4
moderate to challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in B&Bs
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1100GBP

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

Expand all | Collapse all

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

£1100GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Optional premium services - includes printed documents & support calls during the trek ppGBP£70
  • Single SupplementGBP£380
  • Solo Traveller SupplementGBP£610
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.