I've never been on a walking trip before, can I do this?

A walking vacation is pleasurable if you are overall physically fit, enjoy the outdoors and are able to hike 6-10 miles a day with some inclines. We don't hold contests - you set the pace. We have choices almost every day that include an easier or more challenging walk. You may also decide to take a day off and explore on your own.

What kind of exercise should I do to prepare for this trip?

Any kind of aerobic exercise is a good idea. Walking is the best preparation, particularly up hills and stairs.

Who goes on your adventures?

Our guests come from all parts of the world. The average age of our guests is between 20 and 45. Females hold a slight majority over the male. However saying this we have had people who were over 70 years of age and enjoyed their trip tremendously as well! We gear our walks towards each particular group so don't be worried about the level of walks that we do. We go as slow as the slowest member of the group. We make sure everyone can walk and talk when they are out and about.

Regardless of age or country of origin, all of our guests enjoy walking, the great outdoors and are curious about the natural and human history of the areas they are visiting.

Will I need to have a passport/visa to enter Ireland?

All visitors to Ireland require a valid passport and photo ID. Currency: Euro - Approximately 1 Euro equals $1.20 US or approximately $1.40 CDN.

The standard electricity supply is 220 volts AC. Two prone plugs on electrical appliances will require a converter.

The Walks

Most people who go on guided walking tours worry about how difficult they are going to be and will I be able to keep up with the group, or will I be the one that slows them down, well don't worry. Our tours are aimed at those of you who wish to explore the countryside at a moderate pace, so you are not expected to be an avid walker or incredibly fit and the walks are 4 to 5 hours in duration. All our walking leaders are experienced and professional guides and all have first aid training.

What Do I Bring Along?

It is not necessary to bring large amounts of clothing as nowadays there is a readily availability or places where you can have your clothes washed and dried and we will take them there for you. We have listed a few essentials that you will have to bring along and when you make your booking we will send you out a full list of essentials.

Essentials

• Comfortable waterproof walking boots
• Waterproof jacket & over trousers
• At least 2 pair of comfortable walking trousers and breathable tops
• Backpack, lined with plastic bag or waterproof cover
• Gaiters & walking poles(personal choice but recommended)
• Thick socks / Hat / Gloves
• Water bottle & lunch box
• Small first aid kit if you have one, although your guide will have one with them
• Sunscreen and insect repellent. Yes, unfortunately we do get little midgets over here and the sun can be quiet strong if you are out in it all day long.

..............and for that special moment, your camera!

What's Involved in a Typical Day?

• 08.30 Breakfast
• 09.30 Leave Accommodation
• 10.00 Start Walking
• 11.00 Tea/Coffee Break
• 13.00 Lunch Break
• 17.00 Return to Guesthouse
• 19.00 Evening Meal
• 20.30 Briefing for the Next Walk
• 21.00 Entertainment will be provided almost every night with plenty of 'craic' and traditional music in the local pubs.

Transport

Transport is inclusive in our fully packaged tours - you will be carried by minibus from your arrival at Dublin until your departure. On long trips we make several stops for refreshments.

Insurance

You are strongly advised to obtain insurance cover for personal accident, cancellation charges, medical expenses, loss of money or baggage, travel and personal liability when taking part in any of our tours.

Extreme Ireland, its servants or agents cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to your baggage, or for any illness or injury while on our tours. We also cannot accept responsibility for any loss of damage resulting from circumstances beyond our control.

Booking

Complete and send us your booking form with all required details on our website. You will receive confirmation of your booking by return. Final payment is due two weeks prior to the start of the tour.

The Irish Weather

It rains all the time. Only joking, it's only about twice a day! It's a little temperamental, our weather, it doesn't know whether to make up its mind most days. Will I rain heavy or just drizzle?

The summer is not too bad all the same, and as you will be along the west coast of Ireland a lot, you can experience the lovely warm river that flows through the Atlantic Ocean, the North Atlantic drift or the Gulf Stream by going in for a swim, if you're brave enough!

The dominant influence on Ireland's climate is the Atlantic Ocean. Consequently, Ireland does not suffer from the extremes of temperature experienced by many other countries at similar latitude.

Average annual temperature is about 9C. In the middle and east of the country temperatures tend to be somewhat more extreme than in other parts of the country. For example, summer mean daily maximum is about 19C and winter mean daily minimum is about 2.5C in these areas.

The mean annual wind speed varies between about 4 m/sec in the east midlands and 7 m/sec in the northwest. Strong winds tend to be more frequent in winter than in summer. Sunshine duration is highest in the southeast of the country. Average rainfall varies between about 800 and 2,800mm.

For further information on our weather please check the following link: http://www.met.ie/climate/climate-of-ireland.asp