Overlook of lush green mountains and winding valley path in the Gap of Dunloe, County Kerry, Ireland — a famous walking and hiking destination on the Kerry Way.

County Kerry – Mountains, Atlantic Coast, and Long Peninsulas

Mountain ranges, glacial valleys, and exposed Atlantic shoreline along Ireland’s south-west edge.

County Kerry is a coastal county of mountains, lakes, and peninsulas in south-west Ireland. Walking routes cross Killarney National Park and extend toward the Skellig Michael UNESCO World Heritage Site offshore, while the Kerry Way, Dingle Way, and Beara Way link places such as Killarney, Tralee, Dingle, Kenmare, and Cahersiveen across upland ridges, glacial valleys, and Atlantic headlands.

Much of the terrain is firm and varied underfoot. Hill paths, bog tracks, minor roads, beaches, and open moorland allow steady progress, with repeated short climbs and descents across passes and ridgelines rather than sustained ascent. Ground can be uneven or wet on peat and upland sections.

The landscape shifts between areas. The MacGillycuddy’s Reeks form steep valleys and lake basins around Killarney, while the Dingle, Iveragh, and Beara peninsulas extend west into the Atlantic with cliffs, farmland, and exposed headlands. Lower ground and broader valleys occur inland toward Tralee.

Towns and villages are spaced along coasts and valley floors, creating regular access points for shorter walks and longer point-to-point routes, with longer gaps across upland and peninsula interiors.

Trails and Routes Through County Kerry

Kerry Way

Circular long-distance route around the Iveragh Peninsula between Killarney, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, and Kenmare through mountain and coastal terrain.

Dingle Way

Looped route around the Dingle Peninsula using beaches, farmland lanes, and low hills between Tralee and Dingle.

Beara Way

Long-distance route across the Beara Peninsula with upland passes and rocky shoreline between Kenmare and Castletownbere.

Killarney National Park Paths

Network of woodland, lakeshore, and foothill routes around Muckross, Torc, and the Gap of Dunloe.

Walking Character

Mountain ridges and glacial valleys
Atlantic cliffs, beaches, and headlands
Moorland and peat ground
Farm tracks and minor roads between villages
Repeated short climbs and descents
Settlements spaced along coasts and lakes
Remote and exposed sections inland and offshore

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is County Kerry located?

County Kerry is in south-west Ireland on the Atlantic coast, bordered by County Cork to the south and County Limerick to the north-east.

What defines walking here?

Mountain passes, peninsula routes, and coastal tracks dominate, with a mix of upland ground, farmland lanes, and shoreline walking.

Are there long-distance routes here?

Yes. The Kerry Way, Dingle Way, and Beara Way all pass through the county and form multi-day circuits.

Is the terrain steep?

Sections around the mountains include regular climbs and rough ground. Peninsula and valley routes are generally easier with rolling gradients.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to early autumn offers longer daylight and firmer ground. Weather can change quickly at any time of year, with wind and rain common on exposed coasts and uplands.