Kerry Way: 7-Day Self-Guided Walking Tour

7 Day Self-Guided Kerry Way Walking Tour Ireland

‘Experience the raw, unspoilt beauty of Ireland on the enchanting Ring of Kerry trail’

The Ring of Kerry, or to give it its proper title “the Iveragh Peninsula”, is a mystical, unspoiled region of Ireland that has cast its spell on visitors for hundreds of years.

The Kerry Way is Ireland’s longest way-marked walking trail with a total distance of 215 km (134 miles), which runs along part of the Wild Atlantic Way. Our 7-day, self-guided walking tour of the Kerry Way covers 108 km (68 miles) of the trail, encapsulating some of the most extraordinary scenery to be found anywhere in Ireland. On this hike, you will encounter market towns and charming villages, old country roads, castles, traditional farmsteads, lakes, rivers, and much else besides — this is Ireland at its most enchanting.

If you have any questions or comments concerning the itinerary outlined below, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Prices / Dates

Price:  €729 per person sharing

Single Supplement: +€365

Solo Traveller Supplement: +€75

Tour Dates: 1 April to 30 September

Tour Grade: Moderate

Accommodation: Guesthouse & B&Bs

Included / Excluded

Day 1 - Arrival in Ireland and Travel to Killarney

Arrive at Dublin, Cork, Shannon or Kerry Airport and take a bus to your first accommodation in Killarney.
We will supply you with all the travel details as soon as we have your flight details.

Killarney Town ("Cill Airne" in Gaelic) means the Church of the Sloes. Sloes are the fruit of the Blackthorn tree and used in the making of sloe gin, jelly and many other dishes.

"We are all very proud of our vibrant 'little' town and the incredibly beautiful surrounding countryside which makes Killarney a very special place indeed. Brim full of history, heritage, activities, and world-class hospitality" killarney.ie

Day 2 - Walk from Killarney to the Black Valley

Today's walk takes you out of Killarney and through Killarney National Park where you will have a chance to visit the impressive 19th century Victorian Muckross House and its carefully tended gardens. From here, you will climb steadily up by Torc Waterfall to join the Old Kenmare Road where you will have some great views of the Killarney Lakes and surrounding countryside.

As you travel along, you will pass many ruins of old homesteads and fields that were once tilled and harvested by a generation that has long since passed. Your day finishes in the tranquil Black Valley where you will stay overnight.

Distance: 22 km / 13.8 miles, Ascent: 550 m / 1650 ft, Approximate walking time: 6 / 8 hours

Day 3 - Black Valley to Glencar

The hiking route today takes you through a spectacular mountain landscape that frames the crossing of two passes, separating a beautifully cultivated valley and peaceful lakes. The surroundings are simply beautiful with imposing mountains to your right and left. The walking trail passes Cummeenduff Lake which is situated at the southern flanks of MacGillycuddy Reeks Mountain Range. You will continue down by Lough Acoose to finish your day in the townland of Glencar.

Distance: 20 km / 12 miles, Ascent: 670 m / 1530 ft, Approximate walking time: 5 / 7 hours

Day 4 - Glencar to Glenbeigh

An easy day of walking lies ahead today, that takes you on a landscape that comprises of lovely woodland paths and open mountains that offer you some superb views of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Lough Caragh and meandering rivers. You will also enjoy stunning views of Dingle Bay and part of the Dingle peninsula.

Distance: 19.5 km / 12.15 miles, Ascent: 450 m / 1350 ft, Approximate walking time: 5 / 6 hours

Day 5 - Glenbeigh to Cahirciveen

The walking trail today takes you out of the village, across the river Behy and up through Behy Forest to join an old rail track. Your route passes the magnificent Rosbeigh Beach with stunning views over Dingle Bay, before walking through the Foilmore valley overlooked by the majestic Knocknadobar.

Distance: 30 km / 18 miles, Ascent: 640 m / 1940 ft, Approximate walking time: 7 / 9 hours

Day 6 - Walk to Waterville through the hinterland of Cahirciveen

The walking route today passes through turf bogs and pine forests. Some short climbs give amazing views over Valentia Island and the western end of the peninsula. This may be a long day but the views along the way are invigorating and you will finish in the colourful and lively village of Waterville on the edge of Ballinskelligs Bay.

Distance: 25 km / 15.6 miles, Ascent: 850 m / 2550 ft, Approximate walking time: 7 / 9 hours

Day 7 - Depart

After a hearty Irish breakfast, you will depart from Waterville for home.

All travel details will be supplied in your tour pack for your onward journey.

A few words from our customers...

In July 2015, 8 family members (ranging from 16 to 58 years) did the eight-day, self-guided Kerry Way hiking tour arranged by Footfalls. We had a GREAT time, in beautiful surroundings and with nice accommodations. We loved the adventure of walking from place to place on a trail that was very well waymarked. We appreciated the detailed maps and directions provided by Christopher and the Footfalls staff. Christopher made some good suggestions about a place to stay before we officially started our hiking tour. Footfalls set us up at some nice guesthouses with very friendly proprietors. When one of our party got sick, some of the proprietors arranged to transfer our luggage and the sick hiker to the next location! We fully expect to do another self-guided or guided tour with Footfalls in the near future.
Family Group
Footfalls is the way to see Ireland if you like to hike. My husband and I had never been to Ireland and loved our trip. The B & B's were good, the food delicious and the scenery beautiful. Chris did a wonderful job of adjusting the hikes to fit our skill level while still giving us a good challenge. Footfalls planned all the details of the trip. We would definitely recommend Footfalls and would book another trip.
E & J
Rhode Island