Ring of Kerry Walk
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A walk around the Iveragh Peninsula with stunning views of the famous Kerry countryside and coastline
The Iveragh Peninsula is one of Ireland's great natural tourist attractions. It encompasses a 179-kilometre circuit from Killarney, via Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Kenmare and back to Killarney across Moll's Gap and past Ladies View - one of Ireland's most famous viewpoints. We leave the tour bus route and journey along a network of ancient paths which weave between the main points, on the long-distance track known as the Kerry Way. During this superb week long self guided walk we experience stunning coastal scenery and pretty fishing villages, such as Caherdaniel and Portmagee, whose beautifully preserved stone dwellings have weathered the coastal elements for centuries, nestled amid a picturesque scene of verdant hills. At night we get a taste of traditional Irish hospitality in comfortable B&B's chosen for their good character, location and fine Irish breakfasts. This trip takes us on a circular route from Killarney, unveiling some of the most beautiful scenery in the region, exploring both the southern and northern coastlines of the Iveragh peninsula. You will spend one night at each of the following centres: Killarney, Kenmare, Sneem, Caherdaniel, Waterville, Caherciveen and Glenbeigh. The daily stages take you cross-country, and the landscape can be quite hilly at times. During the week you’ll experience dramatic, almost wild, scenery, along with picturesque coastal villages.
Highlights
- Trek through stunning coastal scenery
- Experience history, mythology and traditional Irish Culture
- Enjoying the flexibility of walking with a daypack from village to village
- Soak up the atmosphere in the warm family run B&B’s
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive 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 hostess will give you your full detailed information pack. She will also be able to suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music. Access for this holiday can be from Dublin, Cork or Shannon Airports with bus and/or train connections available to Killarney all year round.
Day 2 Walk through Killarney National Park to Kenmare (22 km / 6 hrs)
You will be transferred/driven to the start of your walk - about 5kms outside Killarney. From here you walk across Killarney National Park and through Esknamucky Glen to the heritage town of Kenmare. This is a glorious walk, giving you an opportunity to see some of Ireland’s native red deer as you walk through the National Park. Overnight in Kenmare. Walk Details: Max. Height - 400m. Mountain tracks and green roads. Can be wet underfoot - boots essential.
Day 3 To Sneem (23km / 6.5hrs)
Once again, you are driven a short distance from the town of Kenmare, to start walking in the little village of Templenoe. From here you walk to the award winning village of Sneem. This walk takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. Overnight in Sneem. Walk Details: Max. Height - 300m. Forest tracks, some road walking, mountain tracks and country lanes. Boots essential.
Day 4 To Caherdaniel (19km / 5.5hrs)
Continue walking from the village of Sneem, following an old ‘butter road’ to the little village of Caherdaniel - once home of our famous liberator - Daniel O’Connell. The views across the Beara Peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean are fantastic. Overnight in Caherdaniel. Walk Details: Max. Height - 400m. Country lanes, grass tracks, rocky mountains and some road walking. Boots essential.
Day 5 Walk above the coast to the town of Waterville (16km / 5hrs)
Continuing from the village of Caherdaniel, you walk around and above the coast to reach the town of Waterville. Glorious coastal views out towards the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay. Overnight in Waterville. Walk Details: Max. Height - 350m. Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland and some road walking. Boots essential.
Day 6 To Caherciveen with views across to the Dingle Peninsula (24km / 6.5hrs)
From Waterville, you will once again be driven a short distance to the starting point of today’s walk at Mastergeehy. From here you will be walking to the town of Caherciveen. This walk takes you across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and south to Kenmare Bay. Overnight in Caherciveen. Walk Details: Max. Height - 400m. Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking. Boots essential.
Day 7 Follow 17th ventury Stagecoach route to Glenbeigh (24km / 6.5hrs)
Your final walk takes you from the town of Caherciveen along the northern shores of the peninsula to the little town of Glenbeigh. This walk follows an old 17th century “Stage Coach” route and gives spectacular views across to the Dingle Peninsula. You will pass through old deserted villages which were once busy centres of activity, trading with passengers on the old stage coaches. Your holiday finishes in the village of Glenbeigh. Overnight in Glenbeigh. Walk Details: Height - 350m. Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and road walking. Boots essential.
Day 8 Return to Killarney, trip concludes
Departure from Glenbeigh by bus or taxi to Killarney. Bus leaves at 08:45 and arrives at 09:50. (Does not operate on Sundays or Public Holidays). From Killarney, connections by bus and train are frequent to Cork, Limerick, Shannon or Dublin. Note: The cost of this transfer is not included in the trip price and must be paid locally.
Additional Information
Inclusions
- 7 full Irish breakfasts: Irish breakfasts are served and usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon/ sausages, tomato, toast (or any combination you prefer), coffee, tea and juices. This is a great start to the walking day.
- 7 nights accommodation in Bed & Breakfast guesthouses on a twinshare basis with private facilities
- Daily luggage transfer
- Route notes and maps, emergency hotline if required
Group Size Min
Group Size Max
Accommodation Summary
Equipment Required
Wet weather gear, sunscreen, walking boots, warm clothes, day pack and sun hat – walking sticks are recommended. (A comprehensive gear list is included in the pre-departure information provided on booking).
What You Carry
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from
USD$1,190
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- Pioneers in responsible travel.
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