Ring of Kerry Hike - 5 Day Self-Guided Tour

Ring of Kerry Hike - 5 Day Self-Guided Tour

This holiday gives a wonderful introduction to some of the remoter parts of the Ring Of Kerry. This hike will bring you face to face with nature at its best. Starting in the charming town of Killarney you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to Irish Traditional music. This 5 day Ring of Kerry hike takes you between the glorious Three Lakes Of Killarney and the ancient “passes”. You will be weaving between the mountain range of the McGillycuddy Reeks.  

Starting from Killarney National Park and the beautiful Muckross House. Your hike follows into the Black Valley with views across to the well-known Moll’s Gap and Ladies View. From there you continue following a network of ancient paths that are nearly as old as the land itself. Following the Kerry Way to reach the northern shores of the Ring of Kerry with views across to the Dingle Peninsula. This 5-Day Holiday will be a highlight ensuring you have lasting memories of the beautiful Kingdom of Kerry.

Day 1: Arrive in Killarney
- Surrounded by magnificent mountains and her stunning Three Lakes in the heart of Kerry. This incredibly beautiful town boasts breathtaking scenery and is renowned for its first class hospitality. On arrival to your first guesthouse, your host or hostess will give you your full Detailed Information pack and will be able to suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music. 

Day 2: Killarney to Black Valley - 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, you continue along what used to be a “Mass Path” to Derrycunnihy Church. From here, you reach Lord Brandon’s cottage and continue into the heart of the Black Valley known locally as An Com Dubh. Overnight here. 

Walk Details: 

Distance: 20kms. Duration: 6 hours. Max. Ascent: 200m. Mountain tracks and green roads. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential.

Day 3: Black Valley to Glencar - Continuing from the Black Valley you follow a route along the base of this glaciated valley, overlooking lakes, before climbing over a “saddle” into the Bridia Valley.  Here you follow an old herding track to reach another mountain saddle and descend along by the shores of Lough Acoose. This is a spectacular walk among the foothills of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Overnight near Lough Acoose – part of the tiny hamlet of Glencar. This freshwater lake stocks the Brown Trout and the endangered European Eel. 

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: Glencar to Glenbeigh - A shorter walk today which can be extended if you wish, taking you over the beautiful Blackstone’s Bridge along the Caragh River and Valley, following around Seefin Mountain and descending down into the picturesque Glenbeigh. The views across Castlemaine Harbour and out west to Dingle Bay have to be seen to be appreciated. Rossbeigh Beach, 2km further west is worth a visit.  This beach is a long spit of sand, beach and dunes. Accredited with the Blue Flag status the beach is an excellent amenity for a variety of watersports. 

Walk Details: 

Distance: 14kms. Duration: 4 hours. Max. Ascent: 350m. Road walking, mountain rocky tracks, grass tracks and forest paths. Boots essential.

Day 5: Departure from Glenbeigh by bus or taxi to Killarney.

  Bus leaves at 08:45 and arrives at 09:50 (Does not operate on Sundays or Public Holidays).  From Killarney, connections by bus and train are frequent to Cork, Limerick, Shannon or Dublin.