Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike

Self Guided

The perfect way for the independent explorer to see our hidden gems & discover the many paths less travelled.

Grading

Participants need to have a good level of fitness and previous hiking experience is recommended.

Duration

Various

Price

From

€378

Per Person

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Location Map

Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike options opens up the Iveragh Peninsula – a wonderful part of the country – to you.

Explore the magic of the south west corner of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. This tour runs parallel with the famous Ring of Kerry.

Home to rugged cliffs and golden beaches, friendly faces, small villages, green fields & picturesque mountain ranges. So, it’s no wonder Kerry is called ‘The Kingdom’.

Experience some of the Best Ireland Hiking Tours.

5-Day Kerry Way Short Tour

This wonderful 5-Day trip immerses you into incredible views and wild nature. Taking you through Killarney National Park you then follow into the heart of the “Black Valley” in the foothills of Ireland’s highest mountain Carrauntohil. From there you continue your hike past the impressive Lough Acoose to reach the lovely little village of Glenbeigh where your holiday finishes.

8-Day Trip Highlights Tour

This 8-Day holiday gives you some of the most spectacular hikes imaginable as you follow around the western tip of the Ring of Kerry. Starting just outside the village of Glenbeigh, you follow ancient pathways, old Stage Coach routes and tiny little backroads as you travel along the Wild Atlantic coastline. Overnight stops in picturesque villages bring you to Derrynane National Park, before you follow the shoreline of Kenmare Bay and the heritage town of Kenmare. Your final hike follows a ”Butter Road” as you finish your holiday in the town of Killarney.

8-Day Comfort Tour

See the magnificent Ring of Kerry on foot with shorter hikes and longer stays. Enjoy your hikes at Muckross House, the glaciated valley of the Gap of Dunloe with its infamous Kate Kearney’s Cottage, the stunning Gleninchaquin Valley and some wonderful coastal vistas on this Comfort Tour.

11-Day Hike Full Tour

Completing the full distance of a Way Marked Trial is one of the most rewarding things you can do. On this 11-Day trip, you will complete the full Kerry Way, starting and finishing in the wonderful town of Killarney.

Single Room / Solo Traveller Supplement Costs & Upgrade prices are in our downloadable PDFs. See links in Available Tours below.

For more information about this tour & to explore all your other options please contact a member of our team here.

If you would like to travel this region with a local expert who will immerse you in the history & nature of this region – please see our Guided Holiday option.

For short video of some of the highlights on this tour check out our YouTube channel here.

Ireland Walk Hike Bike

5.0

Based on 24 reviews

review us on

Daphne Desimpelaere

15:52 08 Dec 22

We did discover the beautiful region of the County of Kerry (Kerry Ring Tour).Very well organized by IWHB, good communication with the team (good reactivity, and kean to find solutions and open minded, especially when we had to postpone our journey due to the COVID). The hotels/guestrooms very well choosen (good location and guests friendly). Luggage drop off to the next accomodation was a really good option. The infos were correct. We do recommend Ireland Walk Hike Bike and will travel again with them, for sure.

Brian White

22:12 28 Nov 22

Wonderful trip. Everything was planned perfectly by Ireland WBH. B&Bs were great with Irish breakfast every day to fortify us for the ride. Would love to do another bike trip with them.

David McAleavey

21:17 27 Nov 22

Our walk along parts of the Dingle Way and connected trails as organized by Ireland Walk Hike Bike was everything we had hoped for, from extremely courteous and responsive staff to useful links before the trip (including excellent exercise videos!) and a specially-designed GPS app which knew which route we were following as well as where we had gotten to. (While we also used the provided maps and cue sheets, the GPS app in itself would probably have been sufficient.) The B&Bs which we were booked into were all cozy and clean, and our luggage was handled without any problem. I would recommend this outfit (IWBH) – and I have indeed recommended it – to anyone wishing to explore the part of Ireland we encountered. IWBH also deserve credit for holding our deposit for two years of COVID delay; and I’m very glad that we could finally undertake the walk. For what it’s worth, we took the self-guided “comfort” hike, which meant that we would receive taxi rides to favorable trailheads each day. (From what we could tell, we most often avoided flat boring stretches near towns, without sacrificing more remote and interesting parts.)

Jeanne Sargent

11:56 27 Nov 22

My husband and I did a self-guided hike through a large part of the Dingle Peninsula to celebrate his 80th birthday. Naturally, we had some concerns about getting lost, having the needed stamina and wanting support along our way. Ireland Walk Hike Bike staff were there for us every step of the way. They chose excellent accommodations at very reasonable prices; taught me how to use the GPS function on my first ever smartphone and arranged transportation to and from Shannon Airport to Tralee. We met so many wonderful folks along our treks who took time from their walk to talk about their lives. It went like clockwork and have toyed with the idea of a repeat adventure if our health permits.

Carol Smith

00:56 24 Nov 22

I usually plan vacations months ahead of time but this one came together in just a few short weeks thanks to Ireland Walk Hike Bike. They worked with our rather impromptu and tight time frame to arrange a 6-day outing along the Kerry Way, and we had a magical time from start to finish. The Kerry Way is moody, broody, and incredibly varied. All arrangements were spot on, from accommodation to transport to walking notes. All we had to do was soak up the scenic rambling each day, drink a celebratory Guinness each night, and meet really interesting people along the way. Ireland captured a piece of my heart – will need to go back again with Ireland WHB to retrieve it!

What makes us differEnt?

Hiking Day Transfers – We include transfers to and from the hikes to improve your hiking experience. We remove unnecessary road sections on multiple days to maximise your enjoyment of each trail. “We received taxi rides to favourable trailheads, so we avoided flat boring stretches near towns, without sacrificing more remote and interesting parts.” – David USA

Our Tailormade App – Our app is not just a GPS navigation tool…… you will have your entire holiday in your hand. You will have easy access to your route notes, points of interest, destination details and emergency contact information. “The materials provided before and during the trip were extremely helpful. The phone app was excellent.” – Carole, USA

Overnight Locations – We have carefully selected the start and finish locations for your overnights to allow for easy access and departure by public transfers. If not, we include a transfer to/ from the nearest transfer hub. “The B&Bs were charming, very comfortable with personable hosts.” – Jack, USA

We write our own Route Notes – Our new route notes are even easier to follow with marked maps and distances between each point. We hike and re-check the routes each year to ensure all details are up to date. We do not give you generic guidebooks for your hikes. “Everything went off without a hitch. Directions and maps were great and easy to follow.” – Kelly, USA

On Tour Support – Not only do we offer you a 24/7 emergency contact support, we will also contact you regularly during your tour to see how things are going and if you have any questions for us. “I cannot praise Ireland Walk Hike Bike enough. They are just outstanding at what they do.” – Russ, UK

What's Included?

Ensuite room in select accommodations with breakfast

Move your luggage as per itinerary

Digital Route Notes & Maps or GPS Navigation app

Holiday specialists to handle the details of your trip

24 hour telephone support service

Upgrade option available – Please see downloadable PDF itineraries for details

AVAILABLE TOURS

Tour

Duration

Price

3-Day Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike

Duration: 2 nights

Cost pps: €378

View Tour

5-Day Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike

Duration: 4 nights

Cost pps: €580

View Tour

8-Day Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike

Duration: 7 nights

Cost pps: €875

View Tour

8-Day Self-Guided Kerry Way Comfort Hike

Duration: 7 nights

Cost pps: €960

View Tour

11-Day Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike

Duration: 10 nights

Cost pps: €1205

View Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 - Killarney

Arrive in Killarney – the popular town renowned for its three magnificent lakes in the heart of Kerry. On arrival at your first guesthouse, your host/ hostess will give you your detailed information pack.

Day 2 - Kenmare to Killarney

Today you will be transferred to the start of your walk in Kenmare. From here you will walk through Esknamucky Glen and across Killarney National park. This is a glorious walk, giving you an opportunity to see some of Ireland’s native red deer as you walk through Ireland oldest National park. Overnight in Killarney

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 25.0km | Height gain - 853m | Height loss - 823m | Max Height - 351m. Terrain: Mountain tracks, board walks and green roads. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential.

Day 3 - Lakes of Killarney & Depart

Today explore the wonderful Killarney National Park. Starting at Muckross House you follow a circular route around Muckross Lake – a magnificent walk with wonderful views across the lake as you follow through some of our ancient woodlands. At the end of your walk, your transport will take you back to your accommodation in Killarney for your departure.

Total Distance: 12kms. Duration: 3 hours. Max. Height: 160m. Surfaced tracks and some rocky uneven paths through woodland. Boots recommended but not essential.

Day 1 - Killarney

Arrive to the beautiful Killarney town and enjoy the scenery here as you begin your holiday.

Day 2 - Killarney to Black Valley

Today’s hike gives you the opportunity to hike beside all 3 of Killarney’s famous La. Starting in Killarney National Park, you hike past the lower and middle lakes and through some ancient oak wood forests. You then reach an ancient Mass Path as your hike takes you alongside the Upper Lake of Killarney to reach your accommodation in the Black Valley.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 21.40km | Height gain - 492m | Height loss - 487m | Max Height - 289m. Terrain: Mountain tracks and green roads. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential.

Day 3 - Black Valley to Glencar

This stunning walk immerses you into a magnificent landscape of raw nature. Following an ancient route through the foothills of Irelands highest mountain range, you cross two hilltop passes to reach the tiny hamlet of Glencar for your overnight.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 17.50km | Height gain - 821m | Height loss - 693m | Max Height - 383m. Terrain: Road walking, grass and gravel tracks, open mountain and bogland, can be wet underfoot. Boots essential.

Day 4 - Glencar to Glenbeigh

A lovely hike today takes you along the Caragh River and through some ancient woodlands before gaining height at Seefin Mountain to descend to the lovely Glenbeigh village.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 21.30km | Height gain - 633m | Height loss - 760m | Max Height - 339m. Terrain: Road walking, mountain rocky tracks, grass tracks and forest paths. Boots essential.

Day 5 - Glenbeigh Departure

Depart after breakfast by Public Bus from the village of Glenbeigh.

Click here to view/download our full itinerary PDF

Day 1 - Arrive to Killarney

Arrive to your first accommodation in Killarney town where your holiday begins.

Day 2 - Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen

From Glenbeigh, you follow an old Stage Coach route before descending to an area of rich bogland. Wonderful views of Dingle Bay and the amazing coastline then change to inland views before a woodland walk takes you into Cahersiveen.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 24km | Height gain - 555m | Height loss - 643m | Max Height - 367m. Terrain: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking. Boots essential.

Day 3 - Cahersiveen to Waterville

Continuing south from Cahersiveen, you follow a wonderful hike across hills and descend into a valley. You then climb again to hike west with glorious views of the Skellig Islands and the Wild Atlantic Way before reaching Waterville.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 18km | Height gain - 653m | Height loss - 789m | Max Height - 396m. Terrain: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking. Boots essential.

Day 4 - Waterville to Caherdaniel

Todays stunning hike reaches the most westerly tip of the “Ring of Kerry” as you follow a coastal trek around little headlands and sea inlets to reach the village of Caherdaniel.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 14.5km | Height gain - 336m | Height loss - 304m | Max Height - 246m. Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland and some road walking. Boots essential.

Day 5 - Caherdaniel to Sneem

Hiking south east today, the sea remains in view as you enjoy following a network of little boreens, farming tracks & hillside routes. With glorious scenery across Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula you reach the village of Sneem.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 17.40km | Height gain - 533m | Height loss - 547m | Max Height - 226mTerrain: Country lanes, grass tracks, Rocky Mountains and some road walking. Boots essential.

Day 6 - Sneem to Kenmare

Starting east of Sneem, you hike inland to reach the beautiful Blackwater Bridge. Continuing along the shores of Kenmare Bay, you have a stunning finish as you ascend a hill to enjoy super views towards the heritage town of Kenmare.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 27.3km | Height gain - 733m | Height loss - 734m | Max Height - 733m. Terrain: Forest tracks, some road walking, mountain tracks and country lanes. Boots essential.

Day 7 - Kenmare to Killarney

Ascending to a “Windy Gap” your route today takes you along the Old Kenmare Road to reach Killarney National Park. Continuing through ancient oakwoods you reach Torc Waterfall, Muckross House and Gardens and finish in the bustling town of Killarney.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 25.0km | Height gain - 853m | Height loss - 823m | Max Height - 351m. Terrain: Mountain tracks, board walks and green roads. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential.

Day 8 - Killarney Departure

Depart after breakfast by Public Bus or Train from Killarney or fly from the nearby Kerry International Airport.

Click here to view/download our full itinerary PDF

Day 1 - Killarney

Arrive to your first accommodation in Killarney town where your holiday begins.

Day 2 - Muckross Loop Hike

Follow a circular route around the middle of the Three Lakes of Killarney – Muckross Lake – on a magnificent walk with wonderful views across the lake as you follow through some of our ancient woodlands. Overnight in Killarney

Total Distance: 10.0km | Elevation Gain: 191m

Day 3 - Galwey's Bridge to Muckross House

Starting your hike today with a transfer to Derrycunnihy Church at the beautiful Galway’s Bridge, you then follow part of an ancient “butter road” into Killarney National Park. Hiking through ancient oakwoods, you continue your hike to Muckross House. Along the way you will pass the impressive Torc Waterfall. Overnight in Killarney.

Total Distance: 10.9km | Elevation Gain: 405m

Day 4 - Hike through the Gap of Dunloe

A boat trip through the glorious Three Lakes of Killarney starts your hike today. On arrival to an old hunting lodge “Lord Brandon's Cottage”, you then hike through the amazing glaciated valley of the Gap of Dunloe. Finishing your hike at Kate Kearney's Cottage, you can learn about the fascinating history of this place before transferring back to Killarney for your overnight.

Total Distance: 11.6km | Elevation Gain: 323m

Day 5 - Galwey's Bridge to Kenmare

From Galway's Bridge your hike takes you south today following an old route through the hills used for hundreds of years by people travelling on foot or driving animals to market. Glorious views across the Beara Peninsula greet you as you descend to the colourful heritage town of Kenmare.

Total Distance: 10.4km | Elevation Gain: 363m

Day 6 - Gleninchaquin

Hiking in the centre of the Beara Peninsula’s eastern hills, this impressive walk offers wonderful views across the Gleninchaquin Valley and its glistening lakes. Hiking through a working sheep farm, you then ascend to the top of a waterfall with sweeping views across the Kenmare River to the Ring of Kerry. Return to the beautiful Kenmare for your overnight.

Total Distance: 3 to 8km | Elevation Gain: 223m

Day 7 - Kenmare to Sneem

From Kenmare, you will be hiking west along the shores of the impressive Kenmare Bay to reach the lovely village of Sneem. This delightful walk offers you a huge variety of hiking from tiny back roads and “boreens” to farming tracks and hillside “green roads”. Take time to explore this delightful village before transferring back to Kenmare for your final overnight. You may wish to have dinner in one of the lovely pubs or restaurants in Sneem before you return to Kenmare.

Total Distance: 13.2kms | Elevation Gain: 109m

Day 8 - Depart Kenmare

Depart after breakfast by Public Bus from the town of Kenmare.

Click here to view/download our full itinerary PDF

Day 1 - Killarney

Killarney is home to the spectacular Three Lakes of Killarney where you start your holiday.

Day 2 - Killarney to Black Valley

Hiking beside all 3 of the famous Lakes of Killarney, you will begin in Killarney National Park and then follow an old “mass path” along the shores of the Upper Lake to reach the Black Valley for your overnight.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 21.40km | Height gain - 492m | Height loss - 487m | Max Height - 289m. Terrain: Mountain tracks and green roads. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential.

Day 3 - Black Valley to Glencar

Today’s hike takes you into the foothills of the McGillcuddy’s Reeks (Ireland’s highest mountain range) as you follow through the wild magnificence of the Ring of Kerry. With views across to Carrauntohill you continue beside a river to reach Glencar where you overnight.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 17.50km | Height gain - 821m | Height loss - 693m | Max Height - 383m. Terrain: Road walking, grass and gravel tracks, open mountain and bogland, can be wet underfoot. Boots essential.

Day 4 - Glencar to Glenbeigh

Following beside the picturesque Caragh River today, you then continue around Seefin mountain which is closely linked to Ireland’s mythology. From here you descend to the lovely village of Glenbeigh for your overnight.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 21.30km | Height gain - 633m | Height loss - 760m | Max Height - 339m. Terrain: Road walking, mountain rocky tracks, grass tracks and forest paths. Boots essential.

Day 5 - Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen

Overlooking Dingle Bay, you follow an 19th century Stage Coach route before you follow along little boreens and old farming trials to reach the town of Cahersiveen.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 24km | Height gain - 555m | Height loss - 643m | Max Height - 367m. Terrain: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking. Boots essential.

Day 6 - Cahersiveen to Waterville

Following in a south westerly direction today, you will have coastal views for much of your hike as you follow along the tops of low hills to reach Waterville – one of Charlie Chaplin’s favourite haunts.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 18km | Height gain - 653m | Height loss - 789m | Max Height - 396m. Terrain: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking. Boots essential.

Day 7 - Waterville to Caherdaniel

Today’s hike takes you around the most westerly tip of the Ring of Kerry, overlooking the stunning Derrynane Bay, the Beara Peninsula and an abundance of islands. You finish your hike in the beautiful village of Caherdaniel

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 14.5km | Height gain - 336m | Height loss - 304m | Max Height - 246m. Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland and some road walking. Boots essential.

Day 8 - Caherdaniel to Sneem

Kerry’s Dark Sky Reserve is explained as you start your hike out of Caherdaniel. You then follow in an easterly direction along a wonderful route to reach the colourful village of Sneem for your overnight.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 17.40km | Height gain - 533m | Height loss - 547m | Max Height - 226mTerrain: Country lanes, grass tracks, Rocky Mountains and some road walking. Boots essential.

Day 9 - Sneem to Kenmare

The heritage town of Kenmare is your goal today, as you follow along the shores of the Kenmare River from Sneem. Beginning with a short drive from Sneem your hike starts on farm tracks, goes across open hillside & then along the shores of Kenmare Bay. Finally, you gain height to enjoy glorious views before descending into Kenmare for your overnight.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 27.3km | Height gain - 733m | Height loss - 734m | Max Height - 733m. Terrain: Forest tracks, some road walking, mountain tracks and country lanes. Boots essential.

Day 10 - Kenmare to Killarney

Following along the Old Kenmare Road, once used by people travelling to markets, you then reach the impressive Galway’s River. You then continue through Esknamucky Glen – named after wild pigs in bygone days – to reach Muckross House and Gardens. You then follow beside the Lower Lake of Killarney to reach your final overnight destination.

Walk Details: Approx. Distance – 25.0km | Height gain - 853m | Height loss - 823m | Max Height - 351m. Terrain: Mountain tracks, board walks and green roads. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential.

Day 11 - Depart Killarney

After breakfast you depart from Killarney with a choice of excellent bus or train connections.

Click here to view/download our full itinerary PDF

Departure Dates

To book your tour choose your preferred Departure Date and click on Next Step.

Highlights

Killarney National Park – the first National Park in Killarney – home to Muckross House & Gardens on the banks of Killarney Lakes

The Ring of Kerry – the famous scenic driving route which circumnavigates the Iveragh Peninsula

19th Century “Stage Coach” route which runs between Cahersiveen & Glenbeigh

Magnificent Coastal Views of the Wild Atlantic Way and Kenmare Bay.

Package Options

Prices quoted are for the Digital Option. If you would prefer the Traditional Pack please let us know your booking form page.

Grading

Participants need to have a good level of fitness and previous hiking experience is recommended.

Share Now

Similar Trips

€378

Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike

Three Lakes Of Killarney
Derrynane House
The Ring of Kerry
Magnificent Coastal Views

Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike

Self Guided

Grading

Duration

Price

Share Now

Location Map

Self-Guided Kerry Way Hike options opens up the Iveragh Peninsula – a wonderful part of the country – to you.

5-Day Kerry Way Short Tour

8-Day Trip Highlights Tour

8-Day Comfort Tour

11-Day Hike Full Tour

Single Room / Solo Traveller Supplement Costs & Upgrade prices are in our downloadable PDFs. See links in Available Tours below.

What makes us differEnt?

What's Included?

AVAILABLE TOURS

Itinerary

Departure Dates

Highlights

Package Options

Grading

Share Now

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