
Ireland
Ireland - Hiking tour Ring of Kerry
Ireland - Hiking tour Ring of Kerry
Duration
8 days
Start/End
Killarney
Tour type
Individual
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
B&B, Guesthouse
Overview
On the Kerry Way, one of Ireland’s oldest and most beautiful trails, you hike from Glenbeigh via Caherciveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel and Sneem to Kenmare and Killarney. Stages of 14.5 to 25 km over hills and coastal paths, self-guided with route notes.
Experience the captivating southwest corner of Ireland on this hiking tour along the legendary Ring of Kerry. This panoramic route, considered one of the most beautiful roads in the world, truly reveals its magic on foot. The Kerry Way, one of Ireland's oldest, longest, and most impressive hiking trails, stretches for 214 kilometers and offers scenery that rivals any hike worldwide. Step by step, you'll immerse yourself in an enchanting region that encircles the Iveragh Peninsula – better known as the Ring of Kerry. The route leads past dramatic cliffs, wide golden sandy beaches, idyllic little villages, lush green pastures, mysterious peat bogs, and majestic mountain ranges. You'll experience the natural treasures of this region intensely and authentically – far from the crowds, accompanied only by birdsong, the wind rustling through the grasses, and the distant murmur of the Atlantic. Here, where history and nature meet, it all began around 300 BC when the Celtic tribe of the Ciar first settled the area. Today, you can experience almost 10,000 years of Irish history on your hikes. This journey will not only challenge you physically but also touch you emotionally. And when you look back at the end of your tour, you'll wonder why you didn't discover this idyllic corner of the world much sooner.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Killarney
Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Welcome to Killarney – the adventure capital of Ireland! Nestled between majestic mountains and three sparkling lakes, this vibrant town lies in the heart of County Kerry and is the perfect base for your hiking adventure. Upon arrival, you'll receive a warm welcome at your first guesthouse. Your host will be on hand with valuable information and personal recommendations – whether for cozy restaurants, traditional pubs with live music, or special experiences in the area. Killarney itself has much to offer: In addition to its lively atmosphere and wide range of leisure activities, a visit to the impressive St. Mary's Cathedral, the old Ross Castle fortress and the elegant Muckross House is worthwhile – all nestled in a landscape that is among the most beautiful in Ireland. Getting to Killarney is easy: There are bus and/or train connections from the airports in Dublin, Cork or Shannon all year round that will take you directly to the heart of this charming town.
Killarney
Day 1
Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Welcome to Killarney – the adventure capital of Ireland! Nestled between majestic mountains and three sparkling lakes, this vibrant town lies in the heart of County Kerry and is the perfect base for your hiking adventure. Upon arrival, you'll receive a warm welcome at your first guesthouse. Your host will be on hand with valuable information and personal recommendations – whether for cozy restaurants, traditional pubs with live music, or special experiences in the area. Killarney itself has much to offer: In addition to its lively atmosphere and wide range of leisure activities, a visit to the impressive St. Mary's Cathedral, the old Ross Castle fortress and the elegant Muckross House is worthwhile – all nestled in a landscape that is among the most beautiful in Ireland. Getting to Killarney is easy: There are bus and/or train connections from the airports in Dublin, Cork or Shannon all year round that will take you directly to the heart of this charming town.
Day 2
Glenbeigh - Caherciveen
San Antoine B&B (or similar)
Walking time approx. 6-7 hours, hiking distance approx. 24 km, ascent 555 m, descent 643 m
Today's hike takes you from the charming town of Glenbeigh along the north coast of the Iveragh Peninsula to Cahersiveen. You'll be following a historic 19th-century stagecoach route – a path steeped in history and scenic beauty. The path offers breathtaking views of the opposite Dingle Peninsula and passes through quiet, deserted villages that were once bustling hubs of trade when travelers used to come by stagecoach. Every step takes you deeper into the history and wildness of this unique region. At the end of the day, you'll reach Cahersiveen, where you'll stay overnight in a comfortable guesthouse and reflect on the day's adventures.
Glenbeigh - Caherciveen
Day 2
San Antoine B&B (or similar)
Walking time approx. 6-7 hours, hiking distance approx. 24 km, ascent 555 m, descent 643 m
Today's hike takes you from the charming town of Glenbeigh along the north coast of the Iveragh Peninsula to Cahersiveen. You'll be following a historic 19th-century stagecoach route – a path steeped in history and scenic beauty. The path offers breathtaking views of the opposite Dingle Peninsula and passes through quiet, deserted villages that were once bustling hubs of trade when travelers used to come by stagecoach. Every step takes you deeper into the history and wildness of this unique region. At the end of the day, you'll reach Cahersiveen, where you'll stay overnight in a comfortable guesthouse and reflect on the day's adventures.
Day 3
Caherciveen - Waterville
Klondike House (or similar)
Walking time approx. 6-7 hours, hiking distance approx. 18 km, ascent 653 m, descent 789 m
In the morning, you will be driven a short distance from Cahersiveen to the starting point of today's stage at Coars Cross. From there, your hike towards Waterville begins – a route that takes you over the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula. As you move forward step by step, the view opens up in two impressive directions: To the north, your gaze extends far across the Dingle Peninsula, while to the west stretches the endless Atlantic Ocean. The landscape here feels particularly pristine and expansive, and the fresh sea air accompanies you on your journey to Waterville. Once there, you'll settle into your accommodation for the night and can relax and end the day – perhaps with a stroll along the waterfront promenade or dinner overlooking the sea.
Caherciveen - Waterville
Day 3
Klondike House (or similar)
Walking time approx. 6-7 hours, hiking distance approx. 18 km, ascent 653 m, descent 789 m
In the morning, you will be driven a short distance from Cahersiveen to the starting point of today's stage at Coars Cross. From there, your hike towards Waterville begins – a route that takes you over the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula. As you move forward step by step, the view opens up in two impressive directions: To the north, your gaze extends far across the Dingle Peninsula, while to the west stretches the endless Atlantic Ocean. The landscape here feels particularly pristine and expansive, and the fresh sea air accompanies you on your journey to Waterville. Once there, you'll settle into your accommodation for the night and can relax and end the day – perhaps with a stroll along the waterfront promenade or dinner overlooking the sea.
Day 4
Waterville - Caherdaniel
The Olde Forge B&B (or similar)
Walking time approx. 6-7 hours, hiking distance approx. 14.5 km, ascent 336 m, descent 304 m
Today you continue your hike from the coastal town of Waterville, following a scenic path along the Atlantic coast to the small village of Caherdaniel. This stage is characterized by impressive views: As you follow the coastline, the view repeatedly opens up to the legendary Skellig Islands, which rise like rugged rocks from the sea, as well as to the sweeping Ballinskelligs Bay. The combination of sea, mountains, and wide-open landscapes makes this section particularly appealing and unforgettable. Upon arrival in Caherdaniel, a quiet, comfortable accommodation awaits you, where you can relax and unwind at the end of the day.
Waterville - Caherdaniel
Day 4
The Olde Forge B&B (or similar)
Walking time approx. 6-7 hours, hiking distance approx. 14.5 km, ascent 336 m, descent 304 m
Today you continue your hike from the coastal town of Waterville, following a scenic path along the Atlantic coast to the small village of Caherdaniel. This stage is characterized by impressive views: As you follow the coastline, the view repeatedly opens up to the legendary Skellig Islands, which rise like rugged rocks from the sea, as well as to the sweeping Ballinskelligs Bay. The combination of sea, mountains, and wide-open landscapes makes this section particularly appealing and unforgettable. Upon arrival in Caherdaniel, a quiet, comfortable accommodation awaits you, where you can relax and unwind at the end of the day.
Day 5
Caherdaniel - Sneem
Coomassig View B&B (or similar)
Walking time approx. 5-5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 17.4 km, ascent 533 m, descent 574 m
Your hike today starts in the idyllic village of Caherdaniel and takes you along an old "Butter Road" – a historic trade route where farmers used to bring their goods, especially butter, to market. The road to Sneem is lined with spectacular views: you gaze far across the rugged coastal landscape of the Beara Peninsula and out onto the open Atlantic Ocean. Nature reveals itself here in its most impressive form – wild, vast, and pristine. After this varied stage, you'll reach the colorful village of Sneem, which invites you to linger with its charm and relaxed atmosphere. Here you'll spend the night in comfortable surroundings and can peacefully reflect on the day's experiences.
Caherdaniel - Sneem
Day 5
Coomassig View B&B (or similar)
Walking time approx. 5-5.5 hours, hiking distance approx. 17.4 km, ascent 533 m, descent 574 m
Your hike today starts in the idyllic village of Caherdaniel and takes you along an old "Butter Road" – a historic trade route where farmers used to bring their goods, especially butter, to market. The road to Sneem is lined with spectacular views: you gaze far across the rugged coastal landscape of the Beara Peninsula and out onto the open Atlantic Ocean. Nature reveals itself here in its most impressive form – wild, vast, and pristine. After this varied stage, you'll reach the colorful village of Sneem, which invites you to linger with its charm and relaxed atmosphere. Here you'll spend the night in comfortable surroundings and can peacefully reflect on the day's experiences.
Day 6
Sneem - Kenmare
Kenmare House B&B (or similar)
Walking time approx. 6.5-7 hours, hiking distance approx. 27.3 km, ascent 733 m, descent 734 m
In the morning you will be taken to Tahilla Church, located just outside Sneem – the starting point of today's hike. From here you will continue towards Kenmare, a charming and lively town at the eastern end of the Iveragh Peninsula. The trail leads you along the Kenmare Bay coast, offering magnificent views of the rugged beauty of the Beara Peninsula and the impressive Caha Mountains. This stage impressively combines the dramatic coastal scenery with the rolling hills of the hinterland. Upon arriving in Kenmare, you'll find a welcoming town with cozy cafes, traditional pubs, and small shops – perfect for relaxing after your hike. You'll spend the night in one of the town's guesthouses and can look forward to a well-deserved rest.
Sneem - Kenmare
Day 6
Kenmare House B&B (or similar)
Walking time approx. 6.5-7 hours, hiking distance approx. 27.3 km, ascent 733 m, descent 734 m
In the morning you will be taken to Tahilla Church, located just outside Sneem – the starting point of today's hike. From here you will continue towards Kenmare, a charming and lively town at the eastern end of the Iveragh Peninsula. The trail leads you along the Kenmare Bay coast, offering magnificent views of the rugged beauty of the Beara Peninsula and the impressive Caha Mountains. This stage impressively combines the dramatic coastal scenery with the rolling hills of the hinterland. Upon arriving in Kenmare, you'll find a welcoming town with cozy cafes, traditional pubs, and small shops – perfect for relaxing after your hike. You'll spend the night in one of the town's guesthouses and can look forward to a well-deserved rest.
Day 7
Kenmare-Killarney
Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Walking time approx. 7 hours, hiking distance approx. 25 km, ascent 853 m, descent 823 m
Your hike today begins right at your accommodation in Kenmare and takes you through the idyllic Esknamucky Glen, a quiet, tree-lined valley. You'll follow the old Kenmare Road, a historic path that leads you directly into Killarney National Park – one of Ireland's most impressive natural landscapes. The path winds through a wildly romantic landscape of forests, moors and hills, with the constant possibility of catching a glimpse of Ireland's only free-roaming red deer population – or at least hearing their characteristic bellowing. Your destination is the magnificent Muckross House with its extensive gardens, located about 5 kilometers outside of Killarney. A longer visit is well worth it: the stately estate, the picturesque lake, and the lovingly maintained grounds offer a wonderful setting for a break. Afterwards, you continue your hike and finally reach Killarney – the starting and ending point of your hiking adventure. There you spend the last night of your trip and can reflect on the impressions of this unforgettable tour.
Kenmare-Killarney
Day 7
Abbey Lodge (or similar)
Walking time approx. 7 hours, hiking distance approx. 25 km, ascent 853 m, descent 823 m
Your hike today begins right at your accommodation in Kenmare and takes you through the idyllic Esknamucky Glen, a quiet, tree-lined valley. You'll follow the old Kenmare Road, a historic path that leads you directly into Killarney National Park – one of Ireland's most impressive natural landscapes. The path winds through a wildly romantic landscape of forests, moors and hills, with the constant possibility of catching a glimpse of Ireland's only free-roaming red deer population – or at least hearing their characteristic bellowing. Your destination is the magnificent Muckross House with its extensive gardens, located about 5 kilometers outside of Killarney. A longer visit is well worth it: the stately estate, the picturesque lake, and the lovingly maintained grounds offer a wonderful setting for a break. Afterwards, you continue your hike and finally reach Killarney – the starting and ending point of your hiking adventure. There you spend the last night of your trip and can reflect on the impressions of this unforgettable tour.
Day 8
Killarney
Today it's time to say goodbye to the lush green meadows, the peacefully grazing flocks of sheep, the impressive coastal landscapes, and the wonderfully clear air of Ireland. After days full of unforgettable impressions, quiet paths, and sweeping views, your hiking trip through southwest Ireland comes to an end. Return or onward travel is at your own discretion. From Killarney, there are regular bus and train connections to the airports in Cork, Limerick, Shannon, and Dublin – making it easy to get back to everyday life, perhaps already with the firm intention of returning one day.
Killarney
Day 8
Today it's time to say goodbye to the lush green meadows, the peacefully grazing flocks of sheep, the impressive coastal landscapes, and the wonderfully clear air of Ireland. After days full of unforgettable impressions, quiet paths, and sweeping views, your hiking trip through southwest Ireland comes to an end. Return or onward travel is at your own discretion. From Killarney, there are regular bus and train connections to the airports in Cork, Limerick, Shannon, and Dublin – making it easy to get back to everyday life, perhaps already with the firm intention of returning one day.
Price from
€895.00
Services
What's included
7x breakfast
Luggage transport between accommodations
Transfer to the starting point of the hike on certain days according to the program.
Self-guided Ireland hiking tour
7x Guesthouse
Use of the GPS app including the personalized hiking route
Digital travel documents including comprehensive information material, detailed route descriptions and offline maps
24-hour emergency telephone number
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Tip
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Pure nature
This self-guided hiking trip requires good physical condition and sure-footedness. The stages on the Kerry Way last approximately 5 to 7 hours, covering roughly 14.5 to 25 km and up to 650 meters of elevation gain. The paths are sometimes muddy and uneven, and the Irish weather can change rapidly.
Since you are traveling without a tour guide, you should be able to find your way around using directions and a map.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
2 participants · €895.00 per person
Price basis: 2 travelers in a double room
Notes on the trip
Note regarding availability during the summer months
Please note that numerous local festivals, horse races, and sporting events take place between June and August. This may result in limited availability in the region during this period. In such cases, we will, of course, endeavor to find suitable alternatives for you. However, this may occasionally require changes to the itinerary or accommodation in higher-category hotels at an additional cost.
