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The Kerry Way trek combines the stately MacGillycuddy's Reeks mountain range scenery with stunning coastal views out across Dingle Bay. Starting in the west of Kerry you have an opportunity to walk on the beautiful Valentia Island before following old turf and coaching roads through the villages of Glenbeigh and Glencar to the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. Walk over passes to the Black Valley, around the Killarney Lakes and through the National Park to Muckross House and Killarney.
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arrival in Cahersiveen
You make your own way to Cahersiveen where the tour starts. Taxi transfers available on request from Killarney, Kerry Airport or Cork Airport. The guest house we normally use enjoys superb views across to Valentia Island and there are many short walks in the vicinity to instantly sweep aside your journey.
Day 2
Valentia Island
The day starts with a walk down to the pier and a ferry out to Valentia Island with its many standing stones and ruined forts. Your walk takes in the Skellig Experience Visitor centre as well as Bray Head Signal tower where you will enjoy glorious coastal views. Alternatively, you could always hire a bike and cycle around the island.
Day 3
Filemore to Glenbeigh (17 km, 420m ascent)
The day starts with a transfer to Filemore. Your walk follows an old coaching road as the route cuts high across the hillside, offering views across Dingle Bay to the mountains of Dingle. As you walk over the hill of Rosbeigh you will have a magnificent view of the famous strand projecting far into Dingle Bay before descending in to the village of Glenbeigh. There are opportunities to walk over the top of the hill or take an easier option going around.
Day 4
Rest day in Glenbeigh
Enjoy a day doing nothing if that is what you wish but that may be difficult, however, with so many tempting activities so close at hand! Enjoy a beach walk out to the sand spit, an important nature reserve; walk up to the Coomsaharn Lake rewarded by fine mountain scenery; take a pony trek for a canter along the beach or a gentle trek through the hills; or enjoy a round of golf at the nearby Dooks golf course with its wonderful setting.
Day 5
Glenbeigh to Glencar (19km, 410m ascent)
An easy walk leads along a quiet lane high above the beautiful Caragh Lake. It descends down to the Blackstones Bridge then through the woods to Glencar, a tiny settlement nestled in the middle of the peninsula in the shadow of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks. The day finishes a little further past Lough Acoose.
Day 6
Glencar to Black Valley (12 km, 430m ascent)
The walk heads for a memorable circuit of Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntuohill. Continue by quiet farmlands to walk up through the Reeks on the old back road and into the isolated Bridia Valley. Climb out of the valley via a second mountain pass through wild and rugged hills descending into the Black Valley directly underneath Ireland’s highest mountains.
Day 7
Black Valley to Killarney (22.5 km, 360 ascents)
On this final day you have the option of taking a boat trip from Lord Brandon’s Cottage to Ross Castle, or walking the full route. The walk leads out of the Black Valley towards Killarney National Park. You walk past the Upper Lake of Killarney, a site of one of Ireland’s unusual flora, the Strawberry Tree. Continue to Lord Brandon’s Cottage, where you may take a boat trip through the lakes to shorten the walk. If you choose to walk on to Killarney, you will pass Lord Brandon’s Cottage and into the Derrycunnihy Forest, an ancient oak woodland that is currently fighting a battle with the Rhododendron that is threatening to choke out the indigenous flora. The last part of your walk is on the old Kenmare road back past Muckross house into Killarney.
- Seven nights accommodation: A mixture of guesthouses & farmhouses
- All breakfast
- 2 dinners (in Lough Acoose and Black Valley)
- 3 packed lunches (Cahirsivee, Lough Acoose & Black Valley )
- Luggage transfer between your accommodation stops
- Full route details with a map of the tour
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2022 TOUR PRICE
€840 per person sharing
€50 per person high season supplement (July & August)
€255 Single room supplement (if travelling with others)
€395 Solo tour supplement (if travelling alone)
Self Guided Tour Information
Tours can start any day from April to October
Travel details coming soon!
Caherciveen
Cul Draiochta B&B is an example of the type of guesthouse you will stay in.
Glenbeigh
Towers Hotel is located in the heart of Glenbeigh village and where we typically stay in the village
Lough Acoose
Lough Acoose House is perfectly located as a welcome pitstop on your walk!
Black Valley
Hillcrest Farmhouse is a traditional style farmhouse situated amidst Killarney lake and mountain district. 100m off Kerry Way walking route and five minutes walk to National Park and upper lake. A welcoming peat and log fires await all guests to relax and enjoy. All bedrooms are ensuite with tea and coffee making facilities, TV and hairdryers in all rooms. Hillcrest Farmhouse has a drying room for wet boots and clothes.
Killarney
We use a variety of Muckross Road is one that we use and images are left and right. It is in a fantastic location, very close to the town centre as well as the National Park and Ross's Castle.