Overview
The Kerry Greenway is the flagship project of the Kingdom of Kerry Greenways programme, repurposing the historic Glenbeigh‑Valentia Harbour railway line. When complete, the 32 km South Kerry Greenway will run from Glenbeigh to Reenard, just south‑west of Cahersiveen, hugging the Atlantic coastline and offering unrivalled views of Dingle Bay, the Skellig Coast and the rugged Iveragh Peninsula. The route is built to a smooth, all‑weather surface with gentle gradients, making it suitable for walkers, cyclists, families and users of all abilities.
Two sections are already open to the public:
- Phase 1 – Golden’s of Kells to the former Kells Railway Station (3.1 km) – opened December 2025.
- Phase 2 – Curra Road (Glenbeigh) to Mountain Stage (4.2 km) – opened 2 April 2026.
These sections give visitors an immediate taste of the spectacular cliffs, woodlands and historic engineering works that will eventually link the whole south‑west of Kerry.
History & Background
The line that underpins the Greenway was the most westerly railway in Europe when it opened in September 1893. Funded by the Great Southern & Western Railway, local aristocracy and the Knight of Kerry, the Glenbeigh‑Valentia Harbour route connected Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Kells, Cahersiveen and the terminus at Valentia Harbour. It served passengers until 1935 and freight until the line’s closure in January 1960.
After three decades of abandonment, Kerry County Council acquired the corridor and, with funding from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (over €22 million) and the Department of Rural and Community Development, began converting the disused track into a modern greenway. Legal challenges delayed the project: the High Court dismissed planning objections in July 2021, the Supreme Court rejected further appeals in February 2022, and construction proceeded thereafter. As of early 2026, roughly 7 km of the 32 km route are open, with the remaining sections under construction.
Funding & Development
The South Kerry Greenway benefits from a major national investment package. In 2026 the Department of Transport allocated almost €9.2 million of the €13 million earmarked for the 32 km route. A further €500,000 supports linking the Tralee‑Fenit and Listowel‑Limerick greenways, creating a county‑wide active‑travel network.
Key upcoming works include:
- Glenbeigh‑to‑Mountain Stage (≈5 km) – slated for early summer 2026.
- Remaining Glenbeigh‑to‑Reenard stretch – expected to be finished by mid‑2026, completing the coastal corridor.
- Restoration of the historic Gleensk Viaduct and the opening of tunnel portals at Drung Hill are part of the long‑term plan.
Events & Community
- December 2025 – Phase 1 Opening – a community ceremony at Golden’s of Kells marked the first public access.
- 2 April 2026 – Phase 2 Opening – timed for the Easter weekend, attracting families and local cyclists.
- Community Biodiversity Action Plan – launched in 2026, encouraging volunteers to record wildlife along the trail and to take part in citizen‑science surveys.
- Seasonal activities – the Greenway is part of the International Dark Sky Reserve, making it a popular spot for stargazing evenings in the summer months.
What to See & Do
| Section | Highlights | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| Golden’s of Kells – Kells Station (3.1 km) | Kells Bay, Castlecove, Skellig Coast scenery, temporary car park at Golden’s, public toilets | Former Kells Railway Station, historic rail‑track remnants, views over the Iveragh Peninsula, proximity to the International Dark Sky Reserve |
| Curra Road – Mountain Stage (4.2 km) | Curra Hill woodland corridor, panoramic vistas of Coolroe & Beenreagh peaks, crossing of the old Curra Railway bridge | Quiet‑road section, smooth surfaced path, access to the Gleesk Viaduct (future), tunnel portals at Drung Hill |
Beyond the paved sections, the full route will pass a host of attractions that can be explored as side trips:
- Rossbeigh Beach – a Blue Flag beach ideal for a dip or a seaside walk.
- Drung Hill (640 m) – offers a challenging climb and sweeping Atlantic panoramas.
- Gleesk Viaduct – an 1872 iron structure, 175 ft long and 70 ft high, slated for restoration.
- Cahersiveen heritage sites – Ballycarbery Castle, ancient stone forts (Cahergal, Leacanabuaile) and the local heritage centre.
- Valentia Island – reachable by ferry from Cahersiveen; highlights include the Valentia Lighthouse, Tetrapod footprints, the Slate Quarry and Geokaun Mountain.
- Skellig Islands – world‑heritage site accessible by boat from Portmagee, a spectacular add‑on for adventurous visitors.
- Aghadoe – early Christian site with a 12th‑century church ruin, a short drive from the Kells section.
The Greenway also links to other Kerry routes, such as the Tralee‑Fenit (13.6 km) and Listowel‑to‑Limerick Greenways, creating a network that lets you design multi‑day cycling adventures across the county.
Practical Information
Access & Parking
- Golden’s of Kells – temporary car park (steep, not wheelchair‑friendly). Public toilets are available on‑site.
- Kells Station car park – limited accessible parking spaces (temporary measure).
- Curra Road car park – main vehicle and pedestrian access opposite the trailhead; toilet facilities are provided.
Surface & Difficulty The path is fully surfaced with compacted grit‑stone, offering a firm, even surface suitable for hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes and walking. Gradients are gentle; the most elevated point on the current sections is the Mountain Stage, which sits just over 100 m above sea level.
Accessibility While the Greenway is designed for all‑ability use, the temporary parking at Golden’s is steep and unsuitable for wheelchairs or push‑chairs. Limited accessible parking is available at the former Kells Station. The trail itself is wheelchair‑compatible where the surface is intact, but some future sections (tunnels at Drung Hill, the Gleesk Viaduct) may require additional adaptations before they become fully accessible.
Facilities
- Public toilets at Golden’s of Kells and Curra Road car park.
- Picnic benches along the Curra Hill woodland corridor.
- Information boards detailing the railway’s history and local wildlife.
Opening Hours Open year‑round during daylight hours; no admission fee.
Dog Policy Dogs are permitted on the Greenway on a leash (recommended) – confirm local signage for any restrictions.
Getting There
- By car – From Tralee, follow the N70 to Glenbeigh; turn onto the Curra Road turn‑off for the Greenway trailhead. Directions are available via Google Maps: Curra Road trailhead.
- Public transport – Bus services run from Tralee to Glenbeigh; the nearest train station is Tralee, with onward connections to Killarney and Dublin.
- Cycling – The Greenway connects to the EuroVelo network via the Tralee‑Fenit Greenway, allowing long‑distance cyclists to continue northwards.
Safety Notes Some sections of the historic railway corridor remain on steep, unstable ground and feature closed bridges or viaducts that are not yet open to the public. Visitors should stay on the marked surface and respect any signage indicating restricted areas. The council advises that certain tunnel sections may be inaccessible until the final construction phase is complete.
Future Development
The next major milestone is the completion of the Glenbeigh‑to‑Mountain Stage stretch (approximately 5 km) slated for early summer 2026, followed by the remaining links that will join Glenbeigh to Reenard. When finished, the Greenway will provide a continuous, 32 km coastal route that rivals the world‑renowned Great Western Greenway in Mayo.
Useful Links
- Official Kerry Greenways page: discoverkerry.com/greenways
- Detailed route map and mobile app (iOS & Android): ActiveME App
- Information on nearby attractions: Rossbeigh Beach, Gleesk Viaduct