The Kerry Way

Killarney, one of Ireland's gems, is renowned for its stunning national park and breathtaking views. You can explore Killarney National Park, home to enchanting lakes, lush forests, and the famous Torc Waterfall. The town serves as a perfect starting point for venturing onto the Ring of Kerry, a scenic route that showcases spectacular landscapes. History enthusiasts can visit Muckross House and the ancient ruins of local monasteries, while outdoor lovers can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, and cycling tours. With its traditional pubs and vibrant cultural scene, Killarney offers an unforgettable experience for all its visitors.
 
 
 
 

The Kerry Way officially begins at the Tourist Office in Killarney, leading south along the Muckross Road. The trail enters Bourn Vincent Memorial Park, offering stunning views across Lough Leane and the Shehy Mountains. A steep climb by Torc Waterfall brings you to the old Kenmare Road, a medieval path with mountains on either side. The route continues through Esknamucky Glen’s oak forests, eventually reaching Galway’s Bridge and Black Valley. Expect tranquil landscapes but prepare for steep climbs and some busy areas near popular sites like Lord Brandon’s Cottage.

Distance: 22 km

Elevation Gain: +400 m

Leaving the Black Valley, the Kerry Way ascends with stunning views over Bridia Valley. The trail alternates between quiet tarmac roads, gravel paths, and forest tracks, offering breathtaking views of the Caragh River Valley and Mulaghanattin Peak (773m). A surprise awaits at the Cooky Monster's Café in this remote area. Reaching the head of the pass, the panorama opens to Lough Acoose and Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil (1,039m). The route then skirts Lough Acoose before connecting to the main road towards Glencar.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation Gain: +500 m

Starting from The Climbers Inn, the trail meanders through quiet country roads and forestry paths in the scenic Glencar Valley, offering beautiful views of the McGillycuddy Reeks, Seefin Mountain, and Lough Carragh. The route eventually reaches Gortdirragh. You'll face a climb to the Windy Gap, and you'll be rewarded with stunning vistas of Rossbeigh, Inch Strand, and the Dingle Peninsula. A rough descent follows, leading to a small road at Gowlane, with the final 2km of tarmac taking you into the heart of Glenbeigh.
 
Distance: 18 km

Elevation Gain: +420 m

This strenuous section is rewarded by the breathtaking view of Dingle Bay and Peninsula from the slopes of Drung Hill (640m). As you walk through woodlands and rural roads toward Cahersiveen, you'll pass historic field systems where locals once used seaweed to make arid land fertile. The remnants of this land reclamation, seen in stone fences and terraced fields, offer a glimpse into the area's agricultural past, once primarily used for potatoes and grazing.

Distance: 28 km

Elevation Gain: +450 m

From Teeraha, the Kerry Way trail ascends a ridge of small hills, gradually reaching peaks over 300 meters. The descent leads through minor roads to Mastergeehy and onward to Coomduff. At the summit of Coomduff, enjoy sweeping views: to the north, you’ll see Aghatubride, Foilclogh, and Beenduff, while the south-east is dominated by Coomcallee. To the southwest lies Lough Currane, framed by the mountains of Mullaghbeg, Cahernageeha, and Farraniaragh. Waterville and the Atlantic Ocean stretch out on the western horizon. The trail continues over rough terrain and Knag Hill, leading to the charming seaside village of Waterville.

Distance: 22 km

Elevation Gain: +270 m

Begin with a stroll past a statue of Charlie Chaplin, who was a frequent visitor to the area. After crossing the Currane River, the trail follows a quiet back road shared with the Ring of Kerry Cycle Route, offering views of Ballinskelligs Bay and the Skellig Islands. Along the way, you'll pass Loher Fort, an ancient stone structure from the 9th century, and fields that bear the remnants of the Great Famine of 1845. As the path turns, stunning views of Derrynane Bay and its islands open up. The last stretch takes you through Derrynane National Park's ancient forest, ending in the village of Caherdaniel.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: +300 m

Today you walk along "green roads," including part of the Old Kenmare Road, with stunning views over Kenmare Bay towards Bantry. A must-see is Staigue Fort, an impressive Iron Age ring fort with 4-meter-thick stone walls and an intriguing system of steps leading to the top. After passing a stone bridge, the route follows an old stagecoach road with elevated views of Staigue and Kenmare Bay. The final 2.5 km winds through forests, boreens, and quiet roads before arriving in the colorful village of Sneem.

Distance: 19 km

Elevation Gain: +400 m

This penultimate section is long but mostly flat, starting in Sneem and weaving through serene oak, birch, and holly woods around the Parknasilla estate. Passing the quiet village of Tahilla, the route offers stunning views of Coongar Harbour and Lough Fadda. Along the way, you'll encounter the traditional bamboo rushes used for thatching, now revived with flame-resistant treatments. The trail follows forest paths, roads, and mountain trails, crossing Blackwater Bridge with its picturesque surroundings, passing historical sites like Dromore Castle and Cappanacush Castle. As you near Templenoe, you’ll enjoy views of the Kenmare Estuary and the Caha Mountains on the Beara Peninsula. Two climbs over Lacka and Gortamullin Hills bring you to a peaceful gravel path leading into Kenmare's lively market square.

Distance: 23 km

Elevation Gain: +520 m

The final stage features a challenging ascent to the Windy Gap (320m) via Strickeen Hill. From the summit, hikers are rewarded with sweeping views of Killarney National Park and a ring of mountain peaks, including Eagles Nest and Purple Mountain. As the trail descends, it splits, offering a scenic route through oak forests and above the treeline, with the majestic MacGillycuddy Reeks visible to the northwest. Retracing earlier steps, the path leads through the tranquil Esknamucky Glen and Torc Waterfall before passing Muckross Estate. The final 2.5km brings walkers back to Killarney, completing the adventure beside Lough Leane and Muckross House.

Distance: 26 km

Elevation Gain: +630 m

Our services end after breakfast unless you have booked another service with us.

The Kerry Way is undoubtedly one of Ireland’s most captivating trails, thanks in part to its ever-changing landscape—ranging from rugged coasts and serene lakes to sweeping moorlands and peaceful Irish villages. If you’re planning to tackle it, keep in mind that it’s a fairly long journey, with some steep climbs, boggy and muddy sections, and stretches of remote wilderness in the Irish moorlands. The weather is also something to consider, as it can be highly unpredictable.

This trail is ideal for seasoned hikers or those traveling in a group who can support each other along the way. That said, public transport is very reliable, making logistics easier to manage!

For our trips, we always select accommodations with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be included, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation provided for the trip you’re interested in.

We place great importance on the choice of lodging and select hotels with care and attention. We know how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We prefer welcoming and charming accommodations, ideally family-run, that truly embody the spirit of the place and can welcome you with comfort and warmth.

Where, due to the nature of the route, the choice of accommodations is limited, we select the option that best aligns with our standards.