Hidden Kerry – walking the Kerry Way and Killarney National Park
This holiday, based on the Kerry Way, South West Ireland in Glenbeigh and Killarney, Co. Kerry, offers you the best coastal, inland and National Park walks in Ireland.
This holiday, based in the South West of Ireland in Glenbeigh and Killarney, Co. Kerry, offers you the best coastal, inland and National Park walks in Ireland. Walk four legs of the famous Kerry Way walking trail on old coach and butter roads, which take you from the Atlantic Ocean, on the shore of Dingle Bay, through the wild valleys of Mid Kerry to the Killarney National Park. The experience of travelling on foot as in days of yore is complemented by superb views, unique flora and fauna and a landscape imbued with folklore. Add ample opportunities to enjoy the craic (the fun) of evenings in an Irish pub and you get a satisfying cultural experience.
Glenbeigh (Gleann Beithe – Valley of the Birch trees) is a beautiful vibrant village situated by the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the mountains of the Iveragh peninsula, on the Kerry Way and the Ring of Kerry. Walk on the 6 miles of golden, blue flag beach of Rossbeigh, while breathing in the fresh Atlantic sea air. The town has great pubs and restaurants where you will have the opportunity to hear traditional Irish music or even partake in some dancing! Situated on the Kerry Way walking route you can walk from your guesthouse on two days.
Killarney (Winner of the Tidiest town in Ireland 2011)
The traditional starting point for the Kerry Way, Killarney is a unique base for your final three nights. It offers a unique combination of great pubs, music, book and coffee shops yet it is right beside the world famous Killarney National Park and Lakes. It’s a great base for your free day with options such as hiring a bike, visiting a spa, shopping, hop on a bus to Dingle or simply enjoy the National Park.
Accommodation
Glenbeigh
Your accommodation for the first four nights is in Kerry Ocean Lodge, Go Visit Ireland’s quality 20-bedroom walking lodge, based in the centre of Glenbeigh with every walkers need catered for. Each spacious room has a TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathroom. There is also free internet access, free laundry facilities and private parking.
Killarney
Your accommodation in Killarney is the beautiful 3-star boutique Victoria House hotel located on the scenic Muckross Road, Ireland’s most thriving and popular all year round holiday destination with plentiful attractions to warrant a full day’s adventure. With just a small walk or cycle ride away from Killarney’s National Park with spectacular views of park and woodlands the hotel’s location is ideal for touring the Kerry Way, the South West of Ireland and perfect for activity breaks in Killarney.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
19.00 hrs: Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at guesthouse in Glenbeigh.
Day 2 – Dooks Beach and ‘Mountain’
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Ascent: 50m/165ft
A gentle walk on road, bog road and beach allows you to experience a variety of habitats (blanket bog, sand dune, freshwater lake/stream and seashore) as well as to view peat cuttings. End the walk with a visit to Ireland’s only Bog Village museum where you can see how people lived in olden days.
Day 3: Kerry Way (Kells-Glenbeigh)
Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent: 300m/1,000ft
The first walk takes you on the early Christian route and medieval coaching road, with detours to view archaeological artefacts and 4,000-year-old rock art, views across Dingle Bay and a possible diversion to a beach for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 4 – The Kerry Way (Glenbeigh-Glencar)
Via Windy Gap – Distance: 13km/ 8miles Ascent: 350m/1,150ft
You walk from the seaside village of Glenbeigh, ascend gradually to circle Seefin Mountain and stroll downwards into the lush valley of the Caragh River in storied Glencar.
Day 5 – Killarney National Park
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Ascent: 230m/ 750ft. Descent: 330m/1,100ft
The final leg of the Kerry Way takes you into Killarney National Park – through ancient oak woods, along the Old Kenmare Road, with a descent beside the spectacular Torc Cascade and into the gardens of Muckross House (19th century mansion), with its welcoming teashop. Our walk continues past the ruins of Muckross Friary (15th century) and back to our hotel.
Day 6 – Free Day Options:
– Bus tours of the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula
– Visit Killarney – cycle or stroll through the National Park. Enjoy the craft, book shops & tea houses.
Day 7 – The Kerry Way (Black Valley) and the Gap of Dunloe
Black Valley to Gap of Dunloe – Distance: 11km/7miles Ascent: 400m/1,300ft
Go on a wonderful open topped boat trip through the three Lakes of Killarney from Ross Castle to Lord Brandon’s Cottage. After lunch walk through the dramatic, ice-carved Gap of Dunloe. Finish a wonderful week’s walking by treating yourself to an Irish Coffee in Kate Kearneys Cottage.
Day 8 Departure
Tour Details
8 days / 7 nights (Ref: KG7) 5 days / 4 nights (Ref: KG4)
This is a two centre, guided walking holiday.
Dates 2017
April 22. May 13. June 3, 17. July 1, 15. August 26. Sept 16. October 7
Price
KG7: €1035 per person sharing
(July, August) KG7: €990 per person sharing
(May, June, Sept ) KG7: €960 per person sharing
(April, Oct) KG4: €710 per person sharing
(all year)
Single Supplement
KG7: €250 KG4: €125
This can be avoided entirely if singles are willing to share a room with someone of the same sex. We will try our utmost to match those singles willing to share.
Walking Grade
2 Boots – Moderate walks of 7-11 miles (11-18 km) per day with
gradual ascents of up to 1,300 ft (400m)
Tour Highlights
Glenbeigh – a picturesque, vibrant village by the Atlantic ocean
Rossbeigh Beach – an award-winning blue flag beach
Killarney – Award-winning tidiest town in Ireland famous for it’s National Park and music and start point of the Kerry Way
Killarney National Park – lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer.
Boat trip (traditional open topped wooden boat) through the Lakes of Killarney, 19th century Muckross House (optional) and Gardens
4 nights in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouse in Glenbeigh based on two adults sharing with private bathroom.
3 nights in 3-star hotel in Killarney
7 hot cooked full Irish breakfasts
Five packed lunches
Five dinners
Transfers to and from walks each day
Boat trip through the three Lakes of Killarney
Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
Notes and maps by Seán Ó Súilleabháin
Airport Transfers
Note: These transfers must be confirmed at time of booking with flight numbers and times for arrival and departure. If these transfers aren’t confirmed at time of booking we will assume they are making their own way to their first nights accommodation. Arrangements can be made for a private taxi transfer (at clients own expense) should the Go Visit Ireland transfer timetable not suit.
Individual taxis can be arranged from the following airports (at client’s expense).
Kerry airport to Glenbeigh
– Single: €60 Shannon airport to Glenbeigh
– Single: €200 Cork airport to Glenbeigh
– Single: €180 Killarney bus/train station to Glenbeigh
– Single: €60