Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney National Park

Experience Overview

Nestled in the south-west corner of Ireland, you'll spot contrastingly beautiful landscapes at every turn. From rugged cliffs to some of Europe's finest golden beaches, small friendly villages and velvety green fields to picturesque mountain ranges. Starting in the famous town of Killarney, boasting the magnificent 'Three Lakes of Killarney'. This circular coastal route follows the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, you'll pass lovely towns and villages - Waterville, a favoured fishing location for Charlie Chaplin, Sneem famous for its little bridge and Kenmare with its historic textile industry. Meandering the landscape, which was carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago, marvel at Iron Age forts and ruined abbeys amongst the many sheep that dot the fields, crisp blue loughs and pretty waterfalls. As you head southwards, the coastal views get better and better.
Profile
— 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH, HHHH and 4-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — Route directions and maps
At a Glance
— 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH, HHHH and 4-star hotels — Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent — Route directions and maps
Trip For You
Average daily distance on move on days: 22km. No. of days walking: 6 Terrain and route: The walking is on well marked trails, the terrain at times can be a little muddy underfoot and some rocky sections. There are some coastal paths which are wide but do have drops. Walking boots are essential and poles are highly reccommended. Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to walk independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can walk at your own pace, while your bags are transported from one hotel to the next. A representative will be there to meet you and will be on call throughout the trip should you need. It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.
Group Description
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided. Please note: the walking and luggage transfers included in this tour are subject to a minimum of 2 people (in total) booked on the departure. A supplement (payable in advance) to cover these transfers and sole occupancy of a room will apply if only 1 person travelling on a departure date.
Eating Drinking
All breakfasts included. Irish food is not exactly famous, but what you will find is extremely good ingredients used to create basic and classic dishes, both Kerry beef and Kerry lamb, are certainly well known all over Ireland and further afield. You will see rack of lamb, lamb stew and shepherd’s pie, in most places. The county’s other basket is the Atlantic Ocean, and its rivers and loughs. Sea bream and Sea Bass are popular.Trout and Salmon can be served in many different ways, and there is an abundance of shell fish, local chowders are excellent and look out for crab gratin. Wine is readily available but of course one of the symbols of Ireland is Guinness, and we can say from experience that it tastes better in Ireland, but if have a thirst after a long walk, beware the Guinness is not poured quickly, many might say there is a certain amount of time you need to leave after filling the glass halfway up the harp. However it should be left until you see a vivid distinction between the dark body and the creamy white head. Only then can the rest of the glass be filled. Learning from the locals, you should order your second pint before you have finished your first! Craft beer is making a name for itself in Ireland and there are some excellent local ones. Then there is the Irish whiskey, the famous one being Bushmills and Jameson’s, and there are many local whiskies for you to try, the Dingle distillery produces a good whiskey and an excellent gin.
Joining Instructions
If you have pre-booked a transfer you will be met at Killarney train station and transferred to your bed and breakfast, less than five minutes walk from the centre of Killarney . Please contact us or your local agent to advise of arrival time.
Transfer Details
Transfers are to and from Killarney station are available to book, for a supplement.
Weather Information
The climate on the South West Coast of Ireland is mild due to its location and the influence of the Gulf Stream. The weather, however, is temperamental and proves quite hard to predict, therefore it is important to be prepared for all weather. The warmer months tend to be the summer months, July and August, with an average temperature of 20 degrees Celsius. Temperatures rarely fall below 0 during the year. The wettest months tend to be from October through to March. April is often the driest month. Rain can be expected at any time of the year.
Spending Money
— You will need spending money for meals not included in the itinerary and all drinks. We suggest €25 per day to cover a few drinks if not then €10 per day. On the days where lunch or dinner is not included expect to spend €10-€15 for lunch and €15-€35 for dinner.

Highlights