The Kerry Way, a 12-day circuit

Follow the lake shore through Killarney National Park, past Muckross House & Gardens, Torc Falls, and through native oak forests. The trail is well-marked and makes for a pleasant start to the hike. Have lunch at Lord Brandon's Cottage at the upper end of the lake before entering the remote Black Valley, the last place in Ireland to be electrified in 1967.

Ancient green paths and mountain pastures lie at the foot of the majestic Magillicuddy Reeks and Carrauntohill, Ireland's highest peak. The Black Valley gives way to the Bridia Valley, dotted with mountain farming villages. Ancient roads lead from these hamlets, skirting the beautiful Lough Acoose at the foot of the Reeks, all the way to Glencar on the River Caragh.

Begin your hike through the ancient forests of Glencar and across the charming Blackstones Bridge. The route climbs above Caragh Lake, then traverses Mount Seefin via the Windy Gap pass, offering stunning views across Dingle Bay. Descend through Cummergorm Glen to the coastal village of Glenbeigh.

Your route passes at the foot of Mount Seefin, offering stunning views of the beautiful Rosbeigh beach and Dingle Bay. It then turns inland at Drung Hill before crossing the Foilmore Valley, dominated by the majestic Knocknadobar.

A shorter route is possible by taking a shuttle from Foilmore/Srugreana.

The total distance varies depending on the location of your accommodation.

A free day in Caherciveen with several options. Take the ferry to Valentia Island and walk around it (11 km). You can also take a boat trip from Portmagee to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Skellig Islands (45 minutes, ticket not included); there you will discover spectacular landscapes and 5th-century monastic remains perched on the Atlantic Ocean.

Go hiking in the Caherciveen hinterland. The route crosses peat bogs and pine forests. A few short climbs offer stunning views of Valentia Island and the beautiful scenery of the peninsula's westernmost point. Waterville is a charming coastal village, bordered by a long white sandy beach and the lovely Lough Currane.

The total distance varies depending on the accommodation location.

A route offering magnificent scenery, skirting the peninsula to the south. The journey is short and allows for a detour to Derrynane to visit Derrynane House and its gardens, the home of Daniel O'Connell, known as "the Liberator", an emblematic figure of Catholic emancipation in the 19th century.

Distance: 15 km. Elevation gain: 320 m. Approximate walking time: 5 hours.

Follow the old Butter Road, used in the 19th century to transport butter by cart to Cork. The path then climbs the foothills of Eagle Hill, and a short detour leads to Staigue Fort, a 3rd-century stone fortress. Your route remains above the main Ring of Kerry road, following rocky paths through pastures to Sneem.

This hike takes you along the rocky shoreline of Kenmare Bay, through the forest and grounds of Dromore Castle. The charming Blackwater Bridge spans the river of the same name, which rises in the Macgillycuddy Reeks. Kenmare is a picturesque and lively market town, situated on the banks of the River Roughty, where it flows into Kenmare Bay. Founded in 1670 by English settlers, it once boasted a thriving fishing industry and a blacksmith shop.

Shorter option: Distance: 15.5 km. Elevation gain: 340 m. Approximate duration: 5 h 30.

Take the Old Kenmare Road, a charming mountain pass at 500m altitude between the Peakeen and Knockanaguish mountains. Descend through Killarney National Park, with its ancient oak forests, lichens, deer, and stunning views of the Killarney lakes. The trail ends near Muckross House and its 18th-century gardens, and leads to the tourist town of Killarney.

Distance: 25 km. Elevation gain: 460 m. Approximate walking time: 6 hours 30 minutes.

Departure by bus or train from Killarney.