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Walking Holidays in Ireland The Kerry way

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Walking Holidays in Ireland
The Kerry way

ENQUIRE ABOUT THIS TOUR

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 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 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 Waterville To-day’s journey is mainly inland, on ridge-backs giving views of land and sea, finishing at the angling centre of Waterville on the shore of Ballinskelligs Bay

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 2010:
KW7 Euro 675.00 per person sharing
KW11 Euro 980.00 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:
- 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 2010 - Every Saturday throughout the year

 

Airport Transfers

Go Ireland Airport Transfers to/from Shannon Airport-

Shannon Airport to Kerry at 12.00 on Saturdays from the information point in the arrivals hall. Return transfer arrives at Shannon Airport at 11.00am on Saturdays.
                                                                 
Shannon Airport to Killarney                €50 (Single)  €100 (Return)   
Shannon Airport to Tralee                    €50 (Single)  €100 (Return)
Shannon Airport to Camp                    €55 (Single)  €110 (Return)
Shannon Airport to Glenbeigh             €50 (Single)  €100 (Return)

Public transport options-

You can catch a shuttle bus which operates frequently between Shannon and Limerick city. From Limerick city, you can then hop on a Bus Eireann bus to Killarney or Tralee.

Go Ireland Airport Transfers to/from Kerry Airport

Kerry Airport to accommodation transfers run throughout the year, between 07.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays. Return transfer arrives at Kerry Airport between 07.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays.

Kerry Airport to Killarney                         €15 (Single)    €30 (Return)
Kerry Airport to Tralee                             €15 (Single)    €30 (Return)
Kerry Airport to Camp                              €20 (Single)
Kerry Airport to Glenbeigh                      €25 (Single)    €50 (Return)

Public Transport options-

There is a very frequent bus service operating from Kerry Airport to Killarney and Tralee daily.

Cork Airport

Hop on the shuttle bus that operates between Cork Airport and Cork bus station. Here you can get a bus to Killarney which should take about 1hr 20 minutes.

Dublin Airport

Fly with Ryanair to Kerry Airport or get a train from Hueston Station which will drop you to Killarney or Tralee.

Note: These prices are not included in the holiday price.  Prices are based on per person and based on a minimum of 2 people per transfer. 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. Refunds are not provided for any unused portions of transfer.  Arrangements can be made for a private taxi transfer (at clients own expense) should the Go Ireland transfer timetable/public transport timetable not suit.

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