Ireland - Kerry Way

Degree of difficulty - Moderate

The Kerry Way trek combines the stately MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range scenery with stunning coastal views out across Dingle Bay. Starting in the west of Kerry you have an opportunity to walk on the beautiful Valentia Island before following old turf and coaching roads through the villages of Glenbeigh and Glencar to the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Walk over passes to the Black Valley, around the Killarney Lakes and through the National Park to Muckross House and Killarney.

Day 1 - Travel to Cahersiveen for the start of the holiday Taxi transfers available on request from Killarney, Kerry Airport or Cork Airport. The guest house we normally use enjoys superb views across to Valentia Island and there are many short walks in the vicinity to instantly sweep aside your journey.

Day 2 - Valentia Island Walk down to the pier from the B&B and take the ferry out to Valentia Island with its many standing stones and ruined forts, Skelling Experience Visitor centre and walk out to Bray Head Signal tower; you will enjoy glorious coastal views. Alternatively, you may hire a bike and cycle around the island.

Day 3 - Filemore to Glenbeigh (17 km, 420m ascent) You will be transferred to Filemore for today’s walk. Follow an old coaching road through as the route heads east and cuts high across the hillside, offering views across Dingle Bay to the mountains of Dingle. As you walk over the hill of Rosbeigh Strand a sand bar projecting far into Dingle Bay. Descend to the village of Glenbeigh. There are opportunities to follow over the top of the hill or take an easier option around.

Day 4 - Rest day in Glenbeigh Enjoy a day doing nothing if that is what you wish. That may be difficult, however, with so many tempting activities so close at hand. Enjoy a beach walk out to the sand spit, an important nature reserve and an International SSI; walk up to the Coomsaharn Lake, fine mountain scenery; take a pony trek for a canter along the beach or a gentle trek through the hills; or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Dooks golf course with its wonderful setting.

Day 5 - Glenbeigh to Lough Acoose / Glencar (19km, 410m ascent) An easy walk leads along a quiet lane high above the beautiful Caragh Lake. It descends down to the Blackstones Bridge then through the woods to Glencar, a tiny settlement nestled in the middle of the peninsula besides the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Walk a little further to Lough Acoose.

Day 6 - Lough Acoose / Glencar to Black Valley (20 km, 430m ascent) Walk past Lough Acoose, the starting point for a memorable circuit of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntuohill. Continue past the lough and isolated farms to walk up through the Reeks on the old lack road and into the isolated Bridia Valley. Climb out of the valley via a second mountain pass through wild and rugged hills descending into the Black Valley directly underneath Ireland’s highest mountains.

Day 7 - Black Valley to Killarney (22.5 km, 360 ascents) On this final day you have the option of taking a boat trip from Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Ross Castle, or walking the full route. The walk leads out of the Black Valley and back into the Killarney National Park. You walk past the Upper Lake of Killarney, a site of one of Ireland’s unusual flora, the Strawberry Tree. Continue to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, where you may take a boat trip through the lakes down to Ross to shorten the walk. If you choose to walk on to Killarney, you walk past Lord Brandon’s Cottage and into the Derrycunnihy Forest, ancient oak woodland that is currently fighting a battle with the Rhododendron that is threatening to choke out the indigenous flora. The route back joins up with your outward journey at Galway’s Bridge; you then follow the old Kenmare road back pas Muckross house to Killarney.

Day 8 - Journey home

2019 TOUR PRICE
€785 per person sharing

Single room supplement €225 (if travelling with others)
High season supplement (July/August) +€30 per person
Solo tour supplement €350(if travelling alone)

Self Guided Tour Information

Tours can start any day from April to October