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 This 8 or 5 day walking tour of southwest Ireland is based in the delightful coastal village of Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry. Walk directly from your guesthouse on 2 days on the Kerry Way, on old coach and butter roads by the Atlantic Ocean overlooking Dingle Bay. Discover the wild valleys of mid-Kerry and Killarney National Park. Relax and unwind with the superb views, unique flora and fauna and a landscape imbued with folklore. Enjoy the craic (fun) of the Irish Whiskey Tasting evening and music in the local pubs.
Glenbeigh (Gleann Beithe - Valley of the Birch trees) is a beautiful vibrant village situated by the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the mountains of the Iveragh peninsula, on the Ring of Kerry. Walk on the 6 miles of golden, blue flag beach of Rossbeigh, while breathing in the fresh Atlantic sea air. The town has great pubs and restaurants where you will have the opportunity to hear traditional Irish music or even partake in some dancing! Situated on the Kerry Way walking route you can walk from your guesthouse on two days.
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.
Private Irish Whiskey Tasting Session that evening in Glenbeigh.
Day 5 Option/Rest Day
Today is an opportunity for you to "do your own thing". Your guide will give you the information you need to organise a sightseeing day trip if you wish, such as a bus tour of the Ring of Kerry or Dingle Peninsula, or a boat trip to the spectacular Skelligs Rocks. Alternatively you may opt to take a bus into Killarney, for a little retail therapy and to make the most of the pubs and restaurants in this vibrant town. For the more active there are possibilities to go fishing, golfing, horse riding or hire a bike locally. Or just relax!
Free evening to enjoy dinner as and where you wish.
 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
After your rest day yesterday, we have some dramatic and romantic scenery in store for you today. There is a choice of routes through the dramatic, ice-carved Black Valley (the last place on mainland Ireland to be connected to electricity), followed by a walk up and through the internationally known Gap of Dunloe with excellent views over Killarney's Lakes.
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
After your final Irish Breakfast in your guesthouse, optional complimentary transfer to either Kerry or Shannon Airports.
Tour Highlights:
- Glenbeigh - a picturesque, vibrant village by the Atlantic ocean
- Glenbeighs strong tradition of music and dance
- Rossbeigh Beach - an award winning blue flag beach
- Killarney National Park - lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer
- 19th century Muckross House (optional) and Gardens
- Mid Kerry's inland valleys and the Gap of Dunloe
- Spectacular coastal walk overlooking Dingle Bay
- "Sub-tropical" & unique flora, folklore, archaeology
- Optional boat trip to the Skelligs islands (a monastic settlement from 600AD)
- Rock Art (4,000 years old)
- Irish Whiskey Tasting evening
Go Ireland airport transfers (Min of 2 people)
Shannon to Kerry at 12.00 on Saturdays from the information point in the arrivals hall. Return transfer arrives at Shannon airport at 11.00 on Saturdays.
Kerry airport to accommodation, between 08.00 and 18.00 Hrs. Return transfer arrives at Kerry airport between 08.00 and 18.00 Hrs on Saturdays.
Note: These transfers must be confirmed at time of booking with flight numbers and times for arrival and departure. If these transfers aren't confirmed at time of booking we will assume they are making their own way to their first nights accommodation. Arrangements can be made for a private taxi transfer (at clients own expense) should the Go Ireland transfer timetable not suit.
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What your Guided Walk includes: |
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- Courtesy transfer from and to Kerry and Shannon Airports.
- Seven nights in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthousebased on two adults sharing with en-suite facilities
- Full Irish breakfast on seven days
- Five packed lunches
- Six dinners
- Irish Whiskey Tasting Session
- Transfers to and from walks each day
- Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
- Notes and maps by Sean O Suilleabhain
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