The Kerry Way | Ireland

Arrive in Killarney — receive notes, maps books. We will give you the accommodation details etc, when you book this tour.

The official start of the Kerry Way is at the Tourist Office in the town of Killarney.
A steep climb for 80m by the waterfall, where we join the old Kenmare road dating back to mediaeval times — the original Ring of Kerry Road!

Killarney to Black Valley, Distance 22Km, Ascent 400m

The way out of the Black Valley ascends with fine views of Bridia Valley ahead.
With a further kilometre on the road leading to Maghanlawaun, you may be greatly surprised to come across the Cooky Monster’s Café in this remotest of places! The Kerry way follows the flank of Lough Acoose and reaches the main road to Glencar.

Black Valley to Glencar, Distance 20Km, Ascent 500m — 8 hours

Glencar to Glenbeigh, Distance 18Km, Ascent 420m — 5 hours.

Start from The Climbers Inn, the trail out of the town follows the road and meanders along quiet boreens and forestry paths through the Glencar Valley. You will have fabulous views of The McGillycuddy Reeks, Seefin Mountain and Lough Carragh.

1km of rough trail descends to meet a boreen at Gowlane, where the final 2km of tarmac road lead to the centre of Glenbeigh.

Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen, Distance 28Km, Ascent 450m — 8 hours.

This section of the Kerry Way is a strenuous 7 to 10 hour (28 km) walking route along quiet back roads and gentle ascents with stunning views of Dingle Bay and Peninsula from mountain stage on the slopes on Drung Hill (640m), through woodland and finishing on quiet county roads to Cahersiveen.

Caherciveen to Waterville, Distance 22km, Ascent 270m

Rejoin the Kerry Way at Teeraha. The trail leads up along a ridge of small hills and gradually up to some higher peaks of over 300 metres. Descending again, the trail leads along minor roads to Mastergeehy and on towards Coomduff.

Waterville to Caherdaniel, Distance 13km, Ascent 300m — 5 hours.

Starting from the Tourist Office (open in Summer), the first 1km of the Kerry Way passes a statue of Charlie Chaplin who was a frequent visit to Waterville back in the day. After travelling the length of the promenade, the trail crosses the Currane River.

Walking from Caherdaniel to Sneem, Distance 19km, Ascent 400m — 7 hours.

This is a quite pleasant walk along ”green roads”, part of it being the Old Kenmare Road (we started from Killarney on this old mediaeval track) with boggy pasture around and views south over the Kenmare River Bay towards Bantry.

Watch out for Staigue Fort enroute: This ancient ring fort is well worth the small detour and is highly recommended. Staigue is an Iron Age fort, 1km off the track in quiet countryside. The drystone walls are 30 meters in diameter, 4 meters thick and 5 meters high! An intriguing system of diagonal runs of steps is leading to the top of the wall.

Walking from Sneem to Kenmare, Distance 23km, Ascent 520m — 8 hours

This penultimate section of the Kerry Way is one of the longest but, luckily, one of the flattest. Leaving Sneem behind, the route heads south-east towards the 19th c estate of Parknasilla and through various types of oak, birch and holly, all mixed with the ubiquitous rhododendron.

After about 2.5km, you will arrive at the dormant village of Tahilla which was once a busy fishing village. The trail gradually gains height along Lough Fadda with great views back across Coongar Harbour and Drongawn Lough beyond to the south-west.

Walking from Kenmare to Killarney, Distance 26km, Ascent 630m — 7 hours.

This final stage of the Kerry Way starts from outside the Kenmare Tourist Office (only open in Summer). The first two-thirds of the section is uphill climb to the Windy Gap at around 320m via Strickeen Hill. From here you descend into Killarney National Park. Incheens is surrounded by a splendid horse-shoe of mountain peaks. From Eagles Nest to the west, to Peakeen and Knockanaguish to the south. Knockrower and Shaking Rock are to the east and Stumpacommeen and Cromaglan Mountain to the north-east. The exit to the valley is to the north with the more distant Purple Mountain on the horizon, above Killarney’s Upper Lake.

After you successful walk on the Kerry Way, we are sure you will be glad to have a days rest. There is so much to do in Killarney we would recommend a good rest day here.