Kerry Way

Introduction
Kerry Ireland

The Iveragh Peninsula or Ring Of Kerry, the middle of the three south- western peninsulas, is a popular tourist route. The Kerry Way takes you walking across it, as well as around it and only occasionally will you meet the tourists! You will also have a chance to meet local people in the villages where you are staying. The Kerry Way is a route of 215km (135miles) and the 8 day trail starts at Glenbeigh and finishes in Killarney. It is varied and interesting walking.
The 12 day trail starts in the famous town of Killarney and walks through Killarney National Park and over the Lakes of Killarney to the remote Black Valley and Glencar. Rhododendron forests, old oak woods and along the foot of Ireland's highest mountains to Glenbeigh where you meet day 5-8 of the 8 day tour. 
The Kerry Way is one of the first established Waymarked Ways. It follows old green roads, and mountain trails. There will be approximately 40% walking on quiet country roads as it is not always possible to walk in open hills. It is reasonably well signposted with wooden or plastic yellow markers and road signs.

Accomodation

You will be staying in comfortable guesthouses and farmhouses. Most rooms have en suite facilities. You can enjoy evening meals in the guesthouses in some locations, but the hostess needs to be notified beforehand. Picnic lunches can be supplied by her also at a cost of £3.00-£3.50 p.p. Dinners in the guesthouses cost around £12 p.p. Please ask your hosts for any advice in relation to the best places to eat if you wish to eat out and where to find traditional entertainment. You must show your accommodation list to your host each day on your arrival as verification.

Your luggage will be transferred for you each day by the guesthouse owners or local taxi services.

Riding

Itinerary

8 Day Tour
Day 1 Arrival in Cork or Shannon. Travel by bus to Killarney and on to Glenbeigh.
Day 2 Walk from Glenbeigh to Foilmore near Cahirciveen, with views over Dingle Bay. Your route passes the magnificent Rossbeigh beach with stunning views over Dingle Bay, before walking through Foilmore Valley overlooked by the majestic Knocknadobar. 19km
Day 3 Walk to Waterville through the hinterland of Cahirciveen. The route passes through turf bogs and pine forest. Valentia Island and the western end of the Iveragh peninsula. Overnight in Waterville, a colourful coastal village. 24km
Day 4 Waterville to Caherdaniel via the coastal route and Derrynane National Park. A wonderfully scenic route, the distance is short and there is time to take a detour at Derrynane and visit Derrynane House and Gardens. Derrynane House is the home of Daniel O'Connell, an important man in Irish history. O'Connell is known as 'The Liberator' and was the father of Catholic Emancipatio duting the 19th century. 15km
Day 5 Walk Caherdaniel to Sneem on the "old Butter road" where butter was transported to Cork in the19th century. The Way climbs again on the foothills of Eagle Hill and a short detour takes you to the 3rd century, stone built Staigue Fort. Your route stays above the main Ring of Kerry road, follwoing rocky paths through sheep country to Sneem. 19km
Day 6 Sneem to Kenmare via Tahilla and Blackwaterbridge. This walk takes you along the rocky shoreline of Kenmare Bay, easy walking through forest and the estate of Dromore Castle. The delightful Blackwater Bridge spands the Blackwater River coming from high in the Macgillicuddy Reeks. Kenmare is a an interesting and colourful market town, on the banks of the Boughty River where it opens up into Kenmare Bay. It was founded in 1670 and settled by a handful of Englishmen who built a properous fishing industry and an ironworks. 22 or 28km
Day 7 Walk to Killarney on the "Old Kenmare Road" , a delightful pass between Peakeen and Knockanaguish mountains. Descnd through Killarney National Park, old oak forsts, lichen, red deer, views over Lakes of Killarney. The end of the way passes 18th century Muckross House and Gardens and back into Killarney. 25km
Day 8 Departure by bus or train from Killarney

 Itinerary - 12 day tour 

Day 1 Arrival in Shannon or Cork. Transfer by bus to Killarney, world renowned due more to the unsurpassed beauty of its setting than any historical or architectural features. Lots to see and do. Overnight guesthouse Killarney  
Day 2 Walk Killarney to Black Valley, along the lake shore through Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall and native oak forests. The Way is well marked and a pleasant start to the tour. Finish at Lord Brandon's Cottage at the head of the upper lake. Overnight in the remote Black Valley. 22km
Day 3 Walk Black Valley to Glencar. Old green roads and mountain sheep country, under the magnificent Magillicuddy Reeks and Carrauntohill, Ireland's highest mountain. The Black valley passes into the Bridia Valley and mountain farming comminities are all that are to be found here. Old roads from settlements go by the magnificent Lough Acoose under the Reeks to Glencar on the Caragh River. 23km
Day 4 Glencar to Glenbeigh, through the old woodlands of Glencar and the lovely Blackstones Bridge. The route climbs above Caragh Lake and then crosses Seefin mountain via the Windy Gap with views of Dingle Bay. Descend through the Cummergorm Glen to the seaside village of Glenbeigh. 13km
Day 5  Walk from Glenbeigh to Foilmore near Cahirciveen, with views over Dingle Bay. Your route passes the magnificent Rossbeigh beach with stunning views over Dingle Bay, before walking through Foilmore Valley overlooked by the majestic Knocknadobar. 19km
Day 6  Free day to visit the famous 5th century monastic settlement on the Skelling Islands (weather permitting, boat ride 45 minutes, €30 not included). Optional walk on beautiful Valentia Island (10 minute ferry ride €6.00) with a visit to the Slate Quarry and Glanleam sub-trpoical gardens.  12km
Day 7  Walk to Waterville through the hinterland of Cahirciveen. The route passes through turf bogs and pine forest. Valentia Island and the western end of the Iveragh peninsula. Overnight in Waterville, a colourful coastal village. 24km
Day 8 Waterville to Caherdaniel via the coastal route and Derrynane National Park. A wonderfully scenic route, the distance is short and there is time to take a detour at Derrynane and visit Derrynane House and Gardens. Derrynane House is the home of Daniel O'Connell, an important man in Irish history. O'Connell is known as 'The Liberator' and was the father of Catholic Emancipatio duting the 19th century.  15km
Day 9  Walk Caherdaniel to Sneem on the "old Butter road" where butter was transported to Cork in the19th century. The Way climbs again on the foothills of Eagle Hill and a short detour takes you to the 3rd century, stone built Staigue Fort. Your route stays above the main Ring of Kerry road, follwoing rocky paths through sheep country to Sneem.  19km
Day 10  Sneem to Kenmare via Tahilla and Blackwaterbridge. This walk takes you along the rocky shoreline of Kenmare Bay, easy walking through forest and the estate of Dromore Castle. The delightful Blackwater Bridge spands the Blackwater River coming from high in the Macgillicuddy Reeks. Kenmare is a an interesting and colourful market town, on the banks of the Boughty River where it opens up into Kenmare Bay. It was founded in 1670 and settled by a handful of Englishmen who built a properous fishing industry and an ironworks. 22 or 28km
Day 11 Walk to Killarney on the "Old Kenmare Road" , a delightful pass between Peakeen and Knockanaguish mountains. Descnd through Killarney National Park, old oak forsts, lichen, red deer, views over Lakes of Killarney. The end of the way passes 18th century Muckross House and Gardens and back into Killarney.  25km
Day 12 Departure by bus or train from Killarney 


Itineraries are subjedct to change

Rates and Dates for Kerry Way

Dates Note: Any time during the season.

Other Info
Meeting: Glenbeigh
Airport: Shannon. Cork
Transfer: By pubilc bus, book and pay locally

Climate:

You can walk this route anytime between April and October. In April/May and October the weather can be unpredictable so knowledge of map reading and compass are important

 The Irish climate is damp and mild.

Cell phone rental is available and can be pre-booked through www.rentaphone-ireland.com

 If you are travelling from the USA you may wish to check out unlocking your cell phone to use and Irish SIM card. Check out www.unlockitfree.com or  www.bilemo.com/unlock  

In order to enhance your holiday these items should be in your suitcase: