Kerry Way – Ireland's longest trail

Overview

Walk the Kerry Way anticlockwise from Killarney and you get the best of it early: the lakes, Torc Waterfall and the Black Valley in the first two days, before the trail settles into quieter inland stages. If you can only spare a weekend, that opening section is the one to do. The full route (Irish: Slí Uíbh Ráthaigh) is Ireland’s longest National Waymarked Trail, a circular loop around the Iveragh Peninsula that begins and ends in Killarney, traditionally split into nine stages over 6 to 12 days. Look for the yellow arrow on a black background. It’s jointly managed by Kerry County Council, the South Kerry Development Partnership and the Kerry Way Committee.

One honest note on distance: sources don’t agree. Wikipedia lists it at 214 km, while Sport Ireland and Discover Ireland both put it at 232 km, likely a matter of measurement method and which optional spurs you count. Either way, budget for a long, strenuous walk rather than a fixed number.

Rather than following the busy tourist roads, the Kerry Way takes you through quiet boreens, ancient woodland, open moorland and secluded valleys. It serves as a foot-travelled alternative to the Ring of Kerry, allowing you to experience the peninsula’s landscape at a slower, more immersive pace. The Kenmare to Killarney section also forms part of the European long-distance E8 route, which stretches from Dursey Island in County Cork all the way to Istanbul in Turkey.

History

The concept for the trail emerged in 1982 when members of the Laune Mountaineering Club and the Kerry branch of An Taisce, led by Seán Ó Súilleabháin, began mapping a network of old roads and paths across the southwest. Inspired by a history lecture on historic routes in the region, Ó Súilleabháin recognised a “spider’s web-like network” that could be linked into a single long-distance walk.

The first section – from Killarney to Glenbeigh – was officially opened by Tánaiste Dick Spring in 1985, making it the second long-distance trail in the Republic after the Wicklow Way. The full circuit was completed and opened by Minister of State Frank Fahey in 1989. Construction was carried out by workers on FÁS social-employment schemes at a cost of £60,000, resulting in more than 200 stiles, six footbridges, and a complete set of way-markers. A 2010 review of Ireland’s National Waymarked Trails highlighted the Kerry Way as one of the most heavily used routes and recommended its upgrade to a National Long Distance Trail to meet international standards.

Route & Stages

While the trail is traditionally broken into nine key stages, its flexible design means you can join at any point, use public transport to hop between sections, or tackle individual day-walks. The terrain varies significantly: expect quiet tarmac roads, open mountain moorland, forest tracks, and narrow field paths. Some inland sections can be boggy after rain, and remote stretches require self-sufficiency.

The total ascent is roughly 5,300 m, with the highest point on the route being Windy Gap (385 m) between Foilmore and Caherdaniel. The nine conventional stages run as follows:

1. Killarney to Black Valley – Passes through Killarney National Park, the lakes and Torc Waterfall.
2. Black Valley to Glencar – Crosses the Lack Road and skirts the southern slopes of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks.
3. Glencar to Glenbeigh – Follows the Caragh River valley and circles Seefin Mountain.
4. Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen – Climbs and descends ridges with sweeping views over Dingle Bay.
5. Cahersiveen to Waterville – Ridges and quiet country roads leading to the southern tip of the peninsula.
6. Waterville to Caherdaniel – Offers a coastal option or a longer inland route via Lough Currane.
7. Caherdaniel to Sneem – Coastal paths and old coach roads past ancient stone forts.
8. Sneem to Kenmare – Inland tracks through abandoned villages and woodland before climbing back to Kenmare.
9. Kenmare to Killarney – Follows the Old Kenmare Road through Windy Gap, rejoining the start of the trail.

What to See & Do

The Kerry Way is a showcase of Kerry’s natural and cultural highlights. Key points along the route include:

• Killarney National Park – The trail begins in the park’s grounds, passing the historic Muckross House, the tranquil Lough Leane, and the dramatic Torc Waterfall before heading into the wilder interior.
• Black Valley – After Torc, the path descends into this secluded glen framed by the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. The valley offers direct views of Carrauntoohil and Caher, Ireland’s two highest summits.
• Inland Valleys & Lough Acoose – The route continues through the lush Bridia Valley, skirts Lough Acoose, and follows quiet country roads to the village of Glencar.
• Seefin Mountain & Glenbeigh – Walkers can choose a shorter western loop via Windy Gap or a longer eastern circuit above Lough Caragh, affording panoramic vistas over Dingle Bay.
• Coastal Highlights – The trail hugs the Wild Atlantic Way, passing Drung Hill and offering spectacular sea-views of Ballinskelligs Bay, the Skellig Islands, and Derrynane Bay.
• Historic Sites – Along the way you’ll encounter ancient stone forts such as Loher Fort (9th century) and Staigue Fort, the abandoned 19th-century fishing village of Tahilla, and the ruins of Dromore Castle (1830s) and Cappanacush Castle (13th century).
• Cultural Villages – Each stop – Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Caherdaniel, Sneem, and Kenmare – offers traditional Irish hospitality, pubs, and local cuisine. Kenmare is home to the 4,000-year-old Reenagoppul Stone Circle near the town centre.

Practical Information

The Kerry Way is rated strenuous overall due to the cumulative climbing and varied terrain, but individual stages range from easy to hard. You can tailor the experience to your fitness level by splitting longer days or using local transport.

• Length & Ascent: 214–232 km depending on the source; total ascent ≈ 5,300 m
• Typical Duration: 9–12 days for the full circuit; many complete it in 7–10 days
• Waymarking: Yellow arrow on black background; over 200 stiles and six footbridges. Detailed stage maps come from Sport Ireland and the free ActiveME app (iOS & Android). Carry a physical map and compass as mobile coverage drops in the remote valleys.
• Dogs: Not permitted on the trail
• Fees: Free to walk; no admission charges
• Season: Best walked March through October. Spring (April–June) gives longer days and lower river levels; autumn brings fewer crowds. Winter walking needs experience and proper gear, with ice and snow possible on higher ground.
• Flooding: The low stretch between Derrycunnihy Church and Lord Brandon’s Cottage can flood after heavy rain, and other boggy sections hold water. Check for current trail advisories before you set out, as sections have closed temporarily in the past.
• Safety: Tell someone your daily stage plan. Carry waterproof boots, a rain layer, and enough water and food, as there are long stretches between facilities.

Getting There & Planning

• Killarney – The main trailhead is adjacent to Killarney railway station and the central bus station. Free on-street parking is available near the town centre, and paid car parks serve the National Park entrance.
• Public Transport – Bus Éireann routes link Killarney with Kenmare, Cahersiveen and Waterville, making it straightforward to break the trail into shorter sections. Local services run between most villages during the summer months.
• Parking Along the Route – Small car parks are provided at popular trailheads such as Torc Waterfall, Black Valley, and Glenbeigh. These are free but fill quickly in peak season.
• Accommodation & Services – A range of B&Bs, guesthouses, hotels and campsites are available in each of the main villages. Several local providers offer luggage-transfer services, allowing you to walk with only a daypack. Guided day-walks and multi-day packages are also available through local operators and the Kerry Way Committee.

The trail can be walked in either direction, though most complete it anticlockwise to match the traditional stage breakdown. If you only have a few days, the Torc Waterfall to Galways Bridge stretch (≈ 9 km) or the Coastal Stage 6 from Waterville to Caherdaniel (≈ 13 km) are excellent standalone day walks. Download the official stage maps before you set out, and aim to start early on mountain stages to avoid afternoon cloud cover.