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Highlights
Discover the unforgettable Kerry Way with every step on this hike
Dine on the famous food and drink of Kenmare’s best pubs for a true Irish experience.
Visit the hometown of Daniel O’Connell, also known as “The Liberator”
Spot the forbidding Skellig Islands across the water from the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Follow a stagecoach trail along the shores of the fabulous Dingle Bay.
A hike along the Kerry Way makes for a world-class journey! This 8-day self-guided hiking tour provides a comprehensive adventure around the Ring of Kerry, one that is certain to leave you with lifelong memories of a beautiful adventure.
Arrive in Killarney to start the trip. Hike south through the beloved Killarney National Park and out towards Kenmare, at the base of the Iveragh Peninsula. From here, follow the Kerry Way west along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with gorgeous views of the Beara Peninsula to the south. Make overnight stops in the picturesque villages of Sneem and Caherdaniel before rounding the peninsula. A stay in Waterville places you smack in between Ballinskelligs Bay and Lough Currane – no shortage of water here! Ascend the hills to gaze across Dingle Bay to the north and Kenmare Bay to the south. Finally, return east along the northern flank of the peninsula to Glenbeigh, where a celebratory toast to your Kerry Way journey is well-deserved.
A hike along the Kerry Way makes for a world-class journey! This 8-day self-guided hiking tour provides a comprehensive adventure around the Ring of Kerry, one that is certain to leave you with lifelong memories of a beautiful adventure.
Arrive in Killarney to start the trip. Hike south through the beloved Killarney National Park and out towards Kenmare, at the base of the Iveragh Peninsula. From here, follow the Kerry Way west along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with gorgeous views of the Beara Peninsula to the south. Make overnight stops in the picturesque villages of Sneem and Caherdaniel before rounding the peninsula. A stay in Waterville places you smack in between Ballinskelligs Bay and Lough Currane – no shortage of water here! Ascend the hills to gaze across Dingle Bay to the north and Kenmare Bay to the south. Finally, return east along the northern flank of the peninsula to Glenbeigh, where a celebratory toast to your Kerry Way journey is well-deserved.
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8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Killarney
Arrive in the town of Killarney, a hub for the Kerry Way. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information. Enjoy an evening on the town, but remember that there’s a full adventure starting in the morning!
Overnight Location: B&B in Killarney
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Through the National Park
The tour starts with a hike through Killarney National Park, the oldest of its kind in Ireland. Make your way to Muckross House, a beautiful 19th-century mansion that is a must for visitors. Then set off along the Kerry Way, passing the lovely Torc Waterfall and heading through the park.
The flora and fauna of Killarney National Park are simply wonderful. Keep your eye out for the native red deer – this is the last indigenous herd of them in Ireland. Finish your day with a descent into the town of Kenmare, renowned for its excellent food and pubs.
Overnight Location: B&B in Kenmare
Distance: 5 hours, 20km, 689m of ascent, 710m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 West along Kenmare Bay
Today starts with a short transfer west to the tiny village of Templenoe. From here, continue down the Kerry Way west along the shores of Kenmare Bay. On a clear day, you’ll have stunning views south over the bay, with the Beara Peninsula and Caha Mountains in the distance.
Overnight Location: B&B in Sneem
Distance: 4-5hours, 19.9km
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Follow the Butter Road
Continue west along the Kerry Way, with splendid southern views across the bay accompanying your every step. Hike along an old “butter road,” which once facilitated the transport of butter from rural farmers to central ports such as Cork.
The village of Caherdaniel is your home for the night. This was the home of Daniel O’Connell, one of Irish history’s most famous figures, known as “The Liberator” for his efforts in securing Catholic emancipation.
Overnight Location: B&B in Caherdaniel
Distance: 4 hours, 17.3km, 473m of ascent, 450m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Turning North to Waterville
It’s time to start heading north as you reach the end of the Iveragh Peninsula. Today’s route takes you above the coastline on your way up to the village of Waterville. With the remote Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay on your left and the shores of Lough Currane on your right, there’s no end to the incredible scenery.
Overnight Location: B&B in Waterville
Distance: 4 hours, 16km, 379m of ascent, 405m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Over the Hills and Far Away
A short transfer to Mastergeehy starts today’s route. As you ascend the hills that mark the middle of the peninsula, a brand-new vista unfolds to the north. Dingle Peninsula and its bay greet your eyes for the first time! In clear weather, you can gaze over Dingle Bay to the north and Kenmare Bay to the south from your vantage point.
Descend into the town of Caherciveen, one of the westernmost settlements in Ireland.
Overnight Location: B&B in Caherciveen
Distance: 6 hours, 24km, 943m of ascent, 933m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 The Shadows of Stagecoaches
It’s east along the northern shore of the peninsula today, heading for the coastal village of Glenbeigh. This slice of the Kerry Way follows an old stagecoach route, passing through towns and settlements which catered to travellers’ needs. Once busy and now deserted, they remain a unique glimpse into Ireland’s not-so-distant past.
Spectacular views of the Dingle Peninsula guide you into Glenbeigh. Enjoy a toast to your completed adventure along the Kerry Way!
Overnight Location: B&B in Glenbeigh
Distance: 6 hours, 24km, 689m of ascent, 681m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
After a delicious breakfast, check out from your accommodations and depart the region via your own arrangements.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
8-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 and the price per person is fixed. Prices below are per person:- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared double rooms: EUR960
Accommodation on the 8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour
This tour is based in small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Properties offer warm 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 8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport to the start of the hike on Days 3 and 6 is included. Luggage transfers each day 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
- Visas if required
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional accommodation nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Welcome briefing and follow-up phone call upgrades
- Extra services:
- Welcome briefing
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour
- How hard is the 8-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 8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Killarney to start this tour?
- Is the 8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour guided?
- Where does the 8-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, 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 as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
7 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. Your holiday specialist can assist you with arrival and departure plans if needed.
No. You will be provided with all required information to complete your self-guided tour.
The tour ends in the town of Glenbeigh. From here, the Kerry Airport (KIR) is just over 30 minutes by car. Travelling by bus will take roughly 1 ½ hours.
If you want or need to return to Killarney, a public bus service runs twice daily (excluding Sundays and public holidays). The bus takes about 50 minutes.
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.
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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.
