Kerry Gems
8 days/7 nights or 5 days/4 nights
Day 1: Arrival
19.00 hrs. Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at guesthouse in Glenbeigh.
Day 2: Dooks Beach and ‘Mountain’
Distance: 12km/7.5miles, Ascent: 50m/165ft
A gentle walk on road, bog road and beach allows you to experience a variety of habitats (blanket bog, sand dune, freshwater lake/stream and seashore) as well as to view peat cuttings. End the walk with a visit to Ireland’s only Bog Village museum where you can see how people lived in olden days.
Day 3: The Kerry Way (Kells-Glenbeigh)
Distance: 17km/10.5miles, Ascent: 300m/1,000ft
The first walk takes you on the early Christian route and medieval coaching road, with detours to view archaeological artefacts and 4,000-year-old rock art, views across Dingle Bay and a possible diversion to a beach for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean.
Day 4: The Kerry Way (Glenbeigh-Glencar)
Via Windy Gap - Distance: 13km/ 8miles, Ascent 350m/1,150ft
Via Treanmanagh - Distance: 17km/10.5miles, Ascent 270m/ 900ft
You walk from the seaside village of Glenbeigh, ascend gradually to circle Seefin Mountain and stroll downwards into the lush valley of the Caragh River in storied Glencar.
Day 5: Option/Rest Day - Options:
Day tours, i.e., Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, etc., or boat trip to Skelligs Rock. Alternatively go fishing, golfing, horse riding, hire a bike, walk or simply relax.
Day 6: The Kerry Way (Black Valley) and the Gap of Dunloe
Bridia Valley to Gap of Dunloe - Distance: 16km/10miles, Ascent: 400m/1,300ft
Derrycunnihy to Gap of Dunloe - Distance: 14km/8.75m Ascent: 200m/ 660ft
There is a choice of routes through the dramatic, ice-carved Black Valley, followed by a walk up and through the internationally known Gap of Dunloe.
Day 7: Killarney National Park
Distance: 10.5km/6.5miles, Ascent: 230m/ 750ft. Descent: 330m/1,100ft
Option extra: 12km/7.5miles
The final leg of the Kerry Way takes you into Killarney National Park – through ancient oak woods, along the Old Kenmare Road, with a descent beside the spectacular Torc Cascade and into the gardens of Muckross House (19th century mansion), with its welcoming teashop. Optional extended walk to visit to the ruins of Muckross Friary (15th century).
Day 8: Departure