Kerry Way - Full Experience
Duration: 11 days
Trails: T2 trails
Distance: More than 20 km / 12 mi per day
Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m / 820 - 1640 ft ascent per day
> Complete the Kerry Way in 11 days (9 stages)
> Enjoy the beauty of Ireland
> Accommodation before & after included
With just over 1000 meters, the Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, isn’t exactly a highlight. But what Ireland lacks in height, it more than makes up for in rough natural beauty. One of the best ways to experience this is by walking the Kerry Way, a circular walking route of approximately 214 kilometers across the Iveragh Peninsula. This route starts and ends in Killarney. This is the walking alternative to the famous Ring of Kerry driving route, and passes through some of Ireland’s most spectacular scenery. Crossing mountains and valleys, passing lakes, old forests and wild bogs, the route comes with a lot of variety. From the cliffs and sandy beaches you can enjoy beautiful views over the many rocky islands. You pass numerous archaeological remains, giving the route a strong historical character.
The Kerry Way is 214 kilometers long, which is equal to 133 miles. The route is divided into 9 stages, and starts and ends in Killarney. Whether you are an experienced hiker or just starting out, the Kerry Way is for everyone.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Killarney
Today you will have to make your way to Killarney. In Killarney, you will spend the night at a hotel preparing for your Kerry Way adventure.
The Fairview Boutique Hotel (Killarney)
Day
2
Killarney - Black Valley
Duration: 06:24 h
Distance: 23.1 km / 14.4 mi
Ascent: 410 m / 1345 ft
Descent: 380 m / 1247 ft
The path leads you into country lanes and trails that run through Killarney National Park. The route passes the 18th -century Muckross manor house and continues on forest and hillside trails. The path leads you into the Black Valley and from this point, the ascent begins towards MacGillycuddy’s Range. The views become more and more spectacular and eventually you descent, back to the accommodation, in the middle of the Black Valley.
Black Valley Lodge (Black Valley)
Day
3
Black Valley - Glencar
Duration: 06:34 h
Distance: 23.3 km / 14.5 mi
Ascent: 590 m / 1936 ft
Descent: 570 m / 1870 ft
The path continues through the impressive Black Valley. The tops of Braghabinnia Mountain and Carrauntoohil tower above you. The rough mountain terrain changes and now becomes wooded as the route circles Brassel Mountain. On the way to the Brida Valley, the terrain gets rougher again and the route runs along Cummeenduff Lake, located on the southern edge of the MacGillycuddy’s Range. After this, you go into the Ballycullane Valley and descend to Glencar.
The Climber's Inn (Glencar)
Day
4
Glencar - Glenbeigh
Duration: 04:49 h
Distance: 17.3 km / 10.7 mi
Ascent: 300 m / 984 ft
Descent: 350 m / 1148 ft
Today, you first follow the river Caragh on a country road and forest track before reaching Drombrane Lough. You walk further into Lickeen Woods. You will then ascent to a mountain pass between Seefin and Coolroe where you can enjoy the beautiful view over Inch Point and the coast of Glenbeigh. A final descent takes you to Glenbeigh.
The Glenbeigh Hotel (Glenbeigh)
Day
5
Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen
Duration: 08:44 h
Distance: 31.6 km / 19.6 mi
Ascent: 560 m / 1837 ft
Descent: 570 m / 1870 ft
You leave Glenbeigh via the Behy Bridge and walk on forest paths through the hills and mountains to Cahersiveen. Along the way you can enjoy the many panoramic views over the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. You pass a number of Celtic crosses, grave and memorial stones before reaching Cahersiveen.
Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse (Cahersiveen)
Day
6
Cahersiveen - Waterville
Duration: 08:47 h
Distance: 30.4 km / 18.9 mi
Ascent: 750 m / 2461 ft
Descent: 760 m / 2493 ft
Leaving Cahersiveen behind, you immediately but gradually begin to ascent further to the top of Knockavahaun. From this strategic point you have spectacular views of the Beginish, Valentia and the Church Islands. A quick descent follows to Canuig and the colorful village of Waterville.
Clifford's Ocean View (Waterville)
Day
7
Waterville - Caherdaniel
Duration: 04:45 h
Distance: 17.2 km / 10.7 mi
Ascent: 300 m / 984 ft
Descent: 290 m / 951 ft
Today is a relatively short walking day. You walk on avenues and mountain paths through the rolling landscape. This area is full of historic sites and you will pass memorial stones, Chillin (Irish for small church or cemetery), megalithic tombs and Ogham Stones.
The Olde Forge (Caherdaniel)
Day
8
Caherdaniel - Sneem
Duration: 05:12 h
Distance: 18.3 km / 11.4 mi
Ascent: 400 m / 1312 ft
Descent: 410 m / 1345 ft
The path leads you through a slightly hilly terrain and you walk on country roads, forest and mountain paths. Today’s highest point can be reached at Gortamullin. On top of the hills, the views over the many small islands and the Berry Peninsula, with its jagged coastline, are nothing but spectacular.
Coomassig View (Sneem)
Day
9
Sneem - Kenmare
Duration: 09:54 h
Distance: 35.8 km / 22.2 mi
Ascent: 640 m / 2100 ft
Descent: 630 m / 2067 ft
Today is a long but fairly easy walking day. The route is quite flat and has no significant ascents. You walk on country roads and low mountain paths with the sea on one side and the mountains on the other. Eventually you will arrive in the fishing village of Kenmare.
An Bruachan (Kenmare)
Day
10
Kenmare - Killarney
Duration: 07:35 h
Distance: 26.6 km / 16.5 mi
Ascent: 620 m / 2034 ft
Descent: 610 m / 2001 ft
The final stage of the trail completes the route and takes you back to Killarney National Park. Today you mainly walk on country roads and the route leads you between Peakeen Mountain and Knockanaguish. The tour ends in Killarney, where the route started.
The Fairview Boutique Hotel (Killarney)
Day
11
Departure
After breakfast, our services and your Kerry Way adventure will be over. Have a safe trip back home!
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