Moderate
The Kerry Way Walk
The famous Ring of Kerry! Ireland's best known secret flows westwards from the Lakes of Killarney. Walking the Kerry Way avoids the bustle, takes you into the mountains, above the roads and away from the masses. Hike the foothills of the Reeks, spectacular coastline scenery and stay in Killarney, splendid in its lakeshore location. The 11 day trail starts in the famous town of Killarney and walks through Killarney National Park and over the Lakes of Killarney to the remote Black Valley and Glencar. Rhododendron forests, old oakwoods and along the foot of Ireland's highest mountains to Glenbeigh where you meet day 5-8 of the 8 day tour.
The Kerry Way follows old green roads, mountain trails and small country roads. There will be some walking on roads, as it is not always possible to walk in open country. It is well signposted with wooden or plastic yellow markers and road signs.
Itineraries:
8 Day Tour
Day 1 – Travel to Glenbeigh
From Cork or Shannon airports, travel by bus to Killarney and take a local bus to Glenbeigh, a traditional seaside village on the north side of the peninsula.
Overnight accommodation in Glenbeigh village.
Day 2 – Glenbeigh to Caherciveen
Your route passes under Seefin mountain with stunning views over the magnificent Rosbeigh Beach and Dingle Bay. The route turns inland at Drung Hill before walking through the Foilmore valley overlooked by the majestic Knocknadobar.
Distance 19km (12m) or 25.5km (16mi). Ascents up to 470m (1,542ft). Approximate walking time 6-8 hours.
Shorter route is possible by taking a transfer from Foilmore/Srugreana.
Total distance varies according to where your accommodation is located.
Overnight accommodation in Foilmore/Caherciveen.
Day 3 – Caherciveen to Waterville
Walk through the Caherciveen hinterland. The route passes through turf bogs and pine forest. Some short climbs give views over Valentia Island and the stunning scenery of the western end of the peninsula. Waterville is a colourful coastal village, bounded by a long white beach and the lovely Lough Currane.
Distance 20.5km (13mi). Ascents 520m (1,706ft). Approximate walking time 7.5 hours.
Total distance varies according to where your accommodation is located, Foilmore or Caherciveen.
Overnight accommodation in Waterville village.
Day 4 – Waterville to Caherdaniel
A wonderfully scenic route rounding to the south side of the peninsula. The distance is short and there is time to take a detour at Derrynane and visit Derrynane House and Gardens, home of Daniel O’Connell known as ‘The Liberator’ who was the father of Catholic Emancipation during the 19th century.
Distance 15km (9mi). Ascents 320m (1,040ft). Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Caherdaniel village.
Day 5 – Caherdaniel to Sneem
Walk on the old “Butter road” – from where butter was transported by cart to Cork in the 19th century. The Way climbs again on the foothills of Eagle Hill and a short detour takes you to the 3rd century, stone built Staigue Fort. Your route stays above the main Ring of Kerry road, following rocky paths through sheep country to Sneem.
Distance 16.5km (10mi). Ascents 370m (1,214ft). Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Sneem.
Day 6 – Sneem to Kenmare
This walk takes you along the rocky shoreline of Kenmare Bay, easy walking through forest and the estate of Dromore Castle. The delightful Blackwater Bridge spans the Blackwater River coming from high in the Macgillycuddy Reeks. Kenmare is an interesting and colourful market town, on the banks of the Roughty River where it opens up into Kenmare Bay. It was founded in 1670 and settled by Englishmen, who built a prosperous fishing industry and an ironworks.
Distance 28.5km (18mi). Ascents 600m (1,969ft). Approximate walking time 9.5 hours.
Shorter option: Distance 15.5km (10mi). Ascents 340m (1,115ft). Approximate walking time 5.5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Kenmare.
Day 7 – Kenmare to Killarney
Walk on the “Old Kenmare Road” a delightful pass at 500m between Peakeen & Knockanaguish mountains. Descend through Killarney National Park, old oak forests, lichens, red deer, views over the Lakes of Killarney. The end of the Way passes 18th century Muckross House and Gardens and into the tourist town of Killarney.
Distance 25km (16mi). Ascents 460m (1,509ft). Approximate walking time 6.5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Killarney.
Day 8 – Depart from Killarney
Depart by bus or train from Killarney.
12 Day Tour
The 12 day trail starts in the famous town of Killarney and walks through Killarney National Park and over the Lakes of Killarney to the remote Black Valley and Glencar. Rhododendron forests, old oakwoods and along the foot of Ireland's highest mountains to Glenbeigh where you meet day 5-8 of the 8 day tour.
Day 1 - Travel to Killarney
From Cork or Shannon airports, travel by bus to Killarney. The town is world renowned for the unsurpassed beauty of its setting on the shores of Lough Leane. It is an interesting place to stay, with plenty to see and do.
Overnight accommodation in Killarney.
Day 2 - Killarney to Black Valley
Follow the lake shore through Killarney National Park, passing Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Waterfall, and through native oak forests. The Way is well marked and a pleasant start to the tour. Lunch at Lord Brandon’s Cottage at the head of the Upper Lake before entering the remote Black valley – the last place in Ireland to be electrified in 1967.
Distance 22km (14mi). Ascents 400m (1,312ft). Approximate walking time 7 hours.
Overnight in Black Valley farm guesthouse. Dinner will be in your guesthouse.
Day 3 - Black Valley to Glencar
Old green roads and mountain sheep country, under the magnificent Magillicuddy Reeks and Carrauntohill, Ireland’s highest mountain. The Black Valley passes into the Bridia Valley and mountain farming communities are all that are to be found here. Old roads from settlements go by the magnificent Lough Acoose under the Reeks to Glencar on the Caragh River.
Distance 21km (13mi). Ascents 620m (2,034ft). Approximate walking time 7 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Glencar.
Day 4 - Glencar to Glenbeigh
Start through the old woodlands of Glencar and lovely Blackstones Bridge. The route climbs above Caragh Lake then crosses Seefin Mountain via the Windy Gap with views of Dingle Bay. Descend through the Cummergorm Glen to the seaside village of Glenbeigh.
Distance 12.5km (8mi). Ascent 350m (1,148ft). Approximate walking time 4 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Glenbeigh.
Day 5 - Glenbeigh to Foilmore/Caherciveen
Your route passes under Seefin mountain with stunning views over the magnificent Rosbeigh Beach and Dingle Bay. The route turns inland at Drung Hill before walking through the Foilmore valley overlooked by the majestic Knocknadobar.
Distance 19km (12m) or 25.5km (16mi). Ascents up to 470m. Approximate walking time 6-8 hours.
Shorter route is possible by taking a transfer from Foilmore/Srugreana.
Total distance varies according to where your accommodation is located.
Overnight accommodation in Foilmore/Caherciveen.
Day 6 – Free Day in Caherciveen
Free day in Caherciveen with a number of options. Take a ferry to Valentia Island and walk on the island (11km/7mi). Take a boat trip from Portmagee to the Unesco heritage site at the Skellig Islands (45 minutes, fare not included); spectacular scenery with 5th century monastic remains perched on the Atlantic edge.
Overnight accommodation in Foilmore/Caherciveen.
Day 7 – Caherciveen to Waterville
Walk through the Caherciveen hinterland. The route passes through turf bogs and pine forest. Some short climbs give views over Valentia Island and the stunning scenery of the western end of the peninsula. Waterville is a colourful coastal village, bounded by a long white beach and the lovely Lough Currane.
Distance 20.5km (13mi). Ascents 520m (1,706ft). Approximate walking time 7.5 hours.
Total distance varies according to where your accommodation is located, Foilmore or Caherciveen.
Overnight accommodation in Waterville village.
Day 8 – Waterville to Caherdaniel
A wonderfully scenic route rounding to the south side of the peninsula. The distance is short and there is time to take a detour at Derrynane and visit Derrynane House and Gardens, home of Daniel O’Connell known as ‘The Liberator’ who was the father of Catholic Emancipation during the 19th century.
Distance 15km (9mi). Ascents 320m (1,040ft). Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Caherdaniel village.
Day 9 – Caherdaniel to Sneem
Walk on the old “Butter road” – from where butter was transported by cart to Cork in the 19th century. The Way climbs again on the foothills of Eagle Hill and a short detour takes you to the 3rd century, stone built Staigue Fort. Your route stays above the main Ring of Kerry road, following rocky paths through sheep country to Sneem.
Distance 16.5km (10mi). Ascents 370m (1,214ft). Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Sneem.
Day 10 – Sneem to Kenmare
This walk takes you along the rocky shoreline of Kenmare Bay, easy walking through forest and the estate of Dromore Castle. The delightful Blackwater Bridge spans the Blackwater River coming from high in the Macgillycuddy Reeks. Kenmare is an interesting and colourful market town, on the banks of the Roughty River where it opens up into Kenmare Bay. It was founded in 1670 and settled by Englishmen, who built a prosperous fishing industry and an ironworks.
Distance 28.5km (18mi). Ascents 600m (1,969ft). Approximate walking time 9.5 hours.
Shorter option: Distance 15.5km (10mi). Ascents 340m (1,115ft). Approximate walking time 5.5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Kenmare.
Day 11 – Kenmare to Killarney
Walk on the “Old Kenmare Road” a delightful pass at 500m between Peakeen & Knockanaguish mountains. Descend through Killarney National Park, old oak forests, lichens, red deer, views over the Lakes of Killarney. The end of the Way passes 18th century Muckross House and Gardens and into the tourist town of Killarney.
Distance 25km (16mi). Ascents 460m (1,509ft). Approximate walking time 6.5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Killarney.
Day 12 – Depart from Killarney
Depart by bus or train from Killarney.
Details
Price
Option 1: 8 Day: £895 per person sharing, £385 single supplement.
Option 2: 12 Day: £1,245 per person sharing, £585 single supplement.
Included
7 nights (or 10) Bed & Breakfast or guesthouse accommodation; luggage transfers each day; detailed route descriptions and maps.
Not Included
Other meals; transfers to and from Killarney; entries or excursions.
SUGGESTED EXTRA OPTIONS:
Visit the Skellig islands with 5th century monastic remains and a bird sanctuary. An incredible place.
DifFICULTY
12 day tour - moderate
8 day tour - moderate to difficult
Additional Information
Accommodation
Bed & Breakfast in guesthouse accommodation usually with ensuite bathroom
Getting There
AIRPORT FOR TRANSFERS Cork or Shannon, bus to Killarney. Kerry Regional Airport.
What To Take
Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit
When To Go
Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).
Insurance
We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.