Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney N.P.

Walking information

The walking is on well marked trails, the terrain at times can be a little muddy underfoot and some rocky sections. There are some coastal paths which are wide but do have drops. Walking boots are essential and poles are highly reccommended.

Day 1: Arrive in Killarney

Check into your B&B and then explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner or enjoying some live music.
You stay at the Abbey Lodge (breakfast included)

Day 2: Killarney to Kenmare 22km/14mi/6hr

You'll get dropped off at Muckross House to start your walk. From here you'll follow a road around the lake leading to Ireland's second highest waterfall, Torc Waterfall, before climbing on the old Kenmare road, cutting through the mountains. Keep your eye out for red deer. Crossing Windy Gap, you'll enjoy wonderful views of Kenmare Bay, before a down and up into the lively village of Kenmare, St Finian's Holy Well, located in the old part, is said to contain healing properties.
You stay at the Rockcrest House B&B (breakfast included)

Day 3: Kenmare to Sneem 21km/13.5mi/6hr or 33km/21m/8hrs 30 mins

After a transfer to the tiny hamlet of Templenoe, you'll follow a series of forest tracks passing 19th century Dromore Castle to arrive on a beautiful trail along the shores of Kenmare Bay. After crossing Blackwater Bridge you'll climb to a low plateau with superb views, where you'll see fields of sheep and small lakes, and the pretty church of Tahilla. Walking along a farm trail to the outskirts of Sneem, you'll meet the Ring of Kerry road, cross it and follow an old boreen up and down into the village. If you prefer to do the longer day there is no transfer and you walk from the Lodge, picking up the Kerry Way in Sneem.
You stay at the Coomassig View B&B (breakfast included)

Day 4: Sneem to Caherdaniel (Waterville) 17km/11mi/5hr

A shorter day today, offering an insight into the farming lifestyle as you pass through a series of farms, fields full of sheep and friendly farmers who are only too happy to stop and chat. Following an old 'butter road', you'll admire the ruins of Kilcrohane Church and watch the landscape become more rugged as you climb to enjoy stunning views down to the Wild Atlantic coast. you'll then descend into the little village of Caherdaniel, once home to the famous Irish liberator, Daniel O'Connell. Perhaps grab a drink in Freddie's Bar whilst waiting for your transfer to Waterville (20mins), where you stay for the next two nights.
You stay at the The Villa (breakfast included)

Day 5: Caherdaniel to Waterville 12km/7.5mi/4hr

After a transfer back to Caherdaniel, a short but scenic walk takes you on country roads to a track that provides amazing views of the beach and leads through one of Ireland's oldest natural woodland with oak, ash, holly and birch trees. Once out of the woods you'll climb to be rewarded with wonderful views over Ballinskelligs Bay, passing ancient burial grounds. Before following the old 'butter road' back to Waterville, you'll pass the statue of Charlie Chaplin, who liked to fish here.
You stay at the The Villa (breakfast included)

Day 6: Waterville to Cahersiveen 22km/14mi/6 hr or 31km/19.5mi/8hr

We'll take you to Mastergeehy to start your walk - or you can walk the whole way if you would like on a sunny day when the views are tremendous. From here you'll follow country lanes and climb up to a lovely plateau giving 360 degree views over the coast and inland. Another drop and climb leads you to the town of Cahersiveen where you can enjoy a drink before heading to your B&B. If you prefer you can walk from the hotel, it is a lovely walk with views of Lough Currane, to arrive at Mastergeehy.
You stay at the Ring of Kerry Hotel (breakfast included)

Day 7: Cahersiveen to Glenbeigh 21km/13mi/6hr

After a transfer to Deelis Bridge, you'll pick up an old 17th century 'stage coach' mountain trail, passing the ruins of old Kells village and a panoramic view of the old railway viaduct, soon to be a cycle greenway. After walking across Windy Gap you'll be met with gorgeous views of the Dingle Peninsula with Rossbeigh Strand and Inch Beach, famous for the film, Ryan's Daughter. You'll finish with a forest trail through the fairy woods to Glenbeigh for your last night, staying at the historic Towers Hotel, where the cast of Ryan's Daughter stayed.
You stay at The Towers Hotel (breakfast included)

Day 8: Leave Glenbeigh

Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip.

(*It is easy to add extra nights in all of the towns - perhaps you'd like to visit Valencia Island or take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands. Just ask your sales adviser to arrange.)