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4
moderate to challenging
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in B&Bs
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1140GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: ROK

Trip highlights

  • Trekking through stunning coastal scenery
  • Experiencing history, mythology and traditional Irish culture
  • Enjoying the flexibility of walking with a daypack from village to village
  • Soaking up the atmosphere in the warm family run B&Bs

The Iveragh Peninsula is one of Ireland's great natural tourist attractions. It encompasses a 179 kilometre circuit from Killarney, via Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Kenmare and back to Killarney across Moll's Gap and past Ladies View - one of Ireland's most famous viewpoints. You will leave the tour bus route and journey along a network of ancient paths which weave between the main points, on the long-distance track known as the Kerry Way. During this superb week long self-guided walk you will experience stunning coastal scenery and pretty fishing villages, such as Caherdaniel and Portmagee, whose beautifully preserved stone dwellings have weathered the coastal elements for centuries, nestled amid a picturesque scene of verdant hills. At night you will get a taste of traditional Irish hospitality in comfortable B&Bs chosen for their good character, location and fine Irish breakfasts.

Countries:

Republic of Ireland

Starting Point:

Killarney

Finishing Point:

Killarney

Itinerary

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Arrive in Killarney, the popular town renowned for its three magnificent lakes in the heart of Kerry. On arrival at your first guesthouse, your host can assist with suggestions for dinner and possibly music. (If you have boked with the premium service your printed information will be provided on arrival). Killarney can be reached from Dublin, Cork or Shannon Airports with bus and/or train connections available year round. Note: There are options to extend your trip, see 'Special Notes' below for details. These must be requested at time of booking.

Meals:  Nil

A morning transfer takes you to the start of today's walk. You will set off on foot from just outside the town of Glenbeigh, along the northern shores of the peninsula, to the town of Cahersiveen. The walk follows an old 19th century 'stage coach' route and gives spectacular views across to the Dingle Peninsula. You will pass through old deserted villages which were once busy centres of activity, trading with passengers passing through. Overnight in Cahersiveen. Walk details: 24km/15mi. Total ascent 555m, Total descent -643m. Highest point 367m Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking – boots essential.

Meals:  B

A short transfer will take you a short distance to the starting point of today's walk at Coars Cross. From here you set out to to the town of Waterville. This walk takes you across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and west across the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight in Waterville. Walk details: 18km/11.25mi. Total ascent 653m, Total descent -789m. Highest point 396m Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking - boots essential.

Meals:  B

Setting out from Waterville, you walk around and above the coast to reach the little village of Caherdaniel, once the home of Ireland's famous liberator, Daniel O’Connell. Glorious coastal views out towards the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay await along the route. Overnight in Caherdaniel. Walk details: 14.5km/9mi. Total ascent 336m, Total descent -304m. Highest point 246m Rocky and grassy trakcs, mountain tracks and bogland and some road walking - boots essential.

Meals:  B

Continue walking from Caherdaniel, following an old 'butter road' to the village of Sneem. The views across the Beara peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean are fantastic. Walk details: 17.4km/10.9mi. Total ascent 533m, Total descent -547m. Highest point 226m Country lanes, grass tracks, rocky mountains and some road walking - boots essential.

Meals:  B

This morning you will be transferred to Tahilla Church, just outside Sneem, to start your walk. This walk takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with views across to the Beara peninsula and the Caha mountains. Overnight in Kenmare. Walk details: 27.3km/10.9mi. Total ascent 733m, Total descent -734m. Highest point 213m Forest tracks, some road walking, mountain tracks and country lanes - boots essential.

Meals:  B

Starting from your accommodation, walk through the Esknamucky Glen and Killarney National Park to arrive at the magnificent Muckross House and Gardens, about 5km outside Killarney. After spendig some time exploring the house and gardens, make your way to Killarney for your overnight. This is a glorious walk, giving you the opportunity to see or hear some of Ireland's native red deer as you walk through the National Park. Walk details: 25km/15.6mi. Total ascent 853m, Total descent -823m. Highest point 351m

Meals:  B

Trip arrangements conclude in Killarney after breakfast. From Killarney connections by bus and train are frequent to Cork, Limerick, Shannon or Dublin. Private transfers are available on request.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 full Irish breakfasts - Irish breakfasts usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon/ sausages, tomato, toast, coffee, tea and juices
  • 7 nights in B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Luggage Transfer, 1-2 pieces with maximum combined weight of 15kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Digital information pack with route notes and maps & navigational app access
  • Transfers as per the itinerary
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Killarney
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Excess & storage of luggage
  • Hotel taxes if applicable – payable directly to the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

GRADE 4 - Daily stages of 5 to 6.5 hours. The distances in km are listed for each stage. The paths are well defined and clearly marked. There are some steep sections on sometimes loose and rocky ground and through muddy areas, and there are lots of ups and downs. A good level of fitness is required and you should be able to read a map. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.

Departure dates

daily from 18 Mar to 18 Oct

Priceper person from

£1140GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementGBP£460
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£670
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.

Great Value & Quality

Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.

Self-Guided Specialists

We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.