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Highlights
Discover the unforgettable Kerry Way with every step on this hike
Dine on the famous food and drink of Kenmare’s best pubs for a true Irish experience.
Visit the hometown of Daniel O’Connell, also known as “The Liberator”
Spot the forbidding Skellig Islands across the water from the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula.
Follow a stagecoach trail along the shores of the fabulous Dingle Bay.
A hike along the Kerry Way makes for a world-class journey! This 8-day self-guided hiking tour provides a comprehensive adventure around the Ring of Kerry, one that is certain to leave you with lifelong memories of a beautiful adventure.
Begin in vibrant Killarney, gateway to the spellbinding landscapes of County Kerry. This 8-day self-guided hike winds through iconic scenes—from the dramatic Black Valley to the peaceful glens of Glencar, where ancient ruins and lush meadows echo with legends of the past.
Your path sets out from Glenbeigh, a charming coastal village offering sweeping Atlantic views, then on to Cahersiveen, rich in history and local lore. From the rugged shores of Waterville to the cultural depths of Caherdaniel, each stop unveils a new facet of Ireland’s untamed beauty. Continue through colourful Sneem and into historic Kenmare, where tradition meets modern comforts. Delight in local cuisine, explore artisan shops, and soak in the warm community spirit before the trail loops back to Killarney—completing a journey steeped in natural wonder and timeless Irish charm. Ideal for seasoned hikers and curious explorers alike, the tour includes detailed route maps, curated local insights, and pre-booked accommodations. Travel at a personal pace, uncover hidden gems, and experience one of Ireland’s most beloved long-distance trails.
A hike along the Kerry Way makes for a world-class journey! This 8-day self-guided hiking tour provides a comprehensive adventure around the Ring of Kerry, one that is certain to leave you with lifelong memories of a beautiful adventure.
Begin in vibrant Killarney, gateway to the spellbinding landscapes of County Kerry. This 8-day self-guided hike winds through iconic scenes—from the dramatic Black Valley to the peaceful glens of Glencar, where ancient ruins and lush meadows echo with legends of the past.
Your path sets out from Glenbeigh, a charming coastal village offering sweeping Atlantic views, then on to Cahersiveen, rich in history and local lore. From the rugged shores of Waterville to the cultural depths of Caherdaniel, each stop unveils a new facet of Ireland’s untamed beauty. Continue through colourful Sneem and into historic Kenmare, where tradition meets modern comforts. Delight in local cuisine, explore artisan shops, and soak in the warm community spirit before the trail loops back to Killarney—completing a journey steeped in natural wonder and timeless Irish charm. Ideal for seasoned hikers and curious explorers alike, the tour includes detailed route maps, curated local insights, and pre-booked accommodations. Travel at a personal pace, uncover hidden gems, and experience one of Ireland’s most beloved long-distance trails.
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8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive to Killarney
Arrive at your first accommodation in Killarney town where your holiday begins.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse or B&B in Killarney
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen
Your walk begins this morning with a short transfer to Glenbeigh. From Glenbeigh, follow an old Stage Coach route that winds through rich bogland and offers sweeping views of Dingle Bay and the striking coastline. The scenery gradually shifts inland, leading to a peaceful woodland path that guides the way into Cahersiveen.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse or B&B in Cahersiveen
Distance: 24 km, 555 m of ascent, 643 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Cahersiveen to Waterville
Heading south from Cahersiveen, the trail climbs over rolling hills before descending into a quiet valley. Another ascent leads westward, revealing breathtaking views of the Skellig Islands and the Wild Atlantic Way, before arriving in the coastal village of Waterville.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse or B&B in Waterville
Distance: 18 km, 653 m of ascent, 789 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Waterville to Caherdaniel
Today’s spectacular hike reaches the westernmost point of the Ring of Kerry, tracing a scenic coastal path along rugged headlands and sea inlets en route to the charming village of Caherdaniel.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Caherdaniel
Distance: 14.5 km, 336 m of ascent, 304 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Caherdaniel to Sneem
Heading southeast, the sea stays in sight while the route weaves through quiet boreens, farm tracks, and hillside paths. Panoramic views across Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula guide the way to the colourful village of Sneem.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Sneem
Distance: 17.5 km, 533 m of ascent, 547 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Sneem to Kenmare
Beginning just east of Sneem, the trail leads inland to the scenic Blackwater Bridge. From there, follow the shoreline of Kenmare Bay before a final hilltop ascent rewards with sweeping views of the heritage town of Kenmare.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse or B&B in Kenmare
Distance: 27.5 km, 733 m of ascent, 734 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Kenmare to Killarney
Climbing to the “Windy Gap,” the trail follows the historic Old Kenmare Road into the heart of Killarney National Park. Wander through ancient oak forests, pass the cascading Torc Waterfall, explore the grounds of Muckross House and Gardens, and conclude in the lively town of Killarney.
Overnight Location: Guesthouse or B&B in Killarney
Distance: 27.5 km, 733 m of ascent, 734 m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Killarney Departure
Depart after breakfast by public bus or train from Killarney, or catch a flight from nearby Kerry International Airport.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
8-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. Prices below are per person:- Self-guided groups of 2+ in shared double rooms: EUR960
Accommodation on the 8-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 can request a for single room with an extra charge.
What’s Included in the 8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included.
Transportation during the Tour
Transport to the start of the hike on Days 3 and 6 is included. Luggage transfers each day are also 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
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas if required
- Entrance fees to any sites or parks
Optional Extras
- Additional accommodation nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Welcome briefing and follow-up phone call upgrades
- Extra services:
- Welcome briefing
- Welcome briefing and follow up calls during the tour
- How hard is the 8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour?
- Do I need a visa to travel to Ireland?
- I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
- Are meals included on the 8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour?
- Do I need insurance?
- How do I get to Killarney to start this tour?
- Is the 8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour guided?
- Where does the 8-Day Kerry Way Hiking Tour end?
- Do I need special vaccines to travel to Ireland?
- Are there any travel restrictions for Ireland?
We rate this tour as a 3/5. A moderate level of fitness is required for the distance and elevation changes on this route, and previous hiking experience is recommended. However, no technical expertise or gear is necessary. The route involves various surfaces: grass mountain tracks, country lanes, road walking, and bogland, with some wet sections underfoot. Good boots are essential.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover hiking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Kerry Airport (KIR). Being a regional airport, you may need to connect via one of Ireland’s three international airports. From Kerry Airport, the town of Killarney is 20 minutes away by car and about 30-40 minutes by public transport. You can also travel from Cork International Airport (ORK), roughly 2 hours from Killarney by bus. Your holiday specialist can assist you with arrival and departure plans if needed.
No. You will be provided with all required information to complete your self-guided tour.
The tour ends in Killarney (where it begins).
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
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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.
