Itinerary Expand allKillarney to Killarney Day 1 Arrive in KillarneyCheck into your B&B and then explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner or enjoying some live music. (Staying at Killarney Lodge) Day 2 Killarney to KenmareYou'll get dropped off at Muckross House to start your walk. From here you'll follow a road around the lake leading to Ireland's second highest waterfall, Torc Waterfall, before climbing on the old Kenmare road, cutting through the mountains. Keep your eye out for red deer. Crossing Windy Gap, you'll enjoy wonderful views of Kenmare Bay, before a down and up into the lively village of Kenmare, St Finian's Holy Well, located in the old part, is said to contain healing properties. (Staying at Rockcrest House B&B) Meals included: Breakfast Day 3 Kenmare to SneemAfter a transfer to the tiny hamlet of Templenoe, you'll follow a series of forest tracks passing C19 Dromore Castle to arrive on a beautiful trail along the shores of Kenmare Bay. After crossing Blackwater Bridge you'll climb to a low plateau with superb views, where you'll see fields of sheep and small lakes, and the pretty church of Tahilla. Walking along a farm trail to the outskirts of Sneem, you'll meet the Ring of Kerry road, cross it and follow an old boreen up and down into the village. If you prefer to do the longer day there is no transfer and you walk from the Lodge, picking up the Kerry Way in Sneem. (Staying at the Coomassig View B&B) Meals included: Breakfast Day 4 Sneem to Caherdaniel (Waterville)A shorter day today, offering an insight into the farming lifestyle as you pass through a series of farms, fields full of sheep and friendly farmers who are only too happy to stop and chat. Following an old 'butter road', you'll admire the ruins of Kilcrohane Church and watch the landscape become more rugged as you climb to enjoy stunning views down to the Wild Atlantic coast. you'll then descend into the little village of Caherdaniel, once home to the famous Irish liberator, Daniel O'Connell. Perhaps grab a drink in Freddie's Bar whilst waiting for your transfer to Waterville (20mins), where you stay for the next two nights.(Staying at The Villa, Waterville) Meals included: Breakfast Day 5 Caherdaniel to WatervilleAfter a transfer back to Caherdaniel, a short but scenic walk takes you on country roads to a track that provides amazing views of the beach and leads through one of Ireland's oldest natural woodland with oak, ash, holly and birch trees. Once out of the woods you'll climb to be rewarded with wonderful views over Ballinskelligs Bay, passing ancient burial grounds. Before following the old 'butter road' back to Waterville, you'll pass the statue of Charlie Chaplin, who liked to fish here. (Staying at The Villa, Waterville) Meals included: Breakfast Day 6 Waterville to CahersiveenWe'll take you to Mastergeehy to start your walk - or you can walk the whole way if you would like on a sunny day when the views are tremendous. From here you'll follow country lanes and climb up to a lovely plateau giving 360 degree views over the coast and inland. Another drop and climb leads you to the town of Cahersiveen where you can enjoy a drink before heading to your B&B. If you prefer you can walk from the hotel, it is a lovely walk with views of Lough Currane, to arrive at Mastergeehy. (Staying at Ring of Kerry Hotel) Meals included: Breakfast Day 7 Cahersiveen to GlenbeighAfter a transfer to Deelis Bridge, you'll pick up an old C17 'stage coach' mountain trail, passing the ruins of old Kells village and a panoramic view of the old railway viaduct, soon to be a cycle greenway. After walking across Windy Gap you'll be met with gorgeous views of the Dingle Peninsula with Rossbeigh Strand and Inch Beach, famous for the film, Ryan's Daughter. You'll finish with a forest trail through the fairy woods to Glenbeigh for your last night, staying at the historic Towers Hotel, where the cast of Ryan's Daughter stayed. (Staying at The Towers Hotel) Meals included: Breakfast Day 8 Leave GlenbeighWe take you to Killarney Station for your onward journey, or perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip. Meals included: Breakfast
IrelandUK passport holders do not need visas for this trip. Other nationalities should check with the relevant embassies.For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers
Hotels You'll stay in a mix of friendly bed and breakfasts. You will be sure of a warm Irish welcome everywhere.
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Reviewed September 2018 Catriona GriffinWalking in Kerry The Ring of Kerry is one of the most beautiful parts of Ireland and doing a walking trip is one of the best ways to see it. This trip gets you well away from the tour coaches that take over the roads of this area and you will see a different side of the country you might not experience even if driving it yourself. The 6 days of walking takes in most of the Kerry Way and the tracks take you through national parks, farmland and along coastal paths. Staying at B&Bs in little towns, this trip gives you a taste of true Irish hospitality.What was the most inspirational moment of your trip? Not so much one particular moment but for me the history of the area was the highlight. South West Ireland was hit hard during the famine in the 1800s and there is still evidence of that in the area with memorials, museums and graveyards. The Irish fight for independence is also a big part of the history of this region with key figures such as Daniel O’Connell coming from near Cahersiveen. You can also see ancient stone ring forts and rock tombs on the trail. The side trip to see Staigue Ring Fort on Day 4 is well worth it. One notable moment was making it to the hotel at Glenbeigh in time for the All Ireland hurling final! We joined the locals at the bar and cheered on Limerick to a well deserved win!What did you think of your group leader? This is a self-guided trip so there was no leader but you will have the support of the local operator whenever you need it. Our contact, Maurice, met us at the first B&B and ran through what would happen over the week. He was really helpful and kept in touch every day to see how we were getting on. True to form in Ireland, all the people we met from B&B hosts and restaurant staff to taxi drivers were so friendly and helpful. In particular the driver who took us back to Killarney at the end of the trip was brilliant and went out of his way to help, suggesting a local castle to visit and taking us to the airport.Do you have any advice for potential travellers? Although the walking isn’t difficult, there are some long days over the course of the week. A good level of fitness is essential. It is relatively flat with a few undulating hills and some steady ascents and descents. There plenty of stiles along the way so expect to climb a few of those! Most of the walks are over farmlands and walking tracks and are quite remote. There are no facilities along the way so you will need to take a picnic lunch with you. I went mid August and saw only a few other people along the track, generally going in the opposite direction to the way we were walking. The tracks are all well marked and the directions were clear and easy to follow. Be prepared for all sorts of weather. Being Ireland it will rain at some point so take a good waterproof jacket. Layers are important as when the sun did come out briefly it was warm but it could also get chilly when it was raining or windy. I made use of my woolly hat even in August. It did rain most days so quick dry clothes are a good idea. Walking boots are recommended but not essential as a good pair of trail shoes with a sturdy sole would be fine. The tracks are at times rocky and/or very muddy so waterproof footwear is strongly advised. Don’t rush it – there is plenty of time to stop and take in the views (if it’s not cloudy!). Each day is planned to start about 9.30am and if you go in the summer months it is light til quite late in the evening so you have the whole day to get from point to point. Take time to stop and speak to the locals when you can. Most of the towns we stayed in had live music in the pubs in the evenings which are worth taking in. Expect to eat a lot! Most mornings a full Irish breakfast was on offer and the size of meals when eating out were very generous. There are plenty of options to choose from for dinner in the towns we stayed at and the B&B hosts were always happy to make a recommendation. The restaurant at the Towers Hotel in Glenbeigh was especially good. Fresh seafood is also on the menu everywhere. Stop and have a Guinness at the Blind Piper pub in Caherdaniel. Nothing better than a cold Guinness after a long walk.Is there anything else you would like to add? Do not hesitate to do this trip! If you like walking and dont mind a bit of rain, Ireland is the perfect destination.