Mrs Love-Fordham says...
This was our eighth hike or bike with Headwater. We have enjoyed them all, but it was my first time to Ireland and I am absolutely in love! The hikes were ...
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The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail - at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes - a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history.
Nestled in the south-west corner of Ireland, you'll spot contrastingly beautiful landscapes at every turn. From rugged cliffs to some of Europe's finest golden beaches, small friendly villages and velvety green fields to picturesque mountain ranges.
Starting in the famous town of Killarney, boasting the magnificent 'Three Lakes of Killarney', your route takes you south to the heritage town of Kenmare. Following the spectacular coastal route, the Wild Atlantic Way, you'll pass lovely towns and villages - Kenmare with its historic textile industry, Sneem famous for its little bridge and Waterville, a favoured fishing location for Charlie Chaplin.
Meandering the landscape, which was carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago, marvel at Iron Age forts and ruined abbeys amongst the many sheep that dot the fields, crisp blue loughs and pretty waterfalls. As you head northwards, the coastal views get better and better.
You'll stay in a mix of friendly bed and breakfasts. You will be sure of a warm Irish welcome everywhere. Many towns offer pubs, bistros and restaurants serving tasty local food - the seafood is especially good!
*This holiday is also available as a 4-night Short Break*
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.
Check into your B&B and then explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner or enjoying some live music. (Staying at Killarney Lodge, Breakfast only)
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. (Staying at The Lodge at Kenmare, Breakfast only)
After a transfer to the tiny hamlet of Templenoe, you'll follow a series of forest tracks passing C19 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. (Staying at the Coomassig View B&B, Breakfast only)
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.(Staying at Klondyke House B&B, Breakfast only)
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. (Staying at Klondyke House B&B, Breakfast only)
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°ree; 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. (Staying at Cul Draiochta B&B, Breakfast only)
After a transfer to Deelis Bridge, you'll pick up an old C17 '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. (Staying at The Towers Hotel, Breakfast only)
We take you to Killarney Station for your onward journey, or 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.)
During your holiday you stay at the following hotels. If you'd like to extend your time at any of these or, if you'd like to enhance your stay with an upgraded room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347, use our live webchat or email usa@exodustravels.com
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website and read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades are not available at this hotel.
Please contact us for extra night prices.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website and read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades are not available at this hotel.
Please contact us for extra night prices.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website and read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades are not available at this hotel.
Please contact us for extra night prices.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website and read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades are not available at this hotel.
Please contact us for extra night prices.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website and read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades are not available at this hotel.
Please contact us for extra night prices.
NEARBY:
Find out more on the hotel website and read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades are not available at this hotel.
Please contact us for extra night prices.
Please call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or email usa@exodustravels.com to arrange flights and connecting transfers to your hotel.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
This was our eighth hike or bike with Headwater. We have enjoyed them all, but it was my first time to Ireland and I am absolutely in love! The hikes were incredible with outrageously beautiful views. The walks aren't particularly hard, but they are long and without stayput days to rest, it is tiring. If I were to do it again, I would opt for in a few extra stayput days here and there just so I could sleep in and spend more time exploring the villages. The local people were friendly and helpful - go sit at the bar in any pub and you will make instant friends. The little villages were fun to explore. The food was great and I really did not expect that! One thing to note... make sure your rain gear is working - get in the shower with it before you pack and make sure it is still waterproof! It rains a lot in Ireland and you are bound to get a shower now and then - even a cloud burst that lasts just a few minutes. We had two and they were actually a lot of fun! But the weather is wonderfully cool even when sunny and even the rain is just part of the experience. I would go again today if work didn't get in the way! It was wonderful. I think it is my favorite trip so far!
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday. Find out about The Headwater Price Promise to ensure you're getting the very best value for money.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
| Sep 2018 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 20th Sep | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 22nd Sep | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 24th Sep | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 26th Sep | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 28th Sep | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 30th Sep | US$1225 | Check availability |
| Oct 2018 | Tour only | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 4th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 6th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 8th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 10th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 12th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 14th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 16th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 18th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 20th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 22nd Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
| 24th Oct | US$1225 | Check availability |
The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Minimum group sizes
No minimum group size, however transfers are subject to at least 2 people (in total) booked on each departure.
Children
Please contact us for child prices.
Holiday type
Self-guided walking Managed locally by Headwater appointed agent.
Departures
Every 2 days from 20th Sep 2018 to 24th Oct 2018, for 7 nights.
Meals
All breakfasts
Tour only
Transfers are included to and from Killarney station.
For further details, or to check availability, speak to our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form (we'll contact you at a time that's most convenient for you).
To enquire about this holiday, or for further information, call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 or complete our holiday enquiry form.
Due to the tailor-made nature of our holidays, we need a little more information in order for us to check availability for Mystical Walking on the Kerry Way. Simply complete the form below and a member of our sales team will contact you (when it's most convenient for you) to provide availability information, travel options and an accurate price. Of course there's no obligation, but if you do wish to proceed with a booking they will be on-hand to assist you throughout the process.
Alternatively, you can call our sales team on 1-800-267-3347 to discuss your requirements in more detail.
We've been creating high-quality relaxed activity holidays since 1985 and our wealth of experience means we're able to build the perfect tailor-made tour for you. Our 'Gold Trusted' rating on Feefo, the independent review site, underlines our exceptional levels of customer service, and our ATOL bonding and ABTA membership guarantees your holiday is safe with us.
