Highlights
- Walk through the Three Lakes Of Killarney region
- Hike around The Ring of Kerry, staying in beautiful villages at night
- Enjoy magnificent coastal views to the Skellig Islands
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Killarney | Killarney |
| Day 2 | Lakes of Killarney | Killarney |
| Day 3 | Old Kenmare Road | Waterville |
| Day 4 | Sneem to Caherdaniel | Waterville |
| Day 5 | Caherdaniel to Waterville | Cahersiveen |
| Day 6 | Old Stagecoach Road | Glenbeigh |
| Day 7 | Black Valley | Killarney |
| Day 8 | Departure |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Killarney
Welcome to Ireland! Arrive by public transportation to the beautiful town of Killarney, famous for its magnificent scenery and the Three Lakes of Killarney. Meet your guide in the evening and prepare for the following week. Bus and train connections to Killarney are available from Cork, Shannon, or Dublin Airports.
Day 2: Lakes of Killarney
Your first day begins with a beautiful boat trip through the Three Lakes of Killarney. A short walk takes you to the historic Ross Castle, where you climb on board the boat. From here, a relaxed hour traveling through the lakes gets you to Lord Brandon's Cottage, an old hunting lodge.
From here, hike along the Kerry Way to Galway's Bridge, then follow an old country road to reach Muckross House and Gardens. There are several hike lengths to choose from, with an evening meeting point back at Muckross. Enjoy a drink at the local pub or turn in for an early night at your accommodation in Killarney.
Walk Distance: 4.3 miles (7 km) to 10.6 miles (17 km)
Terrain: Paved roads, gravel tracks & open hillside with no tracks, boggy & uneven underfoot conditions with some very rocky sections. Boots essential.
Day 3: Old Kenmare Road
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Leave Killarney today and follow an old road to reach the heritage village of Kenmare on the southern shores of the Ring of Kerry. This is a beautiful route with stunning views over the Kenmare River, and south to the Beara Peninsula. Reach Kenmare in the afternoon with enough time to enjoy the craft shops, cafes, and pubs in town.
Once the whole group has arrived, those with extra energy can choose to keep walking to the eastern end of the Beara Peninsula, just south of Kenmare. In the evening, transfer to Waterville for the following two nights.
Walk Distance: 3.7 miles (6 km) to 11.8 miles (19 km)
Terrain: Paved roads, gravel & stony tracks with uneven & wet sections. Some river crossings with stepping stones. Boots essential.
Day 4: Sneem to Caherdaniel
Depart Waterville in the morning and drive along the southern shore of the Ring of Kerry to the village of Sneem. Begin your hike here and follow the coastal trail until you reach the picture-perfect village of Caherdaniel, your home for the night. Today's beautiful views are of the Kenmare River and south across the Beara Peninsula, with the sparkling Atlantic Ocean to the far west.
Return to Waterville for the night with enough time to enjoy a nightcap at the neighborhood pub.
Walk Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km) to 10.6 miles (17 km)
Terrain: Some paved roads, gravel tracks & open hillside with no tracks, boggy & uneven underfoot conditions with some rocky sections. Boots essential.
Day 5: Caherdaniel to Waterville
Continue to follow the coastline as you hike further west around the tip of the peninsula from Caherdaniel to Waterville. With the magnificent views across the water to the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay, today's walk is a highlight of the week.
In the evening gather with the group in Waterville, then continue by minivan to Caherciveen.
Walk Distance: 3.1 miles (5 km) to 7.5 miles (12 km)
Terrain: Paved roads, grassy tracks which can be wet & muddy with some sections that are uneven underfoot. Boots essential.
Day 6: Old Stagecoach Road
Sweeping views of the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean await you today as you hike along the Kerry Way following the northern shores of the peninsula. You trail today is an old stagecoach road, with views of Dingle Bay. End the day in the village of Glenbeigh.
Walk Distance: 4.3 miles (7 km) to 16 miles (26 km)
Terrain: Paved roads, gravel tracks & open hillside with some exposed drops, boggy & uneven underfoot conditions with some rocky sections. Boots essential.
Day 7: Black Valley
Today is your final day of hiking, and it's one of Ireland's best-kept secrets. Wander through a totally different landscape as you follow a mountain pass under the foothills of the McGillycuddy Reeks to reach Bridia Valley. From here, continue over another mountain pass to reach the Black Valley, a stunning glaciated valley. Once you are finished hiking, meet the rest of the group and continue by minivan to Killarney for your final night.
Walk Distance: 3.7 miles ( 6km) to 10 miles (16 km)
Terrain: Paved roads, gravel tracks & some open hillside where the track is hard to see. Uneven, wet & rocky conditions underfoot. Boots essential.
Day 8: Departure
Depart from Killarney after breakfast and transfer by bus or train to your final destination. Safe travels!
Map
