Ring of Kerry Hike - 8 Day Self-Guided Tour

Ring of Kerry Hike - 8 Day Self-Guided Tour

This hiking itinerary enables you to explore the south west corner of Ireland. Considered one of the finest drives in the world, it is magical on foot, from rugged cliffs to golden beaches, small villages, green pastures, peat bogs and always picturesque mountain ranges.  You will see the “real” Ireland, away from crowds and only the sounds of nature to accompany you. This area was first settled around 300 BC by the people of Ciar – an early Celtic Tribe, and your holiday will immerse you in almost 10,000 years of dramatic history.

Starting in Killarney near the magnificent Three Lakes you walk south to the heritage town of Kenmare, then through the old villages of Sneem and Caherdaniel before swinging westward with views of the monastic Skellig Islands Your route continues to Waterville – a favoured fishing location for Charlie Chaplin – through Caherciveen before finishing in Glenbeigh.  

Day 1: Arrive in Killarney – On arrival at 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.

Day 2: Killarney to Kenmare - You will be transferred/driven to the start of your walk – about 5kms outside Killarney. From here you walk across Killarney National Park and through Esknamucky Glen to the heritage town of Kenmare. Overnight in Kenmare. 

Walk Details: 

Distance: 22kms. Duration: 6 hours. 

Day 3: Kenmare to Sneem - From Kenmare you will walk to the award winning village of Sneem via Templenoe. This walk takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. Overnight in Sneem.

Walk Details:

Distance: 23kms. Duration: 6.5 hours. 

Day 4: Sneem to Caherdaniel - Continue walking from the village of Sneem, following an old ‘butter road’ to the little village of Caherdaniel – once home of our famous liberator – Daniel O’Connell. The views across the Beara Peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean are fantastic. Overnight in Caherdaniel. 

Walk Details: 

Distance: 19kms. Duration: 5.5 hours. 

Day 5: Caherdaniel to Waterville - Continuing from the village of Caherdaniel, you walk around and above the coast to reach the village of Waterville. Glorious coastal views out towards the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay. Overnight in Waterville.

Walk Details:

 Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. 

Day 6: Waterville to Caherciveen - From Waterville, you will once again be driven a short distance to the starting point of today’s walk at Mastergeehy. From here you will be walking to the town of Caherciveen. This walk takes you across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and south to Kenmare Bay. Overnight in Caherciveen. 

Walk Details: 

Distance: 24kms. Duration: 6.5 hours. 

Day 7: Caherciveen to Glenbeigh - Your final walk takes you from the town of Caherciveen along the northern shores of the peninsula to the little town of Glenbeigh. Your holiday finishes in the village of Glenbeigh. Overnight in Glenbeigh. 

Walk Details: 

Distance: 24kms. Duration: 6.5 hours. 

Day 8: Departure - 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.