4 to 7 nights
38 to 75 mls (km)
Southwest Ireland
Moderate to Challenging
Apr to Oct
£740

Walking the Kerry Way

  • Take a ferry ride to the incredible Skellig Islands
  • Walk amongst some of Ireland's highest peaks
  • Ancient stone structures dating from over 2,000 years ago such as Staigue Fort
  • Visit Muckross House, a grand estate within the idyllic setting of Killarney National Park
  • Discover the mysterious beauty of the Black Water Valley, one of the more secluded areas in County Kerry
📷Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry Gap of Dunloe, Irish walking holidays

Walking the Wild Atlantic Coast

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.

Kerry Way walk map
Our Ring of Kerry Walking Holidays take you around the Kerry peninsula, starting in Killarney

Path Walkthrough

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.

Our Kerry Way Itineraries

  • Killarney to Caherdaniel
    Distance: 74.5 miles (119.5km)
    KER1a
    7 Nights, 6 Days
    from £1190 pp
    Killarney to Caherdaniel
        7 nights, 6 days
    Ref: KER1a
    Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic
    KER1b
    7 Nights, 6 Days
    from £1205 pp
    Killarney to Caherdaniel
        7 nights, 6 days
    Ref: KER1b
    Moderate to Challenging,
    Grade: Classic
  • Killarney to Glenbeigh
    Distance: 37.5 miles (60km)
    KER2
    4 Nights, 3 Days
    from £740 pp
    Killarney to Glenbeigh
        4 nights, 3 days
    Ref: KER2
    Moderate,
    Grade: Classic
    • Good standard B&B accommodation together with luggage transfers
    • Walk pack (one per two walkers) containing a trail guide, maps, walk itinerary with accommodation directions
    Both itineraries 1a & 1b include:
    • 5 packed lunches
    • 1 evening meal & 1 full supper
    • Pick up at Killarney Train/Bus station on first day and return on last day
    KW2 includes:
    • 3 packed lunches
    • 1 evening meal & 1 full supper
    • Pick up at Killarney Train/Bus station on first day and return on last day

    You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.

    Our Kerry Way holidays are available to walk April to October.

    This walk is feasible at any point of the year, but we would recommend avoiding winter. Winds can be especially forceful at this time of year near the coast, making progress along the route considerably harder.

    Expect intermittent periods of rainfall. Although weather conditions across Ireland are generally mild, the region is prone to changeable weather and cold winters. Kerry's position within the Gulf Stream means that the area is comparably more temperate than the rest of Ireland, though the differences are not entirely significant.

    By Air: There are flights from London (Stansted) direct to Kerry Airport with a bus/train connection to Killarney station.

    There are also more frequent flights to Dublin or Cork with an internal connecting flight to Kerry.

    By Rail: There are frequent trains running from Cork, Dublin and Kerry Airport to Killarney Train Station.      http://www.irishrail.ie/travel-information/killarney 

    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. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.

    Kerry Way Client Reviews

    4.8/5 based on 5 reviews
    Celtic Trails are flexible and easy to contact and ask questions. Service is excellent.
    - July 2023
    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.
    - July 2022
    Thanks so much for your kindness and fantastic planning and execution. I have shared your website with multiple friends here in U.S.
    - June 2022
    Our travel was very well organised, with great instructions and accommodations. We had a lovely time.
    - June 2019
    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.
    - April 2019
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