The Kerry Way, an 8-day circuit
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationEurope / Ireland
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AgeFrom 12 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions75.71 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Explore the legendary Iveragh Peninsula along the entire Kerry Way , a 215km route through the heart of Ireland's most iconic landscapes. This challenging trek reveals a stunning diversity: red sandstone in the north , limestone cliffs in the south , long sandy beaches , rugged coves, and moors open to the Atlantic.
In Killarney National Park , glacial lakes nestle at the foot of the mountains, surrounded by ancient oak forests where one of the last herds of red deer in Ireland roams. As the trails progress, they transform into shepherds' paths , former transhumance routes, and forest tracks, offering challenging days suitable for experienced hikers .
The mild climate fosters surprising vegetation with subtropical influences, contrasting with the rugged, mineral landscape of the ridges and coastline. The route is also dotted with Bronze Age forts , Christian remains, and a 6th-century monastic site , all testaments to a rich past.
Between bustling cities and peaceful rural villages , this immersive adventure combines spectacular nature, ancient heritage and deep immersion in authentic Ireland.
The highlights
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Hike between wild mountains, golden beaches and coastal villages
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Visit Derrynane House & Gardens, the home of Daniel O'Connell, the Liberator
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Explore Dromore Castle and the colorful trading town of Kenmare
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
The full Kerry Way is rated MODERATE. Navigating is easy with excellent waymarking and our detailed Route Notes and maps. Our Kerry tours are suitable for walkers with good fitness, comfortable walking 12-25km (8-15mi) per day with ascents up to 700m (2,297ft) .
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 7h30
- Average distance/day: 23 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 457 m
Management
Program
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Trip to Glenbeigh
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
From Cork or Shannon airports, take the bus to Killarney, then a local bus to Glenbeigh, a traditional seaside village in the north of the peninsula.
Day 1 -
Glenbeigh to Caherciveen
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 26 km
- Positive elevation gain 470 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 2 -
Caherciveen in Waterville
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 520 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 3 -
Waterville in Caherdaniel
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 15 km
- Positive elevation gain 320 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 4 -
Caherdaniel to Sneem
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 17 km
- Positive elevation gain 370 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Follow the old "Butter Road," used in the 19th century to transport butter by cart to Cork. The trail then climbs the foothills of Eagle Hill, and a short detour will take you to Staigue Fort, built of stone in the 3rd century. Your route will remain above the main Ring of Kerry road, following rocky paths through pastures to Sneem.
Day 5 -
Sneem in Kenmare
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 10h
- Distance 29 km
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
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.
Day 6 -
Kenmare to Killarney
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 25 km
- Positive elevation gain 460 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Take the Old Kenmare Road, a charming mountain pass at 500 meters 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.
Day 7 -
Departure from Killarney
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure by bus or train from Killarney.
Day 8
Note
Daily walking distances may vary depending on the type of accommodation, which is determined by availability.
Accommodation
This highly regarded and well-maintained guesthouse is renowned for its spacious rooms and exceptional hospitality. Ideally located on the Kerry Way, it is a 15-minute walk from the town centre restaurants.
This 3-star bed and breakfast offers comfortable, modern rooms with stunning coastal views. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and a much-loved hot breakfast. An ideal base for exploring the Kerry Way and discovering the coastline.
This charming 3-star bed and breakfast offers clean and comfortable rooms with stunning sea views and enjoys an excellent reputation. Ideally located along the Kerry Way, it provides a peaceful setting and easy access to the beautiful Derrynane beach and surrounding walking trails.
A modern and comfortable retreat with free Wi-Fi and a much-loved breakfast. Located a 10-minute walk from the town centre and close to Killarney National Park and Ross Castle.
This charming bed and breakfast, located in the heart of the Black Valley, offers free Wi-Fi, rooms with mountain views, and optional dinners and packed lunches. Its location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Access
From Cork or Shannon airports, take the bus to Killarney and then a local bus to Glenbeigh.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 7 nights in a bed and breakfast (double room)
- Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Detailed itineraries
- Maps and GPX files
- 24/7 assistance, transport instructions
- Recommended restaurants
- List of items to pack and local travel tips
The price does not include
- Flights
- Not all services are indicated in the itinerary.
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
