A guidebook to walking Ireland’s Kerry Way. Covering 190km (117 miles), this circular route from Killarney takes around 10 days to hike and is suitable for walkers of most abilities.

The route is described anti-clockwise in 10 stages of between 13 and 25km (8–16 miles). Also included are a number of side-trips in the area, including an ascent of Carrauntoohil (Ireland’s highest mountain), the Cnoc na dTobar pilgrim’s path and a marine landing on UNESCO-listed Skellig Michael.

• 1:50,000 maps included for each stage
• Handy route summary tables and accommodation listings help you plan your itinerary
• Refreshment and accommodation information given for each trek stage
• Advice on planning and preparation
• GPX files available to download

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

We do not yet have any updates available for this book

We are always grateful to readers for information about any discrepancies between a guidebook and the facts on the ground. If you would like to send some information to us then please use our contact form. They will be published here following review by the author(s).

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.