Walking Holidays in Ireland
The Kerry way 
Tour Ref: KW7 or KW 11
 This self-guided (independent) walking and hiking tour will give you an ideal opportunity to explore the world famous landscapes of the Ring of Kerry in the South West of Ireland. The tour starts and ends in Killarney, in the heart of County Kerry and on route you have a wonderful selection of woodland, valley and coastal walks. You have the option of choosing between a 7 night/8 day hiking tour or an 11 night/12 day hiking tour, this longer option enabling you to complete the entire Ring of Kerry walking and hiking route. The average walking time ranges from 5 to 7 hours per day, with a variety of walking terrains. Your accommodation is in family guesthouses and B&B's and your luggage is transported for you between each accommodation from one leg of the tour to the next. We supply you with maps and a full range of detailed walking notes - written by our Director of Activities, Sean O'Suilleabhain, one of the founders of the Kerry Way - for each leg of your walk.
|
| DAY 1 |
Arrival
Optional Complimentary Transfer (on Saturdays only - see below) from Kerry Airport to your first night's accommodation in Killarney, where your walking notes and maps await you. Killarney is a vibrant town in the heart of Kerry and you will have ample opportunity to make the most of the many pubs, shops and restaurants. |
| DAY 2 |
Killarney to Black ValleyDistance: 20.5km/13miles Ascent: 350m/1,150ft
The first leg of your walking and hiking tour takes you through Killarney National Park, passing the ruins of Muckross Friary, the magnificent 19th century Muckross House and its gardens. Continue up by Torc Waterfall and along The Old Kenmare Road to the ancient oak woods beside Killarney's Upper Lake. Overnight in a traditional farmhouse in the remote and beautiful Black Valley - evening meals available in the farmhouse. |
| DAY 3 |
Black Valley to Glencar Distance: 21km/13miles Ascent: 575m/1,900ft
Today, you walk through the memorable rugged and lonely ice carved glens of Mid Kerry (Black Valley and Bridia Valley) before arriving in your friendly farmhouse in the tiny hamlet of Glencar - evening meals also available in the farmhouse. |
| DAY 4 |
Glencar to Glenbeigh Distance: 17km/10.5 miles* Ascent: 350m/1150ft
You walk from Glencar, with magical views of Caragh Lake, to the seaside village of Glenbeigh, with its small shops, pubs and sandy beaches. Overnight in a family B&B in Glenbeigh village, where there are several pubs offering evening meals and traditional Irish music. |
| DAY 5 |
Rest/Option Day in Glenbeigh
Options: Choice of local walks (notes provided). Adventure sports (canoeing, windsurfing, orienteering, etc.) at Cappanalea Outdoor Education Centre or horseriding, maze, crazy golf and farm visit at Burke's Farm Centre. Overnight in your B&B in Glenbeigh. |
| DAY 6 |
Glenbeigh to Foilmore Distance: 18.5km/11.5miles Ascent: 420m/1,375ft
Today's walking takes you on the first coastal stretch of the Kerry Way, on the line of a middle age coaching road, with spectacular views over Dingle Bay and the surrounding mountain ranges. |
| DAY 7 |
KW7 - Foilmore to Caherciveen Distance: 10km/6 miles Ascent: 90m/300ft
Your final day's walking takes you into the market town of Caherciveen with its marina and Heritage Centre. A taxi will collect you from the Heritage Centre to transfer you back to Killarney for your final night's accommodation in a family B&B. |
| DAY 8 |
KW7 - DepartureOptional complimentary transfer (on Saturdays only - see below) to Kerry or Shannon Airport. |
| KERRY WAY 11 NIGHT HIKING TOUR
This extended hiking tour enables you to complete the Kerry Way. Days 1 to 6 are as for the KW7 tour above. Details for Days 7 to 12 of this walking and hiking tour in Ireland are below.
Day 7 KW7 - Foilmore to Caherciveen Distance: 10km/6 miles Ascent: 90m/300ft
A short walk, perhaps a morning one, completes the journey along the northern side of the Iveragh Peninsula to the coastal, and ancient, settlement of Caherciveen. The afternoon can be spent discovering the market town of Caherciveen with its marina, Heritage Centre, standing stone and Ring Forts. Overnight in Caherciveen and taxi in the morning to start of walk in Waterville.
Day 8 Waterville to Caherdaniel Distance: 19km/12 miles Ascent: 390m/1,250ft
Today you will turn inland to travel from one seaside village to another over the mountain pass of Bearna Gaoithe on the way. Overnight in a family guesthouse Caherdaniel, with the option to enjoy some good home cooking.
Day 9 Caherdaniel to Sneem Distance: 17km/10.5 miles Ascent: 350m/1,150ft
This leg of the Kerry Way provides walking mainly on the old coach road between the two settlements, in use for droving cattle up to the 1930s. You pass through the peat beds and close to the famous 2,000 year old Staigue Fort. Overnight in a family B&B in the pretty village of Sneem.
Day 10 Sneem to Kenmare Distance: 32km/20miles Ascent: 520m/1,700ft
This is an attractive stage through woodland sections and close to the shoreline of Kenmare Bay. There are splendid views along the way. Overnight in a family B&B in the award winning town of Kenmare, where you will find many pubs, shops and restaurants.
Day 11 Kenmare to Killarney Dist. 22.5km/14miles Ascent: 560m/1,850ft
The last leg of the Kerry Way will take you from the sea via mountain and lake through oakwood back to the Killarney National Park. Final overnight accommodation in a family B&B in Killarney Town.
Day 12 Departure Final Irish Breakfast in your B&B.
Price 2008:
KW7 Euro 610.00 per person sharing
KW11 Euro 920.00 per person sharing
Accommodation is based on a twin sharing basis. A limited number of single rooms are available at a supplement of Euro 27.00 per night.
Price Includes:
- Courtesy transfer from and to Kerry and Shannon Airports (Please see below).
- Seven/eleven nights accommodation, based on two adults sharing, in Irish Tourist Board approved accommodation with en- suite facilities*
- Full Irish breakfast each day.
- Luggage transfers each day.
- Full Route notes and maps - Notes are available in English, French, Dutch or German.
* Accommodation is based on a twin-sharing basis. Due to the isolated nature of the some of our locations, we cannot guarantee the availability of single room or en-suite accommodation every night
Dates 2008 - Every Saturday throughout the year
Transfer Times
Shannon Airport to Kerry (May-September) at 12.00 on Saturdays from the information point in the arrivals hall at cost of EUR35.00 per person each way. Return transfer arrives at Shannon Airport at 11.00am on Saturdays.
Kerry Airport to accommodation, between 08.00 and 18.00 Hrs. Return transfer arrives at Kerry Airport between 08.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays. Note: These transfers must be confirmed at time of booking with flight numbers and times for arrival and departure. If these transfers aren't confirmed at time of booking we will assume they are making their own way to their first nights accommodation. Arrangements can be made for a private taxi transfer (at clients own expense) should the Go Ireland transfer timetable not suit.
|
|