Moderate Kerry Way

A tougher mountain-flavoured crossing heads out of the Black Valley and rolls towards Glencar, with lonely roads, rougher tracks, high passes and big views between the Reeks and the surrounding hills. This is the shorter option, about 2 kilometres less than the classic line, because it skips the loop around Lough Acoose. Walkers can choose whichever version suits their day best.

From Shamrock Farmhouse, the route follows the quiet valley past abandoned stone cottages and Cummeenduff Lough, with the mountains rising hard on both sides. A steady pull leads towards the pass between Broaghnabinnia and Brassel Mountain, before the trail drops into Bridia Valley, a wild little pocket with that proper far-from-everything Kerry magic.

The second main climb rises to Beann Dhearg Pass, the high point of the day at around 350 metres, with views back towards MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Black Valley. After that, the route descends past ruins, the Carrantoohil viewpoint and mossy woodland, then eases into Glencar, where The Climber’s Inn lands exactly where you want it: ready with shelter, food and a fine mountain-story atmosphere.

A shorter, still punchy crossing links quiet Glencar with Glenbeigh, trading deep valley calm for open hillside and the first proper sniff of the coast. This version takes fewer kilometres than the original, but because it runs more directly between Seefin (493 m) and Coolroe (414 m), it packs in a little more elevation. You can choose whichever option suits you best.

From The Climber’s Inn, the trail follows peaceful lanes and riverside stretches past woodland, with the Lickeen Forest and Blackstones Bridge adding a green, watery start. The climbing starts to mean business after the middle section, rising from low ground to around 320 metres at Windy Gap, with wide views back over Lough Caragh and the surrounding hills.

After Windy Gap, the descent is the reward: open slopes, sea air drifting in, and views towards Glenbeigh, Rossbeigh and the Dingle Peninsula. The route finishes in the village at The Glenbeigh Hotel, a fine landing spot after the hill, with shelter, food and that lovely feeling that the Kerry coast is now properly in play.

A scenic coastal-hill crossing leaves Glenbeigh and heads west towards Kells, with sea views arriving early and staying generous. It is a moderate walk with one long, steady rise onto open slopes before a broad descent towards the coast. Tralee Bay, Rossbeigh and the Dingle Peninsula do plenty of the showboating, and honestly, they are very good at it.

From The Glenbeigh Hotel, the route slips out past the River Behy and climbs gradually above the village. Views open back towards Rossbeigh Beach and across Dingle Bay, while the path swings beneath Drung Hill (640 m). The main climb builds towards roughly 320 metres, where the coastline spreads out like Kerry has decided to show off properly.

After the high section, the route descends through quieter upland tracks and a wooded stretch below Behy, then drops towards the N70 and the elegant Gleensk Viaduct. The final approach leads into Kells, where Teach Beag makes a calm landing spot near the coast. Boots off, sea air in, job done beautifully.

A long, rugged coastal stage leaves Kells and heads for Cahersiveen, mixing sea air, open hillsides and quiet inland stretches. It is a hard walk mainly because of its length, with the biggest climb arriving early as the route rises above the coast to around 250 metres before easing down into gentler country.

From Teach Beag, the route climbs away from Kells with wide views towards Dingle Bay and the Iveragh coastline. The trail passes old stone cottage ruins and open mountain slopes, with Cnoc na dTobar rising nearby as a fine coastal landmark. After the high section, the path descends steadily towards quieter roads and the valley around Coomduff.

The second half keeps a calmer rhythm, passing rural lanes, the Srugeana Burial Ground and soft riverside ground before the final approach into Cahersiveen. The finish at Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse brings you back to town comfort, with the coast close by and the legs ready for a proper sit-down. Well earned, no discussion.

A quieter inland stage leaves Cahersiveen and rolls east towards Killeenleagh, swapping town streets and Valentia Bay views for lanes, farmland and soft upland shoulders. It is a moderate walk with a slow, steady rise through the middle, never too savage, but enough to give the legs a proper nudge before the descent towards Dromid.

From Quinlan & Cooke Boutique Townhouse, the route slips out of Cahersiveen with views back towards Valentia Bay and the hills around Beentee. The path follows quiet country roads through open fields and scattered homes, gradually climbing towards the slopes near Knockavahaun, with Knockavahaun Summit and Keelnagore sitting above the route like silent supervisors.

After the high middle section, the trail eases downhill through green rural Kerry, passing near the Donkey Shelter before the final approach to Killeenleagh. Brú na Dromoda, Dromid Hostel, makes a relaxed finish in peaceful countryside. No big town buzz here, just space, quiet, and that satisfying end-of-day feeling.

A neat westward walk carries you from quiet Killeenleagh to Waterville, trading inland calm for the broad Atlantic mood. The route is moderate, with a steady middle climb through rural ground before a long, easy descent towards the sea. Lough Currane, the Inny Estuary and Waterville all start to pull the day towards the coast.

From Brú na Dromoda, Dromid Hostel, the route follows peaceful lanes past streams, scattered farms and the small settlement of Coomduff. The main climb rises from low ground to just over 200 metres, with views opening towards Lough Currane and the surrounding hills. It is Kerry in relaxed-but-still-working mode, lovely stuff.

After the higher section, the route rolls down gently towards Waterville, passing views of the Inny Estuary and Inny Strand as the Atlantic comes into play. The finish at Clifford’s Ocean View does exactly what the name promises: a coastal arrival, sea air in the lungs and Waterville close at hand. Not a bad place to land, that.

A fine coastal option leaves Waterville with the Atlantic straight in the frame, then swings south towards Caherdaniel through sea views, bays and open hillside. It is a moderate walk with one main early climb to around 220 metres, followed by an easy-going descent towards Derrynane and a flatter final run. Big ocean energy, no messing.

From Clifford’s Ocean View, the route heads past views of Waterville, Ballinskelligs Bay and the Skellig Islands before climbing above the coast. The path then rolls towards viewpoints over Hog’s Head, Kenmare Bay and Scarriff, with the Atlantic doing that shiny, dramatic thing Kerry does so well.

The descent brings you towards Derrynane Bay Beach and the area around Derrynane Abbey, a proper coastal beauty spot before the route turns inland. The final approach leads gently into Caherdaniel, where The Olde Forge gives you a cosy landing after the sea cliffs, beaches and big-sky views. Lovely finish, that.

A varied and tougher walk leaves Caherdaniel and heads east towards Sneem, with Kenmare Bay glittering to the south and the hills steadily taking over. The route mixes quiet lanes, old tracks, stream crossings and rolling upland ground. It is a hard one, not because of one monster climb, but because the day keeps serving up short, punchy rises. Classic Kerry, always another little sting.

From The Olde Forge, the route climbs out of Caherdaniel with views over Kenmare Bay, then passes Coomnahorna Old Burial Ground and a scenic stream-side trail. The path rises and dips through open hillside towards Staigue Wishing Seat and Staigue Fort, with a notable climb to around 180 metres before rolling onward through the hollow way.

After the high middle section, the route gradually loses height through quieter countryside, with long views towards the Sneem area and the islands of Kenmare Bay. The final kilometres ease into Sneem, where Coomassig View gives a peaceful finish just beyond the village buzz. Hills done, bay still sparkling, fine work all round.

A long coastal-leaning walk leaves Sneem and follows Kenmare Bay east towards Grenane, with low hills, quiet lanes and sea views doing the slow-burn magic. It is a hard day mostly because it keeps going, though the profile stays fairly kind, with rolling bumps rather than brutal climbs. Sneem waves goodbye, the bay takes over, lovely business.

From Coomassig View, the route slips through Sneem and past the Fairy and Troll Garden before heading into greener lanes near the enchanted forest and riverside ground. The walking rolls gently above the shore, with small rises around 50 to 70 metres and views across Kenmare Bay towards the Beara side.

Further on, the route passes Blackwater Bridge, Dromore Castle Gate Lodge and several fine shoreline viewpoints before the final approach to Grenane. The last kilometres stay close to the coast, with calm water, scattered islands and that wide Kerry light. Grenane Heights makes a peaceful finish above the bay, exactly the sort of place where the day can land softly.

A rolling final approach towards Kenmare leaves Grenane and works through quiet lanes, golf-course edges and open countryside above the bay. It is a moderate walk with two main upland waves: an early rise to around 140 metres, then a later climb to about 180 metres before the descent into town. A longer option, but with plenty of views to keep the engine humming.

From Grenane Heights, the route heads inland past Templenoe and climbs towards the Ring of Kerry Golf Course, where views open over lakes, Kenmare Bay and the surrounding hills. After a gentle descent, it rises again through peaceful rural tracks and lanes, passing a bench with a fine Kenmare Bay view. Proper sit-down-and-stare territory, that.

The last section drops steadily towards Kenmare, with the bay close by and town life slowly returning. Views of Kenmare Bay lead you into the streets, where An Bruachan makes a comfortable finish near the river. After all those lanes, little climbs and big water views, Kenmare feels like a well-earned soft landing.

A long, hard crossing leaves Kenmare and heads north into the hills, trading bay views for open upland, forest edges and the wild feel of the Old Kenmare Road. The profile bites early, then keeps rolling with several firm climbs before the final descent into Muckross. Big Kerry energy here, with mountains, lakes and proper leg-work all on the menu.

From An Bruachan, the route climbs steadily out of Kenmare, rising from near sea level to around 300 metres, with views back towards Kenmare Bay. It continues over quiet hill country past sheep pastures and Windy Gap, then enters the wilder stretch of the Old Kenmare Road, with views towards MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

After the high middle section, the trail rolls past boardwalks, streams and Torc Mountain viewpoints before gradually descending into Killarney National Park. The final kilometres soften beautifully through greener ground towards Muckross, where Muckross Riding Stables makes a calm finish among trees, horses and that lovely post-mountain hush. Proper landing, well earned.

A gentle closing stroll leaves leafy Muckross and heads back into Killarney, keeping things easy, smooth and full of lake-country charm. The route is almost flat, with only tiny rises and dips, so the mood is more relaxed roll-in than big hiking battle. Lough Leane, Muckross Abbey and the green edge of Killarney National Park bring the sparkle.

From Muckross Riding Stables, the route heads north past the Muckross Abbey area and follows quiet paths and roads with views towards Lough Leane. McCarthy Mór Castle appears along the way, while Ross Castle sits across the water as a fine little Kerry postcard. The line then slips steadily closer to town.

The final stretch enters Killarney through calmer streets before the buzz returns near Killarney House and Gardens and St Mary’s Cathedral. After the woods, lake views and easy walking, arriving in town feels light and lively. Boots still fresh, spirits high, and Killarney ready with all the good stuff.