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Hiking Tours in Southwest Ireland

Southwest Ireland is where the country's hiking reputation is built - three great Atlantic peninsulas, three of Ireland's best-known long-distance trails, and some of its highest mountains. Macs Adventure is a leader in self-guided travel, and this region anchors our Irish walking collection.

The Dingle Way, the Kerry Way, and the Beara Way each circle a different peninsula across counties Kerry and Cork, while shorter routes explore Killarney National Park and the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range. Choose one trail in full or combine shorter sections across the region.

With 20+ years of self-guided hiking experience, we help you choose the right route for your trip.

Kerry Way

3 routes

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Routes in Southwest Ireland

  • Republic of Ireland

    The Dingle Way

    • Walking
    • 6–10 days
    • Moderate
    from$1,530CAD pp
    View Route
  • Republic of Ireland

    The Kerry Way

    • Walking
    • 5–12 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Challenging
    from$1,285CAD pp
    View Route
  • Republic of Ireland

    Beara Way

    • Walking
    • 6–10 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$1,670CAD pp
    View Route

Why Southwest Ireland is the country's best hiking region:

  • Home to three of Ireland's great peninsula trails - the Dingle Way, the Kerry Way, and the Beara Way
  • The MacGillycuddy's Reeks, including Ireland's highest peak, rise directly above the region's trails
  • Killarney National Park adds lake and woodland walking alongside the coastal peninsula routes
  • Traditional music, seafood, and Gaeltacht culture run through towns across the region
  • Routes range from relaxed coastal days to genuinely challenging mountain stages
Dingle Peninsula, Dingle Way

Southwest Ireland like a local

  • When to go

    May through September is the best window for Southwest Ireland. June and September offer milder weather and quieter trails than peak July and August.

  • What the trails are actually like

    A genuine mix - coastal paths around the peninsulas, mountain terrain in the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, and gentler lakeside walking in Killarney National Park.

  • Where you will stay

    Family-run B&Bs and small hotels in towns like Killarney, Kenmare, Dingle, and Castletownbere, chosen for warmth and trail access.

  • How fit do I need to be

    Depends on the trail. The Dingle Way and Beara Way suit regular hikers at Moderate grade, while Kerry Way sections near the Reeks are more demanding.

  • Which trail should I choose

    The Dingle Way for peninsula and beach scenery, the Kerry Way for Ireland's longest waymarked trail and mountain views, or the Beara Way for the quietest, least-crowded route.

More regions to explore

Know before you go

Get inspired for Southwest Ireland

  • Hiking

    The Dingle Way vs The Kerry Way

    The Dingle Way vs The Kerry Way - You've probably heard whispers about two iconic trails: The Dingle Way and The Kerry Way. But which one is right for you?

    Read blog

  • Hiking

    Essential Facts About the Kerry Way

    There are some considerations when walking the Kerry Way in Ireland and our team of experts have come up with the questions they are most frequently asked.

    Read blog

  • Ireland

    Highlights of the Dingle Way

    Read Mathilda's blog about her walking tour to Ireland. Hear about her great experiences along the Dingle Way of local residents (human and sheep!) and beautiful Irish landscapes

    Read blog