FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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.

For our self-guided tours you need to be comfortable with walking without the assistant of a guide. Both 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.

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
• 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.

Accommodation
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.

Meals/Self-Guided
Breakfast is included in your price and packed lunches can be purchased at all accommodations. We will have a list or restaurants for you to chose from for your evening and all will be either at your accommodation or within a short walking distance away. Vegetarians (including those that eat fish) will be catered for, but this needs to be acknowledged on your booking form.

Meals/Guided
You will start the day with a full Irish breakfast or a breakfast of your choice. You will also have a packed lunch to take with you to the mountains. If evening meals are included you will finish the day with a 3 or 4 course meal. If your evening meal is not at your accommodation it will be in one of our very carefully chosen restaurants and you will be transported to and from the restaurant.

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

For our self-guided, we will forward you with a full list of train and bus details on how to get to your first accommodation and back at the end of your tour as soon as you have booked the tour with us. Should you need transport to and from any walk we will take care of that, there will be no extra charge for this service.

Tour Grades
All our tours are conducted at a very relaxed pace and our main aim is to ensure that you get maximum enjoyment from your stay with us. 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 strenuous

The Group
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.

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.

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 six weeks prior to the start of the tour.

The Irish Weather
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 9 °C. 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 19 °C and winter mean daily minimum is about 2.5 °C in these areas.

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 link below: http://www.met.ie/climate/

Should you require further information please contact us at: info@walkinghikingireland.com