Our @Ease programmes are designed to give walkers an opportunity to unwind, relax and recover with less unpacking and longer stays. This gives you more time to experience each location, helps ease the pressure on our accommodation providers, and offers a more fuel-efficient option.
The Iveragh Peninsula or Ring of Kerry, the second of the five southwestern peninsulas, is one of the most popular tourist routes in Ireland. Instead of seeing it by car with the crowds, we invite you to experience it by walking. This is the best way to fully appreciate the natural beauty and culture of this peninsula.
The north side of the peninsula mirrors the old red sandstone of the Dingle Peninsula, gradually changing as you venture south to the limestone crags of the Beara Peninsula. Long sandy beaches on the north side give way to rocky inlets and coves. The climate is warm and temperate, allowing sub-tropical plants to flourish.
The glaciated Lakes of Killarney have been long famous as a tourist destination and are the centre of the Killarney National Park, home to native oak woods, birch, beech and one of the last remaining herd of red deer. Since their introduction from Norway in 2008, it is also now home to breeding white tailed eagles.
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Optional Extras
Pricing
The 11-day tour is a relaxed version of our Kerry Way tours, incorporating more free days so you can choose how often and how much you walk. This tour begins in Waterville and follows some of the Kerry Way with overnight stays in Caherdaniel, Sneem, Kenmare and ending with Killarney.
This tour is split equally between MODERATE and RELAXED days.
See how we determine levels of difficulty for each of our hiking tours by visiting our FAQ page.
Travel to Waterville by Bus Eireann services.
Overnight accommodation in Waterville.
Free day to enjoy the ancient seaside settlement of Waterville, nestled between mountains, the expansive Lough Currane, and the Atlantic coast. Walk the hinterland overlooking the lake and ocean, returning on the Kerry Way.
Overnight accommodation in Waterville.
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.
Free day Caherdaniel to walk the Mass Path, a wonderfully scenic route on the shores of Derrynane Bay with a visit to the 6th century Abbey Island and Derrynane House.
Distance 12km (7mi). Approximate walking time 4 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Caherdaniel.
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.
Free day in Sneem with a choice of loop walks into the foothills of the Macgillycuddy Reek Mountains.
Distance 10-15km (6-9mi). Approximate walking time 3-5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Sneem.
Your host can arrange a taxi transfer to Blackwaterbridge to pick up the Kerry Way from there. 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 15km (9mi). Approximate walking time 5 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Kenmare.
Free Day in Kenmare, with options to explore the Reenagross Woodlands, take a seafaring trip on Kenmare Bay, or walk the Kenmare Heritage Trail around a 16th-century town.
Overnight accommodation in Kenmare.
Taxi transfer to Gowlane Cross then pick up the Way from there. Walk on the “Old Kenmare Road” a delightful pass at 500m between Peakeen and 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 20km (12mi). Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Killarney.
Free day in the heart of the Killarney National Park with numerous choices of walking routes, boat trips on the Lakes of Killarney or a bus and hiking trip into the Gap of Dunloe.
Overnight accommodation in Killarney.
Depart Killarney by public transport services.
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July 2021 – Jim, California
We are leaving Killarney today, I just wanted to thank you for everything. We had an incredible walk along the Kerry Way. Everything was perfect. We loved the variety of b & b’s along the way and all of the owners were wonderful to work with. We could not be happier.
+353 86 814 3156
info@tailor-madetours.com
