Kerry Walking Holiday

Arrive in Killarney

Afternoon

The town of Killarney will be your base for this 4-night Walking Holiday. You can make the journey to Killarney independently by train, bus or by car. On arrival in Killarney in the afternoon, check in to your hotel. We recommend arriving no later than 16.00hrs so you have time to settle in before meeting your guide.

Welcome meeting

Evening

At 17.00hrs, our guide will formally introduce themselves during a welcome meeting at our hotel. Our guide will prepare us for what we can expect in terms of distance, duration, and terrain during the hikes for the coming days of our holiday. After the welcome meeting join our guide and fellow group members for an evening meal at our hotel. The rest of the evening following dinner will be at your leisure in Killarney.

Overnight

Overnight

3 star hotel in Killarney (4 nights)

Discover Torc Mountain & Killarney National Park

Full day

Lets’ explore the beauty of Kerry! After breakfast at your hotel, we depart by coach for Killarney National Park with our expert guide. A short drive out of Killarney town takes us to the old Kenmare Road and the beginning of the Kerry Way. From here we will then climb Torc Mountain to witness magnificent views over the Three Lakes of Killarney, the McGillycuddy Reeks and the Gap of Dunloe. We will then re-trace our steps to reach the impressive Torc Waterfall where we will stop to admire the water cascading over the rocks. Our final stop on our day of hiking will be the beautiful Muckross House and Gardens, often referred to as the jewel in the crown of Killarney National Park. There will be time to enjoy the gardens, and views of the house, before our transfer by coach back to Killarney town. A packed lunch is included today.

(Difficulty: Moderate / Duration spent hiking: 4 hours approximately / Distance: 11kms / Height Gain: 561m / Height Loss: 550m / Max Height: 535m).

We can expect to encounter tracks and paths with steps up and down as well as board walks and some uneven and rocky sections underfoot during today’s hike. Some parts of the route in Killarney National Park can be wet at times so appropriate hiking or walking boots are essential. 

Dinner & time at leisure in Killarney

Evening

You will have some free time to relax after our hike before dinner at our hotel. The remainder of the evening is at leisure for you to enjoy Killarney town as you please. Your guide will be happy to make some suggestions for local entertainment options.

The Ring of Kerry & Knocknatobar Mountain

Full day

Let’s climb a mountain! After breakfast at your hotel, we will depart early from Killarney for a scenic drive to the starting point of our hike on the northern shores of the Ring of Kerry (Approximate transfer time: 1 hour).  From here, lets embark on a wonderful hike up the pilgrim mountain of Knocknatobar with our expert guide. As we ascend, passing the stations of cross on the way, the views open around us giving stunning panoramas over Dingle Bay, the Ring of Kerry and south to the Beara Peninsula. On clear days it is even possible to spot the world famous Skellig Islands in the distance. A packed lunch is included today.

(Difficulty: Moderate / Duration spent hiking: 5 hours approximately / Distance: 9kms / Height Gain: 683m / Height Loss: 683m / Max Height: 690m). 

Walking poles or a walking stick can be a great benefit on today’s hike. We can expect to encounter some road walking, rough tracks and open mountain that can be boggy and wet underfoot, as well as some slippery and uneven sections. Hiking or walking boots are essential.

Dinner & time at leisure in Killarney

Evening

After returning to Killarney after a day's hiking, dinner will be included this evening at our hotel. Afterwards you will be free to explore Killarney town as you wish. Your guide will be happy to make recommendations on the best traditional pubs to visit to soak up the local atmosphere, or alternative local activities to suit your taste.

Dingle Peninsula & Annascaul

Full day

Join us to take on some more adventure! After breakfast at your hotel, we undertake the journey with our expert guide towards the Dingle Peninsula. (Approximate transfer time: 1 hour). Our hike today starts by following an old droving path into the hills, crossing the Dingle Peninsula from the north side, to the south side and passing an old famine village on the way. The route gives the opportunity for wonderful views along the “spine” of the Dingle Peninsula, across Dingle Bay and Tralee Bay. Descending along the route we will have magnificent views across to the Ring of Kerry, before reaching the village of Annascal. A packed lunch is included today. We can expect to encounter some paths and unsurfaced tracks as well as open mountain with boggy sections which can be very wet underfoot during today’s hike. There will also be some rough and uneven sections along with some road walking. Walking poles or a walking stick would be a huge asset on this hike. Hiking or walking boots are essential.

(Difficulty: Moderate / Duration spent walking: 4 hours approximately / Distance: 12kms / Height Gain: 449m / Height Loss: 465m / Max Height: 365m).

Our hike will end in the village of Annascaual, which is where Ireland’s famous Antarctic explorer Tom Crean was born. And at the end of a good hike, there is nothing as rewarding as a refreshing drink in his pub, the South Pole Inn. After some time for relaxation and refreshments together at the South Pole Inn we will return to Killarney by coach (Approximate transfer time: 1 hour).

Dinner & time at leisure in Killarney

Evening

This evening will be our final dinner at our hotel with our guide and fellow group members. You will have the remainder of the evening at leisure to spend as you wish for your last night in Killarney.

Depart Killarney

Morning

After breakfast, you are free to depart at your own leisure, by train or private arrangements. Your guide will be available at your hotel until 10.30am for any final queries you may have. We hope you leave Kerry with many fond memories of our group adventure holiday together in “The Kingdom” of Ireland.