The Kerry Way

The Kerry Way is best suited to experienced, fit hikers. To get trail-ready, head out on regular hikes before your trip and work a few hills into your routine. It’s also worth checking the daily distances and elevation gain in your itinerary, so you know what each day has in store.

The first half is tougher than the second, mainly because of the rugged terrain between the Black Valley and Glencar. In wet weather, these stretches can take longer than you’d expect, so give yourself plenty of time and enjoy the slower pace. You’ll hike on a real mix of surfaces: forest and farm tracks, paths across moorland and fields, and historic old roads linking the villages. Around 35% of the route is on paved roads, which is less than most Irish national trails. Most of the road sections are quiet, scenic country lanes with very little traffic. A few short stretches follow busier main roads, though, so take extra care there.

It’s mostly a low-level hike, but with plenty of ups and downs along the way. You’ll cross several ridges and spurs of 200–300m (650–1,000ft), and the highest point is the summit of Knockavahaun at 371m (1,217ft).

The route ranges from moderate to challenging, depending on the itinerary you choose. Individual days can vary too, so some may feel a little tougher or easier than the overall rating suggests.

Accommodations along the Kerry Way are a mix of family-run B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels, with a warm Irish welcome throughout.

Some overnight stops are in remote valleys with only a handful of rooms, so availability can be limited. If we need to book you somewhere nearby instead, you’ll get directions to and from the trail in our app, or in some cases a transfer to and from the trail. This might make your hiking day a little longer or shorter.

We’d recommend adding a rest day around the middle of your trip, once you’ve tackled the tougher first half. Cahersiveen is a great spot for an extra night, with plenty to see and do and good local amenities.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

If you're travelling solo, bear in mind that mobile phone coverage can be patchy in some of the remote areas along the trail.

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner aren't included, so you're free to choose from the available options. Most accommodations are more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request, which can be booked on arrival, or you can buy lunch at a local shop or stop in a café. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants.

You can start the Kerry Way on any day of the week from April to October.

July and August are the busiest months, and accommodations fill up fast. For quieter trails, May, June and September are a great choice.

Irish weather is famously unpredictable, so come ready for anything – four seasons in one day isn’t unusual. Much of the trail runs along the coast and through remote valleys between the mountains, so it can turn wet and windy at any time. This is most likely early and late in the season, when wintry conditions are also possible.

It’s worth checking the local forecast before you head out each day. The coastal stretches are generally fine to hike in most weather, as long as you’re well prepared.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg/40lbs per person.

It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

The route is well waymarked throughout and easy to follow.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Recommended Reading

Although not essential, if you'd like more information on the route, we recommend:

Kerry Way (Rucksack Reader)

Getting to the Start

The Kerry Way starts and finishes in Killarney, a lively town on the edge of Killarney National Park in County Kerry.

Shannon (SNN) and Dublin (DUB) are the easiest airports from North America. Shannon is the closest, with nonstop flights from Boston (BOS) and the New York area (JFK and EWR) with Aer Lingus, United and Delta, and seasonal flights from Toronto (YYZ). Dublin has the widest choice of nonstop flights, from cities across the US and Canada. Flight times from the East Coast are roughly 6 to 7 hours.

Flying into Shannon? Take the bus to Killarney via Limerick (around 2 hrs 50 mins to 3 hrs 40 mins).

Flying into Dublin? Take the bus into the city center, then the train from Dublin Heuston to Killarney, usually with a connection in Mallow. Prefer to fly the last leg? Ryanair flies from Dublin to Kerry Airport (KIR), which is around 25 mins from Killarney by bus.

Cork Airport (ORK) is another option if you’re connecting through a European hub like London or Amsterdam. From the airport, take the short bus ride to Cork Kent station, then the train to Killarney (around 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hrs).

Planning Your Trip

Need help planning your trip by bus or train? The Transport for Ireland Journey Planner is the best place to check routes and schedules.

Getting from the End

Our two longer tours finish back in Killarney, so just follow the directions above in reverse. On the short tour, you’ll finish in Glenbeigh, where regular local buses (route 280) run back to Killarney. There’s no need to book ahead, so just hop on.

Flying home from Shannon or Dublin? Both airports have US preclearance, so you’ll clear US immigration and customs before you board and arrive in the US as a domestic passenger.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport. On this route, our luggage van may also be able to help move you to your next overnight stop - full details are in your Tour Info.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation