Kerry Way: 9-Day Challenging Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Killarney

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Killarney.

DAY 2: Killarney - Bridia Valley

Distance 32km • Approximate Walking Time 8 - 10 hours • Ascent (↑) 820m

Starting from your guesthouse, you soon enter the grounds of Muckross House & Gardens – the centrepiece of Killarney National Park. Continue on past Torc Waterfall and onto the Old Kenmare Road – a track over the mountains long closed to traffic.

DAY 3: Bridia Valley - Glenbeigh

22/27km • 6 - 9 hours • (↑) 690m/760m

Today, you are more likely to meet sheep than humans as you enter some of the most rugged countryside that Ireland has to offer. Two sharp ridges will get those leg muscles working overtime but, as ever, the views are more than worth it. A track junction allows you to choose one of two routes around Seefin Mountain. Don’t worry, they’re both beautiful!

DAY 4: Glenbeigh - Foilmore

20km • 5 - 7 hours • (↑) 425/550m

You have the choice to visit the beautiful Rossbeigh Strand before an old coach path takes you around Drung Hill where you pass above the old railway viaduct - a reminder of old local trade routes. Descend into the Ferta River Valley and continue to Foilmore.

DAY 5: Foilmore - Waterville

22km • 6 - 8 hours • (↑) 850m

You don’t climb to any great height on today’s walk but nonetheless it may be one of the more demanding walks on your itinerary. One of Ireland’s most westerly towns, Waterville enjoys spectacular sunsets. Look out for the statue of Charlie Chaplin next to the beach.

DAY 6: Waterville - Caherdaniel - Option 1

13-16km • 4 - 5 hours • (↑) 350m

Hallelujah! After several days of hiking, your feet may just decide that this short walk is exactly what the doctor ordered. With the Atlantic Ocean to your right and Lough Currane to the left, this is one of Ireland's most beautiful coastal walks. If you choose to follow the Derrynane Mass Path you can even dip your toes into the sea at one of the beautiful beaches along the way.

DAY 6: Waterville - Caherdaniel - Option 2

28km • 7 - 10 hours • (↑) 960m

If you are still feeling sufficiently energetic, this majestic route will both test your resolve and fully repay your efforts. After climbing to Windy Gap, the highest point on the Kerry Way, a gentle descent into Caherdaniel gives you ample time to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

DAY 7: Caherdaniel - Sneem

17km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 440m

The route today follows an old track used to transfer butter to Cork in the 19th Century. Staigue ringfort, one of Ireland’s finest historical sites dating back around 2,000 years, is located just off the Way and is certainly worth the short detour.

DAY 8: Sneem - Kenmare

32km • 7 - 10 hours • (↑) 690m

After crossing the fast-flowing Blackwater River, you descend to the shore of Kenmare Bay – a lovely setting for a picnic with views across to the Beara Peninsula. Kenmare itself is a pretty market-town with a lively pub scene and some fantastic places to eat.

DAY 9: Departure from Kenmare

There is a regular bus service from Kenmare to Killarney (except on Saturday/Sunday from Sept to June). From Killarney, continue on to Dublin, Cork and Limerick by bus or by train. Full details provided upon booking.