Overview

Considered one of the finest hikes in Ireland, Kerry is the name given broadly to the famous Ring of Kerry, nestled in the southwest corner of Ireland. This is a magical place, and the wonderful thing about hiking the “Ring” is the pleasure of seeing the ‘real’ Ireland.

As you navigate the Kerry Way walking trail, from rugged cliffs to golden beaches, from small villages and pastures to peat bogs and picturesque mountain ranges, you hike away from crowds with the glorious, uninterrupted sounds of nature as your accompaniment each day.

There are a few versions of this tour, but each itinerary starts in Killarney, boasting the magnificent Three Lakes of Killarney. Your hiking holiday will immerse you in 10,000 years of dramatic history.

We offer self-guided for 8 and 5 days and a guided tour for 7 days.

Want a longer tour? We can also offer an 11-day self-guided hike. Just ask!

Highlights

Three Lakes Of Killarney
The Ring of Kerry
Magnificent Coastal Views
Beautiful Villages
Derrynane House
17th Century “Stage Coach” route

View 23 Photos

Itinerary

8 Day Self-guided, easy

This hike is designed for those who want a leisure hike with longer stays in one place.

Day 1: Killarney
Day 2: Muckross Loop, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 3: Galway's Bridge to Killarney Hike, 7 mi. (11 km)
Day 4: Gap of Dunloe Hike, 8 mi. (12 km)
Day 5: Galway's Bridge to Kenmare, 7 mi. (11 km)
Day 6: Gleninchaquine HIke, 5 mi. (8 km)
Day 7: Blackwater Bridge to Sneem, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Killarney – surrounded by magnificent mountains and stunning Three Lakes, in the heart of Kerry. On arrival at your first guesthouse, your host or hostess will give you your full detailed Information packet and will be able to suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music. Overnight in Killarney

Sample accommodation: Abbey Lodge

Day 2: Muckross, 6 mi. (10 km)
Today you will be transferred to the start of your walk at Muckross House – a beautiful mansion built in the 19th century and now forming the central point of the wonderful Killarney National Park. From here you follow a circular route around the middle of the Three Lakes – Muckross Lake – a magnificent walk with wonderful views across the lake as you follow through ancient woodlands. At the end of your walk, your transfer will take you back to your accommodation in Killarney. Overnight in Killarney.

Walk details:

Elevation: 160 m
Terrain: Surfaced tracks and some rocky uneven paths through woodland.

Sample accommodation: Abbey Lodge

Day 3: Galway's Bridge - Killarney, 7 mi. (11 km)
Today we will transfer you to Galway’s bridge just outside Killarney where you start this stunning hike along the Old Kenmare road and through the Esknamucky Glen. With Views of Killarney lakes and mountains all around this truly is one of Ireland’s premier walking routes. Towards the end of your hike, you will visit the famous Torc Waterfall and continue on to Killarney for your overnight.

Walk details:

Elevation: 405 m
Terrain: Possible wet and muddy tracks with some road walking.

Sample accommodation: Abbey Lodge

Day 4: Gap of Dunloe Hike, 8 mi. (12 km)
Starting at the beautiful 15th-century Ross Castle, you take a small boat through the Three Lakes to finish at an old “hunting lodge” at Lord Brandon’s Cottage. Here you can enjoy some tea, coffee, cake, or other refreshments if you wish before starting your hike. As you make your way through the Black Valley, you get a sense of the isolation of this wondrous place. A short climb to the top of the“Gap of Dunloe” is rewarded with a view that has drawn visitors for over a hundred years to this glaciated valley of steep jagged rock and glistening mountain lakes. You continue through the valley and on to Kate Kearney's Cottage where you will call your taxi to transfer back to Killarney.

Walk details:

Elevation gain: 323 m
Terrain: Country lanes and road walking.

Sample accommodation: Abbey Lodge

Day 5: Galway's Bridge - Kenmare, 7 mi. (11 km)
Leaving Killarney and traveling south today, your transfer will take you back to Galway’s Bridge and Derrycunnihy Church. From here, you walk south following an old “butter road” to finish in the beautiful town of Kenmare. This is a glorious walk into the heartland of the peninsula, yet finishing at the coast. Enjoy your evening in one of the many great bars or restaurants in this vibrant town. Overnight in Kenmare.

Walk details:

Elevation gain: 363 m
Terrain: Possible wet and muddy tracks on country lanes, grass tracks, and occasional road walking.

Sample accommodation: Rockcrest B&B

Day 6: Gleninchaquin Park, 5 mi. (8 km)
A transfer this morning brings you to the beginning of your walk at the famous 2500-year-old Uragh Stone Circle following a quiet country road to the breathtaking Gleninchaquinn Park. This working sheep farm is home to one of Ireland's most beautiful Waterfalls and a stunning location to explore on foot. Your walk takes you through fields dotted with sheep and up to the top of the waterfall with sweeping views across the valley and its glistening lakes out to Kenmare Bay. Following your walk you will be transferred back to Kenmare. Overnight in Kenmare.

Walk details:

Elevation gain: 223 m
Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland, and some road walking.

Sample accommodation: Rockcrest B&B

Day 7: Blackwater Bridge - Sneem, 8 mi. (13 km)
Today you begin your walk to the award-winning village of Sneem at the beautiful bridge spanning the Blackwater River. This walk takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay with great views across the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. Overnight in Sneem.

Walk details:

Elevation gain: 252 m
Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland, and some road walking.

Sample accommodation: Coomassig View B&B

Day 8: Departure
Following another delicious breakfast, you will transfer to Killarney – by public bus or private transfer, which we can arrange at an added cost, where you can connect with all major rail and bus networks.

8 Day Self-guided, difficult

This tour is the more difficult hike in that daily distances are longer, the elevation higher, and no two nights are spent in the same location.

Day 1: Killarney
Day 2: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 15 mi. (24 km)
Day 3: Cahersieen - Waterville, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 4: Waterville - Caherdaniel, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 5: Caherdaniel - Sneem, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 17 mi. (27 km)
Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Killarney
Arrive in Killarney – surrounded by magnificent mountains and stunning Three Lakes, in the heart of Kerry. On arrival at your first guesthouse, your host or hostess will give you your full detailed Information packet and will be able to suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music.

Sample accommodation: Abbey Lodge

Day 2: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 15 mi. (24 km)
Today’s walk takes you from just outside the town of Glenbeigh, along the northern shores of the peninsula, to Cahersiveen. This walk follows an old 17th-century “Stage Coach” route and gives spectacular views across the Dingle Peninsula. You will pass through old deserted villages, once busy centers of activity, trading with passengers on the old stagecoaches. Overnight in Cahersiveen.

Walk details:

Height gain: 555 m
Height loss: 643 m
Max height: 367 m
Terrain: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections, gravel tracks, and road walking.

Sample accommodation: San Antoine B&B

Day 3: Cahersiveen - Waterville, 11 mi. (18 km)
From Cahersiveen, you will once again be driven a short distance to the starting point of today’s walk at Coars Cross. From here, you will be walking to the town of Waterville. This walk takes you across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and south to Kenmare Bay. Overnight in Waterville.

Walk details:

Height gain: 653 m
Height loss: 789 m
Max height: 396 m
Terrain: Grassy mountain tracks with rocky sections, gravel tracks, and road walking.

Sample accommodation: Klondyke B&B

Day 4: Waterville - Caherdaniel, 9 mi. (15 km)
Continuing from the town of Waterville, you walk around and above the coast to reach the village of Caherdaniel. Glorious coastal views out towards the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay await along the route. Overnight in Caherdaniel.

Walk details:

Height gain: 336 m
Height loss: 304 m
Max height: 246 m
Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks, bogland, and some road walking.

Sample accommodation: Old Forge B&B

Day 5: Caherdaniel - Sneem, 11 mi. (17 km)
Continue walking from the village of Caherdaniel, following an old ‘butter road’ to the village of Sneem. The views across the Beara Peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean are fantastic. Overnight in Sneem.

Walk details:

Height gain: 533 m
Height loss: 547 m
Max height: 226 m
Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland. Some road walking

Sample accommodation: Coomassig View B&B

Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 17 mi. (27 km)
This morning you will be transferred to Tahilla Church, just outside the town of Sneem to walk to the renowned town of Kenmare. This walk takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. Overnight in Kenmare.

Walk details:

Height gain: 733 m
Height loss: 734 m
Max height: 213 m
Terrain: Forest tracks, road walking, mountain tracks, and country lanes.

Sample accommodation: Rockcrest B&B

Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 16 mi. (25 km)
You will start your walk from your accommodation through Esknamucky Glen and Killarney National Park to arrive at the magnificent Muckross House and Gardens – about 5 km outside Killarney. After spending some time exploring, you will make your way to Killarney for your overnight. This is a glorious walk. You may a few of Ireland’s native red deer as you walk through the National Park.

Walk details:

Height gain: 853 m
Height loss: 823 m
Max height: 351 m
Terrain: Mountain tracks, boardwalks, and green roads

Sample accommodation: Abbey Lodge

Day 8: Departure from Killarney
From Killarney, connections by bus and train are frequent to Cork, Limerick, Shannon, or Dublin.

7 Day Guided, Moderate

Day 1: Tralee
Day 2: Brandon Point, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 3: Slea Head, 7 mi. (11 km)
Day 4: Mangerton Mountain, 6 mi. (9 km)
Day 5: Derrynane House and Gardens, 5 mi. (8 km)
Day 6: Killarney National Park, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 7: Departure

Day 1: Tralee
Individual arrival to Killarney. Once you have settled into your accommodation, your guide will meet the group for a tour briefing at 5 p.m. to introduce you to your group and explain the details of your holiday. This is followed by your first dinner together in a nearby pub or restaurant. Later, you are free to enjoy the pubs and their lively music if you wish before returning to your accommodation for your overnight. (D)

Sample accommodation: Rose Hotel

Day 2: Brandon Point, 8 mi. (13 km)
Today you will hike the shores of the Dingle Peninsula and experience the panoramic beauty of Brandon Point, where Mount Brandon, Dingle Bay, and the vast Atlantic Ocean unfold before you. Keep an eye out for migrating humpback whales and playful bottlenose dolphins in Dingle Bay as you explore the area's rich history, featuring ancient ruins, beehive huts, and standing stones. (B, L)

Walk details:

Elevation gain: 630 m
Terrain: Rocky and sometimes wet and muddy tracks and road walking.

Sample accommodation: Rose Hotel

Day 3: Slea Head, 7 mi. (11 km)
Embark on a captivating hike around the archaeologically rich Slea Head, known for its beehive huts and promontory forts. Enjoy breathtaking views from Mount Eagle, overlooking the historic Blasket Islands, which have a literary legacy dating back to the 19th century. Traverse a picturesque Irish landscape with stone walls, grazing sheep, and rugged coastlines, making sure to capture the beauty with your camera. (B, L)

Walk details:

Elevation gain: 216 m
Terrain: Grass tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and beach.

Sample accommodation: Rose Hotel

Day 4: Mangerton Mountain, 6 mi. (9 km)
Enter the captivating world of Irish legends as you embark on a hike to Mangerton Mountain, a place steeped in folklore and natural wonders. The mountain is nestled within the boundaries of Killarney National Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, where ancient forests, glistening lakes, and rolling meadows coexist in a breathtaking landscape. Get to know the famous Corrie Lake, also known as "The Devil's Punchbowl," which is perched near the summit. Your guide will share the intriguing story behind this name, adding a unique dimension to this adventure. (B, L, D)

Walk details:

Elevation gain: 740 m
Terrain: Mountain tracks with rocky & uneven sections, can be wet & boggy underfoot.

Sample accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel or International Hotel

Day 5: Derrynane House and Gardens, 5 mi. (8 km)
Following breakfast, you'll drive 1.5 hours to your next hike at the picturesque Derrynane House. Amble along the coastline, soaking up the beauty of pristine beaches, and make your way to Abbey Island. Along the path, you'll get to hear some fascinating stories about Daniel O'Connell, the famous "Liberator" of Ireland. After a leisurely coastal stroll, you'll venture inland, hiking over the foothills at the western tip of the Ring of Kerry, offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the two peninsulas on either side. If you're feeling adventurous, there's even a chance to take a dip in the sea. Once we're back at Derrynane House, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy some light refreshments. Afterward, you'll head to Waterville for the evening for a delicious dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details:

Elevation gain: 132 m
Terrain: Grass tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and beach

Sample accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel or International Hotel

Day 6: Killarney National Park, 9 mi. (15 km) + boat ride
Enjoy a wonderful boat trip (1 hour) through the beautiful Three Lakes of Killarney. Reach an old “hunting” lodge & start your hike. You then follow a wonderful trail called “the Old Kenmare Road” which takes you through the National Park past the iconic Torc Waterfall and up to Muckross House and Gardens which are the centerpiece of the National Park. From here you will walk back to your accommodation in Killarney visiting the ruins of the beautiful Muckross abbey en route. (B, L, D)

Walk details:

Elevation gain: 484 m
Terrain: Hiking Trails with rocky & uneven sections, can be wet & boggy underfoot

Sample accommodation: Killarney Plaza Hotel or International Hotel

Day 7: Departure
Your tour will finish this morning after another delicious breakfast. From Killarney, you can connect by bus or train to all major cities & airports. (B)

5 Day Self-Guided

Day 1: Killarney
Day 2: Killarney - Black Valley, 13 mi. (21 km) | Elevation gain: 492 m
Day 3: Black Valley - Glencar, 11 mi. (18 km) | Elevation gain: 821 m
Day 4: Glencar - Glenbeigh, 13 mi. (21 km) | Elevation gain: 633 m
Day 5: Departure

Sample Accommodation: Black Valley - Black Valley Lodge, Glencar - Lough Acoose B&B, Glenbeigh - Towers Hotel

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Map

Accommodation

You will be staying in guesthouses, B&Bs, and small hotels. Some of these establishments are actually homes that have been converted into guesthouses, some are purpose-built, while others are adapted for tourism. Where available, you will find a sample accommodation in the day-to-day itinerary. Please note that all accommodations are based on availability. If the preferred accommodation is not possible, a suitable alternative of equal standard will be booked. Most of these local establishments do not have elevators, therefore it is important that you are able to carry your luggage up steep stairways. You will also not find services that the chain hotels offer such as laundry services. You will find a really warm and very personal welcome, great food, and a broad knowledge of the region, along with terrific suggestions, if required, for extra activities or advice on local walks, etc.

Inclusions

What’s Included

Self-guided

Accommodation according to the itinerary
Full Irish breakfast each morning
Luggage transfer (see additional notes under the Travel Details tab in the Remarks section)
Transfers as per itinerary
Digitally delivered detailed route descriptions with maps and tourist information
Complimentary access to a GPS-enabled app featuring easy-to-follow routes along with points of interest along each route
Follow-up phone calls & phone support during the tour
24 hrs emergency/information contact number
Airport transfers arranged/booked if required

Guided

Accommodation for 6 nights in 4* lodging
Full Irish Breakfast each morning
5 picnic lunches (on hike days only)
3 evening meals
5 days of hiking with an expert Irish guide who will accompany the group for the duration of the holiday
Luggage transfer (see additional notes under the Travel Details tab in the Remarks section)
Transfers as per itinerary

What’s Not Included

Meals not indicated as included
Walking guide during self-guided tours
Support vehicle for self-guided or guided
Entrance fees not mentioned in the itinerary
Individual arrival and departure from the first and last hotel
Gratuities
Travel Insurance

Dates & Pricing

Dates

8-day self-guided (easy & difficult)

Daily departures

5-day self-guided

Daily departures

7-day guided

May 19, June 23, July 21, August 25, & September 22, 2024

Please Note

Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
Information to read before you book
We recommend purchasing trip insurance
† Currency exchange rate set 90 days before travel
Please see our FAQ

Pricing

2024

8-day self-guided (easy)

Twin/double: $ 1676 £ 834 $ 1,506 € 985 Ft 416004 kr 145816 ₪ 3830 ¥ 163973 Mex$ 21043 NZ$ 1853 kr 11864 zł 4283 S$ 1421 kr 11563 CHF 937 $ 1,048 Single supplement: $ 502 £ 250 $ 451 € 295 Ft 124590 kr 43671 ₪ 1147 ¥ 49109 Mex$ 6302 NZ$ 555 kr 3553 zł 1283 S$ 426 kr 3463 CHF 281 $ 314 Solo traveler supplement, including single supplement: $ 868 £ 432 $ 780 € 510 Ft 215393 kr 75498 ₪ 1983 ¥ 84900 Mex$ 10895 NZ$ 959 kr 6143 zł 2218 S$ 736 kr 5987 CHF 485 $ 543

8-day self-guided (difficult)

Twin/double: $ 1591 £ 792 $ 1,430 € 935 Ft 394887 kr 138414 ₪ 3636 ¥ 155650 Mex$ 19975 NZ$ 1759 kr 11262 zł 4066 S$ 1349 kr 10976 CHF 889 $ 995 Single supplement: $ 528 £ 262 $ 474 € 310 Ft 130925 kr 45891 ₪ 1205 ¥ 51606 Mex$ 6623 NZ$ 583 kr 3734 zł 1348 S$ 447 kr 3639 CHF 295 $ 330 Solo traveler supplement: $ 808 £ 402 $ 726 € 475 Ft 200611 kr 70317 ₪ 1847 ¥ 79073 Mex$ 10147 NZ$ 893 kr 5721 zł 2066 S$ 685 kr 5576 CHF 452 $ 505

5-day self-guided

Twin/double: $ 1030 £ 512 $ 925 € 605 Ft 255515 kr 89562 ₪ 2352 ¥ 100714 Mex$ 12925 NZ$ 1138 kr 7287 zł 2631 S$ 873 kr 7102 CHF 575 $ 644 Single supplement: $ 323 £ 161 $ 291 € 190 Ft 80244 kr 28127 ₪ 739 ¥ 31629 Mex$ 4059 NZ$ 357 kr 2288 zł 826 S$ 274 kr 2230 CHF 181 $ 202 Solo traveler supplement, including single supplement: $ 562 £ 279 $ 505 € 330 Ft 139372 kr 48852 ₪ 1283 ¥ 54935 Mex$ 7050 NZ$ 621 kr 3975 zł 1435 S$ 476 kr 3874 CHF 314 $ 351

7-day guided (moderate)

Twin/double: $ 3957 £ 1968 $ 3,556 € 2325 Ft 981937 kr 344184 ₪ 9040 ¥ 387043 Mex$ 49669 NZ$ 4373 kr 28004 zł 10111 S$ 3354 kr 27293 CHF 2211 $ 2,474 Single: $ 851 £ 423 $ 765 € 500 Ft 211169 kr 74018 ₪ 1944 ¥ 83235 Mex$ 10682 NZ$ 940 kr 6022 zł 2174 S$ 721 kr 5869 CHF 475 $ 532

Extra Options

Extra nights: on request

Extra Info

Skill Level — Moderate

This hiking tour in Ireland is rated easy to difficult, depending on which option you choose. You will need to have a good level of fitness and previous hiking experience. On the Day-to-Day section, you will find each day’s distance and meters of climbing as well as the terrain to expect. Participants need to be able to walk up from 15 to 25 km (16 miles) a day across varied terrain, some open mountain tops without tracks, some bog, beaches, prepared trails, and asphalt. The maximum height you will have to ascend is approx. 400 meters with some ascents and descents that can be demanding, again depending on which option you choose.

Airport Info

Depending on your pre or post-tour travel plans, you could fly to Dublin, Cork, Shannon, or Kerry Airports.

Local Travel

Dublin Airport (DUB) is located 327 km from Killarney, 87 km from Cork, and 132 km from Shannon. Kerry Airport (KIR) is actually the closest international airport, though quite small. Most flights coming from outside the European Union will transfer in Dublin. The airport is located between Killarney and Tralee in the village of Farranfore, 13 km from Killarney and 15 km from Tralee. It is served by a bus and train station.

Climate

Ireland is called the Emerald Isle for good reason. Those rolling, green hills and lush landscapes are possible because of the abundant rainfall! Killarney’s climate is classified as warm and temperate. Please check local conditions before your arrival and don’t forget your rain gear. Below you will find the Monthly Weather Averages for the area.

Walking Sticks / Hiking Poles which provide stability when making your way over uneven or rough ground, and give great comfort in wet conditions
Rucksack or Daypack with padded shoulder straps (adjustable) and adjustable hip straps for even weight distribution and 2 or 3 separate pockets or compartments.Should be large enough to carry your daily requirements – but not so big you are tempted to carry too much!
Ankle-high hiking boots already broken in are essential to avoid wet uncomfortable feet, and the ankle support also offers invaluable protection on uneven ground. Leather boots perform best in Ireland, as they can be waxed regularly if necessary to maintain waterproof qualities. Many clients find that fabric boots do not offer sufficient support or waterproofing in bad conditions.
Rain gear that is breathable. We recommend jackets with a good hood and good neck collar and a zip with a cover over it to limit heat leakage. Pockets should be large enough to hold bits and pieces without straining or bulging. An inside pocket that is large enough to hold a map is also a great advantage. Waist-high trousers should have a zip on the side of the leg to make it easier to get them on quickly over walking boots.

Remarks

You are allotted a maximum of 2 bags/ suitcases per person – keeping the combined weight for one person to 15 kgs max. Please remember that bed & breakfast accommodations do not have elevators, therefore, you must be able to carry your own suitcase up narrow and steep staircases. Excessive luggage will incur additional fees.

Important to know

More information on types of tours

Self-guided

On this type of tour, you will discover Ireland at your own pace and in your own way as you walk or hike the hills, enjoying fabulous views, great walking, and super accommodations. Your luggage will be transferred each day and you will be provided detailed notes, maps, and access to a GPS app to ensure you get safely from place to place each day. With the added security of 24-hour telephone support, your self-guided walking or hiking holiday will be a wonderfully relaxing experience as you discover Ireland in the way it should be discovered – up close and personal.

Guided

The Irish are storytellers, and when you choose the guided option, you are not looking for someone to lead the way, but to also hear stories about cultures of old and the landscape you visit. Your guide will help you discover the most epic hikes each day but also the liveliest pubs for a pint with the locals, the sensational restaurant for the meal of your life, or the jaw-dropping viewing point to enjoy your lunch while hiking each day. Hiking with a guide is about the freedom to enjoy the places you visit, knowing that every detail is taken care of so you can unwind and relax.

Documents

Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc.

*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.

Tour Operator