Kerry Way - Full Experience

Route

What's the plan?

Day 1: Killarney to Black Valley
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.

Distance: 21 kilometers / 13 miles
Walking time: 5.5 hours  

Day 2: Black Valley to Glencar
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.

Distance: 19 kilometers / 12 miles
Walking time: 5 hours  

Day 3: Glencar to Glenbeigh
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.

Distance: 19 kilometers / 12 miles
Walking time: 5 hours  

Day 4: Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen
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.

Distance: 26 kilometers / 16 miles
Walking time: 6.5 hours

  
Day 5: Cahersiveen to Waterville
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, Valencia and the Church Islands. A quick descent follows to Canuig and the colorful village of Waterville.

Distance: 24 kilometers / 15 miles
Walking time: 6 hours  

Day 6: Waterville to Caherdaniel
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.

Distance: 17 kilometers / 11 miles
Walking time: 4 hours  

Day 7: Caherdaniel to Sneem
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.

Distance: 20 kilometers / 12 miles
Walking time: 5 hours  

Day 8: Sneem to Kenmare
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.

Distance: 28 kilometers / 17 miles
Walking time: 7 hours  

Day 9: Kenmare to Killarney
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.

Distance: 24 kilometers / 15 miles
Walking time: 6 hours

What's Included

Included:

√ Booking the hotels
We will take care of arranging accommodation for you. We will also provide you with a detailed itinerary for every stage and instructions on how to get to the trailhead. 

√ Accommodation
We will arrange your accommodation on the Kerry Way in hotels. The accommodation will be in shared rooms when possible, although most hotels on the route offer private rooms.

√ Breakfast
During this trek you will stay in typical Irish hotels, with breakfast included where possible. 

√ Baggage Transfer
This trek includes the transfer of your luggage throughout the entire trek. Your bags will be picked up every morning from the hotel lobby and will be driven to your next stop. Baggage transfers allow you to travel lighter during the day and enjoy the walk in a more relaxed manner.

Excluded:

× Airfare and Visa
You have to make your way to Killarney. The total amount is exclusive of flights to Ireland. 

× Transfers
Once in Ireland, you will have to make your way to the trailhead in Killarney. We will provide the instructions and assist you with how to get there and back to Kerry Airport, Cork Airport, Dublin Airport or Shannon Airport after the trek, but the bus/train tickets are not included. 

× Accommodation before and after the trek
Before and after the trek you have to take care of your own accommodation.

× Travel Insurance
Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.

× Lunch and Dinner
Breakfast is included in the price of the trek. You can get lunch and dinner at the shops, hotels, and restaurants along the way.

× Personal expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, drinks, and other similar expenses are for your own account.

Accommodation

Accommodation

On the Kerry Way, you can stay in a cozy hotel or in a typical Irish B&B, where you will receive a warm welcome and possibly a typical Irish breakfast. We have selected the accommodations based on the length of each stage and the recommendation of hikers who preceded you on the Kerry Way. Here is an example of what can be booked. If the first option is not available, we will find an alternative.

Black Valley: Shamrock Farmhouse
This B&B is located on the Kerry Way at the foot of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, in the middle of Black Valley. 



Glencar: The Climber's Inn
This Inn is located in the city center of Glencar. Besides an Inn, there is also a possibility to camp here. A pub is also included in this Inn.



Glenbeigh: Emirview House
The Emirview House is located on the edge of Glenbeigh, where the road begins to leave the town in the direction of Cahersiveen. The Kerry Way is passing the house.



Cahersiveen: Southern Sun
This B&B is located 500 meters away from the trail. In the center, you can find nice restaurants and pubs.



Waterville: Clifford's Ocean View
This B&B is also on the walking route, you will pass the front door. The town promenade is across the road, with views across the Ballinskelligs Bay and beyond to the Atlantic Ocean. The perfect way to relax.



Caherdaniel: The Old Forge
This B&B is located near the Kerry Way and looks across the Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula. The sea-shore is just a 3-minute walk away.



Sneem: Coomassig View
This B&B is located at the beginning of the village. You have panoramic views of an expansive mountain range when looking outside your window.



Kenmare: An Bruachan
An Bruachan is Irish for Little Brook and is located on the outskirts of the village. This B&B is very spacious and the Finnihy River is forming one of the boundaries around the property.

Packing list

Packing List

On the Kerry Way, being prepared for the changing weather is paramount. Ireland has a very diverse climate and you may experience all four seasons in one day! With this in mind, it’s essential to pack clothing, footwear, and accessories suitable for changing weather conditions. 

Try to base your clothing on the "three-layer" principle. This consists of a base layer, which will absorb the moisture from your skin; a middle layer, which should provide some warmth; and a waterproof outer layer to protect you from the rain and the wind. Here are our recommendations for your Kerry Way walk:

- Trousers, waterproof, lightweight, and quick-drying
- Shirts for base layer
- Warm jacket or pullover for middle layer
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm hat and gloves
- Trekking boots, worn in
- Good quality socks
- Extra footwear for the night
- Map
- Waste bags
- Whistle to summon assistance in case of accidents
- Water bottle containing enough water to take you to your next stop
- Torch (preferably a head-torch) with spare bulb and batteries
- Emergency food and snacks (high energy snacks such as chocolate, dried fruit, energy bars etc.)
- Hiking poles 
- First aid kit

FAQ

FAQ

What is the best season?
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.

How do I get to the starting point?
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.

Safety

Safety


Irish emergency number: 112 or 999

COVID-19

How to Book

How to Book?

On Bookatrekking.com you can find and compare the adventures of your dreams. Is this trekking your match? In that case, you can proceed with your booking. At Bookatrekking.com you make a deposit of 15% of the total amount. In the case of this trek, we will check the availability at the respective accommodations for you. There are two possible outcomes:  

√ There is availability 
We ask once again for a deposit of 15% to secure all accommodation for you. The remaining 70% must be paid at least two (2) weeks before the start of the trekking. 

X There is no availability 
If there is no availability, we will look for other starting dates or another trekking in agreement with you. Are there no other options for you? Then your deposit of 15% will be refunded.

Cancellation Policy
If all the accommodations of this trekking are booked and confirmed, you will lose your deposit of 30% at all times. If you cancel within 14 days of your start date, you will lose your full booking amount. 

Is it not quite clear yet or do you have questions? Please contact us via support@bookatrekking.com. We are happy to help you.