SIX DAYS ALONG THE KERRY WAY: KILLARNEY TO GLENBEIGH           

Independent Hiking along the Kerry Way  

              What's Included

·              Stunning scenery and charming villages

·              Hiking through the highest mountains in Ireland

·              Transport to/from Kerry Airport or Killarney Train Station

·              Independent Walking

·              Carefully planned village to village itinerary

·              Great choice of pubs and restaurants in Killarney and Glenbeigh

·              Full route descriptions, diagrams, guidebooks and maps provided.

·              Luggage transported between guesthouses

·              Back up and vehicle support, as well as advice and recommendations

·              Mobile phones provided with all contact numbers pre programmed.

·              Five nights’ accommodation in charming family run guesthouses

·              Full Irish breakfast each morning

·              Packed lunch every day and dinner provided on two of the evenings

The Kerry Way is deservedly Ireland's most famous long distance walk as well as its longest. This 215km walking route loosely follows the route of the Ring of Kerry. Starting and finishing in the magnificent Killarney national park this walk has everything. From stunning lakes with dramatic mountain backdrops to hidden valleys and forest clad rivers, this walk has it all.

Kerry is known for having the highest mountain range in Ireland, the MacGillycuddy Reeks and the Kerry Way passes close to Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland. The full Kerry Way can take over eleven days to walk and for those who cannot devote so much time we have put together a five day walk along what we consider to be the finest section of the route.

Our six day Kerry Way walk runs from Killarney up to the Black Valley before descending towards Glencar along Caragh Lake and arriving at the charming little village of Glenbeigh beside the Atlantic Ocean.  The walk can be described as moderately challenging and the days are between 10km to 20kms. The first two nights are spent in Killarney exploring the stunning national park, muckross house and ross castle. It is a beautiful walking holiday and one that you will remember for all long time.

Our Self Guided Walking Holidays

Wonderful Ireland looks after all the aspects of your walking holiday so that you can relax and take in the beauty of the countryside around you. We will meet you at Kerry airport or Killarney Train Station and bring you to your first night's guesthouse. Through years of experience we have selected the best places to stay along the Kerry Way. Each day we also transport you luggage between the guesthouses. A full Irish breakfast is provided each morning in addition to a packed lunch. On you final day we will meet you at your guesthouse and bring you back to Kerry airport or Killarney Train Station. We also supply you with the best walking notes, maps and guidebooks to make sure you get the most from your visit. Dinner is included on two of the nights as there is no restaurant or pub serving food nearby. Also supplied is a mobile phone that has the best coverage in the Kerry Mountains and we are only a phone call away should you require backup or support during your trek.

Itinerary

Day One: Killarney (10km National Park and Ross Castle Walk, 50m Ascent)

We’ll meet you at Kerry Airport or Killarney train station and take you to your first guesthouse in Killarney. At your leisure you can enjoy a 10km walk through Killarney National Park to Ross Castle. The walk is a gentle introduction to the beauty of this part of Kerry and Ross Castle is well worth a visit. Your guesthouse is in the centre of Killarney and you can enjoy a wide choice of pubs and restaurants this evening.

Day Two: Killarney (15km Upper Lake Walk and Muckross House, 50m Ascent)

Today you start on the Kerry Way but only on the first 5km which takes you Muckross House and the magnificent upper lake. Today you have the pleasure of exploring the national park and we have a delightful 10km circuit of the upper lake for you to enjoy as well. In addition you can visit historic Muckross House and the National Park visitors centre. When you are ready to return to your guesthouse we will meet you and bring you back. This evening is spent in Killarney.

Day Three: Killarney to the Black Valley (14km, 480m ascent)

This morning we will meet you and bring you to Muckross House where you can join up with the Kerry Way. Today’s walk takes you from Muckross House to Torc Waterfall before ascending to the old Kenmare road. There is a wonderful sense of peaceful isolation as you make your way west towards Galway's Bridge and along the shores of the most southerly parts of the Killarney Lakes. After passing you begin to ascend towards the Black Valley and your guesthouse for the night. There are no restaurants or pubs in the Black Valley so dinner is in your guesthouse tonight.

Day Four: Black Valley to Bridia Valley (14km, 280m ascent)

Today's walk is shorter than yesterday but offers an unbeatable route through the heart of the Black Valley. After passing the local church and small shop the off road road passes by some stunning lakes, rivers and waterfalls before reaching the end of the valley. Here the trail climbs over the pass and on a clear day the views over the Bridia Valley could bring a tear to your eye. Descending slowly you reach the Valley floor and shortly afterwards you come to your guesthouse for the night. There are no pubs or restaurants locally so dinner tonight is with your delightful hosts.

Day Five: Bridia Valley to Glenbeigh (25km, 770m ascent or 14km, 400m ascent alternative)

Today you have an option. The first 6km of today's walk is challenging and steep as you first ascend then descend along the shores of Lough Acoose. This is then then followed by a 5km section along the road to Glencar. If you wish you can avoid this first 11km and we can bring you directly to Glencar where you can pick up the Kerry Way to Glenbeigh. You can see how you feel and decide depending on the weather and let us know the night before. The full walk today is 25km and the 14km if you decide to get taken to Glencar. Either way today's walk is very beautiful and even on the shorter walk you can marvel as the tremendous views of Caragh Lake and from the Windy Gap over Glenbeigh towards Dingle. Tonight you have a choice of pubs and restaurants in the village of Glenbeigh.

Day Six: Rossbeigh Beach Walk (12km, 25m ascent)

After breakfast, you can enjoy this 12km walk from Glenbeigh to Rossbeigh followed by a beautiful circuit of the Rossbeigh beach. The walk is 12km long and should take you about 3 hours. After the walk we can meet you at your guesthouse and bring you back to Killarney Train Station or Kerry Airport.

What Included: We'll meet you at Kerry Airport or Killarney Train Station followed by private transfer to your first nights accommodation. All accommodation with private bathroom en route. All luggage transfers between guesthouses. Full Irish breakfast each morning and packed lunches for each day's walk. Dinner on two of the evenings. Return to Killarney train station or Kerry airport at end of holiday. All guidebooks, walking notes and maps. Use of mobile phone and equipment. Our full backup and support at all times. We will do everything to make this a fantastic holiday for you.

Booking and Rates

The price for the trip is 635 Euros per person based on two people sharing. There is a single supplement of 33% (209€) for those requiring a single room throughout the trip. Bookings can be made for any dates (subject to availability) and individuals, couples or groups can be accommodated. Transport on arrival from Killarney Train Station or Kerry Airport is included. Please contact Wonderful Ireland for details. 

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