatives in Donegal, Tyrone and Antrim. Donegal Castle is the “seat” of the Donnell clan. So my links with Ireland are very strong”.

I am delighted that Phillip has prepared this itinerary and is available to lead this exciting trip for the travel club. If you have any questions you would like to put to Phillip, he welcomes your contact at pjdonnell@orcon.net.nz

Ireland – an overview We begin and end in Dublin, completing an anti-clockwise circuit that covers the entire island in a month. One could spend literally months here, which is not really feasible! So we have included a great deal within a month and as much variety as possible. Our walking programme touches all points of the compass. The walks and tramps on offer are hugely varied and wherever you are, you are never far from the ancient history and plethora of ancient sites that give walking in Ireland a dimension not found elsewhere. Having our own minivan will enable us to reach places we might not get to otherwise and provide options not available using public transport. The pub is significantly more than just a place to go for a drink in Ireland. It is actually a place where locals gather, stories are shared and where impromptu or planned traditional music may be enjoyed and where tasty food can be found, therefore making the visiting of pubs an all round experience and an intrinsic part of visiting Ireland. The Celtic imprint and traditional music are a feature. In parts of west Ireland, we will be in Gaeltacht areas that hold on to Gaelic ways and language. While the Irish Republic is part of the European Union and uses the Euro, Northern Ireland uses the British Pound. Costs are broadly similar to NZ, but you will find Dublin in particular is more expensive. Ireland, and particularly the north, has emerged from its troubled political past and is safe and stable to travel around. Uncovering a little of the past in Northern Ireland, particularly in Belfast and Londonderry, can be quite enlightening. Human history goes back thousands of years in Ireland and some of this will become very real as we visit ancient sites, ruined monasteries, castles, standing stones, dolmens and other place and features, still an intrinsic part of the modern landscape and reason for visiting this wonderful and scenic country.

More details about the inclusions

An arrival night show dinner showcasing traditional Irish music and dance with drinks

An end of trip farewell dinner with drinks

Entry and guided interpretation at Brun a Boinne ancient site (Exhibition, Newgrange and Nowth)

Entry to Cliffs of Moher site

Hire bike and boat combo’ at Killarney National Park

There could be others too, not finalised when this dossier was compiled in May 2017

Mourne Mountains

Options – some are subject to weather dependency etc

Two day Dublin Pass Card (ideal if arriving a day earlier and includes arrival airport transfer and numerous entry fees etc)

Muckross House and Gardens at Killarney

Summiting Carrantoohil

Dursey Island cableway

Blarney Castle visit

Powerscourt and gardens visit

There could be others too

Itinerary

DAY ACTIVITIES Participants should be in Dublin by the evening of Sunday 17 June 2018

DUBLIN Day 1 Monday 18 June

Free time! So much to see and do. Go on a walking tour that includes some of the city’s fine parks, Georgian buildings and cultural sites. Explore such classic landmarks as Trinity College and the Book of Kells, Dublin Castle, the National Museum, Chester Beatty Library, Kilmainham Gaol, and the Guinness Storehouse. Enjoy dinner in the Temple Bar district and entertainment introducing traditional Irish music. O/n Dublin

NORTHERN IRELAND Day 2 Tuesday 19 June

Travel from Dublin to Newcastle (140 km, 1 hour 30 mins). Possible stops: *Bru na Boinne historic site (which contains 5000 year old Neolithic passage graves, burial chambers, standing stones and more) * Hill of Tara * Battle of the Boyne site * Old Mellifont Abbey *The remains of the monastery at Monasterboice, one of Ireland’s most significant ecclesiastical sites. *Megalithic Newgrange (3200 BC). O/n Newcastle

Day 3 Wednesday 20 June

Mourne Mountains Possible walks: Slieve Donagh from Bloody Bridge (11 km, 5 hours) Slieve Bearnagh (14.5 km, 6 hours) The Mourne Inner Horseshoe (21 km, 8-9 hours) Trassey to Bloody Bridge (11.6 km, 4-5 hours) Central Mournes (15.8 km, 5-6 hours) Reservoir View: Southern end to Newcastle (15 km) Bearnagh to Meelmore (9.6 km) Lough Shannagh (11 km loop) O/n Belfast

Day 4 Thursday 21 June

Belfast A free day to explore the capital of Northern Ireland. West Belfast (murals), Ulster Folk and Transport Museum , Crumlin Road Gaol, The Titanic Experience, are all fascinating as you discover how the city has emerged from ‘the troubles’ of the past. *Bangor (Northern Ireland’s biggest and most prestigious marina and Bangor Abbey, whose tower dates from the 15th century) O/n Belfast

Day 5 Friday 22 June

Game of Thrones Country: Larne, Black Cave Tunnel, Glens of Antrim, Torr Head Scenic Road, Cushendun. Glenariff is sometimes called the 'Queen of the Glens' and is the biggest and most popular of the Glens of Antrim. Possible walks: Glenariff Forest Park Scenic Trail (9.5 km) The Moyle Way (52 km - part thereof): Glenaan (10 km, 3 hours) and/or Glendun (10 km, 3 hours) from Cushendall. Antrim Hills Way (35 km - part thereof) O/n Ballycastle

Day 6 Saturday 23 June

Causeway Coast Way (parts) Ballintoy/Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge to Dunseverick Castle (7 km, 2.25 hours) Dunseverick castle to the Giant's Causeway (9 km, 2.75 hours). Torr Head Scenic Road? *Bushmills is the home of the oldest working whiskey distillery in Ireland O/n Bushmills

Day 7 Sunday 24 June

Travel from Bushmills to Londonderry (60 km, 1 hour) Rest day in Londonderry O/n Londonderry

NORTHWEST IRELAND Day 8 Monday 25 June

Inishowen, Fanad and Rosguill Peninsulas The timeless Inishowen Peninsula is often referred to as 'Ireland in Miniature'. Take a loop hike around the headland, starting at a World War II lookout tower. Pass the point from where St Columba left Ireland on his way to Iona (Portkill) and a viewing point from where, on fine days, you may even spot the west coast of Scotland (8 km, 2 hours). Other possible hikes: Tramore Beach/ Horn Head (2 km, 1 hour), Muckish Mountain (5.6 km, 2.5 hours). O/n Dunfanaghy

Day 9 Tuesday 26 June

Glenveagh National Park and the Derryveagh Mountains Possible walks: Mt Errigal (752m, 1-2 hours), Poisoned Glen (2 hours), Slieve Snaght /Poisoned Glen (12.8 km, 5 hours), Lough Veagh (8 km,2.5 hours), Lough Inshagh (7 km,1.5 hours), Glen (Bridle Path) Walk (8 km, 2 hours), View Point Trail (1 km, 30 mins), Garden Trail (1 km, 1 hour), Derrylahn Nature Trail (2 km,45 mins), Lakeside Walk (3.5 km, 40 mins). O/n Letterkenny

Day 10 Wednesday 27 June

Glencolumbcille Maghera, Assarancagh waterfall, Glen Gesh Pass, Atlantic Drive, Slieve League (clifftop walk 12 km, 5.5 hours), Blue Stack Mountains. * Sliabh Liag (Slieve League) are the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe reaching a height of 600m, making them nearly three times the height of Co Clare’s Cliffs of Moher. Once at the car park at the top of Sliabh Liag you can walk even higher to the highest point of the cliffs using the Pilgrims Path. O/n Donegal

Day 11 Thursday 28 June

Yeats Country Kilcar Way, Drumcliff Possible visits: Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery

Country Life Museum (National Museum of Ireland - home to the national collection of objects representing the traditional way of life in Ireland since 1850). Possible walks: Mount Benbulbin (526m, 8.8 km, 3.25 hours) Bunduff Strand, a pure white beach popular with surfers. and Mullaghmore Head (8 km, 2 hours). O/n Sligo

GALWAY AND THE WEST Day 12 Friday 29 June

Croagh Patrick Travel from Sligo to Croagh Patrick (116 km, 1.75 hours) Croagh Patrick is considered the holiest mountain in Ireland. It rises 762m above Clew Bay. Here the tradition of pilgrimage stretches back over 5,000 years. Each year, around 1 million pilgrims climb to the summit of ‘The Reek’ (as it is warmly known), in honour of Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint. It was on the summit of the mountain that Saint Patrick fasted for forty days in 441 AD. The ascent from the Visitors Centre usually takes 2-3 hours, and the descent 1.5-2 hours. Tonight, make for Matt Molloy’s, the pub owned by The Chieftain’s flute player for some traditional music.

O/n Westport

Day 13 Saturday 30 June

Connemara National Park (52 km from Westport) A day of tramping in this lovely tangle of mountains, bogs and lakes . Possible walks among The 12 Bens: Tully Mountain (3 hrs,8 km), Binn Bhan (3.5 hrs,9 km), Lower Diamond Hill (4 km), Diamond Hill (7 km, 2.5 hours), Muckanaught and Ben Baun (10.5 km, 5-6 hours), The Glencoaghan Horseshoe (6 of the Bens, 16 km, 7-8 hours), Killary Famine Walk (6 hrs,10 km). A lovely walk is ‘Máméan’; the Pass of the Birds, which looks onto the Twelve Bens of Connemara and the Inagh Valley (10 km, 3-4 hours) O/n Letterfrack or Clifden

Day 14 Sunday 1 July

Travel and Rest Day: Galway City Coastal route to Galway City via Roundstone and Costello (77 km, 1.25 hours). At leisure in Galway City, the vibrant youthful capital of the west. Known for its festivals, music and bars, Galway is both ancient and modern. If you don't like the city, how about an excursion to the Aran islands? O/n Galway City

Day 15 Monday 2 July

The Burren National Park Possible walks: Mullaghmore Hill (6.5 km, 2-3 hours), Gleninagh Mountain (10 km, 3-4 hours), Burren Way (114 km - part), Poulnabrone Dolmen. O/n Doolin

Day 16 Tuesday 3 July

Cliffs of Moher (the clifftop walk is part of the Burren Way), Kilkee, Kilbaha, Lough Inagh Valley, Ennis, Bunratty Castle Folk Park, Aillwee Caves, The Clare Coast, Lough Gur Stone Age Centre, Great Southern Trail (85 km - part). O/n Limerick

SOUTHWEST IRELAND

Day 17 Wednesday 4 July

Dingle Peninsula Drive the Dingle Peninsula to Slea Head, Connor Pass, optional climb of Mount Brandon (952m, 8.5 km, 4 hours) The evocative Dingle Peninsula is a stronghold of Gaaeltacht language and culture. The heavily glaciated topography, the mountains and convoluted coastline are very impressive. O/n Tralee

Day 18 Thursday 5 July

Dingle Way Walk a section of the 160 km Dingle Way, e,g. Anascaul to Dingle (19 km, 6-7 hours), Dingle to Slea Head (20 km, 6.5 hours), loop walk from the Great Blasket Island Visitor Centre at Dunquin (up to 16 km). O/n Tralee

Day 19 Friday 6 July

Ring of Kerry Today we head to a 2nd big peninsula and drive the full Ring of Kerry, with numerous stops along the way. This 180km road offers outstanding scenic vistas. Starting from Killarney you’ll explore the beautiful Inveragh peninsula, taking in the remote Black Valley and charming towns and villages of Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, Glenbeigh and Caherdaniel. Hopefully we can include the Beentee Circuit, a good 3hr tramp near the town of Caherciveen. O/n Killarney

Day 20 Saturday 7 July

Killarney National Park The park protects the glaciated valleys around 3 lakes. Here there is virgin forest featuring oak, yew and the Mediterranean arbutus (strawberry tree). Red deer, pine marten, otter, red squirrels and 140 bird species can also be found. By a combination of biking, walking and a boat we will include the gorgeous must see parts of the park, including the Gap of Dunloe, Ladies View, Moll's Gap, Muckross House. Possible walks: Muckross Lake and Torc Waterfall (2-3 hours, 9-11 km), Torc Mountain (9.5 km, 3.75 hours). O/n Killarney

Day 21 Sunday 8 July

Rest day in Killarney O/n Killarney

Day 22 Monday 9 July

Free day, or Mt. Carrauntoohil option Today you can have some downtime in Killarney or climb this peak. At 1038m it is Ireland’s highest. An approx’ 7 hour circuit requires a solid effort and we will probably use a local guide. But if weather conditions permit, it will be a memorable and satisfying tramp. O/n Killarney

Day 23 Tuesday 10 July

Skellig Michael or Kerry Way Optional boat trip to Skellig Michael from Portmagee and/or walk a section of the 200 km Kerry Way, e.g. Windy Gap to Glenbeigh (9.6 km, 3 hours). Skellig Michael is the larger of the two Skellig Islands, 11.6 kilometres (7.2 mi) west of the Iveragh peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. A Christian monastery was founded on the island at some point between the 6th and 8th century and remained continuously occupied until it was abandoned in the late 12th century. The remains of the monastery, and most of the island, became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. O/n Kenmare

Day 24 Wednesday 11 July

Beara Peninsula and Dursey Island Irelands 3rd big south western peninsulas is beautiful and becomes more rugged as one heads to the extremity. We do a circuit drive, aiming to be at the tip of the peninsula by mid morning to connect with the cable-car across the channel to Dursey Island. This remote and windswept island has a brilliant 11km circuit

walk for seemingly endless views across the Atlantic, beyond Calf, Bull and Cow Islands. Dursey is a birdwatchers heaven, with stark and appealing beauty, a rugged indented coastline, lofty cliffs, open bogs and a patchwork of fields divided by dry-stone walls and ditches. It is also dotted with antiquities from standing stones, a monastery and an impressive signal station from the Napoleonic era. *Those who do not wish to visit Dursey island may walk a short section of the 206 km Beara Way. O/n Kenmare

Day 25 Thursday 12 July

Healy Pass, Kinsale, Blarney Castle Possible walk: St Finbarr's Pilgrim Path (37 km - part) O/n Cork

Day 26 Friday 13 July

Significant Sites in County Tipperary Possible visits: Mt Melleray Monastery, Tipperary, Rock of Cashel (traditional seat of the Kings of Munster prior to the Norman invasion), Cahir Castle, Athassel Priory, Holy Cross, Dunmore Caves. Possible walk: St Declan's Way (Ireland's Camino) (96 km - part) O/n Kilkenny

KILKENNY AND THE SOUTHEAST Day 27 Saturday 14 July

Kilkenny This vibrant and historic city preserves its medieval framework, centred upon its imposing castle. Another wonderful place to enjoy the hospitality and traditional music that may be experienced in the city’s pubs Kilkenny is also known as the ‘Marble City’ thanks to the black polished limestone (‘marble’) that was quarried there. Wander the beautifully-preserved streets and soak up the medieval culture - dating back more than 1,500 years. O/n Kilkenny

Day 28 Sunday 15 July

Rest day in Kilkenny O/n Kilkenny

Day 29 Monday 16 July

Wicklow Mountains National Park (82 km, 1 hour) Glendalough is a surprisingly remote and beautifully glaciated mountain valley which shelters an atmospheric monastery, founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. There is much to see in this area with excellent walking. Walk St Kevin's Way from Hollywood (25 km) or from Valleymount (22km) to Glendalough via the Wicklow Gap, OR the Glenealo-Turlough Hill-Camaderry Loop (14.5 km, 4-5 hours) OR simply amble around the Glendalough Walking Tour (5 km, 1 hour) O/n Glendalough

EASTERN IRELAND Day 30 Tuesday 17 July

Optional walk along the Wicklow Way from Glenmalure to Glendalough (14 km, 4.5 hours), or Glenmalure to Iron Bridge (14 km, 4-5 hours) or Glenmalure to Moyne (21 km, 7 hours). Alternatively visit the beautiful Powerscourt Estate. Other possible walks: Spink & Derrybawn Ridge Loop (12 km, 4.5 hrs), Glen- malure -Fraughan Rock-Lugnaquilla Loop (15.3 km, 5-6 hrs), Fairy Castle (3 hrs). O/n Dublin

Day 31 Wednesday 18 July

After breakfast our tour concludes and you may arrange for onward travel.

Booking Conditions : FMC Travel Club And Travel Smart Napier

1. The FMC Travel Club (FMC) offers this small group trip in conjunction with Travel Smart Napier (TSN). All travel arrangements for the operation of the core trip are made with TSN. Participants agree to all terms and conditions by signing the Registration Form.

2. FMC and TSN are not responsible or liable for any injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may arise from weather, defect in any vehicle, vessel or aircraft, of through the acts or default of any person or company engaged in carrying out any of the arrangements of the trip.

3. We reserve the right to cancel the trip if minimum numbers don’t eventuate. In such an event, all monies paid will be fully refunded. We also reserve the right to make any modifications that may be essential, or to offer a modified trip to a smaller number of people.

4. The trip includes a payment to FMC. 5. Registrations are accepted in good faith on a first comers basis on receipt of the Registration Form. The

deposit is $2000 per person and will be invoiced once a core minimum number of registrations have been received. Registrations close by 31st December 2017 (or earlier if the trip fills) and final balance is due by 31st March 2018. All payments may be made by cash, cheque, EFTPOS, internet banking, visa or mastercard to the offices of TSN. All or any payments by Visa or Mastercard adds $130 to the final trip price. Our preferred method of payment is internet banking. Please use : 010685 0151601 46 at ANZ Napier. Cheques must be payable to Travel Smart Napier.

6. Events beyond our control such as currency fluctuations or any unforeseen additional costs may affect the overall trip price. We cannot guarantee the price until such times as full payment has been received. Upon full payment, the trip price is guaranteed.

7. Cancellations. If you need to cancel your registration for any reason, you must advise TSN in writing as soon as possible. An email is acceptable, a phone call alone is not. Travel insurance will cover you for unforeseen circumstances but will not cover you for changing your mind after committing to the trip. Cancellation fees apply as follows :

Cancellations received from 1st January to 31st March 2018 incur a fee of $2000 (the deposit)

Cancellations received from 1st April 2018 onwards incur a fee of 100% of trip costs. 8. Travel insurance is mandatory, and we are able to assist with cover through Kiwi Holiday Insurance or

Covermore. For your own protection, travel insurance should be effective from 31st December 2017, the date that trip deposits become non-refundable.

Registration Form – Ireland 2018

Complete and send to John Dobbs at TSN with a passport copy. Registrations ideally close by 31st December 2017 (or earlier if the trip fills). So your earliest commitment is appreciated. All or any payments by Visa or Mastercard adds $130 to the final trip price. Our preferred payment method is internet banking into : 010685 0151601 46 at ANZ Napier . Do not send the deposit initially, this will be requested once a minimum number of participants have registered. Your full name(s) as per passport(s) and please underline or highlight your preferred first name(s)……………………………...

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Mailing address…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Day phone…………………………………………….Night phone…………………………………………………Mobile……………………………………..

Email……………………………………………………………………………….Date(s) of birth…………………………………………………………………..

What are your recent tramping experiences? How often do you tramp? Please extend your answers overleaf or on separate paper, or by email. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Specify any dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions…………………………………………………………………………………

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………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Contact person in NZ for any emergencies : name, address, contact phone numbers, email and the relationship to you. In the event of any emergency, this is the sole person you are authorizing us to liaise with

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…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. I/We have read the full trip dossier and I / We agree to pay all trip costs by due date, as advised by invoice. I / We understand that the final trip price is subject to minimum numbers and other cost impacts as detailed under the Booking Conditions section; therefore the final trip price cannot be guaranteed until such times as full payment has been made. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….signed and dated by each person registering Send to : John Dobbs, FMC Travel Club Convenor Travel Smart Napier. Civic Court, Dickens Street, Napier 4110. P : 06 8352222 E : john@travelsmart.co.nz