Kerry Way

Walk the Kerry Way

The Kerry Way is a 144-mile circular walking trail beginning and ending in Killarney and exploring the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. The route crosses mountain valleys, moorland, woodland and farmland and reaches the Atlantic landscapes of the western and southern peninsula while generally avoiding the highest summits.

From Killarney, the Kerry Way heads south through Killarney National Park, passing the lakes and wooded landscapes around Muckross before following the Old Kenmare Road into the mountains. Rather than continuing to Kenmare, the main circuit turns west towards the Black Valley.

The route continues through the Black Valley beneath the mountains of the MacGillycuddy's Reeks before crossing remote upland countryside towards Glencar. Although some of Ireland's highest mountains rise above this part of the trail, the Kerry Way generally follows lower mountain passes and valleys rather than the summits.

From Glencar, the route continues towards Glenbeigh through woodland and upland countryside overlooking Lough Caragh. Around Windy Gap, views begin to open towards Rossbeigh, the Dingle Peninsula and the Atlantic coast.

Beyond Glenbeigh, the Kerry Way turns south-west around the western side of the Iveragh Peninsula. The route crosses mountain slopes, moorland and farmland towards the countryside around Cahersiveen, with extensive views across the peninsula and towards the Atlantic.

The trail continues south towards Waterville, reaching the western side of the peninsula and landscapes overlooking Ballinskelligs Bay. Mountains rise inland while the Atlantic and offshore islands shape the views to the west.

From Waterville, the Kerry Way crosses the southern part of the peninsula towards Caherdaniel. The route continues through a mixture of upland countryside and coastal landscapes before reaching the sheltered southern side of the Iveragh Peninsula.

Beyond Caherdaniel, the trail heads east towards Sneem through hills, farmland and woodland overlooking Kenmare Bay. The landscape becomes increasingly sheltered, contrasting with the exposed Atlantic-facing sections further west.

From Sneem, the Kerry Way continues through the countryside along the northern side of Kenmare Bay towards Kenmare. Long stretches of rural walking connect small settlements, woodland, river valleys and open countryside.

The final part of the circuit leaves Kenmare and crosses the mountains towards Killarney along the Old Kenmare Road. The route returns through Killarney National Park, completing the circuit in Killarney.

Killarney, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem and Kenmare provide useful bases around the route. Although the complete Kerry Way is a substantial long-distance walk, its circular geography also makes it well suited to shorter sections and walking breaks based around the towns and villages of the Iveragh Peninsula.

Overview

Distance: 144 miles / 232 km
Typical duration: 9–12 walking days
Difficulty: Challenging
Start: Killarney, County Kerry
Finish: Killarney, County Kerry
Terrain: Mountain paths, moorland, woodland, field paths, old roads, farm tracks, river valleys, rural lanes and coastal countryside