Adventure Collective
Hilltoptreks — Self-Guided Kerry Way via Killarney - Killarney

Hilltoptreks — Self-Guided Kerry Way via Killarney

Killarneymoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

3–7 days, depending on itinerary

Fitness Level

Participants should have good stamina and hiking experience for varying terrains and distances

Overview

Discover Ireland’s stunning Kerry Way with Hilltoptreks’ self-guided trips starting in Killarney. Traverse diverse landscapes, from mountain peaks to lakes, at your own pace, and enjoy authentic Irish hospitality along the way. Perfect for independent hikers seeking a personalized adventure through County Kerry’s breathtaking scenery.

Walking Tour
Killarney, County Kerry

The Kerry Way • Ireland

Self Guided Walk on the Kerry Way in Ireland!

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Adventure Photos

The Kerry Way • Ireland photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a self-guided adventure along the stunning Kerry Way in Ireland, where breathtaking landscapes meet rich culture. Starting and ending in Killarney, this trail offers a unique blend of dramatic countryside, welcoming locals, and lively pubs. Choose from various itineraries to explore the beauty of County Kerry at your own pace.

Self Guided Walk on the Kerry Way in Ireland!

Cost

5 Day: €569pps (Single supplement: + €240) 6 Day: €655pps (Single supplement: + €300) 7 Day: €765pps (Single supplement: + €360) 8 Day: €875pps (Single supplement: + €420) 9 Day: €985pps (Single supplement: + €480) 10 Day: €1095pps (Single supplement: + €540) 11 Day: €1195pps (Single supplement: + €600) 12 Day: €1295pps (Single supplement: + €660)

About the Kerry Way.

County Kerry sits at the southernmost tip of Ireland and possesses many of Ireland’s highest points. It is also enriched with fine beaches, wonderful valleys and Islands not too far from its shoreline. The people of Kerry truly have their own unique approach to taking it easy and are very welcoming and friendly. Most pubs in the towns along the Kerry Way offer live Irish Music.

The trail starts and finishes in the busy tourist destination of Killarney, passing through its fine National Park. Looping around the Iveragh Peninsula, the Kerry the Kerry Way, Ireland Way goes counter clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in the country.

Included:

  • Guest Houses or B+B's with breakfasts
  • Detailed maps, The Kerry Way rucksack book and Water Proof Map Cover
  • Luggage Transfer each day. So you only carry a small pack while walking.
  • Phone support along the way.(Accommodations and pickup numbers)
  • All Information on public transport required will be given.
  • Information on what to see and do in places visited.
  • Information on places to eat and drink.

Optional Extras:

  • Pickup can be arranged from Shannon / Kerry Airport for start of walk.
  • Extra accommodation before or after this trip can be arranged for you.

5 Day Walk on the Kerry Way – Ireland -

Day 1: Arrive Killarney - receive notes, maps books. Day 2: Killarney to Black Valley, Dis 24Km,(15 miles) Asc 400m – 6hrs Day 3: Black Valley to Glencar, Dis 20Km,(12 miles) Asc 500m – 8 hours Day 4: Glencar to Glenbeigh, Dis 13Km, (8 miles) Asc 420m – 5 hours Day 5: Depart Glenbeigh by public transport.

6 Day Walk on the Kerry Way – Ireland

Day 1: Arrive Killarney - receive notes, maps books. Day 2: Killarney to Black Valley, Dis 24Km,(15 miles) Asc 400m – 6hrs Day 3: Black Valley to Glencar, Dis 20Km,(12 miles) Asc 500m – 8 hours Day 4: Glencar to Glenbeigh, Dis 13Km, (8 miles) Asc 420m – 5 hours Day 5: Glenbeigh to Caherciveen, Dis 31Km, (19 miles) Asc 450m – 8 hours Day 6: Depart Caherciveen

7 Day Walk on the Kerry Way – Ireland

Day 1: Arrive Killarney - receive notes, maps books. Day 2: Killarney to Black Valley, Dis 24Km,(15 miles) Asc 400m – 6hrs Day 3: Black Valley to Glencar, Dis 20Km,(12 miles) Asc 500m – 8 hours Day 4: Glencar to Glenbeigh, Dis 13Km, (8 miles) Asc 420m – 5 hours Day 5: Glenbeigh to Caherciveen, Dis 31Km, (19 miles) Asc 450m – 8 hours Day 6: Caherciveen to Waterville, Dis 33km, (20.5 miles) Asc 270m – 6hrs Day 7: Depart Waterville

8 Day Walk on the Kerry Way – Ireland

Day 1: Arrive Killarney - receive notes, maps books. Day 2: Killarney to Black Valley, Dis 24Km,(15 miles) Asc 400m – 6hrs Day 3: Black Valley to Glencar, Dis 20Km,(12 miles) Asc 500m – 8 hours Day 4: Glencar to Glenbeigh, Dis 13Km, (8 miles) Asc 420m – 5 hours Day 5: Glenbeigh to Caherciveen, Dis 31Km, (19 miles) Asc 450m – 8 hours Day 6: Caherciveen to Waterville, Dis 33km, (20.5 miles) Asc 270m – 6hrs Day 7: Waterville to Caherdaniel, Dis 29km, (18 miles) Asc 300m – 5 hours Day 8: Depart for Killarney by Public transport

You could also stay the night in Waterville and visit the Skelligs, You would need to let us know so we can pre-book this trip for you, and then the tour is weather dependent.

9 Day Walk on the Kerry Way – Ireland

Day 1: Arrive Killarney - receive notes, maps books. Day 2: Killarney to Black Valley, Dis 24Km,(15 miles) Asc 400m – 6hrs Day 3: Black Valley to Glencar, Dis 20Km,(12 miles) Asc 500m – 8 hours Day 4: Glencar to Glenbeigh, Dis 13Km, (8 miles) Asc 420m – 5 hours Day 5: Glenbeigh to Caherciveen, Dis 31Km, (19 miles) Asc 450m – 8 hours Day 6: Caherciveen to Waterville, Dis 33km, (20.5 miles) Asc 270m – 6hrs Day 7: Waterville to Caherdaniel, Dis 29km, (18 miles) Asc 300m – 5 hours Day 8: Caherdaniel to Sneem, Dis 18km, (11 miles) Asc 400m – 7 hours Day 9: Depart Sneem

10 Day Walk on the Kerry Way - Ireland

Day 1: Arrive Killarney - receive notes, maps books. Day 2: Killarney to Black Valley, Dis 24Km,(15 miles) Asc 400m – 6hrs Day 3: Black Valley to Glencar, Dis 20Km,(12 miles) Asc 500m – 8 hours Day 4: Glencar to Glenbeigh, Dis 13Km, (8 miles) Asc 420m – 5 hours Day 5: Glenbeigh to Caherciveen, Dis 31Km, (19 miles) Asc 450m – 8 hours Day 6: Caherciveen to Waterville, Dis 33km, (20.5 miles) Asc 270m – 6hrs Day 7: Waterville to Caherdaniel, Dis 29km, (18 miles) Asc 300m – 5 hours Day 8: Caherdaniel to Sneem, Dis 18km, (11 miles) Asc 400m – 7 hours Day 9: Sneem to Kenmare, Dis 31km, (19 miles) Asc 520m – 8 hours Day 10: Depart Kenmare

11 Day Walk on the Kerry Way - Ireland

Day 1: Arrive Killarney - receive notes, maps books. Day 2: Killarney to Black Valley, Dis 24Km,(15 miles) Asc 400m – 6hrs Day 3: Black Valley to Glencar, Dis 20Km,(12 miles) Asc 500m – 8 hours Day 4: Glencar to Glenbeigh, Dis 13Km, (8 miles) Asc 420m – 5 hours Day 5: Glenbeigh to Caherciveen, Dis 31Km, (19 miles) Asc 450m – 8 hours Day 6: Caherciveen to Waterville, Dis 33km, (20.5 miles) Asc 270m – 6hrs Day 7: Waterville to Caherdaniel, Dis 29km, (18 miles) Asc 300m – 5 hours Day 8: Caherdaniel to Sneem, Dis 18km, (11 miles) Asc 400m – 7 hours Day 9: Sneem to Kenmare, Dis 31km, (19 miles) Asc 520m – 8 hours Day 10: Kenmare to Killarney, Dis 26km, (16 miles), Asc 630m – 7 hours Day 11: Depart Killarney

12 Day Walk on the Kerry Way - Ireland Rest Day in Waterville.

Day 1: Arrive Killarney - receive notes, maps books. Day 2: Killarney to Black Valley, Dis 24Km,(15 miles) Asc 400m – 6hrs Day 3: Black Valley to Glencar, Dis 20Km,(12 miles) Asc 500m – 8 hours Day 4: Glencar to Glenbeigh, Dis 13Km, (8 miles) Asc 420m – 5 hours Day 5: Glenbeigh to Caherciveen, Dis 31Km, (19 miles) Asc 450m – 8 hours Day 6: Caherciveen to Waterville, Dis 33km, (20.5 miles) Asc 270m – 6hrs Day 7: Rest Day in Waterville. Day 8: Waterville to Caherdaniel, Dis 29km, (18 miles) Asc 300m – 5 hours Day 9: Caherdaniel to Sneem, Dis 18km, (11 miles) Asc 400m – 7 hours Day 10: Sneem to Kenmare, Dis 31km, (19 miles) Asc 520m – 8 hours Day 11: Kenmare to Killarney, Dis 26km, (16 miles), Asc 630m – 7 hours Day 12: Depart Killarney

Payments: A deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking and your balance is due 6 weeks prior to Tour / Walk Start date. Your Deposit will be returned to you if we are unsuccessful in securing your trip or accommodation.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Loss of deposit applies for cancellations made 6 weeks or more in advance.
  • Cancellation fee of 40% applies for cancellations made less than 41 days in advance.
  • Cancellation fee of 80% applies for cancellations made less than 4 weeks in advance.
  • Cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 2 weeks in advance, or in case of no-show.

Balance is due 6 weeks in advance. The balance of the cost of your tour / walk (including any applicable surcharge) is due not less than 6 weeks prior to scheduled departure. If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case we shall retain your deposit.

Adventure Tips

Pack layered clothing

Weather in Kerry can change quickly; dressing in layers ensures comfort through rain or shine.

Start early in the day

Beginning your hike early maximizes daylight hours and allows for unhurried sightseeing.

Carry a detailed route guide

A comprehensive map or instructions help you stay on track and enjoy your trip without stress.

Respect local wildlife

Observe animals quietly and maintain distance to preserve natural habitats.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Red deer
  • Buzzards

History

The Kerry Way traverses lands historically associated with ancient Irish kingdoms and monastic settlements, adding cultural depth to your adventure.

Conservation

Hilltoptreks emphasizes responsible tourism, encouraging minimal environmental impact and supporting local communities.

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Adventure Hotspots in Killarney

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Hiking boots

Essential

Durable, waterproof boots are crucial for comfort on uneven and muddy trails.

Backpack with rain cover

Essential

A sturdy pack keeps your gear dry and secure, especially during sudden showers.

Layered clothing

Essential

Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions throughout the day.

Map or GPS device

Essential

Navigation tools help you stay on course, especially in less-traveled sections.