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Highlights
Embark on a true Irish adventure hiking the Ring of Kerry
Explore the stunning beauty of Ireland’s oldest national park, Killarney.
Follow historic trails made by and for the people of Ireland’s past.
Gaze across an endless panorama of the Dingle and Beara peninsulas.
Hike through the foothills of Ireland’s tallest mountains, the MacGillycuddy Reeks.
There’s no hike along the Kerry Way quite like this one! The 11-day self-guided Kerry Way Hiking Tour takes you all the way around the Ring of Kerry, a journey nearly without equal in Ireland and one of the greatest adventures on foot found worldwide.
The famous town of Killarney is your start and endpoint for the trip. After a night to get settled in, set out through the beautiful forested interior along the Kerry Way and into the heart of the Black Valley, before continuing on through the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Irelands highest mountain range, on the way into Glencar.
Along the tour you will enjoy spectacular views that stretch across the waters of Dingle Bay and include the dramatic landscapes of the Dingle and Berea peninsulas. Following an old 19th Century stagecoach route to Cahersiveen, you will continue on to Waterville for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Coastal trails and pathways through the lush green hills will bring you to the colourful villages of Sneem and Kenmare, before traversing Esknamucky Glen and Killarney National Park on the way back to Killarney itself. A final day of hiking through verdant woods brings you back to Killarney for an evening of celebration!
There’s no hike along the Kerry Way quite like this one! The 11-day self-guided Kerry Way Hiking Tour takes you all the way around the Ring of Kerry, a journey nearly without equal in Ireland and one of the greatest adventures on foot found worldwide.
The famous town of Killarney is your start and endpoint for the trip. After a night to get settled in, set out through the beautiful forested interior along the Kerry Way and into the heart of the Black Valley, before continuing on through the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Irelands highest mountain range, on the way into Glencar.
Along the tour you will enjoy spectacular views that stretch across the waters of Dingle Bay and include the dramatic landscapes of the Dingle and Berea peninsulas. Following an old 19th Century stagecoach route to Cahersiveen, you will continue on to Waterville for stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.
Coastal trails and pathways through the lush green hills will bring you to the colourful villages of Sneem and Kenmare, before traversing Esknamucky Glen and Killarney National Park on the way back to Killarney itself. A final day of hiking through verdant woods brings you back to Killarney for an evening of celebration!
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11-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Killarney
Arrive in the town of Killarney, the hub for your adventure. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information. Enjoy a fun evening in town – you’ll see it again ten days down the road!
Overnight Location: B&B in Killarney
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk to the Black Valley
Begin your walk directly from your accommodation, heading towards the stunning Muckross House & Gardens, located about 5 km from Killarney. From there, your journey continues through the breathtaking Killarney National Park, weaving through the enchanting Esknamucky Glen.
Along the way, you’ll pass the picturesque Torc Waterfall before following what was once a “Mass Path” leading to the historic Derrycunnihy Church. After, you will descend via Lord Brandon’s cottage into the Black Valley, where you will spend the night.
Overnight Location: B&B in Black Valley
Distance: 5 hours, 21.4km, 492m of ascent, 487m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Black Valley to Glencar
From the Black Valley, your journey begins with a scenic route overlooking a tranquil lake. You’ll then ascend to cross a mountain saddle, entering the picturesque Bridia Valley. Another ascent follows, traversing an ancient path once used to drive livestock to market.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. The trail then leads you alongside the serene shores of Lough Acosse, culminating in the charming hamlet of Glencar, where you’ll settle in for the night.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glencar
Distance: 4-5 hours, 17.5km, 821m of ascent, 693m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Walk the Caragh River to Glenbeigh
Today, you’ll journey along the scenic Caragh River before circling the legendary Seefin Mountain, steeped in Ireland’s rich mythology. Your day concludes with a descent into the charming village of Glenbeigh, where you’ll spend the night.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glenbeigh
Distance: 4 hours, 21.3km, 633m of ascent, 760m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Stage Coach Route to Cahersiveen
With stunning views of Dingle Bay, you trace a 19th-century Stage Coach route, winding along the northern shores of the peninsula and historic farming trails before arriving in the charming town of Cahersiveen where you will spend the night.
Overnight Location: B&B in Cahersiveen
Distance: 4 hours, 24km, 555m of ascent, 643m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Views Across the Atlantic
The day will begin with a transfer to the starting point of the walk at Coars Cross. Heading southwest, your hike offers stunning coastal views as you traverse the gentle hilltops, leading you to Waterville—a charming village once frequented by Charlie Chaplin.
Overnight Location: B&B in Waterville
Distance: 6 hours, 18km, 653m of ascent, 789m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Coastal Walk to Caherdaniel
Today’s hike leads you to the westernmost point of the Ring of Kerry, offering breathtaking views of Ballinskellings Bay, the Beara Peninsula, and the picturesque Skellig Islands. The journey concludes in the charming village of Caherdaniel.
Overnight Location: B&B in Caherdaniel
Distance: 6 hours, 14.5km, 336m of ascent, 304m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Walk to Sneem
Your journey today begins in Caherdaniel and follows an old “butter road”, a scenic trail that eventually arrives in the vibrant and picturesque village of Sneem. Enjoy stunning views of the Beara Peninsula and Atlantic Ocean before tucking in for the night.
Overnight Location: B&B in Sneem
Distance: 5 hours, 17.4km, 533m of ascent, 547m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9 Walk the shores of Kenmare Bay
Your destination today is the charming heritage town of Kenmare. The journey begins with a short drive from Sneem, followed by a hike that takes you along scenic farm tracks, across open hillsides, and along the picturesque shores of Kenmare Bay. As you ascend, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views before making your descent into Kenmare, where you’ll settle in for an overnight stay.
Overnight Location: B&B in Kenmare
Distance: 27.3km, 733m of ascent, 734m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10 Return to Killarney
Traveling along the historic Old Kenmare Road, once a vital route for market-goers, you’ll arrive at the striking Galway’s River. From there, the journey takes you through the picturesque Esknamucky Glen—its name rooted in tales of wild pigs from days gone by—before reaching the enchanting Muckross House and Gardens.
The adventure continues along the scenic shores of Killarney’s Lower Lake, culminating at your final overnight stop.
Overnight Location: B&B in Killarney
Distance: 5 hours, 25km, 853m of ascent, 823m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11 Departure Day
After one last hot Irish breakfast, check out from your accommodations and depart the region via your own arrangements.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
11-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour of the Kerry Way is run as a custom tour for your group only and the price per person is fixed. There are upgrade options available that add follow-up phone calls and welcome briefings to your tour. Please let us know if you’re interested in these options. Prices below are per person:- Price per person staying in a double room (min 2 travellers): EUR1285
Accommodation on the 11-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour
This tour is based in small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Properties offer welcoming rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you can request a for single room with an extra charge.
What’s Included in the 11-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour?
Meals
10 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 10 nights are included. You can add additional nights before or after the tour as a supplement.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport to the start of the hike on Days 6 and 9 is included. Luggage transfers between properties are also included on the tour.
Also Included
- Detailed route book with full area maps or GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house holiday specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Transport into Killarney or out from Glenbeigh
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Guide services
- Visas if required
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single room supplements
- Extra services:
- Welcome briefing
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour
- How hard is the 11-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Are meals included on the 11-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Killarney to start this tour?
- Is the 11-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour guided?
- Where does the 11-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ireland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Ireland?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: grass mountain tracks, country lanes, road walking, forest paths, and bogland, with some wet sections underfoot. Good boots are essential.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
10 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Kerry Airport (KIR). Being a regional airport, you may need to connect via one of Ireland’s three international airports. From Kerry Airport, the town of Killarney is 20 minutes away by car, and about 30-40 minutes by public transport. You can also travel from Cork International Airport (ORK), roughly 2 hours from Killarney by bus.
No. You will be provided with all necessary information to complete your self-guided tour.
The tour begins and ends in the town of Killarney.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
Customer Ratings
Ireland Walk Hike Bike was set up with one purpose in mind – to show you the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – founder Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 25 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today…
Whatever holiday you want – walk, hike, bike, more active than that or less active than that – we will be delighted to chat with you, help plan your holiday with you to ensure you have a really memorable trip to Ireland.
