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All guided holidays include: luxury B&B accommodation at Álaind Lodge, all meals (breakfast, packed lunch on walking days and evening meal), Fergal’s guiding on all walking days, walking poles, detailed route briefing, WhatsApp support throughout and a transfer to/from Killarney on arrival and departure days.
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Álaind Walking keeps guided holiday groups to a maximum of eight guests. This keeps the experience personal and ensures Fergal can adapt the route and pace to the group’s needs on the day.
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Not necessarily — it depends on the holiday. Álaind Walking offers holidays across the Easy, Moderate and Challenging grades. Each product page describes the level of fitness and experience required. If you’re unsure, contact Fergal directly — he’ll help you choose the right option.
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For Moderate and Challenging holidays, guests should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours per day on uneven terrain. Good base fitness (regular walking, hiking, or sport) is expected. Guests who haven’t walked regularly in recent months should consider starting with a day walk or the easier holiday options.
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Yes. Solo travellers are welcome on all guided holidays. A single occupancy supplement applies for single room use at Álaind Lodge — see individual holiday pages for the current solo rate.
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The guided holiday programmes are designed for adult walkers. Families with older teenagers (15+) of appropriate fitness are welcome — please contact Fergal in advance to discuss suitability. Private group holidays can be tailored for mixed-age groups.
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Kerry weather is variable and Fergal is experienced in adapting plans accordingly. In the case of adverse weather on a planned mountain day, he will modify the route — typically to a lower-level alternative that’s appropriate for the conditions — rather than cancel. Walking in all weathers is part of the Kerry experience. Walks are only cancelled entirely in genuinely dangerous conditions, which is rare.
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Yes — subject to availability. Contact Fergal or Trish when booking to discuss extending your accommodation. Extra nights are charged at the standard Lodge room rate.
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No. Day walks are open to all — you don’t need to be staying at Álaind Lodge. The walk meets at Álaind Lodge in Sneem at the stated departure time.
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Day walks can be booked via the day walks page on this website, or by contacting Fergal directly. Advance booking is recommended as spaces are limited.
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What’s included in a day walk?
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Waterproof jacket and trousers, sturdy walking boots (ankle support recommended), warm mid-layer, hat and gloves (year-round in the mountains), water (at least 1.5 litres), sun cream (May–September) and your packed lunch (provided by Álaind Walking on day walks). A full kit list is sent on booking.
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All self-guided holidays include pre-trip route planning with Fergal, detailed route notes and maps, accommodation booked throughout, luggage transfer between accommodations (on multi-stop holidays) and WhatsApp support from Fergal throughout your walk. You walk independently but you’re never entirely on your own.
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Yes. Self-guided walkers should be comfortable using a map and compass or GPS device in the field. Fergal’s pre-trip briefing covers the specific navigation challenges of your chosen route, but basic navigation skills are a pre-requisite for self-guided holidays.
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On the self-guided Kerry Way, you walk independently each day with Fergal’s maps, notes and WhatsApp support. On the guided Kerry Way, Fergal walks with you every day. The guided option is appropriate for walkers who want a guide in the field; the self-guided option is for experienced walkers who are confident navigating independently.
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Yes. A hearty breakfast is included in all room rates and is served each morning at Álaind Lodge.
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Yes. Álaind Lodge has on-site parking for up to 8 cars, plus space for one minibus. Parking is free for all guests.
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Yes. Álaind Lodge has a drying room for walking boots and wet gear — an essential feature for a walking holiday base in Kerry.
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Absolutely. Álaind Lodge welcomes accommodation-only guests. You’re welcome to use the Lodge as a base for exploring Kerry independently, without booking any of the walking packages.
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Transfers from Killarney Airport or Train Station can be arranged. Please enquire when booking — costs are shared among those travelling.
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Check-in is from 4pm. Check-out is by 11am. If you are arriving early or departing late, contact Fergal in advance — he’ll do his best to accommodate you.
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Yes. High-speed fibre WiFi is available throughout Álaind Lodge.
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Álaind Lodge is not suitable for pets.
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Select your dates on the holiday page using the booking calendar and book direct — a €100 per person deposit secures your place. Full balance is due 4 weeks before your arrival date. Fergal personally handles all enquiries; contact him by WhatsApp or email if you’d prefer to discuss before booking.
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Yes. Gift vouchers are available — contact Fergal directly to arrange. Gift vouchers are valid for 5 years from the date of issue, in line with Irish consumer regulations.
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Cancellations made 30 or more days before arrival forfeit the €100 per person deposit. Cancellations 15–28 days before arrival receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days of arrival are non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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Yes. Travel insurance including walking and hill walking cover is strongly recommended for all Álaind Walking holidays. Ensure your policy covers the activity grades (Moderate or Challenging) and includes mountain rescue cover.
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Álaind Walking is an Irish business and all prices are in Euro (€). Payment can be made by cash, credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard), or bank transfer.
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Sneem is on the N70 Ring of Kerry road on the Iveragh Peninsula. By car: approximately 1 hour from Killarney, 25 minutes from Kenmare. By public transport: take the train to Killarney from Dublin or Cork, then Bus Éireann Route 280 (Ring of Kerry service) stops in Sneem. Fergal also offers transfers from Killarney Airport or Train Station — enquire when booking. The Local Link 281 Bus connects runs between Kenmare and Waterville four times daily.
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Kerry Airport (KIR), near Farranfore, is approximately 20 minutes north of Killarney. Cork Airport (ORK) is approximately 2 hours by road. Dublin Airport (DUB) is approximately 4.5 hours by road or 3.5 hours by rail to Killarney.
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Yes. Transfers from Killarney Airport and Killarney Train Station to Álaind Lodge in Sneem can be arranged. Transfer costs are typically shared among guests travelling together. Please enquire when booking.
