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Ireland

Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney N.P.

Trip code: W07KE

Average customer rating 4.7 / 5(14 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Walking
7 nights hotel-to-hotel
Moderate
CO₂ rating 1/5
Agent supplied app

Trip highlights

Peaceful, beautiful walks in the south-west corner of Ireland

Killarney National Park: Ireland’s oldest protected wilderness with Ireland’s only herd of wild red deer

Panoramic views of glistening glacial lakes and rugged mountains

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Trip details

The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle’s longest trail – at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes – a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history.

What's included

Included

  • 7 nights in 3-star equivalent, 4-star equivalent and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Navigation app
  • Luggage transfers between hotels
  • Walking transfers to the start of the walks on days 2/3/6 to ensure you see the best of the area

Not included

  • Flights
  • Drinks and personal expenses
  • Lunches and picnics
  • Travel insurance

Travel options

Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Tralee

Arrive in Tralee

Check into your B&B and then explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner and perhaps enjoying some live music.

Please note: for 2026, this trip will start in Killarney

You stay at Meadowland Hotel

Meadowlands Bar and fire
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Meadowland Hotel

Tralee

  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

The Meadowlands Hotel, a family-run, four-star gem on the Wild Atlantic Way, is just 1km from Tralee Town Centre. Surrounded by manicured gardens, it offers luxurious rooms, fantastic dining with locally sourced ingredients, and warm hospitality.

This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.

Day 2 · 24km/14.9miGlenbeigh to Cahersiveen

Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen

After a transfer to just outside Glenbeigh, today’s walk takes you along the northern shores of the peninsula, to the town of Cahersiveen. Following an old 17th century ‘stage coach’ route, passing through deserted villages, once busy centres of activity, trading with passengers on the old stage coaches. You’ll be met by spectacular views across to the Dingle Peninsula, with Rossbeigh Strand and Inch Beach, famous for the film, Ryan’s Daughter.

Elevation

Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen elevation profile

You stay at San Antoine B&B

San Antoine B&B
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San Antoine B&B

Cahersiveen

  • Hairdryers
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The family run San Antoine B&B has been run by the same family for the last 2 generations and offers 6 cosy rooms.just a short walk from the main town centre.

This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.

Day 3 · 18km/11.2miCahersiveen to Waterville

Cahersiveen to Waterville

From Cahersiveen, you will once again be driven a short distance to the starting point of today’s walk at Coars Cross. From here you will be walking to the town of Waterville. This walk takes you across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and south to Kenmare Bay.

Elevation

Cahersiveen to Waterville elevation profile

You stay at Seaclusion B&B

Seaclusion - View
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Seaclusion B&B

Waterville

  • Hairdryers
  • Shops
  • Television
  • Wifi access

Situated on the waterfront in Waterville a warm Irish welcome awaits you from your hosts the O’Sullivan family where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean. Just a short stroll from the main centre there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a nice evening meal.

Day 4 · 15km/9.3miWaterville to Caherdaniel

Waterville to Caherdaniel

Continuing from the town of Waterville, you walk around and above the coast to reach the village of Caherdaniel. Glorious coastal views out towards the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay await along the route.

Elevation

Waterville to Caherdaniel elevation profile

You stay at Derrynane Bay House

Derrynane Bay House
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Derrynane Bay House

Caherdaniel

  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

This small family run B&B overlooks Derrynane Beach offering stunning views of countryside, mountains, sea and beautiful Islands.

Rooms are cosy and spacious and feature tea/coffee facilities, Wi-Fi, TV and private bathroom with hairdryer.

A range of double, twin, triple and family rooms are available.

Start your day in the dining room and enjoy the stunning views over a hearty breakfast.

Day 5 · 12km/7.5miCaherdaniel to Sneem

Caherdaniel to Sneem

Continue walking from the village of Caherdaniel, following an old ‘butter road’ to the village of Sneem. The views across the Beara Peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean are fantastic.

Elevation

Caherdaniel to Sneem elevation profile

You stay at Coomassig View B&B

Coomasig view
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Coomassig View B&B

Sneem

  • Hairdryers
  • Other email access
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Coomassig View B&B is lovely and welcoming, and just a five-minute walk out of pretty Sneem. You will be given a warm welcome by Maureen and her family. On arrival tea and coffee is served. The rooms are large and have all the amenities you require.

There is small sitting room and WiFi is free throughout the B&B. Breakfast is a full Irish breakfast and your host can provide a packed lunch for your next walks.

Sneem has a good choice of pubs and restaurants where you can eat. If you are spending extra time here you, there are circular walks and a riverside walk where you can find one of Ireland’s two coral beaches.

Coomassig View is officially classed as a 4 star Bed and Breakfast.

This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.

Day 6 · 27km/16.8miSneem to Kenmare

Sneem to Kenmare

This morning you will be transferred to Tahilla Church, just outside the town of Sneem to walk to the renowned town of Kenmare. This walk takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains.

Elevation

Sneem to Kenmare elevation profile

You stay at Rockcrest House

Rockcrest Guest House, Kenmare, Kerry
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Rockcrest House

Kenmare

  • Hairdryers
  • Television
  • Wifi access

Set in beautifully landscaped gardens, the Rockcrest Bed & Breakfast offers clean, modern, spacious rooms and a very warm welcome from hosts Marian and David O’Dwyer. Excellent full Irish breakfasts are cooked to order using local produce. Situated within a 5 minute walk to Kenmare and a choice of pubs and restaurants for evening meals.

This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.

Day 7 · 25km/15.5miKenmare to Killarney

Kenmare to Killarney

You will start your walk from your accommodation, through Esknamucky Glen and Killarney National Park to arrive at the magnificent Muckross House & Gardens – about 5kms outside Killarney. After spending some time exploring the House and Gardens at Muckross you will make your way to Killarney for your overnight This is a glorious walk, giving you an opportunity to see or hear some of Ireland’s native red deer as you walk through the National Park.

Elevation

Kenmare to Killarney elevation profile

You stay at Abbey Lodge

Abbey lodge
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Abbey Lodge

Killarney

  • Mastercard
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Abbey Lodge, a charming family-run guesthouse on Muckross Road (N71), is just a 3-minute walk from Killarney town centre’s shops, restaurants, bars, and transport links.

Guests enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and spacious en-suite rooms equipped with power showers, TVs, safes, work desks, and ironing facilities.

Ideally located for exploring Killarney and County Kerry, Abbey Lodge is near Killarney National Park’s attractions, including Muckross House, Ross Castle, Muckross Abbey, and Torc Waterfall. The INEC and Killarney Racecourse are within a 10-minute stroll.

This is our standard hotel, in case of no availability, an option of similar level will be offered.

Day 8 · —Leave Killarney

Leave Killarney

Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip.

(*It is easy to add extra nights in all of the towns – perhaps you’d like to visit Valencia Island or take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands. Just ask your sales adviser to arrange.)

What our travellers say

This was our eighth hike or bike with Headwater. We have enjoyed them all, but it was my first time to Ireland and I am absolutely in love! The hikes were incredible with outrageously beautiful views. The walks aren’t particularly hard, but they are long and without stayput days to rest, it is tiring. If I were to do it again, I would opt for in a few extra stayput days here and there just so I could sleep in and spend more time exploring the villages. The local people were friendly and helpful – go sit at the bar in any pub and you will make instant friends. The little villages were fun to explore. The food was great and I really did not expect that! One thing to note… make sure your rain gear is working – get in the shower with it before you pack and make sure it is still waterproof! It rains a lot in Ireland and you are bound to get a shower now and then – even a cloud burst that lasts just a few minutes. We had two and they were actually a lot of fun! But the weather is wonderfully cool even when sunny and even the rain is just part of the experience. I would go again today if work didn’t get in the way! It was wonderful. I think it is my favorite trip so far!

Mrs Love-Fordham

The Route management was fabulous.

Mrs Morris

Quite long days of walking but the landscape and scenery was absolutely stunning. Keep your eyes peeled for the wildlife such as deer, hares and we were also lucky to spot some wild mink. Would perhaps add some extra days in around Killarney and Kenmore to explore the areas – just not enough time. Would recommend pre booking restaurants although there are plenty of choices in most places they were also quite busy. Definitely book in Cahersiveen as only two main restaurants and they are very popular. Would definitely recommend this holiday but walkers need to be prepared for the long but great walking days but with a challenging walk between Waterville to Cahersiveen.

Mr Kelly

Good support well organised friendly staff

Mr Reynolds

Great organisation from beginning to end… and a lot of caring, checking on hikers daily etc

Mrs Teisseire-Klause

Everything went very well & was well orgainised. Ireland Walk, Bike Hike were very supportive

Mr Davies

Regular, but not overbearing, communications, good detail on the trip notes, told us about an available discount when we booked (didn’t need to ask)

A Valued Customer

Well organised and great places to see.

A Valued Customer

most things went plan and we felt supported

A Valued Customer

Loved our Ring of Kerry walk!

A Valued Customer
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

10.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

From£1,219per person