Day 1 – Arrival in Killarney
Welcome to Killarney, ‘The Kingdom’ of Kerry and your Kerry Way walking holiday. On arrival you may have some time to wander around the beautiful town centre or have a quick walk in Killarney House & Gardens before settling into your accommodation. Relax and take time to read your walking pack and notes and maps for your week ahead.
Overnight Killarney.
Day 2 – Killarney to Black Valley
Distance: 23km/14.3miles • Ascent: 560m/1840ft
This morning’s walk leaves the bustling town of Killarney and takes you into the remote Black Valley. Walk through the luscious Killarney National Park passing the ruins of Muckross Friary, Muckross House and its gardens, up beside Torc Waterfall and along The Old Kenmare Road to the ancient oak woods beside the Killarney’s Upper Lake leading you all the way into the Valley. Today’s walk is mainly on paved roads and unsurfaced tracks.
Approximate walking time 5-6 hours
Overnight Black Valley
Day 3 – Black Valley to Glencar
Distance: 20km/12.5 miles • Ascent: 860m/2830ft
Today is another long but the most rewarding! You walk through the rugged and lonely ice carved glens of the Reeks District (Black Valley and Bridia Valley) with the MacGillycuddy Reeks towering above you. This walk takes you on a meandering line with ever-changing panoramas through woodland, lakes, and two low mountain passes- the Bridie Path and the Lack road to the storied Glencar. Today’s walk is a combination of surfaced roads and boggy mountain tracks.
Approximate walking time 7-8 hours
Overnight Glencar.
Day 4 – Glencar to Glenbeigh
Distance: 13.5km/8.5 miles • Ascent: 440m/1445ft
This morning you leave the valley of Glencar following the course of the Caragh River to the seaside village of Glenbeigh located along the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy spectacular views of Caragh Lake and encounter many myths and legends before reaching Glenbeigh and its golden sandy beach.
Approximate walking time 5-6 hours
Overnight Glenbeigh.
Day 5 – Rest/Free Day in Glenbeigh
Today is a day to do as you please. We will include notes of a choice of local walks in your pack if you wish to have another day’s walking. If not here are some other suggestions:
- Hire a bike
- Adventure sports (canoeing, windsurfing, orienteering, etc.) at Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre
- Go horse-riding along Rossbeigh beach & woodlands
- Taste the Wild Atlantic up close at Rossbeigh beach for a swim! Only for the brave!
- Rest!
Overnight Glenbeigh.
Day 6 – Glenbeigh to Foilmore
Distance: 19.5km/12 miles • Ascent: 600m/1950ft
Today’s walk takes you on the first coastal stretch of the Kerry Way, on the line of a middle-ages coaching road, with spectacular views over Dingle Bay.
Approximate walking time 5-6 hours
Overnight Foilmore
Day 7 – Foilmore to Waterville
Distance: 24km/15miles • Ascent: 750m/2450ft
Today’s journey is mainly inland, on ridge-backs showcasing the remote and rugged Irish landscape while giving impressive views of land and sea. Arrive at the angling centre of Waterville on the shore of Ballinskelligs Bay, where Charlie Chaplin and his family used to spend long holiday periods and a bronze statue stands on the promenade at Waterville in recognition of this!
Approximate walking time 7-8 hours
Overnight Waterville.
Day 8 – Waterville to Caherdaniel
Distance: 11.5km/7.25miles • Ascent: 340m/1115ft
Today you travel from one seaside village to the next, connecting Waterville to Caherdaniel – this section of the Kerry Way is on a middle ages coaching road and offers wonderful views of bay, sea, islands and archaeological sites.
Approximate walking time 4-5 hours
Overnight Caherdaniel.
Day 9 – Caherdaniel to Sneem
Distance: 17km/10.6 miles • Ascent: 500/1650ft
This leg of the Kerry Way involves walking mainly on the old coach road between the two settlements, in use for droving cattle up to the 1930s which traces the track above the main Ring of Kerry road. You pass through peat beds and close to the famous 2,000-year-old Staigue Fort, one of the largest ring forts found in Ireland. Arrive at the picturesque village of Sneem for your well-earned rest!
Approximate walking time 5-6 hours
Overnight in Sneem.
Day 10 – Sneem to Kenmare
Distance: 34km/21.25 miles • Ascent: 700m/2300ft
Yet another attractive stage of the Kerry Way awaits you today as you come towards the end of your holiday. Today takes you through woodland sections and close to the shoreline of Kenmare Bay. There are splendid views along the way of the Beara Peninsula as you walk along the bottom coast of Kerry. Kenmare is a bustling pretty town with many great shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants to sample.
Approximate walking time 8-9 hours
Overnight in Kenmare.
Day 11 – Kenmare to Killarney
Distance: 3.5km/14.7 miles • Ascent: 715m/2350ft
Welcome to your final day! The last leg of the Kerry Way takes us from the sea via mountain and lake through Oakwood back to the Killarney National Park, home of the Red Deer, along the Old Kenmare Road. With amazing views across the Lakes you will find it hard to believe that you are again back in Killarney where you took your first step onto the Kerry Way. Enjoy your last night reminiscing on the splendour that is the Kerry Way!
Approximate walking time 7-8 hours
Overnight Killarney
Day 12 – Departure Day
‘All good things must come to an end’. Enjoy your final hot cooked Irish breakfast and you’re ready to go. Killarney bus and train stations provide several transfer options for you to continue on your journey. Slán abhaile – safe home!