Walking Boots Tours, Exploring the heart & sole of Ireland. Carefully choosen hiking, walking& special interest vacations tours throughout Ireland.
Frequently Asked Questions.
You say walking we say hiking, what's the difference?
You say walking. We say hiking. What’s the difference?These two words are interchangeable on this site. Trips with Walking Boots Tours sometimes follow trails and other times they go cross mountains where there are no trails.In each of my itineraries, I give an outline as to what each day’s walking will be like, the terrain you will cover and what elevation there will be. If you have any more questions, email me personally at prosperity@walkingbootstours.com
How long are the hikes?
A typical day’s walk would cover from five to ten miles over a four to five hour period. The length of the walk varies depending on the weather conditions, group ability and what other activities are planned.On the walks, we always stop for photos, take in the view, have a chat or hear a local story.Depending on the weather, we might also stop for a cup of tea or even to have a picnic. Believe me when I say that there is nothing like a cuppa on the mountains!
What is the pick up time at the beginning of the tour?
Each itinerary specifies a particular time and place.I usually have just one pick up time at the beginning of the tour and one drop off at the end. Email me with your flight details.
How do I get to the start of the tour?
If the tour starts in Shannon, fly into that airport. If you are already in Ireland, there are plenty of buses and trains that will connect you. Email me if you have any questions.
Can I take a day off on the week tour?
You can take a day off provided that we are staying on in the particular town or village. Just let me know the night before.
What if i get sick?
Walking Boots tours and Director Maeve Kelly require you to have sufficient medical health insurance. Evidence of this must be provided to us prior to starting the tour.We require you to be of a good level of fitness.However, in the unfortunate event that you do get ill, we will assist as much as we can. We will get you to a local doctor and further afield if necessary.The guide’s duty of care is also to the rest of the group and this must be taken into consideration.
What is included?
Usually all accommodation, breakfasts, most packed lunches, some evening meals, transport, guiding services, collection and return to start of trip and ferry crossings. Check out the end of each itinerary to be sure, to be sure...
What are the evening meals like?
Some meals on the tours are included and they are at restaurants that I have personally chosen. There is a great variety to choose from on each menu – fish, poultry, meat and vegetarian. No one will be disappointed. Most people are thrilled at the quality and variety of Irish cuisine. Occasionally we will eat in the local guesthouse where we are staying and there might be a smaller choice but the traditional home cooking from these guesthouses never fails. Such treats as home-cooked apple pies have often had my groups asking to stay for longer.
Please let me know if you have particular dietary needs or are vegetarian and we will do our best to make your Irish cuisine experience yummy too.
Can I travel alone?
Certainly you can. If you do not want to share a room and have your own, the Bed and Breakfasts need to charge a bit extra for that. Check the itinerary or ask me what the single supplement is.
How do I book a tour?
Follow the links to this page of the site fill in your details and submit the email. Upon receipt of this booking form I will send you notification by receipt. If you are booking for a group please email me at prosperity@walkingbootstours.com The booking form must be accompanied by a deposit of 200euros.
Who will be my guide?
Maeve Kelly, the Director of Walking Boots Tours will be your guide and driver for the tour. If something unforeseen happens and Maeve cannot lead the tour, one of her assistant guides will step in. Occasionally other guides will join the tour to share their specialist knowledge or to act as an assistant.
What level are the walks, do I need to be experienced?
All my walks/hikes appeal to a wide level of fitness. Some are easy; others a challenge. I strongly advise a good level of fitness. For example, you should be able to hike to an elevation of 400m with occasional breaks without excessive pressure and at a steady pace. Or continue to hike for 4-5 hours over uneven terrain.For your own enjoyment, I also recommend well broken-in waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support.
You do not have to be a seriously experienced hiker who hikes every week and has climbed every mountain range. Most of my clients have not ever experienced walking/hiking in Ireland but they are of a good level of fitness. They work out, cycle, kayak or walk every week. Even seasoned hikers find walking in Ireland at times challenging but the breathtaking views, the quietness and the beauty of the Irish mountains never fail to stop them in their tracks.
What kind of hiking boots do I need?
I reccommend that you have well broken in hiking boots, so they will reduce the risk of blisters. They need to have good ankle support and soles with good grip not too worn down. I suggest that they are of gore-tex lined material as walking/hiking in Irish mountains tends to be wet all year round. It seems that other boots without gore-tex or equivalent material will leak especailly going through boggy/wet terrain. If you have any questions ask me personally at maeve@walkingbootstours.com
What gear would you reccommend?
- As above good hiking boots for your comfort.
- Good walking socks reduce the chance of blisters and are easy to dry again if wet.
- walking trousers/pants. No jeans on any walks if they get wet they ar very cold and uncomfortable.
- light fleece layers, and base layers,i.e material that keeps you warm,wicks sweat away,short or long sleeve. One of my favourites is a light windproof vest.
- waterproof jacket and pants
- comfortable rucksack, plastic bag for inside, many rucksacks are not waterproof.
- hats & gloves it can be windy and chilly even in July.
- personnel first aid kit to carry with you,including midge repellent,blister kit,sunscreen.
- walking sticks if you are used to using them.
- waterbottle and thermus if you like hot drink.
- mat to sit on, great for those cold days.
- small bird and wild flower book if interested.
- sweeties and nice goodies for lunch and snacks.
- small travel towel. It can be lovely to dip your toes in a stream if the day is warm. Yes it has been known to be very warm hiking in Ireland!
- Anything I have forgotten let me know...
- For more on the wonderful Irish Weather please check out www.met.ie/climate
An Example of the daily schedule. (subject to change)
Breakfast: 8-9am.
Depart for day: 9.30, start hike/walk 10 or 10.30.
Lunch: 1.00pm
End hike/walk: 4.00 to 5.00pm.
Rest time: 5.00 to 7.00pm
Evening Meal: 7.00pm to 9pm (if in the group).
Possible music locally if available after 10pm....
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask me.
Email: prosperity@walkingbootstours.com
Maeve,
Director of Walking Boots Tours.