Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney N.P.
Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney N.P.
8 Days Starting and ending in Ireland
Visiting: Ireland, Northern Ireland
Tour operator:
Tour code:
W07KE
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail - at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes - a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history. Admire crisp blue lakes, pretty waterfalls, lovely little villages and velvety green pastures.
Itinerary
Check into your B+B and then explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner or enjoying some live music.
Day 2: Killarney to Kenmare 22km/14mi/6hr
You'll get dropped off at Muckross House to start your walk. From here you'll follow a road around the lake leading to Ireland's second highest waterfall, Torc Waterfall, before climbing on the old Kenmare road, cutting through the mountains. Keep your eye out for red deer. Crossing Windy Gap, you'll enjoy wonderful views of Kenmare Bay, before a down and up into the lively village of Kenmare, St Finian's Holy Well, located in the old part, is said to contain healing properties.
Day 3: Kenmare to Sneem 21km/13.5mi/6hr or 33km/21m/8hrs 30 mins
After a transfer to the tiny hamlet of Templenoe, you'll follow a series of forest tracks passing 19th century Dromore Castle to arrive on a beautiful trail along the shores of Kenmare Bay. After crossing Blackwater Bridge you'll climb to a low plateau with superb views, where you'll see fields of sheep and small lakes, and the pretty church of Tahilla. Walking along a farm trail to the outskirts of Sneem, you'll meet the Ring of Kerry road, cross it and follow an old boreen up and down into the village. If you prefer to do the longer day there is no transfer and you walk from the Lodge, picking up the Kerry Way in Sneem.
Day 4: Sneem to Caherdaniel (Waterville) 17km/11mi/5hr
A shorter day today, offering an insight into the farming lifestyle as you pass through a series of farms, fields full of sheep and friendly farmers who are only too happy to stop and chat. Following an old 'butter road', you'll admire the ruins of Kilcrohane Church and watch the landscape become more rugged as you climb to enjoy stunning views down to the Wild Atlantic coast. you'll then descend into the little village of Caherdaniel, once home to the famous Irish liberator, Daniel O'Connell. Perhaps grab a drink in Freddie's Bar whilst waiting for your transfer to Waterville (20mins), where you stay for the next two nights.
Day 5: Caherdaniel to Waterville 12km/7.5mi/4hr
After a transfer back to Caherdaniel, a short but scenic walk takes you on country roads to a track that provides amazing views of the beach and leads through one of Ireland's oldest natural woodland with oak, ash, holly and birch trees. Once out of the woods you'll climb to be rewarded with wonderful views over Ballinskelligs Bay, passing ancient burial grounds. Before following the old 'butter road' back to Waterville, you'll pass the statue of Charlie Chaplin, who liked to fish here.
Day 6: Waterville to Cahersiveen 22km/14mi/6 hr or 31km/19.5mi/8hr
We'll take you to Mastergeehy to start your walk - or you can walk the whole way if you would like on a sunny day when the views are tremendous. From here you'll follow country lanes and climb up to a lovely plateau giving 360 degree views over the coast and inland. Another drop and climb leads you to the town of Cahersiveen where you can enjoy a drink before heading to your B+B. If you prefer you can walk from the hotel, it is a lovely walk with views of Lough Currane, to arrive at Mastergeehy.
Day 7: Cahersiveen to Glenbeigh 21km/13mi/6hr
After a transfer to Deelis Bridge, you'll pick up an old 17th century 'stage coach' mountain trail, passing the ruins of old Kells village and a panoramic view of the old railway viaduct, soon to be a cycle greenway. After walking across Windy Gap you'll be met with gorgeous views of the Dingle Peninsula with Rossbeigh Strand and Inch Beach, famous for the film, Ryan's Daughter. You'll finish with a forest trail through the fairy woods to Glenbeigh for your last night, staying at the historic Towers Hotel, where the cast of Ryan's Daughter stayed.
Day 8: Leave Glenbeigh
Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip. (*It is easy to add extra nights in all of the towns - perhaps you'd like to visit Valencia Island or take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands. Just ask your sales adviser to arrange.)
Meals
All breakfasts
Single Supplement
Add 42 per person per night for a single room.
Accommodation
Abbey Lodge (4 star equivalent)
Abbey Lodge offers guests complimentary WiFi, spacious en-suite rooms, and onsite car parking. The large rooms have a power shower, radio, and a TV. Each also includes a safety deposit box, a work desk, and ironing facilities. Abbey Lodge is an ideal base for exploring all that Killarney and County Kerry has to offer. Killarney National Park is home to Muckross House, Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, and Torc Waterfall. Killarney Racecourse and the INEC are both within a 10-minute walk.
Rockcrest House (4 star)
Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, the Rockcrest Bed Breakfast offers clean, modern, spacious rooms and a very warm welcome from hosts Marian and David O'Dwyer. Excellent full Irish breakfasts are cooked to order using local produce. Situated within a 5 minute walk to Kenmare and a choice of pubs and restaurants for evening meals.
Coomassig View B+B (3 star equivalent)
The Coomassig View B+B is lovely and welcoming, and just a five-minute walk out of pretty Sneem. You will be given a warm welcome by Maureen and her family. On arrival tea and coffee is served. The rooms are large and have all the amenities you require. There is small sitting room and WiFi is free throughout the B+B. Breakfast is a full Irish breakfast and your host can provide a packed lunch for your next walks. Sneem has a good choice of pubs and restaurants where you can eat. If you are spending extra time here you, there are circular walks and a riverside walk where you can find one of Ireland's two coral beaches. Coomassig View is officially classed as a 4 star Bed and Breakfast.
The Villa ()
Located in the heart of the village of Waterville, The Villa offers Irish charm with comfortable, modern rooms.
Ring of Kerry Hotel (3 star)
The ideally located family owned Ring of Kerry hotel offers a warm welcome from friendly, helpful staff. The 23 comfortable rooms all come with DVD player, tea and coffee making facilities and wifi. Enjoy a drink and the craic at John D's, the popular lobby bar which has an Irish pub atmosphere and live entertainment. Alternatively, there is locally produced contemporary Irish food served in the Restaurant.
The Towers Hotel (3 star)
The Towers Hotel is centrally located in the small village of Glenbeigh. This historic hotel was built in 1895 in the late Victorian style. Throughout the years it has hosted many famous people and it is where the cast of Ryan's Daughter (filmed locally) stayed when filming. The famous Irish artist Marshall C Hutson, spent a lot of time here drawing inspiration for his famous pieces. The hotel has a traditional feel to it, and offers recently refurbished large rooms, and there is a large lounge area and ample gardens. The hotel boasts an a la carte restaurant or you can enjoy less formal dining in its adjoining pub. They serve a full Irish breakfast and offer an accompanying cold buffet. WiFi is free in the public areas including the pub. Glenbeigh is lovely small village with a couple of pubs and restaurants, the nearby Rossbeigh Strand is one on the nicest beaches in the region.
Hotel Glenbeigh (3 star)
The family run Glenbeigh Hotel is located in the seaside village of Glenbeigh on the beautiful Iveragh Peninsula. The hotel started life back in 1792 as a stage coach inn and it retains many of its period features. Today it is a cosy and friendly place to stay, with just 12 bedrooms. It boasts lovely gardens to the rear along with a gastrobar and a restaurant with views onto the gardens.
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Headwater requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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