The Kerry Way — 9 mountainous stages in south west Ireland
Hiking Collection by Irland
10
days
3-9 h
/ day
124 mi
16,725 ft
16,500 ft
Ireland's highest mountains rise along the rugged Atlantic coast in County Kerry. The lonely landscapes are characterized by green hills and barren mountains, steep coasts and gentle beaches. The coastline consists of bays, peninsulas and islands, while on the Iveragh Peninsula, Kerry's largest peninsula, you will not only find Ireland's highest peaks, but also one of Europe's most beautiful long-distance hiking trails: the Kerry Way.
The Kerry Way takes you around the Iveragh Peninsula in nine daily stages. The hike begins in the rugged nature of Killarney National Park, from where you hike over sheep pastures, through moors and over mountain passes. It then leads you along narrow roads, country lanes and unspoiled mountain trails. On your nine-day hike, you'll have the chance to discover the scenic diversity of the entire peninsula, as well as that famous Irish hospitality in the small villages and towns that serve as stage destinations. When you arrive back in Killarney satisfied after your hike, you'll have covered over 140 miles (220 kilometers) and climbed around 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in altitude.
The Kerry Way is well signposted and well developed. The hike does not require any special knowledge and is therefore also suitable for beginners with good physical fitness. Nevertheless, rustic paths await you, which can be muddy and humid, especially after the frequent rains. Thanks to the mild climate, you can plan the long distance hike all year round, although it is particularly beautiful in spring and autumn when there are fewer tourists in Ireland.
In addition to the Kerry Way, we have planned in one of the most challenging hikes in Ireland. From Lough Acoose, follow the Coomloughra Horseshoe trail to the top of Carrantouhill, Ireland's highest mountain. This mountain hike is not part of the official Kerry Way, however, and only recommended for experienced and enduring mountain hikers. If this section proves too intense for you, then just enjoy the view of Carrantouhill from below.
Due to the changeable weather, you'll always need good equipment whenever you go. Rainwear, additional rain cover for your backpack (and maybe a drybag or two) and ankle-high, non-slip hiking boots are obligatory at any time of the year. You should also book all accommodation in advance, as there is very little choice in some villages. In fact, even in the low season many of the rooms can be fully booked.
Most flights from Germany arrive in Dublin, but there are some connections to regional airports Kerry, Shannon and Cork. You can find a current flight schedule at ireland.com/de-de/plan-your-trip/travel/getting-to-ireland. From Dublin you can easily travel by train to the starting point of the hike.
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Last updated: March 21, 2023
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Tours
- 04:269.77 mi2.2 mph1,075 ft1,100 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The first stage of the Kerry Way takes you through the rugged nature of the Killarney National Park. Here you hike along the highest mountains in Ireland, over wide moor meadows and through enchanted primeval forests.
The Kerry Way usually starts right at the Tourist Office in Killarney. From there, the…
by Irland
- 05:1310.7 mi2.0 mph1,825 ft1,550 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
On the second stage you hike through three of the most isolated valleys in Ireland. At the foot of the mountains of Macgillycuddy's Reeks, the tour takes you from valley to valley. You will climb two promising pass heights.
You start your hike in Black Valley. You follow the signposted Kerry Way over…
by Irland
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- 05:1011.3 mi2.2 mph1,150 ft1,575 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
The third stage takes you from the rugged mountain landscape at the foot of Ireland's highest mountains over pastures and through forests to Dingle Bay. The path is flat for long stretches, but shortly before the end you can cross the pass over the Windy Gap.
After a restful night, you start your third…
by Irland
- 08:0118.0 mi2.2 mph1,675 ft1,700 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
On the fourth stage you can expect fantastic views of Dingle Bay and the hills and valleys of the western Iveragh Peninsula. The Kerry Way runs here along deserted streets and medieval trade routes.
You start your hike in the center of Glenbeigh. You follow the N70 road past the gas station. There is…
by Irland
- 08:3218.3 mi2.1 mph2,475 ft2,500 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The fifth leg of the Kerry Way runs through the hilly interior of the Iveragh Peninsula. The path follows the natural mountain ranges and you can enjoy wonderful views of the mountains and the Atlantic at all times.
At the beginning of the stage you follow the section known from the day before to the…
by Irland
- 04:039.07 mi2.2 mph875 ft825 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The sixth stage takes you from the idyllic coastal town of Waterville over a mountain pass to the sunny south coast of the Iveragh Peninsula. With a wonderful view it goes along the rocky coast to Caherdaniel.
You start your day's stage at the Community Center in Waterville. In two supermarkets you can…
by Irland
- 04:5410.7 mi2.2 mph1,175 ft1,300 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The seventh stage is one of the easiest stages of the Kerry Way. The distance is less than 20 kilometers and after two moderate pass heights it goes evenly down to the idyllic town of Sneem. The hiking trail follows the course of the historic Butter Road for long stretches.
You start your hike in the…
by Irland
- 09:2921.3 mi2.2 mph2,000 ft2,000 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The full stage from Sneem to Kenmare is over 34 kilometers long and therefore quite demanding - especially if you have already had the last seven days in your bones. A nice alternative is to cover part of the route by bus or taxi. The tiny village of Templenoe is the ideal place to start. If you start…
by Irland
- 03:227.11 mi2.1 mph1,225 ft800 ftIntermediateIntermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
The last stage of the Kerry Way takes you from the lovely landscape of Kenmare Bay over a hill and a mountain pass to the rugged mountain valleys of the Killarney National Park. At the end of the stage, the famous Ladies' View awaits you. From here you can comfortably take the shuttle bus back to Killarney…
by Irland
- 08:207.83 mi0.9 mph3,200 ft3,200 ftExpertExpert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
The Coomloughra Horseshoe Trail is pure mountain adventure and the most exciting mountain hike in Ireland. In a big loop it leads up to Carrantuohill, the highest mountain in Ireland. You will hike over three of the four highest mountains in Ireland and enjoy a unique view of the Iveragh Peninsula.
The…
by Irland
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Collection Stats
- Tours10
- Distance124 mi
- Duration61:29 h
- Elevation16,725 ft16,500 ft
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