Nestled in the south-west of Ireland, County Kerry is considered one of the most beautiful parts of the world and is therefore a magical place to explore on foot. The landscape offers everything from dramatic cliffs to golden beaches, small villages, rolling meadows and rugged mountain scenery. One of the great things about hiking the Ring of Kerry is that you get away from the crowds and get the chance to experience the ‘real’ Ireland, staying in charming Bed & Breakfasts.
This hiking adventure starts in the famous town of Killarney, with its three magnificent lakes. You’ll visit Waterville, one of Charlie Chaplin’s favourite fishing spots, and have the opportunity to make a detour to Skellig Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Quite simply, a fantastic week of hiking with some of the best that Ireland has to offer!
Ring of Kerry - the best of Ireland
Highlights
- Magnificent scenery: dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and rolling meadows
- Discover small picturesque villages
- Experience the ‘real’ Ireland, far from the mass tourism
- Kerry - one of the most beautiful landscapes in Ireland
Quick facts
| Travel duration: | 8 days/ 7 nights |
|---|---|
| Travel period: | 15/3 - 15/10 |
| Grade: | Medium. Average 4-5 h/ 10-15 km/ 300-700 m per day. Day by day trip grading, see "program" on each trip. 3 |
| Accommodations: | |
| Trip type: | Self guided walking holidays |
| Price example: | From €1,060 |
| Meals: | Breakfast |
Prices per person in EUR
8 days/ 7 nights From €1,060 Book your trip
| Period | Double Room - shared bed | Twin Room - separate beds | SGL - Single Room |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-15 2026-10-10 | €1,060 | €1,060 | €1,590 |
Prices quoted are per person and include:
- Accommodation 7 nights in Bed & Breafasts with private bathroom
- Breakfast (Full Irish breakfast)
- Luggage transfers for hotel changes
- Mobile app
- Destination information
- Practical information
- Detailed hiking descriptions day by day
- Digital maps
- 24 hour emergency number
Optional extras:
- Extra nights at any of the sites if desired
- Booking of transfer to/from Airport, contact us for price
- Printed maps & hiking descriptions: 30 Euro
Not included
- Transport to/from the destination
- Transfer to/from the Airport
* Single room rates
- Single room rates apply when travelling in the company of others. If you are travelling on your own, in most cases there will be an extra charge due to more expensive luggage transport. Please contact us for prices.
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Killarney
You will arrive in Killarney, a town surrounded by mountains and lakes in the heart of County Kerry. The host/hostess of your accommodation can also advise you on pubs and restaurants and what’s happening locally.
Day 2 Hike from Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen - 24 km
This day starts with a transfer from Killarney to the start of the hike in Glenbeigh. From there you hike along the northern shores of the peninsula, to the town of Cahersiveen. You’ll follow an old 19th century ‘stagecoach road’ with spectacular views across the Dingle Peninsula. Here you will pass through old deserted villages that were once bustling centres of activity and trade with stagecoach passengers. Overnight in Cahersiveen.
24 km, + 555 m, – 643 m
Day 3 Hike from Cahersiveen till Waterville - 18 km
From Cahersiveen you have a short transfer to the starting point at Coars Cross. From here you will hike to the town of Waterville. The hike is across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and west over Kenmare Bay. Overnight in Waterville.
18 km, + 653 m, – 789 m
Day 4 Hike from Waterville to Caherdaniel - 14,5 km
From the town of Waterville, hike around and above the coast to the village of Caherdaniel. Here you have lovely coastal views out to the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay along the way. Overnight in Caherdaniel.
14 km, + 336 m, – 304 m
Day 5 Hike from Caherdaniel to Sneem - 17 km
Today the hike continues from the village of Caherdaniel and follows an old ‘Butter road’ to the village of Sneem. Here you have a great view of the Beara Peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight in Sneem.
17 km, + 533 m, – 547 m
Day 6 Hike from Sneem to Kenmare - 27 km
The day begins with a transfer to Tahilla Church, just outside the town of Sneem. Here you will trek on to the famous town of Kenmare, along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with views of the Beara Peninsula and Caha Mountains. Overnight in Kenmare.
27 km, + 733 m, – 734 m
Day 7 Hike from Kenmare to Killarney - 25 km
Today’s hike takes you first through Esknamucky Glen and Killarney National Park, to the magnificent Muckross House & Gardens – about 5 km outside Killarney. After exploring the house and gardens at Muckross, you’ll hike on to Killarney where you’ll spend the night. This is a lovely hike where you will have the opportunity to see or hear some of Ireland’s native red deer, as you hike through the National Park.
25 km, + 853 m, – 823 m
Day 8 Departure day
We at EverTrek hope you have had a great trip!
We hope to see you again.
Accommodations
During this trip you will stay in Bed & Breakfasts with good standard and private bathroom
8 days/ 7 nights
| Night | Place | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|
| Night 1 | Killarney | B&B |
| Night 2 | Kenmare | B&B |
| Night 3 | Sneem | B&B |
| Night 4 | Caherdaniel | B&B |
| Night 5 | Waterville | B&B |
| Night 6 | Caherciveen | B&B |
| Night 7 | Killarney | B&B |
Route map
Our travelers’ reviews
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