11-Day / 10-Night Moderate

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

A morning boat trip across the famous Lakes of Killarney with one of Kerry’s foremost storytellers sets the scene for a fantastic tour. You are soon deep in the remote Black Valley, from where you will hike back to civilisation – first along the lakes and then on an ancient track through oakwoods, moorland and mountain glens. After a visit to Torc Waterfall you can stop for a break at Muckross House & Gardens – the centrepiece of Killarney National Park.

A long hike that starts with a morning transfer, followed by a hike through the stunning Gap of Dunloe. Later, you are more likely to meet deer and sheep than humans as you pass through some of the most spectacular mountain landscapes that Ireland has to offer. The climbs into the Gap of Dunloe and two sharp ridges into Bridia Valley and Glencar will get your leg muscles working overtime but, as ever, the fantastic views are more than worth it.

From Glenbeigh, you have the option to visit beautiful Rossbeigh Strand and dip you toes into the waters of Dingle Bay. From there, country roads and an old coach path take you around Drung Hill, with wide views across the bay and the Dingle peninsula. Pass above an old railway viaduct before the trail descends over wild moorland into the Ferta River valley and continues on tracks and country roads towards Foilmore, near the town of Cahersiveen.

While you are not climbing to any great height on today’s walk it is nonetheless one of the more demanding walks of the Kerry Way. The trail follows scenic and undulating mountain ridges that offer stunning views of the mountains that surround the route in all directions. An optional road alternative lets you skip the last ridge which can be the most challenging part of the day. No matter which route you choose, your hike finishes in Waterville, one of Ireland’s most westerly towns, which enjoys spectacular sunsets.

Today you have two options:

Option 1: (Coastal Route, Shorter): 13-16km / 8-10 miles   / 4-5 hours / 350m

After several days of hiking, your feet may just decide that this short walk is exactly what you need. With the Atlantic Ocean to your right and Lough Currane to the left, this is one of Ireland’s most beautiful hikes. From the top of Coomakista Pass you can enjoy spectacular coastal panoramas of the Kenmare River, Derrynane Bay and the surrounding islands. If you choose to follow the Derrynane Mass Path from there, you can even dip your toes into the sea at one of the beautiful beaches along the way.

Option 2: (Inland Route, Longer): 28km / 17.5 miles / 7-10 hours / 960m

This challenging hike will both test your resolve and fully repay your efforts. The first part of the route retraces the last section of yesterday’s hike along Termons Ridge. From Dromod, the walk along the eastern edge of Lough Currane can be rugged and wet, until you meet a small country lane and cross the Capall River. You now follow country roads past Isknagahiny Lough and into a remote valley. The trail then leaves the road and climbs the side of Eagles Hill where you reach one of the highest points of the Kerry Way at Windy Gap. A long, gentle descent into Caherdaniel gives you ample time to enjoy the spectacular scenery.

The hike today follows old mountain tracks and paths across the foothills of a long range of mountains, often with far-reaching coast and mountain views. This is the same route used to transfer butter to Cork in the 1800s. Staigue ringfort, one of Ireland’s finest historical sites dates back around 1,600 years and is located just off the trail.

Never far from the sea, hillsides and woodlands guide you through an ancient landscape, dotted with tiny hamlets. The route passes part of the Parknasilla Resort, and near Sneem you can visit an art gallery and cafe in a woodland setting.

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

There is a bus service from Kenmare to Killarney. From Killarney, continue on to Dublin, Cork or Limerick by bus or by train. Full details provided upon booking.