Kerry Way

Mountains, lakes, and Atlantic edges around the Iveragh Peninsula.

The Kerry Way is a long-distance circular route beginning and ending in Killarney, following a continuous line around the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry. One of Ireland's longest and most celebrated walking trails, it links mountain landscapes, lakes, Atlantic coastline, valleys, and rural settlements through a journey shaped by the changing relationship between land and sea.

As a self-guided journey, the route connects places such as Killarney, Glencar, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem, Kenmare, and Killarney while passing through mountain passes, woodland, open moorland, coastal sections, and remote valleys. Old drovers' roads, mountain tracks, and quiet rural paths create a route defined by variety, where each stage reveals a different aspect of south-west Ireland's landscape.

The character of the route changes steadily as it circles the peninsula. The lakes and woodlands of Killarney National Park give way to open mountain country beneath the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, before the trail reaches the Atlantic coast where cliffs, beaches, and broad sea views dominate the landscape. Further south, sheltered valleys, farmland, and historic villages create a gentler rhythm before the route returns through the hills towards Killarney.

Mountains remain a constant presence throughout much of the journey. The MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range, provide a dramatic backdrop to many stages, while the Atlantic shapes the western side of the route with changing weather, light, and coastal scenery. Together they create a landscape that feels both expansive and deeply connected to the natural contours of the peninsula.

With National Waymarked Trail waymarking, regular accommodation options, and well-established walking infrastructure, the Kerry Way offers one of Ireland's classic long-distance walking experiences. The trail combines mountain scenery, Atlantic coastline, lakes, and rural heritage into a complete circuit of one of the country's most distinctive regions.

Overview

Distance 133 miles / 214 km

Duration 9–11 days

Difficulty Moderate

Start Killarney, County Kerry

Finish Killarney, County Kerry

Terrain Mountain paths, bogland tracks, woodland trails, farmland lanes, valleys, and coastal sections

Waymarking National Waymarked Trail symbols