Kerry Way: Everything About Ireland's Finest Walk

With over 200 kilometers, the Kerry Way is Ireland's longest signposted hiking trail and also one of the most popular ones. The route was first proposed and developed by members of the Laune Mountaineering Club already in 1982. It was Seán Ó Súilleabháin, the chairman, who realised "there was a spider's web-like network of roads and paths that could be combined to form a route around Kerry." He began drawing the trail that we know now as the Kerry Way. The full route was completed in 1989 and opened by Frank Fahey, TD, Minister of State for Youth and Sport.

For the first few days, the Kerry Way crosses through the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Range, reaching a height of 1000 meters and home to 9 of the 10 highest peaks in Ireland. As you begin to reach the coast, the hills level off and you get beautiful views of the Kerry coastline. From the colorful coastal town of Waterville, the Kerry Way heads east again to Kenmare, making the most of the views of Puffin, Scarrif and Devenish Island. On the last day, the Kerry Way leads you through the beautiful Killarney National Park, a worthy conclusion to this extremely varied and spectacular walking tour.

The Kerry Way is a circular walk and starts and ends in Killarney. The trail is 214 kilometers long, which is equal to 133 miles, and is divided into 9 stages. On the way, the route guides you past mountains, valleys, lakes, old forests, sandy beaches, and archaeological remains.

You can walk the Kerry Way all year round. The popular season is between March and October, May being the most recommended month. What you should know is that the weather conditions are frequently wet and windy, regardless of the season that you choose, so pack the necessary wet/warm weather gear and always have an extra, dry pair of shoes to wear at the end of the day. A good rain jacket and overtrousers will be your best allies.

On the Kerry Way, you can either spend the night in a cozy hotel or in a typical Irish B&B, where you will receive a warm welcome and a typical Irish breakfast. There are also campsites along the path. Wild camping is also possible along the Kerry Way. In case you prefer this, please keep in mind to place your tent sheltered. The wind can change in a few hours from calm to strong. Ask for drinking water at the houses, water from the streams is unreliable due to the many sheep that are drinking from it.

The Kerry Way is a very popular trek and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Thanks to this popularity, there is always a possibility to have your luggage transported. Your suitcase will be picked up from your hotel each morning and it will be ready for you at your next hotel at the end of the day. Quite convenient, isn't it?

The Kerry Way begins and ends in Killarney. Since it is a circular route, the path can be walked in both ways. Killarney is reachable by public transport.

Starting point

To get to Killarney, you first have to travel to either Kerry Airport, Cork Airport, Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport. From there, you can take the train or bus to Killarney. You can also drive to Killarney by car. Killarney is a touristic town. Here you can find many traditional farms, the Killarney National Park, castles and of course the Irish Whiskey Experience.

Ending point

Since the Kerry Way is a circular walk, the route also ends in Killarney. You can travel to one of the airports by train or bus. In case you came by car, you can pick it up where you left it.