Signpost for Fenit on the Kerry Greenway stands in a grassy field with mountains and water in the background.
A sign welcomes visitors to Fenit on the Kerry Greenway with views of the bay. Courtesy Failte Ireland

Kerry Greenway

📍 Glenbeigh, Kerry

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 22 June 2026

Overview

The South Kerry Greenway is the newest addition to the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways network, transforming a historic railway corridor into a modern, shared-use trail for walkers and cyclists. Spanning 32 km, the route will eventually run from Glenbeigh to Reenard, just south-west of Cahersiveen, hugging the rugged Atlantic coastline. Built on the alignment of the former Glenbeigh-Valentia Harbour railway, the greenway features a smooth, all-weather surface and gentle gradients, making it accessible to families, casual cyclists, and users of all abilities.

While the full coastal corridor is still under construction, two key sections are open to the public, offering an immediate taste of the spectacular scenery and engineering heritage that define this stretch of the Iveragh Peninsula.

History & Background

The railway line that forms the backbone of the greenway opened in September 1893, proudly billed as the most westerly railway in Europe. Funded by the Great Southern & Western Railway, local aristocracy, and the Knight of Kerry, the route connected Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Kells, and Cahersiveen to the terminus at Valentia Harbour. For decades, it carried passengers and freight, bringing prosperity to rural south Kerry before closing to passengers in 1935 and freight in January 1960.

After more than 60 years of abandonment, Kerry County Council acquired the corridor and secured major funding to convert the disused track into a greenway. The project faced planning delays and legal challenges, with court cases resolved in 2021 and 2022, paving the way for construction. Today, the trail is a focal point for active travel and sustainable tourism in the region.

Open Sections

Visitors can currently explore two completed phases of the South Kerry Greenway:

  • Phase 1 – Golden’s of Kells to Kells Railway Station (3.1 km): Opened in December 2025, this section runs along the shoreline, offering direct access to Kells Bay and historic remnants of the old station.
  • Phase 2 – Curra Road (Glenbeigh) to Mountain Stage (4.2 km): Opened in April 2026, this stretch climbs gently through woodland before reaching the elevated Mountain Stage, where the path hugs the side of Drung Hill over 100 m above sea level.

Both sections are fully surfaced with compacted grit-stone, providing a firm, even ride for hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, and walking boots. Gradients remain gentle, with the highest point on the current route sitting just above 100 m at Mountain Stage.

Highlights & Side Trips

The greenway corridor is threaded through one of Ireland’s most dramatic landscapes. As you walk or cycle, you will encounter sweeping views of Dingle Bay, the Skellig Coast, and the Atlantic Ocean. Several notable landmarks and side trips can be easily added to your route:

  • Rossbeigh Beach: A Blue Flag beach located near the Kells section, perfect for a swim or a coastal stroll.
  • Drung Hill (640 m): The path skirts the base of this prominent peak, which offers a challenging optional climb for hikers seeking panoramic Atlantic views.
  • Gleesk Viaduct: Built in the early 1890s (opening in 1893), this 175 ft long and 70 ft high iron structure spans the Gleensk River. It is slated for restoration and will become a major feature of the completed greenway.
  • Cahersiveen Heritage: When the route reaches Cahersiveen, visitors can explore Ballycarbery Castle, the ancient stone forts of Cahergal and Leacanabuaile, and the town’s heritage centre.
  • Valentia Island: Accessible by ferry from Cahersiveen, the island is home to the Valentia Lighthouse, fossilised tetrapod footprints, the historic Slate Quarry, and Geokaun Mountain.
  • Skellig Islands: For adventurous travellers, boat trips to the UNESCO World Heritage site depart from Portmagee, a short drive from the greenway’s southern end.

The trail also links to other active travel routes in the county, including the fully open Tralee-Fenit Greenway and the Listowel-to-Limerick Greenway, allowing cyclists to stitch together multi-day journeys across south Kerry.

Rossbeigh Beach, Co Kerry
Rossbeigh Beach, Co Kerry | Courtesy Viv Egan

Practical Information

Access & Parking

  • Golden’s of Kells: Temporary car park with public toilets. Note that the approach is steep and not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
  • Kells Station: Limited accessible parking spaces are available at the former station site.
  • Curra Road: Main vehicle and pedestrian access opposite the Glenbeigh trailhead, with toilet facilities provided.

Accessibility The greenway is designed for all-ability use. The current surfaced sections are wheelchair-compatible, but temporary parking constraints at Golden’s of Kells limit access for some users. Future sections involving tunnels and the Gleesk Viaduct are still being adapted to meet full accessibility standards.

Dog Policy Dogs are welcome on the greenway but must be kept on a leash, particularly near livestock or wildlife habitats.

Getting There

  • By car: From Tralee, follow the N70 to Glenbeigh and turn onto the Curra Road for the northern trailhead. The Kells trailhead is accessible via the R566.
  • Public transport: Bus services run from Tralee and Killarney to Glenbeigh and Cahersiveen. The nearest rail station is Tralee, with connections to Dublin and Killarney.
  • Cycling: The greenway connects to the EuroVelo network via the Tralee-Fenit route, enabling long-distance riders to continue northwards.

Safety Notes Some sections of the historic railway corridor remain on steep, unstable ground. Closed bridges and unused viaducts are not open to the public. Visitors should stay on the marked surface and respect all signage indicating restricted areas.

Future Development

The South Kerry Greenway is part of a €360 million national funding programme for active travel, with Kerry securing over €13 million in 2026. Almost €9.2 million is allocated specifically to the 32 km Glenbeigh-to-Cahersiveen route. Construction continues on the remaining coastal sections, with the full greenway expected to provide a continuous, traffic-free corridor that complements established routes like the Great Western Greenway in Mayo.

For the most up-to-date route maps, opening status, and mobile navigation tools, visitors can download the ActiveME app or consult the official Kingdom of Kerry Greenways website. Plan your visit early in the day to enjoy the trail in quiet conditions, and pack a windbreaker – the Atlantic breeze is a constant companion along this exposed coastal stretch.