The Kerry Way is a walking holiday in Ireland that takes you on a meander through the country’s largest and most beautiful peninsula, Iveragh, often referenced as Ireland’s finest walking route. Walking our week long section of the Kerry Way’s marked trail brings you inland through river valleys, shaped by glaciers of the last ice age, together with sections that bring to view the very best of the Irish coast.
Highlights
Your walking holiday crosses mountain passes and follows mountain trails. From here, you have a superb vantage point over the surrounding land, seas and islands out to the Atlantic Ocean. The path leads through some of Ireland's finest Oak Woods, often considered as being the nearest relation in Ireland or Britain to a temperate rainforest.
This is a coastline full of confined inlets and bays, with beautiful sandy beaches and rugged cliffs. Hospitality and warmth are second nature to the towns and villages of South Kerry, which have developed here throughout the ages (Glenbeigh, Cahirciveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Derrynane and Killarney). Rich archaeological remains give a compelling account of the bygone kingdom of Kerry and your walk brings you through to castles and iron age forts, as well as an ever-changing display of flora and fauna.
Your walking holiday includes outstanding B&Bs, with fabulous dinners on some nights and your lunches taken care of. Your luggage is forwarded each day, and you'll have a walk pack on hand containing maps, route notes and local information. Collection and return to Killarney rail or bus station is provided after your holiday.
You'll cross a lake, traverse through a forest, and then emerge into the Black Valley, nestled among Ireland’s second highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. From there, you'll take the mountain track up toward Glencar, following the course of the River Caragh through the forest to Glenbeigh. A well-defined track ensures a relatively dry walk through bogland toward Cahersiveen, with the track at Carhan Upper offering great views across the River Ferta.
As you embark on the ridge walk over Knockavahaun, you'll be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. The route toward Caheraniel is less challenging, descending and zigzagging gently toward Derrynane National Park.
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Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
4.8/5 based on 5 reviews
"Celtic Trails are flexible and easy to contact and ask questions. Service is excellent."
"It was gorgeous - too bad we had to come home. Everything went smoothly. Celtic Trails are much better than other companies - I'm always looking for my next walk with them."
"Thanks so much for your kindness and fantastic planning and execution. I have shared your website with multiple friends here in U.S."
"Our travel was very well organised, with great instructions and accommodations. We had a lovely time."
"We enjoyed the fantastic scenery. We enjoyed the physical challenge and the satisfaction of completing it. Great way to interact with local people. The Irish are very friendly and hospitable people."
We seek out the best accommodation of its type available
The area is known as the first National Park created in Ireland and its territory has been designated for conservation purposes by UNESCO.
Lakes, moorland and mountain range characterise the National Park - a wild, extensive area that encompasses native forest, as well as Ross Castle and Muckross Estate.
The Skellig Islands consist of two small rocky islands off the Iveragh peninsula. The 6th century monastic settlement on Skellig Michael has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site. You reach the islands from the coast of Portmagee.Find out more about ferries over to the islands here.
The atmospheric Skellig Michael is a popular tourist attraction as well as filming location - the final scenes of Star Wars: The Force Awakens were filmed in the old Christian monastery.
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.
Looking for different mileages or a different number of nights? Please contact us to discuss how our itineraries can be adjusted to meet your specific needs.