The Kerry Way

Guided walking tour in Southwest Ireland

The base of this 8 day walking tour is in the delightful coastal village of Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry. Walk directly from your guesthouse on 2 days on the Kerry Way, on old coach and butter roads by the Atlantic Ocean overlooking Dingle Bay. Discover the wild valleys of mid-Kerry and Killarney National Park. Relax and unwind with the superb views, unique flora and fauna and a landscape imbued with folklore. Enjoy the craic (fun) of the Irish Whiskey Tasting evening and music in the local pubs.

Glenbeigh (Gleann Beithe - Valley of the Birch trees) is a beautiful village on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the Iveragh peninsula mountains, on the Ring of Kerry. Enjoy walking the six miles of golden beach of Rossbeigh, while breathing in the fresh Atlantic sea air. The town has great pubs and restaurants. You will have the opportunity to hear traditional Irish music or even partake in some dancing! Your accommodation for the week is in the Kerry Ocean Lodge, a quality 20-bedroom lodge, based in the centre of Glenbeigh. Every room has a TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and a private bathroom. There is also free internet access, free laundry facilities and private parking.

ITINERARY:

(subject to change without prior notice)

Day 1: Arrival

You are welcomed with a nice dinner at 19:00. Also, there will be a briefing with your guide at the Kerry Ocean Lodge in Glenbeigh.

Day 2: Dooks Beach

A gentle walk on road, bog road and beach allows you to experience a variety of habitats (blanket bog, sand dune, freshwater lake/stream and seashore) as well as to view peat cuttings. End the walk with a visit to Ireland’s only Bog Village Museum where you can see how people lived in ancient days.

Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles; Ascent: 50 m /165 ft

Day 3: The Kerry Way (Kells-Glenbeigh)

The first walk takes you on the early Christian route and medieval coaching road, with detours to view archaeological artefacts and 4,000-year-old rock art, views across Dingle Bay and a possible diversion to a beach for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean.

Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles; Ascent: 300 m / 1,000 ft

Day 5: Rest Day

Possible day tours include: Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, or a boat trip to Skelligs Rock. Alternative activities could be fishing, golfing, horse riding, hire a bike, walk or simply relax.

Day 4: The Kerry Way (Glenbeigh-Glencar)

You walk from the seaside village of Glenbeigh, ascend gradually to circle Seefin Mountain and stroll downwards into the lush valley of the Caragh River to Glencar. In the evening, enjoy a private Irish Whiskey Tasting Session in Glenbeigh.

Via Windy Gap - Distance: 13 km / 8 miles; Ascent 350 m /1,150 ft

Via Treanmanagh - Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles; Ascent 270 m / 900 ft

Day 6: Black Valley and Gap of Dunloe

There is a choice of routes through the dramatic, ice-carved Black Valley, followed by a walk up and through the internationally known Gap of Dunloe.

Bridia Valley to Gap of Dunloe - Distance: 16 km / 10 miles; Ascent: 400 m / 1,300 ft

Derrycunnihy to Gap of Dunloe - Distance: 14 km / 8.75 m; Ascent: 200 m / 660 ft

Day 7: Killarney National Park

The final leg of the Kerry Way takes you into Killarney National Park. Walk through ancient oak woods, along the Old Kenmare Road, view the spectacular Torc Cascade and visit the gardens of Muckross House, a 19th century mansion, with its welcoming teashop. An optional extended walk leads to the ruins of Muckross Friary from the 15th century.

Distance: 10.5 km / 6.5 miles; Ascent: 230 m / 750 ft; Descent: 330 m / 1,100 ft

Option extra: 12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 8: Departure