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
19:00 hrs. Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at guesthouse in Glenbeigh.
Day 2: Dooks Beach and "Mountain"
Distance: 12 km/7.5 miles. Ascent: 50 m/165 ft
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 olden days.
Day 3: The Kerry Way (Kells-Glenbeigh)
Distance: 17 km/10.5 miles. Ascent: 300 m/1,000 ft
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.
Day 4: The Kerry Way (Glenbeigh-Glencar)
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
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 in storied Glencar.
Day 5: Option/Rest Day
Options: Day tours, i.e., Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, etc., or boat trip to Skelligs Rock. Alternatively go fishing, golfing, horse riding, hire a bike, walk or simply relax.
Day 6: The Kerry Way (Black Valley) and the 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 miles. Ascent: 200 m/ 660 ft
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.
Day 7: Killarney National Park
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
The final leg of the Kerry Way takes you into Killarney National Park - through ancient oak woods, along the Old Kenmare Road, with a descent beside the spectacular Torc Cascade and into the gardens of Muckross House (19th century mansion), with its welcoming teashop. Optional extended walk to visit to the ruins of Muckross Friary (15th century).
Day 8: Departure
Services included
- Seven nights in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouse based on two adults sharing with en-suite facilities*
- Full Irish breakfast on seven days
- Five packed lunches
- Six dinners
- Irish Whiskey Tasting evening
- Transfers to and from walks each day
- Experienced local guide throughout the itinerary
- Notes and maps by Seán Ó Súilleabháinn
Optional Services
- Single room supplement for 7 nights: 189 EUR
Hints
- * SPECIAL SOLO DATES: These are exclusive dates for solo travellers, where there will be more single rooms available. The first 6 rooms booked are guaranteed a single room with no supplement. There will also be twin share option with someone of the same sex.
- Go Ireland airport transfers:
- Prices are per person and based on a minimum of 2 people per transfer.
- All transfers must be confirmed at the time of booking with flight numbers and times for arrival and departure. Otherwise we will assume you are making your own way to the first nights accommodation.
- Please note that refunds are not provided for any unused portions of the transfer.
- Kerry airport to Glenbeigh (Single): 25.00 EUR
- Kerry airport to Glenbeigh (Return): 50.00 EUR
- Shannon airport to Glenbeigh (Single): 50.00 EUR
- Shannon airport to Glenbeigh (Return): 100.00 EUR
- Individual taxis can be arranged from Kerry airport to Glenbeigh (Single): 45.00 EUR
- Taxi from Shannon airport to Glenbeigh (Single): 165.00 EUR
- Taxi from Cork airport to Glenbeigh (Single): 155.00 EUR
- Taxi from Killarney bus/train station to Glenbeigh (Single): 45.00 EUR
- A prepayment of 25% has to be paid directly after reconfirmation. Final payment becomes due three weeks before starting date of the tour.
Demands
- Moderate walks of 7-11 miles (11-18 km) per day with gradual ascents of up to 1,300 ft (400 m)
RATING
minimum: 6
maximum:
DATES
Duration: 8 Days
Our programme is currently under review. We ask for your patience. --- 
ROUTEMAP
