Trek the stunning coastal scenery of Iveragh Peninsula which 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. 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.
Trip highlights
- Experience history, mythology and traditional Irish culture
- Enjoy the flexibility of walking with a daypack from village to village
- Soak up the atmosphere in the warm family run B&B
2022 Departure dates and costs
Self-guided (supported) walk daily departure from April 1 - Oct 22
$ 1,390 USD / $ 1,650 CAD per person from Kilarney
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Killarney
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 will give you your full detailed information pack, and can assist with suggestions for dinner and possibly music. Access for this holiday can be from Dublin, Cork or Shannon Airports with bus and/or train connections available to Killarney all year round.
Day 2: Walk through Killarney National Park and Esknamucky Glen to Kenmare (6hrs)
You will be transferred/driven this morning to the start of your walk – about 5kms outside Killarney. From here you walk across Killarney National Park and through Esknamucky Glen to the heritage town of Kenmare. This is a glorious walk, giving you an opportunity to see some of Ireland’s native red deer as you walk through the National Park. Overnight in Kenmare. Walk Details: Distance: 22km/13.6mi. Max. Height: 400m/1312ft. Mountain tracks and green roads. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential. Meals: B
Day 3: Walk along the shores of Kenmare Bay to Sneem (6.5hrs)
From Kenmare you will walk to the award winning village of Sneem via Templenoe. The trail takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. Overnight in Sneem. Walk details: Distance 23km/14.3mi, Max. height 300m/984ft. Forest tracks, some road walking, mountain tracks and country lanes. Boots essential. Meals: B
Day 4: To Caherdaniel (5.5hrs)
From the village of Sneem you will follow an old ‘butter road’ to the little village of Caherdaniel, once the home of Ireland's famous liberator, Daniel O’Connell. The views across the Beara Peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean are fantastic. Overnight in Caherdaniel. Walk details: Distance 19km/11.8mi, Max. height 400m/1312ft. Country lanes, grass tracks, rocky mountains and some road walking. Boots essential. Meals: B
Day 5: Walk above the coast to the town of Waterville (5hrs)
Continuing from the village of Caherdaniel, you walk around and above the coast to reach the town of Waterville, a favoured fishing locaton for Charlie Chaplin. Enjoy glorious coastal views out towards the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay. Overnight in Waterville. Walk details: Distance 16km/9.9mi, Max. height 350m/1148ft. Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland and some road walking. Boots essential. Meals: B
Day 6: To Caherciveen with views across to the Dingle Peninsula (6.5hrs)
From Waterville, you will once again be driven a short distance to the starting point of today’s walk at Mastergeehy. From here you will be walking to the town of Caherciveen. Today's walk takes you across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and south to Kenmare Bay. Overnight in Caherciveen. Walk details: Distance 24km/14.9mi, Max. height 400m/1312ft. Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking. Boots essential. Meals: B
Day 7: Follow 17th century Stagecoach route to Glenbeigh (6.5hrs)
Your final day's walk takes you from Caherciveen along the northern shores of the peninsula to the little town of Glenbeigh. This walk follows an old 17th 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 on the old stage coaches. Your holiday finishes in the village of Glenbeigh. Overnight in Glenbeigh. Walk details: Distance 24km/14.9mi, Max height 350m/1148ft. Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and road walking. Boots essential. Meals: B
Day 8: Trip concludes
Trip arrangements conclude in Glenbeigh after breakfast. You can depart from Glenbeigh by bus or taxi to Killarney. The bus leaves at 8:45am and arrives at 9:50am (Note, does not operate on Sundays or Public Holidays). From Killarney, connections by bus and train are frequent to Cork, Limerick, Shannon or Dublin. Note: The cost of this transfer is not included in the trip price and must be paid locally. Meals: B
Additional Information
What's included
- 7 full Irish breakfasts - Irish breakfasts usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon/ sausages, tomato, toast (or any combination you prefer), coffee, tea and juices ~ a great start to the walking day
- 7 nights in B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
- Luggage transfer for 6 days of walking
- Information pack including route notes, maps and tourist information per room booked (GPS data files available on request)
- Emergency hotline
What's not included
- Travel to Killarney and from Glenbeigh
- Dinner, lunch and drinks. *Note - During some walking days there will not be an opportunity to purchase lunch and we recommend that you pack a picnic lunch
- items of a personal nature
- Storage of luggage
- Travel insurance - mandatory
- Guide - this is a self guided tour