Kerry Way Self-Guiding Holiday Mini-Break

Ireland’s fabled County Kerry consists of a series of spectacular mountainous peninsulas divided by deep-sea inlets. MacGillycuddy’s Reeks form the centrepiece of the Ring of Kerry, a 179-kilometre circuit from Killarney, via Killorglin, Caherciveen, Waterville, Kenmare and back to Killarney across Moll’s Gap and past Ladies View – one of Ireland’s most famous viewpoints. Weaving between these points are a network of ancient paths that are nearly as old as the land itself, many of which form part of a long-distance track known as the Kerry Way. The name ‘Kerry’ comes from the Old Irish word Ciarraige meaning the people of Ciar, an early Celtic tribe that settled in the area around 300 BC. In fact, Kerry has an outstanding collection of historical and archaeological sites that date back over 7,000 years, with several ancient forts and numerous early Christian churches.  Impossibly green pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, completely empty save for small herds of sheep or goats, and at almost every turn there are spectacular views of mist-covered mountains and wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline where deep fissures have been carved, over the eons, by the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. Here and there along the coast, pretty fishing villages, such as Caherdaniel and Portmagee, have successfully withstood the elements and offer a picturesque contrast to the verdant hills that surround them. The Skellig Islands lie 8 miles off the tip of the peninsula, two rocky peaks rising sheer out of the Atlantic Ocean.  Skellig Michael is a world heritage site on account of its 6th century monastery, with beehive huts, oratories and inscribed crosses.  Small Skellig is home to over 40,000 gannets, the second largest colony in the world.

Trip Outline

Day 1  Arrive in Killarney - the popular town surrounded by three magnificent lakes in the heart of Kerry.  On arrival to your first guesthouse, your hostess will give you your full detailed information pack.  She will also be able to suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music.
Access for this holiday can be from Dublin, Cork or Shannon Airports with bus and/or train connections available to Killarney all year round.

Day 2 From your B&B you will walk out of the town of Killarney, along the Muckross road, over the Flesk River and into the National Park. Passing Torc Waterfall, we continue along what used to be a “Mass Path” to Derrycunnihy Church. We descend via Lord Brandon’s cottage into the heart of the Black Valley. … known locally as An Com Dubh.  Our second overnight is here.
Walk Details: Distance: 20kms.  Duration: 6 hours.  Max. Ascent: 200m. . Mountain tracks and green roads.  Can be wet underfoot - boots essential.

Day 3 From the Black Valley we follow a route along the lake, over the “saddle” into the Brida Valley, follow along by the shores of Lough Acosse to enjoy a spectacular walk among the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range. From Lough Acosse we make our way in the hamlet of Glencar.  Third overnight is here in Glencar
Walk Details: Distance:18kms.  Duration: 6 hours.  Max. Ascent: 400m.  Road walking, grass and gravel tracks, open mountain and bogland, can be wet underfoot.  Boots essential.

Day 4 A “shortish” walk to day which can be extended if you wish, taking you from beautiful Blackstone’s Bridge … along the Caragh River and Valley, following around Seefin Mountain and descending down into the picturesque Glenbeigh. The views across Casltemaine Harbour and out west to Dingle Bay have to be seen to be appreciated. Glenbeigh, once a thriving Stage Coach stop is a village with immense character. Rossbeigh Beach, 2km further west is worth a visit.
Walk Details: Distance: 14kms.  Duration: 4 hours.  Max. Ascent: 350m.  Road walking, mountain rocky tracks, grass tracks and forest paths.  Boots essential.

Day 5 After a good “hearty” Irish breakfast you depart your Kerry Way Mini-Break walking holiday, either by Public Bus to Killarney or local taxi. From Killarney there is an excellent Bus and rail service to all parts of the country.

SouthWest Walks Ireland has given the above Walk Details as a guideline - these may not be accurate on the day due to weather or individual walking pace.

Do note that Ireland can at times be a “damp” country both underfoot and overhead.  Irish weather is unpredictable, that’s one of the “joys” of walking in Ireland, but the nature of walks can alter quickly and dramatically because of this weather change.  SouthWestWalks Ireland reserves the right to alter/change/adjust this itinerary due to prevailing weather conditions on each day or the walking ability of group members.  Please refer to the accompanying “General Holiday Information” document to assist in your holiday preparation.

OPTIONS
Should you wish to extend your holiday - we recommend the following extra days, which are suitable for rest days or to add a little more walking on your holiday: -

Day 1 Take the opportunity to stay on in Killarney and enjoy more time around this magnificent area of mountains and lakes.  Alternatively you can enjoy a day at the famous Muckross House with its’ beautiful gardens and Traditional Farm.
Day 2 Remain in the Black Valley and talk a walk on the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range
Day 3 Stay on in Glencar and climb Carrantwohill, 1035mts, an experience never to be forgotten with the views from the top of this spectacular mountain
Day 4 Stay an extra night in Glenbeigh, visiting Rossbeigh Beach or doing another part of the Kerry Way walk … or just simply “chill-out”.
Make enquiries when booking and we can organise the extra reservations and transport necessary to do these options.

On our Self-guided Mini-Break programme we offer...
#. Book the accommodation for you. Four nights’ bed and Full Irish breakfast, (a meal in its self..!) Private bathrooms. En-suite.
#. Movement of luggage but you will need to carry overnight gear for two walks.
#. Give you full walking details and maps of the area, through which you
     walk each day.
#. Full walking descriptions of each walking day.
#. Information booklet of the area through which you are walking.
#. All transfers/transport that is required during the walking holiday, as part of the day’s activities.
#. Meet and greet telephone contact to assure that all is in order.
#. Pre-departure information pack to allow you to plan and get the most from the walks.
#. 24 hrs Emergency/Information contact number.
#. A "mighty" holiday guaranteed.
#. Airport transfers arranged/booked if required.
#. Full Public transport details, Bus, on www.buseireann.ie and train, on
    www.irishrail.ie.
#. Weather Details, www.met.ie
#. This holiday can start/finish any day of the week Extra days welcome.

Bus Distances as per Bus Eireann:
Killarney - Shannon Airport – 3hrs 20mins approximately
Killarney - Cork Airport – 2 hrs 15mins approximately

Contact Us | Testimonials | Photo Gallery | frequently Asked Questions | Newsletter