FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GUIDED TOURS AND SHORT BREAKS

How difficult are 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.

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

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 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 woots
• 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.

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 and lunches
• Some entrance fees (depending on which tour)

Meals
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.

What do you advice 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 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 €150 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 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