Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney N.P. - Short Break

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5 Days from

CAD 1,975

incl. Taxes

Walking & Trekking

Ways to Travel :

Self-Guided Holidays, Short Breaks

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Activity Levels :

2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate

Ages :

18+

Trip Code :

W04KE

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.

Nestled in the south-west corner of Ireland, on this 4-night trip you'll spot contrastingly beautiful landscapes at every turn. From rugged cliffs to some of Europe's finest golden beaches, small friendly villages and velvety green fields to picturesque mountain ranges.

Starting in the famous town of Killarney, boasting the magnificent 'Three Lakes of Killarney', your walking begins at Caherdaniel along country roads with stunning beach views then to Waterville - a fishing spot loved by Charlie Chaplin - up to a plateau with 360 degree views.

Following the spectacular coastal route, the Wild Atlantic Way, you'll pass ancient burial grounds, walk through one of Ireland's oldest natural woodland and be met with fantastic views of the coast and inland. Meandering the landscape, which was carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago, marvel at Iron Age forts and ruined abbeys amongst the many sheep that dot the fields, crisp blue loughs and pretty waterfalls. As you head northwards, the coastal views get better and better.

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 lakes and rugged mountains
A million shades of green as the road follows the contours of the land
10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history
Based on our popular 7 night, Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney N.P.

Key Information

4 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH, HHHH and 4-star hotels
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Route directions and maps

Countries visited: Ireland

What's Included

All breakfasts
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
Route directions and maps
Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
Luggage transfers between hotels
Walking transfers to the start of the walks on days 2/3 to ensure you see the best of the area

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single supplements (available on request - compulsory supplement)
Solo traveller supplement (where only one person is travelling on a departure date)
Arrival and departure transfers (available for a supplement if booking tour only)
Visas and vaccinations

3 Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

The walking is on well marked trails, the terrain at times can be a little muddy underfoot and some rocky sections. There are some coastal paths which are wide but do have drops. Walking boots are essential and poles are highly recommended.

Day 2

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 3

27 km / 16.8 miles

Day 4

25 km / 15.5 miles

Responsible Travel

At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.

Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

This popular town is renowned for its three magnificent lakes in the heart of Kerry. 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.
You stay at the Abbey Lodge (breakfast included)

Transfer to the start of your walk in 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.
You stay at Coomasig View (breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.
You stay at Rockcrest House (breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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.
You stay at Abbey Lodge (breakfast included)

Meals Included: Breakfast

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Visa

Ireland

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter the Republic of Ireland. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

Vaccination

Ireland

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Eating and Drinking

Irish food is not exactly famous, but what you will find is extremely good ingredients used to create basic and classic dishes, both Kerry beef and Kerry lamb, are certainly well known all over Ireland and further afield. You will see rack of lamb, lamb stew and shepherd’s pie, in most places. The county’s other basket is the Atlantic Ocean, and its rivers and loughs. Sea bream and Sea Bass are popular.Trout and Salmon can be served in many different ways, and there is an abundance of shell fish, local chowders are excellent and look out for crab gratin.

Wine is readily available but of course one of the symbols of Ireland is Guinness, and we can say from experience that it tastes better in Ireland, but if have a thirst after a long walk, beware the Guinness is not poured quickly, many might say there is a certain amount of time you need to leave after filling the glass halfway up the harp. However it should be left until you see a vivid distinction between the dark body and the creamy white head. Only then can the rest of the glass be filled. Learning from the
locals, you should order your second pint before you have finished your first!
Craft beer is making a name for itself in Ireland and there are some excellent local ones. Then there is the Irish whiskey, the famous one being Bushmills and Jameson’s, and there are many local whiskies for you to try, the Dingle distillery produces a good whiskey and an excellent gin.

Weather

The climate on the South West Coast of Ireland is mild due to its location and the influence of the Gulf Stream. The weather, however, is temperamental and proves quite hard to predict, therefore it is important to be prepared for all weather. The warmer months tend to be the summer months, July and August, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rarely fall below 0 during the year. The wettest months tend to be from October through to March. April is often the driest month. Rain can be expected at any time of the year.

Weather Charts

Is this trip for you?

Classification: Self-Guided
Activity Level: 2 (Leisurely/Moderate)
Average daily distance on move on days: 21.3km.
No. of days walking: 3
Terrain and route: The walking is on well marked trails, the terrain at times can be a little muddy underfoot and some rocky sections. There are some coastal paths which are wide but do have drops. Walking boots are essential and poles are highly recommended.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.