County Kerry is home to some of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes, where rugged mountains rise above deep glacial valleys and Atlantic waves crash against wild coastal cliffs. The Iveragh Peninsula combines sweeping ocean views, remote uplands, quiet farmland and colourful villages, all framed by the lakes and peaks of Killarney National Park. This rich mix of mountain, coast and heritage makes the region one of Ireland’s finest destinations for long-distance walking.

The Kerry Way is a 190km (117-mile) circular route starting and finishing in Killarney, typically completed in around 10 days and suitable for walkers of most abilities. Described anti-clockwise in 10 stages of between 13 and 25km (8–16 miles), the route explores the varied terrain of the peninsula, from open hillsides and forest tracks to coastal paths and traditional rural lanes. Optional side trips include an ascent of Carrauntoohil, Ireland’s highest mountain, the pilgrim path to Cnoc na dTobar, and a marine landing on UNESCO-listed Skellig Michael.

Clear route descriptions supported by 1:50,000 mapping help you navigate confidently along the well-waymarked Kerry Way. Handy route summary tables and detailed accommodation listings make it easy to organise daily distances and overnight stops, whether walking the full circuit or tackling sections over several trips.

• 10 detailed stage-by-stage route descriptions of the Kerry Way, presented anti-clockwise from Killarney, with clear daily distances, terrain notes and key highlights to help you plan and pace your journey around the full 190km circuit.
• 1:50,000 mapping for every stage of the Kerry Way, allowing confident navigation across open hillsides, forest tracks, minor roads and coastal sections along this classic Irish long-distance trail.
• Handy route summary tables for the Kerry Way, providing at-a-glance information on distances, ascent, facilities and accommodation to support flexible itinerary planning.
• Comprehensive accommodation listings and refreshment information for each stage of the Kerry Way, helping you organise overnight stops in villages and towns along the route.
• Practical advice on planning and preparation for walking the Kerry Way, including guidance on weather, terrain, transport links and seasonal considerations in southwest Ireland.
• Downloadable GPX files covering the full Kerry Way, offering an additional digital navigation option for use on smartphones or GPS devices.
• Optional side trips from the Kerry Way, including the ascent of Carrauntoohil, the historic pilgrim route to Cnoc na dTobar and a marine landing on Skellig Michael, adding further adventure and cultural depth to your walk.

Combining mountain scenery, Atlantic coastline and rich Irish heritage, the Kerry Way offers a classic long-distance walking experience. This comprehensive guidebook provides everything you need to plan, navigate and enjoy the Kerry Way with confidence.

The Kerry Way - Quick Facts

Trail name: Kerry Way
Location: County Kerry, southwest Ireland (Iveragh Peninsula & Killarney region)
Designation: Waymarked Irish long-distance walking trail
Distance: ~190 km / ~117 miles
Typical duration: 10 days
Start/End: Killarney, County Kerry
Route format: Circular long-distance walking route
Stages: 10 stages (13–25 km / 8–16 miles per day)
Navigation: Waymarked paths supported by 1:50,000 mapping and GPX files
Terrain: Mountain paths, open hillsides, forest tracks, coastal sections, rural lanes and farmland
Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for walkers of most abilities with some long-distance experience
Best season: Late spring to early autumn (May–September)
Accommodation: B&Bs, guesthouses, hotels, hostels and campsites in towns and villages along the route

Author Highlight

“The Kerry Way is one of the more peaceful walking paths in Europe, yet it contains mildly challenging days, sweeping panoramas, beautiful wildflowers, historical archaeological sites, is well marked and has friendly people and hosts.”

- John Raffaldi, author of Walking the Kerry Way

Map key 
Route summary table 
Stage facilities planner 

Introduction 
A hidden jewel in the Emerald Isle 
Using this guide 

Planning your walk 
The route 
When to go 
Travel to and from the Kerry Way 
Accommodation 
Food and drink 
Trek planning and baggage transfer services 
What to pack 
Money matters 
Travel insurance 
Physical fitness 
Side trips 

Planning day by day 
Climate and weather 
Maps and apps 
Waymarking and paths 
Language 
Phone and Wi-Fi 
The Ring of Kerry 
Iveragh Peninsula transport 
Laundry 
Ticks and midges 
Emergencies 

About the region 
Geology
Plants and wildlife 
History 
Visiting Killarney 

The Kerry Way 
Day 1  Killarney to Black Valley 
Day 2  Black Valley to Glencar 
Day 3  Glencar to Glenbeigh 
Day 4  Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen (Foilmore) 
Day 5  (Coars) Cahersiveen to Waterville 
Day 5A  Cahersiveen to Caherdaniel via inland variant 
Day 6 Waterville to Caherdaniel 
Day 7  Caherdaniel to Sneem 
Day 8  Sneem to Blackwater Bridge 
Day 9  Blackwater Bridge to Kenmare 
Day 10  Kenmare to Killarney 
Side trip  Carrauntoohill ascent 
Side trip  Skellig Michael marine landing 
Side trip  Tetrapod Trackway 
Side trip  Transatlantic Cable Station Museum 
Side trip  Cnoc na dTobar (Knocknadobar) – Kerry’s pilgrim path 

Appendix A: Accommodation list 
Appendix B: Useful contacts 1

Seasons

With a mild temperate climate and lower elevations, spring, summer, and autumn are the best seasons to enjoy the Kerry Way. The nicest weather tends to be in June, July and August, with the least amount of rain – although wet weather is possible year round; the shoulder seasons are cooler and wetter.

Centres

Killarney, Black Valley, Glencar, Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem, and Kenmare

Difficulty

The Kerry Way is suitable for most walkers, provided you adapt your itinerary to your level of fitness. There are a few more strenuous parts initially going through the passes between the mountains but once beyond the mountains the coastal section is generally flatter.

Must See

Ross Castle, Killarney National Park, Muckross House and gardens, Muckross Abbey, Torc Waterfall, Carrauntoohil – Ireland's highest peak, Skellig Micheal Island, Transatlantic Cable Museum, Derrynane House and Park, Cahergall and Staigue stone forts

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