The Kerry Way

The Kerry Way begins in Killarney, a town with famous bars and enough shops to pick up your last groceries before you head out on the trail. From here, you’ll hike directly into the Killarney National Park, passing Muckross House and the Torc Waterfall. This section ends in Black Valley, a remote valley where they credit their name to the fact that they had no electricity for centuries here. You’ll likely sleep at the Black Valley Hostel, one of the only options here. You can cook yourself and if you need groceries, just let the owners know one day before you come know and they will get it for you. Trail magic.

The next day you’ll hike to Glencar through the beautiful hills of Ireland. You’ll climb some passes and see some farmer houses along the way. A last stretch through a magical forest brings you to the Climbers Inn, a hostel/hotel where you can sleep. You can also pitch your tent in their garden for 15 euros. From here you can also climb Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil, at 1038 meters (3407 ft).

A shorter stage brings you from Glencar to Glenbeigh. You’re hiking along the countryside and climbing Windy Cap, a last push before you descend down to Glenbeigh. Here there’s plenty of accommodation and a supermarket but you can also hike a bit further and look for a B&B along the way.

From Glenbeigh, you’ll have a few options to hike to. Most hikers go to Cahersiveen to spend the night and then hike backward to the trail. Another option is to go directly north, passing Cahersiveen towards Dromid where you can find the Dromid hostel. Here you’ll reach the halfway point and can bag the highest peaks on the Kerry Way. At the Dromid hostel, you can cook your own meals and there’s also a small shop for hikers. This alone makes it a perfect stop!

From the Dromid hostel, you’ll follow your way to Waterville, a cozy coastal town, perfect to stay in, or you can check out Caherdaniel as another great option for the night. From here the trail gets easier. Following a beautiful ridgeline with coastal views you can hike from Dromid to Caherdaniel and stay at the hostel here. This hostel can’t be found on Google but it exists for sure. Make sure you have some food at the pub, the Blind Piper, for a pint and some great fish & chips.

The last stages of the trail are a bit shorter and easier as you’re following mainly paved roads towards Sneem, which is a bit more of a touristy town, Greenwood where you can find a hostel, and the last town along the way, Kenmare, which is a bit fancier with high-class hotels. After Kenmare, you hike back into the Killarney National Park and follow a small part of the same trail back to Killarney to end the Kerry Way and conclude your loop of more than 200 kilometers on the Iveragh Peninsula.

The best time of the year to hike the Kerry Way is generally from late spring to early autumn, from May through September. These periods typically offer a favorable balance of milder weather, longer daylight hours, less crowded trails, and less chance of rain. But as you know, hiking in Ireland always brings a fair chance of rain.

The Irish weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes affecting visibility and trail conditions. Always check the weather forecast before you start your day and be prepared for all conditions, including rain, wind, and storms even during summer months.

Wear appropriate hiking shoes with good grip, as the terrain can be rocky and uneven. Dress in layers to easily adjust to changing temperatures, and always carry waterproof clothing. Your backpack should include essentials such as extra food and water, a first aid kit, and a lightweight emergency shelter.

Check that you’re physically prepared for the challenge. The trail can be demanding, with long distances and some steeper sections. Start with shorter hikes and gradually increase your distance in the months leading up to your trip. Listen to your body and take breaks as needed, you’ll get there!