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Spend four days walking the best of County Kerry from Killarney: Carrauntoohil, the Gap of Dunloe, Tomies Wood and the Kerry Way with qualified guides. Small groups, included accommodation, and pickup options from Dublin make this an accessible mountain weekend.
Spend four days walking the best of County Kerry from Killarney: Carrauntoohil, the Gap of Dunloe, Tomies Wood and the Kerry Way with qualified guides. Small groups, included accommodation, and pickup options from Dublin make this an accessible mountain weekend.
Book with Hilltoptreks
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Hilltoptreks · Dublin 2, County Dublin
Kerry Walking Weekend runs out of Killarney in County Kerry, Ireland, a landscape of wind-sculpted ridges, deep glacial corries and lake-strewn valleys. Over four days and three nights, HillTopTreks leads small groups from base at the Dromhall Hotel to classic routes including Tomies Wood, the Kerry Way, Mangerton, the Gap of Dunloe and the ascent of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest peak. The itinerary balances tough mountain days with gentler coastal and lowland loops so hikers of differing experience can take part. The real draw is Carrauntoohil and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks: a raw, glaciated skyline of sharp ridgelines and hollowed corries that frame long views toward the Atlantic. On summit day expect sustained ascent, rocky footings and panoramic exposure; guides set a steady pace, briefing on route-finding, geology and the local folk stories that have been stitched into these hills. Alternate options include the scenic Gap of Dunloe through layered limestone and the forested Tomies Wood circuit beside Lough Leane for quieter vistas. Practical details matter. The trip includes three nights bed and breakfast at the Dromhall Hotel in Killarney, one evening meal, guided walks with qualified leaders, and transport between trailheads. Meeting points and pickup options are provided for convenience; bring sturdy boots, a 25L pack, waterproofs and headlamp as listed. Groups max out at twenty people, so trails feel like shared discovery rather than guided churn. This walking weekend is more than exercise; it’s a compact education in Kerry’s landscape. Guides point out glacial landforms, discuss conservation of fragile peat and explain how routes evolved from sheep tracks and old drove roads. In spring and summer the hills wear flush grasses and migratory birds; in sharper weather the exposed rock and low cloud create a high-mountain atmosphere that rewards patient hikers. Photographers will find raw compositions: summit ridges, narrow valleys and mirror-smooth loughs. Bring layers and a weatherproof camera cover. Whether you aim to bag Carrauntoohil or prefer the gentler Kerry Way loops, the HillTopTreks weekend delivers a concentrated, well-led sample of southwestern Ireland—its geology, local lore, and landscapes—while staying grounded in sensible logistics and small-group attention. Practicalities are straightforward: meeting is at The Dromhall Hotel for 14:00pm with pickup points in Dublin—Luas Stop Balally at 09:00am or Maldron Hotel Tallaght at 09:15am—so the trip is accessible from the capital. Price is €695 per person with a single supplement of €235 and 10% deposit required; HillTopTreks members qualify for a 10% discount. Expect full days of walking on the tougher routes—Carrauntoohil is typically 6–7 hours with 900–1,000m of ascent—so a good level of fitness and mountain footwear are essential. For first-timers this itinerary is an efficient, supported way to experience Kerry’s big mountain days without committing to a longer expedition. Book early.
challenging.
4 days / 3 nights (single days 2.5–7 hrs, summit day 6–7 hrs).
Good aerobic fitness and comfort on extended ascents with steep, rocky sections; prior hillwalking experience recommended
Carrauntoohil is the hardest day: approx 12–13 km and 900–1,000m ascent, taking 6–7 hours with breaks; guides offer an easier alternative if needed.
Meeting is at The Dromhall Hotel for 14:00pm; pickup options are Luas Stop Balally at 09:00am or Maldron Hotel Tallaght at 09:15am as listed in the itinerary.
Price includes 3 nights B&B at the Dromhall Hotel, one evening meal, three guided walks, transport between trailheads and leader fees.
Groups are capped at 20 people to keep walks manageable and allow personal attention from guides.
No specific age limits are provided; participants should be fit for the chosen walk. Contact the operator for accessibility queries.
Cost is €695 with a single supplement of €235; a 10% deposit is required at booking and HillTopTreks members receive a 10% discount.
Killarney and the surrounding Reeks have a long tradition of walking and local folklore; Killarney National Park, established in the 20th century, helped protect much of the region’s lakes and woodlands.
The area contains fragile peat and sensitive habitats; follow paths, pack out waste and heed guide instructions to minimize impact.
Hilltoptreks is a Dublin-based tour operator located in Dublin 2, County Dublin, specialising in guided and self-guided walking tours, day trips and private tours across Ireland. Since establishing operations, Hilltoptreks offers a range of experiences that include iconic day tours from Dublin to the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, heritage trips to Newgrange and the Boyne Valley, scenic drives through Wicklow and Glendalough, and multi-day self-guided routes such as the Beara Way, Wicklow Way, Sheep’s Head Way and the Kerry Way. All itineraries are created to highlight natural landscapes, cultural heritage and easy logistics. Day tours include local pick-ups and visits to historically important sites like Newgrange, Trim Castle and Glendalough monastic site. Self-guided walking holidays feature daily luggage transfers, detailed route notes and access to local accommodation options in family-run guesthouses. Private day tours are fully tailorable for small groups, with flexible timing and tailored stops, including Powerscourt Gardens and film locations. Hilltoptreks works with local guides and service providers in County Dublin and across Ireland to ensure route accuracy and on-the-ground support. Booking information, trip durations and sample itineraries are provided for each trip to help travellers plan. The business lists a wide variety of options: single-day excursions, weekend breaks, seven-day regional tours and longer coastal walking routes. Travelers can choose between guided group departures, private chauffeur-guided days, and self-guided walking packages. Hilltoptreks focuses on clear logistics, local knowledge and authentic Irish landscapes. Customer support and local partner coordination are provided throughout the booking and travel process seamlessly.
Book with Hilltoptreks