Explore some of the best hiking routes in Ireland on this spectacular 7-day guided tour
Ireland has some spectacular walking, and one of the best areas is in the Kerry Mountains. This guided hiking tour takes in the best walking in the Kerry region, including the remarkable Ring of Kerry.
Sweeping vistas and rugged highlands make up the wildest of Ireland’s backcountry. In this area alone, you’ll find nine out of the ten highest mountains in all of Ireland! So it’s the perfect place for a guided hiking adventure.
On this Kerry mountain hiking tour, you’ll summit Mount Brandon and the tallest peak in Ireland, Carrantuohill. Hike in Killarney National Park, the Dingle Peninsula, and along the Kerry Way, all while staying in top-notch deluxe accommodation. Learn about the history of both local Irish culture and the geology of the Kerry region as you’re guided through the spectacular countryside, spotting wildlife along the way.
Ring of Kerry & Killarney National Park
The Ring of Kerry stretches for 120 miles around the Inveragh Peninsula, passing through some of Ireland’s loveliest scenery. Expect stunning coastal views, golden beaches, romantic ruined castles and fairytale valleys and glens. The route that passes along the entire 120-mile route is one of Ireland’s most iconic road trips, but it’s also a popular spot for walking, cycling and horse riding.
Situated off the coast of Kerry, the beautiful, lonely Skellig Islands are one of the region’s highlights. Made famous by the recent Star Wars films, the islands are a haven for bird life, and are best known for the ancient monastic houses that sit precariously on the windswept summit of Skellig Michael. Other historic highlights include Ross Castle, perched on its beautiful lake, and Sneem, where the mountains meet the water and if you stay alert, you may even catch a glimpse of a local fairy.
The crown jewel of Kerry, Killarney National Park is famous for its spectacular, diverse scenery. Home to many of Ireland’s tallest mountains, most beautiful valleys and highest waterfalls, a trip here is a hiker’s paradise. This is an excellent place to spot red deer and other rare wildlife. The friendly town of Killarney is a wonderful place for a stopover, marking the beginning of the Kerry Way, an eight-day walking route that takes in some truly remarkable scenery.
The Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula marks the westernmost point of Ireland, and indeed, many of its inhabitants frequently joke that Boston is the neighboring parish! Known for its dramatic cliffs, rocky ridges, rich local history and culture, and famous ’40 shades of green’, the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most popular destinations in Kerry. Its mild climate (a product of the Gulf Stream) means that you’ll see a much greater diversity of flora in this part of Ireland, with brightly-colored fuchsias decorating many of the fields and roadsides.
Dotted with early-medieval monasteries, Neolithic remains and proud manor houses, the Dingle Peninsula has a rich and distinctive cultural heritage. A driving or walking tour here is like stepping back in time, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about the events that have shaped Irish history over the centuries. The locals are justifiably proud of their beautiful region, and welcome visitors with characteristic warmth and Irish charm.
Mount Brandon
At the heart of the Dingle Peninsula stands Mount Brandon, a proud peak with a distinctive sloping face. Named after the Irish Saint Brendan, this is a famous local shrine, and any hike in the Brandon range means walking in the footsteps of countless medieval pilgrims. Saint Brendan famously spent 3 days fasting on the mountain, after which an angel revealed to him a vision of a great land to the west, the legendary Isle of the Blessed.
Mount Brandon offers plenty of variety for keen hill walkers. The five-mile route to the summit is the most direct way to ascend the mountain, but most visitors take the slightly longer Pilgrim’s Path, which offers incredible views of the dramatic corries and lakes on the glaciated east face. For real adventurers, the full ridge walk of the entire Mount Brandon Range will take you from Conor Pass to Masatiompan, and is arguably one of the finest ridge walks in Ireland.
Highlights Of Kerry Mountains Hiking Tour
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Hiking the Kerry Mountains Itinerary
Day 1 Hike through Killarney National Park
After meeting the staff in the Killarney Railway Station, you’ll be off on your first Irish adventure in Killarney National Park. Here you’ll find the famous Kerry Way and hike some of the least-visited sections that wander through deep forest, past the roar of waterfalls, and along the shores of still lakes. Be on the lookout for the local red deer as you soak in the natural beauty all around. Later, you’ll head back to town for a scrumptious dinner and maybe even a little music at the Irish pub.
Overnight Location: The Great Southern Killarney, Killarney
Distance: 4 hours, 9 km
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Trek to Mangerton Mountain and the Devil’s Punchbowl
If you love desolate wilderness, you’re going to be excited about Mangerton Mountain. As one of the largest wilderness areas in the southwest of Ireland, it’s a great place to whet your appetite for the challenging terrain ahead over the next few days of your guided hiking tour. As you cross the MacGillycuddy Reeks mountains, the view from the ridge will take your breath away. You’ll also get a chance to see the Devil’s Punchbowl, which is a corrie lake formed by a glacier. It’s said that long ago, a saint cast a beast to its grave at the bottom of the lake.
Overnight Location: The Great Southern Killarney, Killarney
Distance: 5-6 hours, 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3 Boat ride on Killarney Lakes
Climb aboard a boat, sit back, relax, and set sail across the Lakes of Killarney. You’ll be in for a treat as you watch panoramic mountain views of the Killarney National Park slide by in every direction. After landing in a secluded spot, you’ll resume your guided hike along hushed roads and rugged footpaths as you wend your way through the Black Valley. Don’t worry though, it’s not a scary place, the name came about because it was the last Irish holdout against electricity and wasn’t connected to the power grid until the 1970s!
Overnight Location: The Great Southern Killarney, Killarney
Distance: 7 hours, 13 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4 Taming the Heights of Carrantuohill
Prepare yourself to conquer the heights of the tallest peak in all of Ireland! Standing 1,040 meters high, the craggy summit of Carrantuohill is your destination on this hiking adventure. Your guide will choose one of the many paths to the summit, so you won’t know the exact route until you’re out there. Will it be the sheer cliffs of O’Shea’s Gully, or perhaps the infamous Devil’s Ladder? Whichever path you take, make sure to take note of the wildflowers, and watch for birds of prey hovering high above you on the thermals hunting for the Irish Mountain Hares that hide in the rocky landscape below. Carrantuohill will not be vanquished easily, but just wait till you see the view from the summit.
Overnight Location: The Great Southern Killarney, Killarney
Distance: 7 hours, 11 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 Hunting for Legends on the Dingle Peninsula
Today your guided hiking adventure resumes as you journey deep into the Dingle Peninsula. Get into the spirit of the region as you follow in the mythological footsteps of a legendary Irish hero named Cuchulain. According to the lore, he once defeated a giant by single-handedly tossing flaming boulders at a nearby mountain peak. Your hike will conclude at the South Pole Inn, which is owned by Tom Crean, the Antarctic explorer who journeyed toward the South Pole with both Scott and Shackleton. You can also explore the charming Dingle Town in search of authentic Irish eats!
Overnight Location: Greenmount House Bed & Breakfast, Dingle
Distance: 4-5 hours, 10 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6 Climbing Mt. Brandon
Today you’ll hike a little-traveled route to the summit of Mount Brandon, one of the taller mountains in Ireland. The peak was named after St. Brendan the Navigator, who, according to legend, saw the distant shores of North America from the summit and thus began his 6th-century voyage to the new world in a boat made of hide. At the top, you’ll find a dazzling panoramic view of Brandon Bay spreading beneath you. After returning from the summit, you’ll have the opportunity to visit some local artisans on the Dingle Peninsula before making your way back to Dingle Town for some great Irish food, music, and dance to celebrate your final night on the Ring of Kerry.
Overnight Location: Greenmount House Bed & Breakfast, Dingle
Distance: 6-7 hours, 14 km
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Beach Walk and Departure
Immediately following breakfast, you’ll board the vehicle and head for Limerick Train Station to begin your homeward trip. En route, you’ll stop on the Dingle Peninsula for a brief walk along a dazzling white sand beach. Enjoy a last invigorating breath of Atlantic air as you relax after your hiking adventure!
Overnight Location: None
Distance: 1 hour, 5 km
Meals: Breakfast
Hiking the Kerry Mountains Tour Price and Dates
This guided walking tour to Kerry Mountains is run as a fixed-departure tour where you’d be joining a group.
Prices below are per person sharing a double or a triple room:
Accommodation on Hiking the Kerry Mountains
This tour is based in Deluxe Hotels. The accommodation varies between cozy guesthouses, beautiful manors and boutique hotels that are carefully picked for this tour.
These accommodations provide wonderful service, great amenities, and a beautiful location.
Single Rooms and Solo Travelers
Solo travelers are usually paired to stay in twin rooms together, however, you can pay a supplement of $275 USD to have a private room in a hotel. The availability of single rooms is limited and is on a first come first serve basis.
Hotels on Standard Tour
The Great Southern Killarney, Killarney
From the stately Victorian architecture to the opulent decor, you’ll find this historic hotel a pleasure to experience. Award-winning private gardens and on-site restaurants.
Greenmount House Bed & Breakfast, Dingle
This deluxe guesthouse boasts stunning views of the ocean and surrounding countryside from its quiet setting on the hill. Plus it’s just a few minutes walk from downtown Dingle.
What’s included in the Hiking the Kerry Mountains?
Meals
6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 2 dinners, snacks along the route each day.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour. Accommodations before the tour in Killarney and Limerick is included.
Transportation during the Tour
All the transportation during the tour is included for you and your luggage.
Also Included
- The services of the experienced guide / driver throughout the tour
- Activities included in the tour:
- Boat tours
- Artist studio visit
Not included
- Getting to and from starting and ending points of the tour
- Insurance
- Personal expenses
- Anything not stated as ‘included’
Optional Extras
- Extra night in Killarney before the tour
- Extra night in Limerick after the tour
Frequently Asked Questions about Hiking the Kerry Mountains
At Wilderness Ireland, you can find an inspiring range of small-group and tailor-made tours, journeys, and wilderness experiences. The tours explore Ireland’s most remote and beautiful regions, from the wild Atlantic Way to the Ancient East and everything in between.
Wilderness Ireland is run by a passionate team of local guides and expert trip designers who work together to create unforgettable active adventure holidays. They focus not only on Ireland’s top sights, but also in rural, remote corners of the beautiful country.
Every tour focuses on a personalized approach with high-quality customer service for each tour. They hand-pick beautiful accommodations, authentic local experiences, and standout wilderness locations. Their guides know Ireland inside and out and have years of experience in offering you an unforgettable trip.
Learn MoreHiking the Kerry Mountains Map
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Local Guide
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Paul has been guiding professionally for 4 years, but unofficially guiding friends and family for 20 years. He loves making friends out of strangers and seeing the excitement in their faces as they kayak, cycle, walk, and explore. He never gets tired of the abundant mountain and sea views.
- Q: What is your favourite tour to lead?
- A: Whichever one I’m doing that day! In all seriousness though, go west. My favourite trip is Island Hopping on Ireland’s West Coast, since you really have the chance to see Ireland at its most amazing - 4 incredible islands as well as Connemara and Burren national parks. It’s nearly too good to be true.
- Q: What are guests most amazed about when visiting Ireland?
- A: No doubt everyone is amazed by the scenery- the empty white beaches, lush green mountains, the abundance of castles and the ancient graves older than the pyramids of Giza. The Burren has 27 kinds of orchids alone, and that’s just the start of the incredible flora and fauna!
- Q: What has been your most unforgettable moment while guiding?
- A: Helping someone who swore they couldn’t get to the top of Croagh Patrick Mountain and seeing their pride at the top! I also love when you’re at ancient structures like Poulenabrone and you’re explaining the history and myths of the place while you’re actually standing right there. It’s as amazing for me as for them!