Ireland: Dublin & the Kerry Way

Fáilte, and welcome to Ireland! After arriving in Dublin, we’ll settle into our stylish hotel in the city center, perfectly placed to ease into the trip. The afternoon is ours to enjoy at leisure; wander over to Trinity College for a dose of literary history, or raise a pint at Temple Bar, one of Ireland’s most famous pubs, pouring drinks since 1840. This evening, we’ll gather for a Welcome Dinner, a warm and lively kickoff to the adventure ahead as we get to know our fellow hikers before heading west toward the trails that await.

Included meals: Dinner

After a hearty breakfast, our driver and guide will pick us up for the scenic drive into Kerry, with expert commentary turning the transfer itself into a window onto Irish history and culture. We’ll pause at Emo Court, a stately country estate framed by landscaped gardens, then press on to the Rock of Cashel, an ancient stronghold perched high above the countryside with sweeping views on all sides. We’ll roll into Killarney in the late afternoon, check into our hotel, and take some time to settle in as we gear up for the trails that lie ahead.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Fuel up on breakfast and lace up your boots! We’ll begin today with a transfer to the trailhead just outside Glenbeigh. Our route follows an old 19th-century stagecoach road, once a lifeline connecting remote communities along the peninsula, and we’ll notice how its gentle gradients and generous width still hint at its original purpose. The Atlantic will stay in view for much of the day, and as we make our way west, sweeping vistas will open across the water to the Dingle Peninsula, its jagged mountains and rugged coast catching the shifting light in constantly changing colors. We’ll also pass by abandoned villages and weathered ruins, quiet echoes of communities that once flourished during the golden age of stagecoach travel. By day’s end, we’ll arrive in Cahersiveen, a historic town nestled between mountains and sea, where we’ll spend the evening soaking up the local pubs and coastal atmosphere.

Included meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 633m/2,077ft
Descent: 760m/2,493ft
Distance: 21.3km/13.2mi

We’ll start the day with a short transfer from Cahersiveen to Coars Cross, where our hike begins at an elevated vantage point. The scenery will be spectacular throughout, with sweeping views north toward the Dingle Peninsula’s rugged cliffs and rolling hills, while to the south, the glassy waters of Kenmare Bay contrast beautifully against the mountains, creating a constantly shifting scene of sea and land as we make our way along the trail. Underfoot, the route stays varied and interesting, taking us across quiet country lanes, grassy tracks, and rockier stretches, with plenty of opportunities to spot cows, sheep, or seabirds riding the coastal breeze. Our walk ends in the charming village of Waterville, tucked between Ballinskelligs Bay and Lough Currane. We’ll have time to wander the village, famous for its ties to Charlie Chaplin, who once holidayed here.

Included meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 653m/2,143ft
Descent: 789m/2,589ft
Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Today’s hike starts in welcoming Waterville, where we’ll pick up a route that hugs the cliffs and gentle hills above the shoreline, offering spectacular views as we trace the contours of the coast. As we head toward Caherdaniel, the scenery grows more dramatic, with panoramic views opening across Ballinskelligs Bay and out to the distant Skellig Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the early monastic settlement perched high on its rocky crags. With sea, sky, and mountain combining to create a truly memorable backdrop, we’ll spend the day passing rugged cliffs, wildflowers, and peaceful sandy coves that invite us to slow down and take in our surroundings. We’ll conclude the day’s journey in the village of Caherdaniel, a tranquil coastal settlement known for its quiet beauty.

Included meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 336m/1,102ft
Descent: 304m/997ft
Distance: 14.5km/9mi

Rise and shine! This morning, we’ll set off from Caherdaniel, once the center of Ireland’s butter trade. During the 18th and 19th centuries, butter from this remote region was hauled by pony and cart along rugged mountain tracks to coastal ports and faraway markets, paths that still trace the land’s rhythm today. As we leave the village, we’ll pick up sections of an old butter road that winds gently through countryside shaped by generations of farming life, and as we climb, the views will expand into sweeping panoramas across the Beara Peninsula and out over the Atlantic. Later on, the scenery will soften into greener fields, with signs of settlement gradually reappearing. We’ll end our day in the colorful village of Sneem, celebrated for its brightly painted buildings and friendly atmosphere. Tonight’s the perfect evening to find a stool in a cozy pub and get to know some of the locals.

Included meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 533m/1,749ft
Descent: 547m/1,795ft
Distance: 17.4km/10.8mi

Our day starts with a short transfer to Templenoe, where we’ll begin hiking along the shoreline of Kenmare Bay with the striking Beara Peninsula in the distance. On clear days, the Caha Mountains will tower on the horizon, adding a sense of majesty, while green countryside, patches of woodland, and the odd sighting of local wildlife will round out the experience. We’ll enjoy a nice balance of coastal and inland views as we approach Kenmare. Known for its long history, lively streets, and genuine warmth, Kenmare will be a welcoming place to end the day, and we’ll have time to soak up the town’s music, culture, and culinary scene.

Included meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 733m/2,405ft
Descent: 734m/2,408ft
Distance: 13km/8.1mi

It’s our final hiking day, and what a way to finish! We’ll transfer to Galwey’s Bridge, right at the foot of Torc Mountain, then plunge into the park’s ancient oak forest, one of the last pockets of native woodland left in Ireland. The trail will lead us past gurgling streams and soft, mossy banks, with the peaks of Mangerton and Torc flashing into view, before we’re greeted by the thundering cascade of Torc Waterfall, one of Killarney’s most spectacular sights. Forging on along the Muckross Lake Loop, we’ll break out onto the open shores of Muckross Lake, where the path traces the shoreline and delivers show-stopping views toward Dinis Island and the meeting point of Killarney’s 3 lakes, all set to a soundtrack of birdsong. We’ll wrap up this incredible journey by strolling through the elegant gardens and meadows of Muckross House, passing the timeworn ruins of Muckross Abbey, and following Muckross Road back into town for a celebratory end to our time on the Kerry Way. Tonight, we’ll reflect on our adventure over a spectacular Farewell Dinner and raise a final pint to celebrate our achievement together!

Included meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner

Ascent: 853m/2,798ft
Descent: 823m/2,700ft
Distance: 16.1km/10mi

There are no activities planned today. A group transfer will be provided to Dublin Airport (roughly 5 hours with stops), with onward travel also possible by rail or bus to Cork, Dublin, Limerick, or Shannon. 

Included meals: Breakfast

Please do not book your departing flight until you receive the official trip confirmation email with departure day details.