This hiking tour along the Kerry Way is a true bucket-list item
The Kerry Way is simply one of the world’s greatest hikes of any kind! On this 5-day self-guided hiking tour, you’ll experience some of the region’s best sights, just enough to convince you to book an even longer tour for your return!
Arrive in Killarney, the hub for County Kerry travel. After an evening at leisure, head for the beloved Muckross House before setting off on the Kerry Way. Walk along the shores of famous lakes and tumbling waterfalls as you head into the remote Black Valley. Winding farmer’s paths bring you up into the foothills of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, the tallest mountains in all of Ireland. The final day follows the River Caragh then up and over the side of Seefin Mountain into the seaside village of Glenbeigh. With Dingle Bay views and a gorgeous beach, it’s the perfect place to wrap up the journey.
This 5-day hike is an excellent introduction to the Kerry Way and its world-renowned charms!
Highlights of the Kerry Way Hiking Tour (5 Day)
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5-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Killarney
Arrive in the town of Killarney, your starting point for the adventure. Check into your accommodations and pick up your detailed information pack, which includes route guides and contact information. Your host will provide some recommendations for Killarney’s best food and entertainment!
Overnight Location: B&B in Killarney
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Into the Black Valley
Set off directly from your accommodation towards Muckross House. This stately 19th-century mansion is a centrepiece of the Killarney area and worth a visit on any itinerary. From here, follow the Kerry Way through the Killarney National Park and Esknamucky Glen.
You’ll pass the lovely Torc Waterfall and skirt the shores of Killarney’s Upper Lake on the way to an old “Mass Path” leading to Derricunnihy Church. The route leads you into the heart of the Black Valley towards Lord Brandon’s Cottage, a delightful stop for tea and sandwiches.
Overnight Location: B&B in Black Valley
Distance: 4 hours, 16km, 492m of ascent, 487m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Farms & Foothills
Continue along the Kerry Way with a short hike over a mountain saddle and then a descent into the Brida Valley. A gorgeous old farmer’s track takes you up into the foothills of the MacGillycuddy Reeks, Ireland’s tallest mountain range.
Descend along the serene shores of Lough Acoose into the tiny hamlet of Glencar, your stop for the night.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glencar
Distance: 5 hours, 18 km, 821m of ascent, 693m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Down to Dingle Bay
Today’s hike starts with a crossing of the scenic Blackstones Bridge, following the River Caragh north. Hike around the “shoulder” of Seefin Mountain, then descend into the coastal town of Glenbeigh.
This is a stunning location for your final day of adventure! Enjoy fabulous views of the Dingle Bay and Castlemaine Harbour across the waves. Don’t miss Rossbeigh Strand just west of town – this long stretch of beach is one of Ireland’s best.
Overnight Location: B&B in Glenbeigh
Distance: 5 hours, 21km, 592m of ascent, 727m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Departure
After a hot Irish breakfast, check out from your accommodations and depart the region via your own arrangements.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
5-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided hiking tour of the Kerry Way is run as a custom tour for your group and the price per person is fixed. There are upgrades available that add follow-up phone calls and welcome briefings to your tour, please contact us if you’d prefer these options.
Prices below are per person:
- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared double rooms: $650 USD per person
Accommodation on the 5-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour
This tour is based in small B&Bs and/or guesthouses. Properties offer warm rooms with an ensuite washroom and daily hot Irish breakfast.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you prefer a single room or you are a solo traveller, the required supplements are included in the listed price.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Guesthouse or B&B in Killarney
There’s plenty of quality accommodations in Killarney, and yours are no exception. Warm ensuite rooms and daily hot Irish breakfast help you make the most of your tour.
Hotel in Black Valley
Warm, welcoming rooms and hot Irish breakfast fuel your adventure through this remote valley.
Hotel in Glencar
A cozy ensuite room is just the ticket after a day through the mountain foothills.
Guesthouse or B&B in Glenbeigh
Rest from your first day on the road in your cozy room with a hot Irish breakfast in the morning.
What’s Included in the 5-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour?
Meals
4 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 4 nights along the tour are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Luggage transfers each day are included on the tour.
Also Included
- Detailed route book with full area maps or GPS-enabled app for navigation & points of interest
- 24-hour emergency/information support
- Full pre-departure information to maximize your experience
- In-house holiday specialist to assist with any additional services
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Transport into Killarney or out from Glenbeigh
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas if required
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional accommodation nights before/after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Extra services:
- Welcome briefing
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour
- Extend tour to 8 or 11-day tour package
Frequently Asked Questions about Kerry Way Hiking Tour (5 Day)
Ireland Walk Hike Bike was set up with one purpose in mind – to show you the real Ireland that we know and love. Having watched many visitors “flash” through Ireland – founder Linda Woods decided back in 1994 to find a better way to see the country. “My aim was to slow people down, so they really get their feet into the soul of the country, meet the locals & discover what makes Ireland & the Irish tick………” and 25 years later – this is exactly what Ireland Walk Hike Bike is still doing today…
Whatever holiday you want – walk, hike, bike, more active than that or less active than that – we will be delighted to chat with you, help plan your holiday with you to ensure you have a really memorable trip to Ireland.
Learn MoreKerry Way Hiking Tour (5 Day) Tour Map
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