Derrynane Beach

The Kerry Way 12 Days & 11 Nights

Experience the raw, unspoilt beauty of Ireland on the Kerry Way; a 210 km Irish national walking trail tha takes in the highlights of the famed Ring of Kerry route. Walk through rolling landscapes punctuated by lonely valleys, dramatic Atlantic coastlines, peaceful lakes, charming villages, and historic sites. Your journey begins in the popular town of Killarney, from where the trail then resembles a loop tied by a stem to the town. Although County Kerry is home to the highest mountains in Ireland, the Kerry Way is largely a lower-level inland route along the lower slopes and around the Inveragh Peninsula with views to the wild Atlantic Ocean. Discover remote glens like the Black Valley, and follow green roads and historic tracks that have been travelled for hundreds of years.

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updated on: February 01, 2023
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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Killarney to Black Valley
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 23 km
Duration 7:00 h
Ascent 389 m
Descent 336 m

A hike that takes you from Killarney to the grounds of the Muckross Estate past Torc Waterfall and through wild moorland to Black Valley.

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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Alternative Route: Killarney to Black Valley
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 21.6 km
Duration 6:00 h
Ascent 239 m
Descent 177 m

The section from Galway's Bridge to Black Valley is prone to flooding after heavy and continuous rainfall. This walk is an alternative route in ...

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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Black Valley to Glencar
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 20.7 km
Duration 6:30 h
Ascent 572 m
Descent 575 m

Look forward to a few steady climbs and sharp descents into stunning valleys. Walk along quiet roads, forested tracks, and fields on this section ...

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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Glencar to Glenbeigh
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 13.5 km
Duration 4:30 h
Ascent 367 m
Descent 422 m

A gentle walk combining woodland paths with views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Lough Caragh and the Dingle Peninsula.

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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 29 km
Duration 8:00 h
Ascent 449 m
Descent 467 m

The trail takes you out of Glenbeigh and onto an elevated path crossing over Rossbeigh Hill where you can enjoy spectacular views across Dingle Bay.

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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Foilmore to Waterville
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 22.5 km
Duration 7:00 h
Ascent 736 m
Descent 744 m

This is a long and remote day of walking with far reaching panoramic views on your way to Waterville.

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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Waterville to Caherdaniel
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 15.5 km
Duration 5:30 h
Ascent 278 m
Descent 274 m

A gentle walk along the coast with views of the Beara peninsula and across to Kenmare (this is the coastal route).

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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Caherdaniel to Sneem
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 17.2 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 368 m
Descent 397 m

Prepare for plenty of ups and downs, far-reaching views of mountains, the coast, and Kenmare River all the way.

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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Sneem to Blackwater Bridge
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 13.4 km
Duration 3:30 h
Ascent 215 m
Descent 187 m

Follow woodland paths and quiet roads into the tiny village of Blackwater Bridge. Due to a lack of accommodation available in Blackwater Bridge, ...

from Taylor St John,   Macs Adventure
Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Blackwater Bridge to Kenmare
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 17.5 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 298 m
Descent 330 m

A continuation of the easier path that you followed from Sneem, the route to Kenmare follows more forest paths and minor roads along the south ...

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Hiking route · Southwest Ireland
Kenmare to Killarney
recommended route Difficulty moderate
Distance 25 km
Duration 7:30 h
Ascent 627 m
Descent 585 m

This final stage of the Kerry Way takes you along the Old Kenmare Road through farmland and over a high saddle before reaching the leafy woodlands. 

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