Ring of Kerry

This hike is designed for those who want a leisure hike with longer stays in one place.

Day 1: Killarney
Day 2: Muckross Loop, 6 mi. (10 km) 
Day 3: Galway's Bridge to Killarney Hike, 7 mi. (11 km)
Day 4: Gap of Dunloe Hike, 8 mi. (12 km)
Day 5: Galway's Bridge to Kenmare, 6 mi. (10 km)
Day 6: Gleninchaquine HIke, 5 mi. (8 km)
Day 7: Blackwater Bridge to Sneem, 8 mi. (13 km)
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Killarney – surrounded by magnificent mountains and stunning Three Lakes, in the heart of Kerry. On arrival to your first guesthouse, your host or hostess will give you your full detailed Information packet and will be able to suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music. Overnight in Killarney

Preferred accommodation:
Abbey Lodge

Day 2: Muckross, 6 mi. (10 km)
Today you will be transferred to the start of your walk at Muckross House – a beautiful mansion built in the 19th century and now forming the central point of the
wonderful Killarney National Park. From here you follow a circular route around the middle of the Three Lakes – Muckross Lake – a magnificent walk with wonderful views across the lake as you follow through ancient woodlands. At the end of your walk, your transfer will take you back to your accommodation in Killarney. Overnight in Killarney.

Walk details:

• Elevation: 160 m
• Terrain: Surfaced tracks and some rocky uneven paths through woodland.

Preferred accommodation:
Abbey Lodge

Day 3: Galway's Bridge - Killarney, 7 mi. (11 km)
Today we will transfer you to Galway’s bridge just outside Killarney where you start this stunning hike along the Old Kenmare road and through the Esknamucky
Glen. With Views of Killarney lakes and mountains all around this truly is one of Ireland’s premier walking routes. Towards the end of your hike, you will visit the
famous Torc Waterfall and continue on to Killarney for your overnight.

Walk details:

• Elevation: 405 m
• Terrain: Possible wet and muddy tracks with some road walking.

Preferred accommodation:
Abby Lodge

Day 4: Gap of Dunloe Hike, 8 mi. (12 km)
Starting at the beautiful 15th-century Ross Castle, you take a small boat through the Three Lakes to finish at an old “hunting lodge” at Lord Brandon’s Cottage.
Here you can enjoy some tea, coffee, cake or other refreshments if you wish before starting your hike. As you make your way through the Black Valley, you get
a sense for the isolation of this wondrous place. A short climb to the top of the“Gap of Dunloe” is rewarded with a view that has drawn visitors for over a hundred years to this glaciated valley of steep jagged rock and glistening mountain lakes. You continue through the valley and on to Kate Kearney's Cottage where you will call your taxi to transfer back to Killarney.

Walk details: 

• Elevation gain: 323 m
• Terrain: Country lanes and road walking. 

Preferred accommodation:
Abby Lodge

Day 5: Galway's Bridge - Kenmare, 6 mi. (10 km)
Leaving Killarney and traveling south today, your transfer will take you back to Galway’s Bridge and Derrycunnihy Church. From here, you walk south following an old “butter road” to finish in the beautiful town of Kenmare. This is a glorious walk into the heartland of the peninsula, yet finishing at the coast. Enjoy your evening in one of the many great bars or restaurants in this vibrant town.
Overnight in Kenmare.

Walk details: 

• Elevation gain: 400 m
• Terrain: Possible wet and muddy tracks with some road walking.

Preferred accommodation:
Pending

Day 6: Gleninchaquin Park, 5 mi. (8 km)
A transfer this morning brings you to the beginning of your walk at the famous 2500 year old Uragh stone Cricle following a quiet country road to the breathtaking Gleninchaquinn Park. This working sheep farm is home to one of Ireland's most beautiful Waterfalls and a stunning location to explore on foot. Your walk takes you through fields dotted with sheep and up to the top of the waterfall with sweeping views across the valley and its glistening lakes out to Kenmare Bay. Following your walk you will be transferred back to Kenmare. Overnight in Kenmare.

Walk details: 

• Elevation gain: 223 m
• Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland, and some road walking.

Preferred accommodation:
Pending

Day 7: Blackwater Bridge - Sneem, 8 mi. (13 km)
Today you begin your walk to the award-winning village of Sneem at the beautiful bridge spanning the Blackwater River. This walk takes you along the shores of
Kenmare Bay with great views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. Overnight in Sneem.

Walk details: 

• Elevation gain: 200 m
• Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland, and some road walking.

Preferred accommodation:
Pending

Day 8: Departure
Following another delicious breakfast, you will transfer to Killarney – by public bus or private transfer, which we can arrange at an added cost, where you can connect with all major rail and bus networks.

This tour is the more difficult hike in that daily distances are longer, the elevation higher, and no two nights are spent in the same location.

Day 1: Killarney
Day 2: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 15 mi. (24 km)
Day 3: Cahersieen - Waterville, 11 mi. (18 km) 
Day 4: Waterville - Caherdaniel, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 5: Caherdaniel - Sneem, 11 mi. (17 km)
Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 17 mi. (27 km) 
Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 16 mi. (25 km)
Day 8: Departure

Day 1: Killarney
Arrive in Killarney – surrounded by magnificent mountains and stunning Three Lakes, in the heart of Kerry. On arrival to your first guesthouse, your host or hostess will give you your full detailed Information packet and will be able to suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music. 

Preferred accommodation:
Abbey Lodge 

Day 2: Glenbeigh - Cahersiveen, 15 mi. (24 km)
Today’s walk takes you from just outside the town of Glenbeigh, along the northern shores of the peninsula, to Cahersiveen. This walk follows an old 17th Century “Stage Coach” route and gives spectacular views across the Dingle Peninsula. You will pass through old deserted villages, once busy centers of activity, trading with passengers on the old stagecoaches. Overnight in Cahersiveen.

Walk details:

• Height gain: 555 m
• Height loss: 643 m
• Max height: 367 m
• Terrain: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections and gravel tracks and road walking.

Preferred accommodation:
Pending

Day 3: Cahersiveen - Waterville, 11 mi. (18 km) 
From Cahersiveen, you will once again be driven a short distance to the starting point of today’s walk at Coars Cross. From here, you will be walking to the town of
Waterville. This walk takes you across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and south to Kenmare Bay. Overnight in Waterville.

Walk details:

• Height gain: 653 m
• Height loss: 789 m
• Max height: 396 m
• Terrain: Grassy mountain tracks with rocky sections and gravel tracks and road walking.

Preferred accommodation:
Pending

Day 4: Waterville - Caherdaniel, 9 mi. (15 km)
Continuing from the town of Waterville, you walk around and above the coast to reach the village of Caherdaniel. Glorious coastal views out towards the Skellig
Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay await along the route. Overnight in Caherdaniel. 

Walk details:

• Height gain: 336 m
• Height loss: 304 m
• Max height: 246 m
• Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks, bogland, and some road walking.

Preferred accommodation:
Pending

Day 5: Caherdaniel - Sneem, 11 mi. (17 km)
Continue walking from the village of Caherdaniel, following an old ‘butter road’ to the village of Sneem. The views across the Beara Peninsula and out to the
Atlantic Ocean are fantastic. Overnight in Sneem.

Walk details:

• Height gain: 533 m
• Height loss: 547 m
• Max height: 226 m
• Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland. Some road walking

Preferred accommodation:
Pending

Day 6: Sneem - Kenmare, 17 mi. (27 km) 
This morning you will be transferred to Tahilla Church, just outside the town of Sneem to walk to the renowned town of Kenmare. This walk takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. Overnight in Kenmare.

Walk details:

• Height gain: 733 m
• Height loss: 734 m
• Max height: 733 m
• Terrain: Forest tracks, road walking, mountain tracks, and country lanes.

Preferred accommodation:
Pending

Day 7: Kenmare - Killarney, 16 mi. (25 km)
You will start your walk from your accommodation through Esknamucky Glen and Killarney National Park to arrive at the magnificent Muckross House and Gardens –
about 5 kms outside Killarney. After spending some time exploring, you will make your way to Killarney for your overnight. This is a glorious walk. You may a few of  Ireland’s native red deer as you walk through the National Park.

Walk details:

• Height gain: 853 m
• Height loss: 823 m
• Max height: 351 m
• Terrain: Mountain tracks, board walks, and greenroads

Preferred accommodation: 
Pending

Day 8: Departure from Killarney
From Killarney, connections by bus and train are frequent to Cork, Limerick, Shannon or Dublin.

Day 1: Killarney
Day 2: Killarney National Park, 9 mi. (15 km)
Day 3: Derrynane Bay 
Day 4: Skellig Coastal Hike
Day 5: Inch Beach and Dingle Peninsula
Day 6: Slea Head Coastal Walk
Day 7: Foothills of Mount Brandon
Day 8 Departure

Day 1: Killarney
Individual arrival to Killarney. Once you have settled into your bed and breakfast, your guide will meet the group for a  tour briefing at 5 pm to introduce you to your group and explain the details of your holiday. This is followed by your first dinner together in a nearby pub or restaurant. Later, you are free to enjoy the pubs and their lively music if you wish before returning to your accommodation for your overnight.

With one of the country’s finest national parks as its backyard, the lively tourist hub of Killarney is a super place to start your holiday in Kerry. Killarney’s exquisite beauty makes it one of Kerry’s most popular destinations. A perfect place to enjoy an extra day or two before your holiday begins. (D)

Preferred accommodation:

Abbey Lodge

Day 2: Killarney National Park, 9 mi. (15 km) + boat ride
Enjoy a wonderful boat trip (1 hour) through the beautiful Three Lakes of Killarney. Reach an old “hunting” lodge & start your hike. You then follow a wonderful trail called “the Old Kenmare Road” which takes you through the National Park past the iconic Torc Waterall and up to Muckross House and Gardens which are the center piece of the National Park. From here you will walk back to your accommodation in Killarney visiting the ruins of the beautiful Muckross abbey en-route. (B, L)

Walk details:

• Height gain: 327 m
• Terrain: Rocky and sometimes wet and muddy tracks and road walking.

Preferred accommodation:

Abbey Lodge

Day 3: Derrynane Bay Hike, 5 mi. (8 km)
After a scrumptious breakfast and armed with your picnic lunch, you will depart from your accommodation with your luggage and drive for approx. 1.5 hours to reach the beautiful Derrynane House.

Your hike here takes you around the coast to enjoy a pristine beach walk before reaching Abbey Island. Along the way, you will hear stories about Ireland’s renowned “Liberator” Daniel O’Connell. Enjoying a lovely coastal walk you move inland to hike over the foothills of this western tip of the Ring of Kerry with glorious views across the Atlantic Ocean and the two peninsula’s north and south of you. You may even have the opportunity to swim today. Returning to Derrynane House you can enjoy some light refreshments before traveling to your accommodation in Waterville for your evening meal and overnight. (B, L, D)

Walk details:

Height gain: 132 m
Terrain: Grass tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and beach.

Preferred accommodation: 

Pending

Day 4: Mountain of the Wells,  6 mi. (9 km)
Cnoc na dtobar or “Mountain of the Wells,” overlooks the town of Caherciveen. As you hike up the mountain you will follow the ancient pilgrim route with its white crosses following the same path that has been used for thousands of years. The Summit of the mountain has been a site of ancient rituals and is still used today as a religious site of significance. Enjoy breath-taking views across the ocean to the North and across the sweeping farmland to the South. (B, L)

Walk details:

• Height gain: 690 m
• Terrain: Boreens, paved roads, tracks with rocky and uneven sections, can be wet and boggy underfoot.  Open hillside with NO tracks. 

Preferred accommodation: 

Pending

Day 5: Caherconree
Today's route is the perfect opportunity to enjoy fabulous views of both the Northern and Southern coastline of the Dingle Peninsula. Your highest point today is part of the Slieve Mish mountain range offering wonderous views acrossTralee Bay and the glistening lakes below. This route is steeped in history and legend which your guide will bring to life as you enjoy your hike.

Dingle is a haven for Irish culture, great food, and wonderful pubs. This will be your home for 3 nights. (B, L)

Walk details:

• Height gain: 377 m
• Terrain: Rocky trails, open hillside with rocky sections which are overgrown and can be wet underfoot.  

Preferred accommodation:

Pending

Day 6: Slea Head Coastal Walk, 7 mi. (11 km)
Enjoy a wonderful hike around the spectacular Slea Head – one of the richest areas of archaeology in this region, with its numerous beehive huts and promontory forts. There are breathtaking views from Mount Eagle on the way. Return to Dingle for dinner and overnight. (B, L)

Walk details: 

• Height gain: 177 m
• Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, beach walking and some road walking.

Preferred accommodation:

Pending

Day 7: Sas Creek, 9 mi. (14 km)
Driving to the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula, today's routes take you to those parts that only walkers discover and you are well rewarded with beautiful and peaceful views all around you. A wonderful hike takes you across open hillside and bogland to enjoy a trail that typifies this region – where the hills fall into the sea.  With breath-taking scenery & wonderful inland hiking, you will be spoiled by the variety of this walk as you follow an old bog track to complete your hike. 

At the end of your walk, you return to the delightful village of Cloghane to enjoy some light refreshment before returning to Dingle for your final overnight. (B, L, D)

Walk details:

• Height gain: 396 m
• Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, beach walking and some road walking

Preferred accommodation:

Pending

Day 8: Departure
Your tour will finish this morning after another delicious breakfast. A transfer to Tralee is included and from there you can connect by bus or train to all major cities and airports. (B)

Day 1: Killarney
Day 2: Killarney - Black Valley, 13 mi. (21 km) | Max height gain: 492 m
Day 3: Black Valley - Glencar, 11 mi. (18 km) | Max height gain: 383 m
Day 4: Glencar - Glenbeigh, 13 mi. (21 km) | Max height gain: 339 m
Day 5: Departure