The main towns,villages and key areas on the route includeKillarney,Torc and Old Kenmare Road, Black Valley, Bridia Valley,Glencar, Glenbeigh, Mountain Stage, Cahersiveen, Lough Currane, Waterville, Derrynane, Caherdaniel,Eagles Hill, Staigue Fort, Sneem, Blackwater Bridge, TemplenoeandKenmareincluding many interesting, scenic and colourful places near the routesuch as Valentia Island. The total tour price per person requesting a single room is the price per person plus the single supplement. Ahead of me is a mountaintop. This is due to higher costs involved in booking our upgrade option or in cases where our normal accommodation suppliers do not have availability, and an alternative, more expensive, supplier is sourced with your approval. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Journeywoman Enterprises Inc. This is going to take time, but if we dont do it, therell be no nature left for all our adventures. Its 360 degree awe-inspiring mountains and Bridia Valley views will get anyones heart racing. For more detailed information on the different room type options, please see the following page: Room Types. Well provide you a luxury room at laind Lodges and manage the logistics of each days walking. Very easy to book with Hillwalk, Efficient service and all questions answered promptly. Hope you enjoyed our shor. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. That said for the most part the route is very well laid out and extremely pleasant. The walk passes the entrances to glacial valleys, crisscrossed with mountain streams, and sights along the way include a Victorian-era reservoir and the preserved ruins of Killelton Oratory and Famine Village. In this case, you may receive an automatic email outlining that a booking form has been received, but no deposit has been received you can disregard this email. This is because it offers spectacular and diverse scenery that will take your breath away. I realize I was at the top of a range and am now walking across it . This PDF document can then be forwarded to as many people within your walking group as youd like. I thought it must be a Golden Eagle and as I approached I saw there were two of them. Finally, fill out our booking form and make a 100 deposit per person. See the Travel Info section for each tour for more information. * The coastal route from Waterville is shorter at 13km. ATMs (cash machines) are available in most larger cities, towns and villages. Our 7-Day tours include 6 nights of accommodation specifically the first 6 nights on your hiking tour. In completing the loop, they also installed hundreds of stiles, way-markers and numerous footbridges. Upon entering Lickeen Wood youll be treated to native oakwood and narrow rocky paths through moss covered gorges. The traffic on the N70 driving route might as well have been kilometres away, for I heard no mechanical sounds for the next eight kilometres. The Ring of Kerry is a driving route around the beautiful coastal and mountain paths of County Kerry, Ireland. If yes, then our Challenging Hiking Tours will be just right for you. Should you decide to purchase a product using a link from on our site, JourneyWoman may earn a small commission from the retailer, which helps us maintain our beautiful website. The Kerry Way is one of the most popular signposted hiking trails in Ireland and one of the worlds most spectacular and diverse walks. Rounding the small summit of Knockafeehane, there is a spectacular view of Lough Annascaul in a dramatic U-shaped glacial valley. A twisted tree sits at the base of Muckross Lake in Killarney National Park. Exactly the challenge I need mind, body, spirit. Therefore, for a group of 1 4 people, one hiking pack will be sent. Its an ideal point for a break at the cafe or, stock up in the shop for a beach picnic. Hillwalk Tours will provide you with all the resources you need to successfully complete the trail alone or in the company of good friends. For 5 8 people, two hiking packs will be sent, etc. But I have no choice but to keep walking. WHISTLE & TORCH In the very unlikely event you need to signal for help (whistle) or if your walk takes longer than expected and you end up walking in the dark (torch). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Additionally, you will find the GPS coordinates for the trailheads (i.e. Grace ODonnell, a former mayor of Tralee, and member of the Kerry Camino committee says, The first year we started we maybe had 35 people, that was up to 450 people last year and we capped it at that for safety reasons.. Yes, we are more than happy to organise an additional night for you at any location along your tour. Conditions: Great! At your accommodation, you can expect a warm welcome, en-suite facilities (where available) and a tasty breakfast each morning (but usually no other meals). Its thrilling to wake up surrounded by new scenery every day: A lake here, a charming village there. If you want help planning your perfect walking holiday, please contact me directly by email or phone at +353-85-2581480. Today, you can visit the remnants of their remarkable community. around 3pm), but this is not guaranteed. In your Route Notes, we list places where you should expect to find at least one caf, pub, shop or restaurant along each days hike. That being said you would sometimes be walking through kind of "boggy" conditions. The final leg of the journey, from Annascaul to Dingle enjoys wonderful views, before coming to the final panorama of Dingle town and harbor set in front of the Atlantic Ocean. With weather changing quickly I recommend hats, gloves, walking poles, comfortable walking trousers and a waterproof jacket. In general the walk starts and finishes in Killarney walking in an anticlockwise direction. . Jaw-dropping views to Muckross Lake and Lough Leane from Torc Mountain. The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail - at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes - a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history. Although travel insurance is not required to take a hiking holiday, we strongly encourage you to take out adequate insurance cover prior to travel. My first day is magic. It is important to note that, if you are ever in an emergency, mobile/cell phones can still contact the emergency service numbers even without mobile/cell phone reception. BASE LAYER This is what you wear against your skin and the best options are breathable and wicking fabrics instead of cotton. No, on all our Irish hiking tours your luggage will be transported to your next accommodation each day as you walk and will arrive before 4pm. Preparation is as always the key to a successful walking holiday. However, Im always keen to explain to friends, guests and other walkers that you dont have to walk the entire Kerry Way in one go. The Natural Adventure. To request an earlier check-in time, please contact your accommodation host in advance to discuss. If you are an EU Citizen, a national identity card will not suffice, as the UK is no longer in the EU. But there are multiple options to fit most budgets. If there are no shops nearby, your host will be able to provide a packed lunch at a reasonable price on request. *If youd prefer to receive a physical copy of your full hiking pack documents too, its essential that you reply by email within 48 hours of booking your tour in order to let us know. The trail follows a similar but, in our opinion, a more beautiful route around the peninsula, bringing you closer to nature and the beauty of the Irish landscape, while also allowing more time to appreciate the magnificent surroundings. We therefore recommend that you carry some cash (local currency) with you as a back-up. Youll find it difficult to find a more enchanted magical location than this. Walking the Kerry Way. Plan your walk by checking the weather, sunrise sunset times and our hiking checklist on our websitehttps://www.activeme.ie/useful-info/planning-a-trip/. Walking the Kerry Way. Remember that your home bank will likely charge you for withdrawing money overseas. The idea was born of exhaustion. The JourneyWoman team selects their favourite off-the-beaten path travel destinations every woman should experience, from Ethiopia to Thailand. January 1, 2021. Bank Transfer Instructions & account details on how to make a bank transfer payment can be found on our booking form and also within the final payment email. I sing along with the music in my headphones. I cant think at all. Related: Dingle, Ring of Kerry, Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland of the Welcomes. If there arent any restaurants/cafes/pubs in the local area, evening meals can be obtained from your host. All the muscles in my legs were screaming to stop walking and sit down. But I am alone walking through wilderness, through ancient crumbling abbeys and around sparkling lakes. EARPLUGS We know how important it is to get a good nights rest. Furthermore, accommodation providers have outlined that the cost of cleaning the room is the same regardless of how many people are in it, and also the potential cost of giving up a double occupancy (or more) sized room for just one person at a cheaper rate, when they could sell the room to more than one person at the normal rate, is too high. Average Hiking Distance: 19-21km (12-13.5 miles) per day LIGHT AND COMFORTABLE TROUSERS Make sure you choose trousers that are stretchy or allow enough space to move your legs freely. Not even 20 minutes in I see the first rainbow, arching gracefully over an emerald field by the road. I feel the same but totally different. After finishing the visualizations of some hiking and mountaineering trails, some up to 300 km long with the 360 Virtual Reality I decided to try the Kerry way - the stage: Kenmare - Killarney (25 km). There are still so many days to go. Each day has been both a struggle and a gift: The memories will remain a constant reminder of what I am capable of. 4. Of course, you will also still have time for a relaxed lunch and to take photos. The walking route officially begins and ends in Killarney but you can join the trail at any number of points along its lengthas it hugs the coast along the Wild Atlantic Way. B&Bs / Guesthouses are often private lodging houses, where the friendly hosts welcome travellers into their homes. Denims are not suitable for hill walking and dry very slowly once they get wet. It's was such a fantastic trail . To make these walking trails more accessible to all walkers, we have either 1) picked out the sections of the walking trails that are less demanding or 2) shortened the average daily hike between accommodations. With the MacGillycuddy's Reeksand other mountain rangesextending along the north and south of the peninsula, there are also some great mountain hikes and Loop Walks along theKerryWay route which allow you to explore the local area if you are staying longer. Fingers crossed, theyll prosper and thrive here. I dont know about you but I wouldnt be jumping out of bed each day for consecutive 20-25km walks! You should also pack 1 2 litres of water and food. A very good walker would do it in two, but you to do it comfortably we recommend three days., The passport and certificate are available to anybody who walks it at any time of year, from the tourist offices in Tralee and in Dingle. Experience a wide variety of beautiful landscapes and witness some of Irelands finest scenery including its highest mountains, the MacGillycuddys Reeks, the picturesque Torc Waterfall, the legendary Lakes of Killarney, and the dramatic Atlantic coastline. This added supplement covers the extra costs associated with accommodating a single person in their own room. You can start your hiking tour on any day / date you wish within the walking season. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. A lightness marks the last few days. That said, it mostly sits hidden from view either above it or below it. The visions Id had in my mind for five years are finally roaring to life, forming solid shapes and filling with colour. We can generally arrange for you to park at your first accommodation. With nobody to talk to, my mind takes off on little journeys as I walk. Vistas of the Dingle Peninsula from Windy Gap. Lakes of Killarney boat trip) - Foilmore, Killarney (incl. In addition, for further travel information, see the Travel Info section on the individual tour page for each trail. If you are entering Northern Ireland directly by ferry or plane, a passport is required. Hence at the end of your days walking, you can enjoy a restaurant meal, satisfying pint and comfortable accommodation. Your luggage will arrive by 4pm each day. Note that the figures for Average Daily Hike and Hiking Time may vary between regions. Foilmore Waterville: Undulating, rugged low mountain terrain; cross country and minor roads. Sail from ports in the Netherlands, France and Spain to Dover, Hull, Harwich, Portsmouth & others in the UK. We have also broken some of these longer stages into smaller part to allow everyone irrespective of fitness or time available to experience one of the best and varied walks in Ireland. How privileged I felt to see two wild eagles up so close. Copyright 2023 laind Marketing. Looking West, you will be able to see Irelands magnificent Atlantic coastline. I sleep like a baby that night. I depart around 9 am each day, spend the first few hours enjoying the scenery and the last ones trying to ignore the increasing pain, checking my GPS every minute to see how much farther is left. Unfortunately 3rd party travel insurance is not available through Hillwalk Tours, and must be booked separately. In fact it was the spark of my walking passion which I pursued to ultimately qualify as a Mountain Leader and professional guide. The attention to detail and the responsiveness was very reassuring. There are difficult parts, sure: Long stretches in hot sun, hills so boggy I nearly lose my boots. The legendary Irish warrior, Fionn MacCumhail, or Finn MacCool as hes otherwise known, is said to have killed a magic boar on Torc mountain. I conquered mountains. Sharing tips on how to plan and execute a walking/trekking trip to Kerry with a detailed map, explained stages and accommodation suggestions. This article was originally published in IrishCentral's sister publication, Ireland of the Welcomes. In general, we try to book accommodation which is as close to the local amenities as possible. Plan your holidayincluding accommodation using thethe various KerryWay walking trail stages belowand don't worry is you want to break these stages into 2 or 3 parts: Use our Map of Ireland and Sat Nav tool to get directions to any of the stage start points and our detailed maps and GPS on our ActiveME App to find and follow the walking route live on screen and keep on track. Amazement because this phenomenal walking trail had opened 20-years previously and this was my first experience of it and on it. The Atlantic Gulf Stream ensures considerably milder winters than other parts of Ireland. I subsequently discovered the eagles were more likely a pair of young white tailed sea eagles. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. . Very not busy at this time of year, and hotels gave me off season discounts. A look at fascinating local history Lakes of Killarney boat trip) - Waterville, Killarney (incl. I cant think about how many are left. We therefore recommend you also check with your accommodation hosts where you can get lunch the next day, either along the route or at the start of the hike. Due to very high demand & with accommodation filling up fast, travel months are quickly being booked out for 2023 - so dont delay, book your hiking holiday now! Where possible, we have tried to make these sections easier by shortening them or offering route alternatives. Most areas have mobile / cell phone reception, even while you are hiking. grazing in the same fields that you walk through. Undulating but not strenuous. Copyright 2023 Irish Studio LLC All rights reserved. 1 mile = 1.61 kilometres. Now, a group gathers annually to complete a guided walk over the May Bank Holiday weekend, although the Dingle Peninsula is popular for walking holidays all through the summer months, and you can walk this route any time you please. As keen hikers ourselves we know youll want somewhere relaxing to put your feet up in the evening. At your accommodation you can find either, a hot breakfast, a continental breakfast, or perhaps even both! Looping around the Iveragh Peninsula, the Kerry Way goes anti-clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in Ireland. Depending on the time of year, you may also want to carry additional layers in a rucksack. Spend your first night in bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation in Killarney and then just start walking Simple! Typically the entire Kerry Way route is broken down into 9key stages of approximate equal length andestimatedduration between places with accommodation options. Unfortunately, I wont win any awards for the footage but Ill always remember the event. Most accommodation hosts will always try and cater for dietary requirements as best they can, provided they are notified in advance. Staying at the very best accommodation during your time in Ireland can transform a good hiking tour into a great hiking tour. Try this 215.0-km loop trail near Killarney, County Kerry. After almost four months of overseas travel, Im discovering new wellness rituals that I can take on my next trip. Your email address will not be published. The Kerry Way is the longest Irish Waymarked Trail. I cant think at all. There will be more climbs in a day but harder days are generally followed by easier ones.