Welcome to the Kerry Way.
Tour Highlights
- Walking above and beyond the very famous Ring of Kerry. All the best sites and sights in peace, on foot.
- Muckross House and Killarney National Park, by track and trail.
- Looking west to the Skellig Islands and the Atlantic from Foilclogh Hill. Get there if you can. And don’t miss the Skellig Chocolate makers!
- Derrynane House and Park, blissful gardens, dunes and coffee shop
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival 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 Derrymore
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 or 23 km. Ascents 300m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Foilmore/Caherciveen town.
Day 3 – Foilmore/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 25km. Ascents 350m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.
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. Ascents 200m. 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 19km. Ascents 280m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Sneem village.
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 14 or 26km. Ascents 320m. Approximate walking time 6 or 8 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Kenmare town.
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. Ascents 550m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.
Overnight accommodation in Killarney town centre.
Day 8 – Departure from Killarney
Departure by bus or train from Killarney.
Prices & Booking
€210 single supplement.
What’s Included
* Seven nights Bed & Breakfast guesthouse accommodation.
* Luggage transfers each day.
* Detailed route descriptions.
* Relevant 1:50000 maps.
What’s not included:
* Other meals.
* Entries or excursions.
* Transfers to Glenbeigh or from Killarney.
Guest Reviews
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.
September 2019 – Mike + 4, UK
We all survived the Kerry Way!
Thank you for sorting a wonderful selection of accommodation. All of the hosts and rooms were perfect. Nothing was too much trouble for the hosts despite our arriving at the end of their season. The documentation was excellent and your own route guide surpassed all of the purchased guidebooks. The weather was mixed but generally bearable and any low spots were soon forgotten in the post mortem which took place each evening over a meal and a few drinks.
Many thanks again for your splendid organisation and support.
May 2019 – Joan & Vincent, Newfoundland & BC, Canada
Thank you for the very organized holiday!!! We didn’t have to worry about a thing, the B&B’s were all pleasant and clean, good food!!!! The trails were as well marked as can be expected, I would prefer more markers but that’s just me. I know its not plausible to have markers every 50 metres.
Hope to do another tour in a few years, I’ll recommend your company to everybody I tell my holiday stories to.
April 2019 – Stefan, Furfeld Germany
as promised, a short summary of my trip: fantastic!
Thank you so much for the orginisation, I had fabulous four weeks and I enjoyed every single day with no exception, I even cannot tell what was best.
All BnBs were good choices, but of course, some were better than others; my favorites are Failte Farmhouse (Catherine is wonderful), Derrynane Bay House and Rowan Tree. Anyway, I’m already thinking of doing the next walk next spring, so be prepared 🙂 or give me some suggestions!!
August 2019 – Henk & Laura, Utrecht, The Netherlands
We would like to tell you that our walking holiday was a great success. We enjoyed every day. No problems of any kind. The owners/landlady’s of the B&B’s were very nice and we had good conversations with them. We admire the way they do their business, especially those in farmhouses. They work hard for a living!
May 2019 – Maria + 5 friends, NY
Just want to thank you for planning such a great trip for us. We had a wonderful time and all of the arrangements/accommodations were terrific. You even managed to get us good weather. Most of all, the people of Ireland were friendly, kind and funny.
June 2019 – Miriam, Karlsfeld, Germany
THANK YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH for all the organizations und preparations that made my holidays work out so well. Starting off with a whole week of pure sunshine, was so special and I kept thinking to myself: “what are people telling about the weather in Ireland”!? I had a wonderful time and I´m sure I will come back
August 2019 – Colin & Mike, Toronto, Canada
I have been meaning to write to tell you that my friend Mike and I really enjoyed the walk on The Kerry Way. After some rain the first few days, it started to clear up, and there was sunshine and blue skies for the last couple of days. The scenery along the trail was fabulous, and the trip to the Skellig Islands was quite an adventure. All of the B&Bs were very good, but special note goes to Mrs. Morris at Failte Farmhouse. She was very welcoming and even offered to do our laundry! All in all, it was a great trip. Thanks very much!
Location & Grade
