FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-Guided Walking Holiday Questions
How difficult are the walks?

For our self-guided tours you need to be comfortable with walking without the assistant of a guide. All our self-guided trails are well sign-posted and we do provide you with maps and detailed instruction, but it is advisable to have some navigational skills.

To help you choose the tour that’s most suitable to you we have included a graded system. All participants should have a good level of fitness and be, at least, a regular walker.

1 easy walk
2 easy to moderate
3 moderate to difficult

What dates can my tour start?

The beauty about the self-guided tour is that it can start on a date that suits you (depending on availability of accommodation). Self-Guided tours can also be tailored to suit your requirements.

Can I book an extra night for my tour?

In most places we can book extra nights for you at the start, end or during your tour.

 

We will also provide you with information on how to get there and to the starting point of the walk or the airport. Just let us know what you would like and we’ll do our best to help you.

Do I have to do the full tour?

No, if you would like to only a few days that would be no problem. Just let us know which section you would like to do and we’ll advise you on how to get there etc.

What do I bring?

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.

  • Comfortable waterproof walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket & over trousers
  • Waterproof map case
  • Backpack, lined with plastic bag
  • Gaiters & walking poles
  • Thick socks / hat / gloves
  • Water bottle & lunch box
  • Small torch
  • First aid
  • Sunscreen / Insect repellent

and for that special moment, your camera.

Where do I stay?

You will be accommodated in local family-run guesthouses or small hotels, where you will encounter a friendly welcome and homely comfort. All our accommodation is Tourist Board approved. Rooms are twin, double or triple en-suite and single rooms are also available on request.

What's included in all self-guided tours?

  • All Required Nights B&B (except extra nights requested)
  • Maps and detailed route notes
  • Information on where to have dinner and get lunch etc.
  • Luggage transfers while you walk
  • Information on how to get to your first B&B and back to the airport at the end of the tour

Meals on Self-Guided Tours

Breakfast is included in your price and packed lunches can be purchased at almost all accommodations.

 

We will have a list of restaurants for you to choose from for your evening and all will be either at your accommodation or within a short walking distance away.

Most dietary needs are catered for, but please advise at time of booking.

What do you advise for 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.

 

Walkinghiking.co.uk or 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.

How can I book a Self-Guided Walking Tour

Pick the tour you would like to join and fill in the booking form. Within a few days you will receive confirmation of your booking. When we receive a deposit of €100 per person to secure the booking we will start putting everything together for you. The final payment is due six weeks before the start of the tour and you will then receive all information on your tour.

Questions about Guided Walking Tours & Walking Short Breaks
How difficult are the hikes?

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.

To help you choose the tour that’s most suitable to you we have included a graded system. All participants should have a good level of fitness and be, at least, a regular walker.
1 easy walk
2 easy to moderate
3 moderate to difficult

What are the groups like?

Our groups are small and friendly – 6 to 12 of diverse nationalities. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment and you will be in the company of like-minded travellers who enjoy the great outdoors. We cater for all age groups from early teens. Many of our clients travel alone, some are couples and we also cater for larger groups. We can custom-design a tour to suit the requirements of a group of 6 or more members at a discounted price.

Can I book an extra night for my tour?

In most places we can book extra nights for you at the start or the end of your tour. Just let us know what you would like and we’ll do our best to help you.

Do I have to join for the full tour?

No, if you would like to only join for a few days, or even just one day, that would be no problem. We’ll arrange where to meet and how you can go back at the end of the tour.

What do I bring?

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.

  • Comfortable waterproof walking boots
  • Waterproof jacket & over trousers
  • Waterproof map case
  • Backpack, lined with plastic bag
  • Gaiters & walking poles
  • Thick socks / hat / gloves
  • Water bottle & lunch box
  • First aid
  • Sunscreen / Insect repellent

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.

Where do we stay?

You will be accommodated in local family-run guesthouses or small hotels, where you will encounter a friendly welcome and homely comfort. All our accommodation is approved by Bord Failte – the Irish Tourist Board. Rooms are twin, double or triple en-suite and single rooms are also available on request.

What's included?

  • 7/9 Nights B&B
  • Pick up at the airport at the start of the tour and drop back afterwards
  • All transport during the tour
  • Breakfasts 
  • Lunches are included in some of our tours but not all; check the tour Included Page.
  • Some entrance fees (depending on which tour)

Meals for Guided Tours & Short Breaks

You will start the day with a full Irish breakfast or a breakfast of your choice. Evening meals are included in some of the tours, so please check the tour that you are interested in and what meals are included.  If your evening meal is not at your accommodation, it will be in one of our carefully chosen restaurants within easy walking distance of your accommodation. If the restaurant is a long distance away, transport will be provided as part of the tour (No Extra Charge)

What do you advise for 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.

Footfalls or 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.

How can I book a Guided Walking Tour

Pick the tour you’d like to join and fill in the booking form. Within a few days you will receive confirmation of your booking. When we receive a deposit of €100 per person to secure the booking we will start putting everything together for you. The final payment is due six weeks before the start of the tour and you will then receive all information on your tour.

The Essentials
What to bring on a Hiking Tour?

Clothing:

 

1) Good waterproof Hiking boots; we strongly recommend high ankle support and Gortex lined
2) Waterproof rain clothing, e.g. over trousers/jacket
3) Layers that can be taken off or put back on easily according to weather and personal comfort
4) Good hiking socks
5) Hat and gloves

 

Hiking Gear:

 

1) Water bottles (at least 2 refillable bottles per person)
2) Rucksack/day pack, lined with plastic bag or waterproof rucksack liner
3) Water proof bags to put valuables, gloves, change of socks etc. (even inside a lined rucksack)
4) Sun-block, factor 30 or higher (These Islands have been known to get sun from time to time!)
5) Small torch/flashlight
6) Camera

 

Recommendations:

 

1) Gaiters
2) Hiking Poles
3) Insect/midge repellent
4) Thermos and Lunch box
5) First aid kit with blister care bandages

 

Clothing that is NOT recommended on Hikes

 

Trainers/Runners/Sneakers (No ankle support and no foot grip)

Jeans/Denims (Get very heavy in wet weather and uncomfortable to walk in)

The Irish Weather
The Irish Weather

Irish weather is famed the world ‘round as being one of constant rain with clouds and dreary shivers. While it is true that something must make the Emerald Isle its lush shade of emerald it is also true that Ireland has plenty of sunshine.

 

Irish weather is mild and perfect for walking, we do not suffer from extreme temperatures or fronts like inland countries or even our Scottish neighbours. The average annual temperature is about 9 °C (48°F) but the summer month’s average lingers around 19 °C (66°F) and the winter a manageable 2.5 °C (38°F). Walkers coming to Ireland in the summer can expect to be walking in pleasant temperatures with sunshine and fluffy clouds. Most likely there will also be rain showers along the way. Rain storms are rarely strong, a soft drizzle is more common than anything else; Irish drizzles do not inhibit walking but they can invigorate the walker! The rain showers and drizzles often result in incredible lighting and rainbows so the glowing Irish landscapes will be complete for photos.

 

Although Irish weather is generally mild it is also unpredictable and constantly changing so it is wise to expect everything. Storms are rare in the summer but not unheard of, they can be brief or two days long with wind and rain. A walker coming in the Spring or Autumn can expect more fluctuation in weather, a bit more rain, and cooler temperatures.

 

Breezes and wind are also a common aspect of Irish weather, which is another reason to pack layers and rain gear that functions as a wind break.