
Discover the hidden treasures that Kerry’s wild and windswept landscape has to offer, from remote valleys and soaring peaks to tranquil lakes and rugged coastal cliffs. Explore some 5000 years of history, archaeology and culture set amidst some of the most spectacular and inspiring scenery in the Ireland. Experience a magical and memorable time in a truly unforgettable land and leave, with a sense of the real Kerry, refreshed, relaxed, renewed.
Where is the latter to be achieved? Off the beaten track...On the remote mountain passes of Ballaghisheen and Ballaghabeama...along the windswept coastal cliffs at Culloo and Dromgour...by the tranquil shores of Lough Cloon and Derriana...in valleys nestled beneath the McGillycuddy Reeks and in sheltered coves and sandy beaches, that all hide a myriad of secrets.
It was with this in mind that Hidden Kerry Tours was established, to introduce and provide the discerning tourist, traveller, trekker and rambler alike, with an intimate appreciation and understanding of the landscape, its flora, fauna and numerous archaeological and historical monuments.
Tours are conducted at a leisurely and relaxed pace, enabling the guest to savour all this wonderful region has to offer. Come and join us for an unforgettable experience. You won’t be disappointed.
Altitude/Distance: 350m/14km
Route: Ballinskelligs-Boolakeel-Kildreelig-Bolus-Canuig-Coom
Date: All Year
Duration: 7-8 hours
Grade: Easy
Price: €50pp (min 6) Group rates available
The Ballinskelligs to Bolus walk offers the visitor the perfect introduction to this beautiful area. Beginning on the golden sands of Ballinskelligs beach, then following the coast to the signalling tower on the summit of Bolus Head and culminating at the wedge tomb in Coom, there is something for everyone on this tour. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a archaeology or history buff, a photographer or simply a keen rambler with a passion for the outdoors, you will not be disappointed.
What makes it special? Along the way we will visit a number of fascinating archaeological monuments, including the McCarthy Mor Tower House, a 12th century Augustinian abbey, a Bronze Age stone alignment, an Early Medieval monastic settlement and many other sites of interest. Photographic opportunities abound with some of the most spectacular coastal and island scenery the west of Ireland has to offer.
Nature lovers can marvel at the diversity of birdlife, with countless species visible, including gannets, storm petrels, manx shearwaters, fulmars and puffins to name but a few. Wild goats, the mountain hare and an occasional fox are also to be found in the area, while from the clifftops, dolphins and basking sharks are sometimes seen. While the landscape itself is undoubtedly the high point of this walk, along the way we will discuss the myth, legend and folklore associated with the region, visit the remains of a famine village, now a thriving artists retreat and ultimately experience a sense of the true Kerry and all it has to offer. 
Meeting Point: Ballinskelligs Beach Carpark (10 am)
Note: This route is also offered as part of a larger package. Please refer to ‘The Skellig Ring Tour’ which can done as either a three day walking tour of single day drive/walk combination tour.
Inclusions: Guide and Information
Exclusions: Lunch, Refreshments, Transport

Altitude/Distance: 690/14km
Route: Cahersiveen-Ballycarbery-Cooscrom-Coonana-Knocknatobar-Cahersiveen
Note climbing Knocknatobar is optional and requires an earlier departure time
Date: All Year
Duration: 7-8 Hours or 8-10 Hours
Grade: Moderate
Price: €50pp (min 6) Group rates available
As the name suggests, there is something for everyone on this walk. Discover the rarely visited rugged coastline from Cooscrom to Coonana with its abundance of birdlife, hidden coves, dramatic sea stacks and an impressive blow-hole. Explore the remains of ancient forts and scale Knocknatobar, along the centuries old pilgrims route.
A great geographical and cultural introduction to the area, with stunning scenery from start to finish.
What makes it special? We begin our walk at the Cahersiveen Heritage centre and continue to the idyllically situated Ballycarbery Castle.
From here we will visit two fine ringforts, Cahergal and Leacanabuaile, both displaying some exceptionally well preserved features of Early Medieval domestic settlement.
Next port of call is Cooscrom Harbour, where we follow the coast to Coonana, encountering along the way an impressive sea stack and a coastal blow-hole in addition to outstanding views of the Blasket Islands and Dingle Peninsula.
For those taking the Knocknatobar option, we follow the Pilgrims route to the summit where there are unparalleled 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside.
Meeting Point: Cahersiveen Heritage Centre (10 am) 
Inclusions: Guide and Information
Exclusions: Lunch, Refreshments, Transport
Gear required: Due to the variable nature of the Irish climate, it is not unusual for the weather to change quite suddenly, particularly along the coast or in the mountains. It is therefore advisable to prepare for any possibility and check the weather forecast prior to the commencing the walk.
• Waterproof/ windproof outer layer
• Warm inner and mid-layer
• Suitable footwear, preferably waterproof hiking or mountaineering boots
• Change of socks
• Hat and gloves
• Walking poles (optional)
• Small Rucksack
• Insect repellent (for midges in summer)
• Packed Lunch and energy snacks(once we depart Cahersiveen, there is no place along the way to purchase refreshments)
• 2 litres of water (more if one chooses the Knocknatobar Option)
• Camera (to capture all that fantastic scenery)

Altitude/Distance: 266m/14km
Route: Portmagee-Bray Head-Culloo-Geokaun-Dohilla-Glanleam-Knightstown
Date: All Year
Duration: 7-8 hours
Grade: Easy
Price: €50pp (min 6) Group rates available
A truely beautiful walk that offers the visitor the chance to discover a wide variety of landscapes in a relatively small geographical area. Dramatic coastal cliffs, rolling hills, desolate windswept boglands, and semi-tropical gardens are just some of highlights encountered on Irelands second largest Island.
Along the way we will visit a number of well preserved archaeological sites, experience the islands diverse flora and fauna and see some of the oldest footprints known on the planet. All this set against a backdrop of some of the most awe inspiring scenery the south west of Ireland has to offer.
What makes it special? Crossing from the mainland to Valentia Island, we will first visit the Skellig Experience, a heritage centre providing a detailed cinematic, pictorial and literal account of the archaeology and natural environment on the Skelligs.
From here we will continue to Bray Head, and follow the pathway to the 18th century signal tower, along the way stopping to explore the remains of some booleying huts and the remnants of a prehistoric trackway and field system.
From the signal tower we will continue along the cliffs to the north, with stunning views of the Blasket Islands and Dingle Peninsula, until we reach
Culloo and its wonderful rockscape,where again we explore some prehistoric sites, a holy well dedicated to St Brendan and some enigmatic stone crosses.
Following the coast to Fogher cliffs, we will begin the ascent to Geokaun viewing point,the highest point on the island, which provides unrivalled 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside, with Dingle to the north, the Skelligs to the west, the MacGillycuddy's Reeks to east and the Portmagee channel to the south.
From Geokaun, we decend to the Valentia slate quarries and grotto, then to the Dohilla to view the world renowned tetrapod footprints believed to be in excess of 350 million years old, followed by a short jouney through lush vegatation to Glanleam and its famed tropical gardens and finally Knightown the principle village on the island, where one will have the opportunity to browse some of artesania shops and cafe's and relax before our return to Portmagee.
Other sites of interest may also be included in the itenerary, but are dependant on time and weather constraints.
Meeting Point: Carpark at bridge in Portmagee (10 am) 
Note: This route is also offered as part of a larger package. ‘The Skellig Ring Tour’ can done as either a three day walking tour of single day drive/walk combination tour. Contact us for more details
Inclusions: Guide and Information
Exclusions: Lunch, Refreshments, Transport
Gear required: Due to the variable nature of the Irish climate, it is not unusual for the weather to change quite suddenly, particularly along the coast or in the mountains. It is therefore advisable to prepare for any possibility and check the weather forecast prior to the commencing the walk.
• Waterproof/ windproof outer layer
• Warm inner and mid-layer
• Suitable footwear, preferably waterproof hiking or mountaineering boots
• Change of socks
• Hat and gloves
• Walking poles (optional)
• Small Rucksack
• Insect repellent (for midges in summer)
• Packed Lunch (once we depart Portmagee, there is no place along the way to purchase refreshments)
• 1-2 litres of water
• Camera (to capture all that fantastic scenery)

Dan O’ Meara, an archaeologist, has worked and travelled extensively in Asia, North
Africa, South America and Europe.
Now settled in Ballinskelligs, but describing himself as the consummate wanderer, he has taken to guiding visitors to the lesser
seen but equally beautiful attractions his adoptive county has to offer.
Outside of travel, his other passions include kayaking, photography, anything prehistoric and a few pints of the black stuff after a good days hiking.
Company Away Day & Teambuilding in Killarney
50 Staff from the Merck Sharp and Dohme OPS1 Manufacturing plant in Cork assembled at Kate Kearney’s Cottage in Killarney at 10:00 on Friday morning 17 June 2011 for a team building and bonding active day out in the beautiful surrounding of Ireland most spectacular landscapes of mountains, lakes and valleys. The day included a variety of activities the stimulated the mind and body. Incorporating Get up, get out, get fit with team building activities that was incorporated throughout the day to include communication, process, listening and thrust skills all with the goal in mind of an enjoyable team day.
Brief on day:
The weather forecast was not good but luckily several hours of downpour had passed before the company arrived, maybe the gods are looking down on us today. After tea and coffee in Kate’,s Pat Falvey Ireland's leading team building facilitators gave an introduction to his team and the schedule for the day before a brief presentation on his life as an Entrepreneur- Adventurer- Explorer and the challenges that faced him throughout his life of success, failure, learning and the challenge of change. Following this the group got their first challenge which divided them up into teams.

Outside Kate's the fun begins as the next challenge was to subdivide the groups into two and then to do a challenge game called Traffic Jam. This involved team members getting across steeping stones and exchanging their side for the other side starting the day learning communication & cooperation and process with an element of frustration built in.
All teams then started their walk through the majestical Gap of Dunloe to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. The day was glorious and the pace just fine as we weaved our way through one of Irelands best examples of a glaciated valley. Apart from meeting local horsemen, sheep and the odd tourist they had to find locations on their map which gave clues to a Murder Mystery. This is to introduce the group into the concept of “Why, What, Where, When, Who”. On reaching Lord Brandon’s lunch was served just as the 1st rain shower of the day approached.
After lunch the group had to complete four more challenges. One was to get people to walk around a rope which was supported by team members. The object of this game is all about trust and how we as a team support we can each other. The stick game was next on the agenda and the object of this is to get the team working together. A Navigating game was used to introduce people to problem solving and if an answer was wrong to direct them back to the last correct known answer. Using a printed image, another game was to introduce the group to the concept that as individuals we all have some of the picture but together we can see the big picture. Throughout the tasks there was confusion, discussion, frustration, laughing and plenty of fun.
When all had completed their tasks, Pat gave a talk on following your dreams and that its not enough just to want something but you have to do something to make your dreams come through.

To end the day we all got into boats and travelled down through the high water of the Lakes of Killarney passing Derrycunnihy, Eagles Nest, Old Weir Bridge, Meeting of the waters, Dinis Cottage, Bricin Bridge and Innifallen island to Ross Castle where the solution to the murder mystery was explained and Pat announced the winners which was the group in total.
Many thanks to the boatmen, staff at Kates & Lord Brandons and especially to the Merck team who travelled down for the day to participate, it was a great day throughout!!
Report: Tony Nation & Niall Foley
If you are interested in a company away day, teambuilding activities or personal development be sure to contact us.
View some photos from the day in our gallery
Hi Lorraine,
Company Away Day & Teambuilding in Killarney
50 Staff from the Merck Sharp and Dohme OPS1 Manufacturing plant in Cork assembled at Kate Kearney’s Cottage in Killarney at 10:00 on Friday morning 17 June 2011 for a team building and bonding active day out in the beautiful surrounding of Ireland most spectacular landscapes of mountains, lakes and valleys. The day included a variety of activities the stimulated the mind and body. Incorporating Get up, get out, get fit with team building activities that was incorporated throughout the day to include communication, process, listening and thrust skills all with the goal in mind of an enjoyable team day.
Brief on day:
The weather forecast was not good but luckily several hours of downpour had passed before the company arrived, maybe the gods are looking down on us today. After tea and coffee in Kate’,s Pat Falvey Ireland's leading team building facilitators gave an introduction to his team and the schedule for the day before a brief presentation on his life as an Entrepreneur- Adventurer- Explorer and the challenges that faced him throughout his life of success, failure, learning and the challenge of change. Following this the group got their first challenge which divided them up into teams.

Outside Kate's the fun begins as the next challenge was to subdivide the groups into two and then to do a challenge game called Traffic Jam. This involved team members getting across steeping stones and exchanging their side for the other side starting the day learning communication & cooperation and process with an element of frustration built in.
All teams then started their walk through the majestical Gap of Dunloe to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. The day was glorious and the pace just fine as we weaved our way through one of Irelands best examples of a glaciated valley. Apart from meeting local horsemen, sheep and the odd tourist they had to find locations on their map which gave clues to a Murder Mystery. This is to introduce the group into the concept of “Why, What, Where, When, Who”. On reaching Lord Brandon’s lunch was served just as the 1st rain shower of the day approached.
After lunch the group had to complete four more challenges. One was to get people to walk around a rope which was supported by team members. The object of this game is all about trust and how we as a team support we can each other. The stick game was next on the agenda and the object of this is to get the team working together. A Navigating game was used to introduce people to problem solving and if an answer was wrong to direct them back to the last correct known answer. Using a printed image, another game was to introduce the group to the concept that as individuals we all have some of the picture but together we can see the big picture. Throughout the tasks there was confusion, discussion, frustration, laughing and plenty of fun.
When all had completed their tasks, Pat gave a talk on following your dreams and that its not enough just to want something but you have to do something to make your dreams come through.

To end the day we all got into boats and travelled down through the high water of the Lakes of Killarney passing Derrycunnihy, Eagles Nest, Old Weir Bridge, Meeting of the waters, Dinis Cottage, Bricin Bridge and Innifallen island to Ross Castle where the solution to the murder mystery was explained and Pat announced the winners which was the group in total.
Many thanks to the boatmen, staff at Kates & Lord Brandons and especially to the Merck team who travelled down for the day to participate, it was a great day throughout!!
Report: Tony Nation & Niall Foley
If you are interested in a company away day, teambuilding activities or personal development be sure to contact us.
View some photos from the day in our gallery
Congratulation's Megan..we will be in contact in the coming days to arrange delivery of your €200 voucher for use against any of Irish & Worldwide walks, treks, climbs or expeditions!
We know you have a keen interest in 'travel' and look forward to planning with you your adventure!
Thanks to everyone who stopped by our stand and filled out our questionnaire. We are delighted to see so much interest in the outdoors and it was great to put faces to so many of you with whom we have spoken with in the past..and look forward to meeting again in coming months.
We are just back from setting up our stand (No 19 & 20) - Having been given a sneak preview of what's instore, We can only say if you can come along, Do!
Find new ways to spend your time or develop your hobbies. Test the gear, try the activities and find out how to get involved in new adventure sports and holidays. We will be available throughout the weekend to meet with you and discuss your next adventure with Irish & Worldwide Adventures. We also have some giveaways at the stand so please visit us at 19 & 20 : See a floor plan PDF on download attachment link at the bottom of this article.
Congratulation's Eddie Kavanagh of D24- See you over the weekend! We will be in touch to arrange for you to collect your tickets
Lorraine Gordon will be at the stand over the weekend to discuss Travel, Training & Expeditions
Tony Nation will be at the stand on Saturday & Sunday to discuss Bootcamps, Get Fit Programs & Teambuilding
Pat Falvey will be also be visiting the stand over the weekend and will speak at the 'Think Tank' supported by Outsider Magazine on Sunday at 13.30. See the Sunday Schedule below:
12.30 – Mark Flagler on tackling the International Appalachian Trails
13.30 – Irish explorer, Pat Falvey
14.30 – Adventure athlete, Mark Pollock, Geaorid Towey & Roisin Finlay
15.30 – The first Irish man to visit the deck of the Titanic, diver Rory Golden
16.30 – Ireland’s answer to Bear Grylls, Aebhric O’Kelly will speak about the psychology behind survival in the great outdoors
Opening Times
Friday 20th May – 2pm-9pm
Saturday 21st May – 10am-9pm
Sunday 22nd May – 10am-7pm
Entrance prices
Adults: €15.00
Students & Seniors: €12.00
Children under 13 years: €6.00
Children under 3 years go free
Family Ticket: €40.00 (2 adults and 3 children)
Trip: The Reeks Challenge Below is a recommended basic hillwalking gear list. If you can have some or most of the items great. If you cannot please contact us and there is no problems arranging some options from the guide on the day. You will find the more you do hillwalking, the more you will like to spend on gear, there are very good reasons why people purchase expensive gear and that is to keep them dry, warm and comforatble even in the most extreme conditions. This is very important during colder conditions. You do not have to buy all of the below unless you are going to do more in near future, but if possible try to borrow some of it and we can give you some advice on the day before you buy your own. Also most Ski-wear is suitable, although the heavier items, more so in winter. The most popular option for many of our clients. We reguraly organise day long excursions,weekend & mid-week breaks and outings for individuals, coporate groups, sports teams, families and friends. The benefits are endless and we can organise all the logistics for you, from transport to accommodation, team building, military bootcamps, walking, trekking, abseiling....the activities are endless. We are your one stop adventure company who pride ourselves on providing the best of adventures in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. Please contact our office to further discuss the benefits of a private course or guided walk/expedition you would like to challenge your team, group, family or friends with!
Altitude/Distance: 750m/19kms approx
Route: MacGillycuddys Reeks
Date: All Year
Duration: 9-12hrs (Early start required)
Grade: Trek- Moderate/ Strenuous
Price: € 230 pp Residential
Join us on our Reeks Challenge - Nine to Twelve of Ireland's highest mountains in one day
With the Macgillycuddys Reeks encompassing eleven of Ireland's fourteen +900f peaks, can you imagine a more picturesque way of spending a day than traversing across many of the Reek's 27 peaks?
Breathtaking scenery will be an ongoing reward as you cross Irelands roof top with our experienced, local guides whose tales of the lands you cross will bring you closer to the remote, landscape you will encounter. And as if that wasn't enough, completing this challenge will also take you through some of the best Grade 1 scrambling you will find within the country
Price includes:
Experienced Guides
Transfers to/ from start point
2xNgts Accommodation in the Mountain Lodges
1 evening mealGear
Socks
Small Rucksack big enough to carry your spares and Lunch. (Line this with strong black bag)Private Groups
Trip: 10 Week Walking Camp (Introduction to the Hills of Ireland)
Route: Kerry Mountains - Cork Mountains
Date: Summer - Autumn
Duration: 10 Weeks (9 half days 1 full day)
Grade: Easy building to Moderate
Price: €200 pp
FULL DETAILS COMING SOON
Location to be decided with your team
9 x half day guided walks in various terrains
1 x full day expedition
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