Overview
The North Kerry Way is a 48 km (30 mi) linear walking route that traverses the quieter north‑coast of County Kerry. Starting in Tralee – the county town famous for the Rose of Tralee festival – the trail follows the tow‑path of the old ship canal, skirts the sea‑wall of Tralee Bay, crosses the iconic Banna Strand and loops around the rugged Kerry Head peninsula before finishing in the seaside village of Ballyheigue. Most walkers complete the whole route in two days, but the waymarked sections can be broken into shorter day‑hikes or combined with the neighbouring Shannon Way for a longer coastal adventure.
History & Background
Designated as a National Waymarked Trail by the Irish Sports Council, the North Kerry Way is managed by North Kerry Walks Limited. The route was created to showcase the less‑touristed northern coastline of Kerry, offering an alternative to the more famous Dingle and Kerry Ways. A 2010 review highlighted its high day‑use and recommended its development as a National Long Distance Trail, underscoring its growing popularity among both locals and visitors.
What to See & Do
| Section | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Tralee to Blennerville | Follow the historic ship canal tow‑path, then spot the five‑storey Blennerville Windmill (c. 1800, fully restored) – a symbol of Tralee’s maritime heritage. |
| Tralee Bay Sea‑Wall | Walk beside mudflats and wetlands, with abundant birdlife at low tide. |
| Spa Village | A former mineral‑spring settlement offering quiet cottages and sea‑facing houses. |
| Banna Strand | A 6 km stretch of golden sand famous for the 1916 Roger Casement landing; a modest monument marks the event. |
| Kerry Head Loop | A figure‑of‑eight loop that climbs to Triskmore (≈210 m) and Maulin (≈217 m). From the western loop you enjoy uninterrupted Atlantic views; the northern loop offers panoramas across Tralee Bay, the Shannon Estuary and, on clear days, the Dingle Peninsula and Slieve Mish range. |
| Ballyheigue | Blue Flag beach, cafés, pubs and the ruin of Ballyheigue Castle overlooking the golf links. |
| Rattoo Round Tower | Near Ballyduff, a 12th‑century stone tower (≈28 m) that is the only complete round tower left in Kerry. |
| Ballybunion | Spectacular cliffs, the Bromore Cliffs (≈55 m high), the fragmentary Ballybunion Castle, and the twin Ladies’ and Men’s Beaches. |
| Shannon Way Extension | From Ballybunion the trail becomes the Shannon Way, passing historic sites such as Lislaughtin Abbey and the former ferry port of Tarbert. |
Historical sites pepper the route: early medieval ring forts near The Spa, the 18th‑century Ballyheigue Castle ruins, Iron‑Age forts on Kerry Head, and the 15th‑century Carrigafoyle Castle on an island in the Shannon Estuary. These landmarks give walkers a tangible sense of the region’s long‑standing human presence.
Getting There & Transport
- Start point – Tralee: Accessible by train (Tralee station), Bus Éireann services and Kerry International Airport (≈ 18 km north). A short walk from the town centre leads to the trailhead beside the former ship canal.
- End point – Ballyheigue: Public transport is limited; the daily Bus Éireann route 275 connects Ballyheigue with Tralee. Taxis and local hire‑cars are also available.
- Parking: Free car parks are provided at the Tralee town park and at the edge of Ballyheigue village. Both sites have public toilets and nearby cafés.
- Cycling: The initial tow‑path section is suitable for hybrid bikes, but the majority of the route is foot‑only due to narrow field paths and private land crossings.
Nearby Attractions
While walking the North Kerry Way you can easily detour to other points of interest:
- Ballykissane Pier – the 1916 Casement landing memorial is located just off the trail near Ballykissane.
- Ardfert – a short drive north of Tralee, this historic town boasts the impressive Ardfert Cathedral ruins and a medieval bridge.
- Ballyduff – home to the well‑preserved Rattoo Round Tower and a range of traditional pubs.
- Shannon Estuary – the estuary’s bird‑watching hides and the historic Carrigafoyle Castle (accessible via a short ferry from Tarbert) are popular side‑visits.
Trail Tips
- Waymarking: Look for the standard yellow arrow on a black background; metal discs appear on the Shannon Way section.
- Surface: The first half of the route follows paved tow‑paths and compacted beach sand, while the Kerry Head loop includes grass‑field tracks and occasional stiles. Good walking boots with ankle support are recommended.
- Weather: The north‑coast can be windy and exposed. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers, even in summer.
- Dog Policy: Dogs are allowed on a lead throughout the route.
- Seasonal closure: The trail is closed for one day on 28 February each year to respect private landowner agreements.
- Safety: Some sections of the Kerry Head loop can become overgrown with gorse, and boggy tracks after rain may be challenging. Carry a map or GPS and be prepared for occasional rough field paths.
Practical Information
- Length & Difficulty: 48 km total, moderate grade. The first 25‑30 km are largely flat; the final 18 km include short climbs (total ascent ≈ 370 m).
- Accommodation: B&Bs and guesthouses are available in Tralee, Ballybunion and Ballyheigue. Campsites such as Woodlands in Tralee offer basic facilities. Wild camping is permitted under Irish law, provided you follow Leave‑No‑Trace principles.
- Maps & Guides: Official OS Discovery Series sheets 63 and 71 are recommended. PDF overview maps are available from Sport Ireland and the Kerry County Council’s North Kerry Way guidebook (free from tourist offices).
- Contact: For enquiries, email walks@newkd.ie (North Kerry Walks Ltd).
The North Kerry Way offers a blend of coastal serenity, historic intrigue and gentle physical challenge, making it an ideal choice for families, history enthusiasts and anyone seeking a quieter slice of the Wild Atlantic Way.