Incredible landscapes along the longest trail in Ireland
Varied walking experiences: from forest to coastal trails, from mountains to beaches
Fantastic views over Valentina Island
Abundant wildlife, great for bird-watching and spotting sea life
Transfer from Killarney to your accommodation in Glenbeigh. Welcome to the Ring of Kerry!
Overnight: Glenbeigh
Your Kerry Way walking holidays starts as you explore the foot of Seefin Mountain, where you'll see stunning views to the north, including Rosbeigh Beach and Dingle Bay. When you reach Drung Hill, the path turns inland and takes you through the beautiful Foilmore Valley, with Knocknadobar Mountain standing tall in the distance. Spend the night in peaceful Derrymore Valley.
Overnight: Cahersiveen, 19km or 23km, with a duration of 7 hours and an ascent of 300m.
From Cahersiveen, walk across turf bogs and pine forests, with some uphill climbs that reveal stunning views of Valentia Island and the peninsula's western edge. A long walking day finishes in lively Waterville, a charming coastal village.
Overnight: Waterville, 25km during the day, with a duration of 7 hours and an elevation gain of 350m.
Discover the scenic beauty of this trail as it winds along the southern tip of the Kerry peninsula. The day's walk in not that long, giving you plenty of time for a detour to Derrynane. Visit Derrynane House and Gardens, where Daniel O'Connell, known as 'The Liberator' for his important role in Catholic Emancipation during the 19th century, once lived.
Overnight: Caherdaniel, walk 15km, 5 hours, with an elevation gain of 200m.
Begin your day along the renowned Old Butter Road, which was used to transport butter to Cork in the 19th century. Climb up again near the foothills of Eagle Hill, and take a short detour to visit the ancient Staigue Fort, built from stone in the 3rd century. Your walking trail stays high above the main Ring of Kerry road, winding through rocky paths amidst landscapes dotted with sheep on the way to Sneem.
Overnight: Sneem, walk 19km, taking approximately 6 hours, with an elevation gain of 280m
After a short bus ride to BlackWater Birdge, start your walk towards Kenmare with beautiful fields, forest paths, and splendid views of the Bay of Kenmare. Continuing along the trail with a picturesque view, you soon arrive at the Dromore Castle’s gate.
Overnight: Kenmare, walk around 15 km on easy paths
Transfer to Killarney after breakfast.
Self-Guided
Distance: 15-25km per day
Ascent: average 300m per day
Small B&Bs, hotels & inns
Bed and breakfast
Pyrenees Coastal Trail, France & Spain
The Kerry Way, one of Ireland's most celebrated long-distance walking trails, unfolds a captivating tale that winds through the scenic landscapes of County Kerry. This trail, established in 1982, weaves together a narrative of natural beauty, cultural history, and the enduring spirit of exploration. The story began with the idea of creating a walking route that would showcase the diverse beauty of the Kerry region. Stretching approximately 215 kilometres, the Kerry Way takes walkers on a journey through mountains, valleys, coastal paths, and charming villages. It's a tale of immersion into the heart of Ireland's southwest, where every step reveals new landscapes.
Your self-guided walking holiday begins and ends in Killarney, a town surrounded by the stunning Killarney National Park. But we have chosen to begin the actual walking on the coast beginning in Glenbeigh in the north and ending at Kenmare in the south. As walkers set forth, they encounter a myriad of landscapes, from the serene shores of Lough Leane to the rugged peaks of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range. Along the way, the trail unveils picturesque lakes, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints that paint a vivid picture of Ireland's natural allure.
The Kerry Way also delves into the cultural history of the region. Ancient ruins, stone circles, and historic sites like the Staigue Fort add a layer of mystique to the journey. Passing through quaint villages and towns, walkers connect with the warmth of Irish hospitality, creating memories not just of the landscapes, but of the people who call Kerry home. One notable aspect of the Kerry Way is its connection to the Old Butter Road, reflecting a time when this route served as the path for transporting butter from the rural farms to the bustling city of Cork. This route adds a unique dimension to the trail, grounding walkers in Ireland's agricultural past. As the Kerry Way winds through the Derrynane National Historic Park, it pays homage to Daniel O'Connell, 'The Liberator,' whose residence, Derrynane House, stands as a testament to his role in Catholic Emancipation. This part of the trail is a glimpse into Ireland's political history.
The journey also leads walkers along the coastline, revealing breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Skellig Islands, where you can get a glimpse into the resilience of coastal communities and their reliance on the sea. The Kerry Way is a tale of discovery, a connection with nature, a cultural exploration, and a pilgrimage through the heart of Ireland. The Kerry Way's story continues to unfold, inviting new generations to lace up their boots and become part of this enduring narrative of exploration and appreciation for the beauty that is County Kerry.
Holiday Profile
6 nights, 5 days walking along the Kerry Way between guest houses
Everyday of week subject to availability from 1 April to 31 October
Walking on fairly easy tracks and paths distances 15-25 kilometres through coastal terrain. Ascents up to 350m during the day. Suitable for regular walkers, as well as fit and healthy novices.
This walking holiday is graded moderate-challenging, although it is only classified as challenging due to the length of some of the days. You should have some experience of day walking and be in reasonable health. See more information about walking grades.
6 nights B&B in ensuite 2 person rooms (double or twin) in good quality Guest Houses or Hotels. Some locations have very limited choice.
Our self-guided walking holiday on the Kerry Way follows paths that can be muddy and wet, especially after frequent rains. Thanks to the mild climate, you can plan this long-distance hike in any season, although it's particularly beautiful in spring and autumn when there are fewer tourists in Ireland. Walker should be aware that they will be walking on very wet terrain most of the time, even in summer.
Most of this walking holiday follows the long-distance Kerry Way which is signposted along its entire length. The walking follows clear paths, tracks, and minor roads for its entire duration. The walk will use other footpaths to access accommodations, villages, or local sites. Our walking notes are very detailed and include intermediate distances for sections of the walking trail. They also include information about the sites which can be explored along the route. We supply one walking guide per person on this holiday. As well as the detailed walking notes we supply official walking maps.
On this walking holiday, your main luggage is transferred between guest houses so you only have to carry a day rucksack with a picnic lunch, water, spare clothes, waterproofs, camera, etc. On this holiday a taxi company is responsible for transporting your main luggage. Please limit the weight of your bags where possible to 20kg. We only use hotels and small guest houses in historic buildings and some of the rooms are accessible by stairs.
Your walking holiday starts and finishes in the town of Killarney
By Train From Dublin, travel by train to Charleville where you will picked up by a taxi driver and taken to your accommodation.
By bus You can take a bus from Dublin to Killarney where you will picked up by a taxi driver and taken to your accommodation.
By plane Some flights land in Kerry Airport, in Farranfore. A taxi driver will take you to your accommodation.
6 nights B&B in ensuite 2 person rooms (double or twin) in good quality Guest Houses or Hotels. They are often in historic buildings with charm and character and they are often rated 4 star by local tourist board standards. Some locations have a limited choice. Packed lunches and evening meals are not included in the price of the holiday. Examples of the type of accommodation used are shown below.
Established in 2000 as a renowned seafood bar and restaurant, QC’s has undergone a remarkable transformation under the ownership of Kate Cooke. Now, it not only provides exceptional dining experiences but also boasts uniquely designed, supremely comfortable rooms that blend luxury with cozy charm, making it the perfect destination for travelers seeking both style and comfort.
Davitts is a modern, comfortable guest house in the center of Kenmare Town. The restaurant and pub will also offer great dinner options after your walk. |
Extra nights are possible at any of the stopovers during the holiday, for example you could stay an extra night in Caherciveen if you wanted more time to explore the area and/or ascend Ben Nevis.
If you want to learn more about the region's culture through tailor-made activities and visits, check out those trips that include a few days in Ireland. Contact us to add them to your hike.
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