7-Day Guided “Kingdom of Kerry” Hike

Guided

Expert Guide on tour offering guidance and local knowledge

Grading

Levels 2 & 3

Duration

7 Days / 6 nights
(5 days hiking)

Price

From

€2300

Per Person

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Embark on an inspiring journey into the heart of Ireland’s Kingdom of Kerry, the birthplace of our renowned Kerrygold butter, as it unfolds in all directions with breathtaking beauty, panoramic vistas, rich culture and welcoming people. Uncover the wonders of the Kingdom of Kerry alongside a seasoned Irish guide, gaining profound insight into the rhythmic heartbeat that brings this dynamic land to life. This adventure weaves five spectacular day hikes on the Dingle and Iveragh Peninsulas with explorations of picturesque seaside villages, archaeological sites, and other renowned attractions, creating a diverse and enriching experience.

The term “Kerry” derives from the Old Irish word “Ciarraige,” signifying “the people of Ciar,” an early Celtic tribe that established roots in the region around 300 BC. County Kerry is an ancient land abundant with historical, archaeological, and early Christian sites, some dating back more than 7,000 years. Merge this palpable history with vast stretches of verdant fields, storybook villages, and rugged coastlines. The outcome is an adventure of a lifetime, where every step resonates with the echoes of the past and the heart-warming beauty of the present.

Our Guided “Kingdom of Kerry” Hike departs monthly from May to September and explores our favorite locations in County Kerry.

Single Supplement: €500

For more information or questions, please contact a member of our team.

Download the tour brochure.

Ireland guided tour photo of pub and Irish music

Ireland hiking tour image of Derrynane Beach

Ireland guided hiking photo of Derrynane

Ireland guided hiking photo of Brandon Point

Guided Ireland tour photo of Killarney Lakes

Ireland guided tour image of Dingle town

Ireland guided tour photo of Killarney town

Highlights

Hike for five days in remote wilderness, discovering our favorite routes and hidden gems on the Dingle and Iveragh Peninsulas

Journey through the Three Lakes of Killarney by boat

Explore Ireland’s first national park, Killarney National Park, and an ancient “butter road”

Discover Slea Head, one of the world’s premier scenic drives, boasting a wealth of heritage sites

What's Included?

Ensuite room in 4* hotels with breakfast

Expert local guide who provides insights into history, culture & points of interest

5 fantastic day hikes

Lunches and dinners as per itinerary

Private shuttle transfers as per itinerary

Dedicated holiday specialist to help with planning

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrive to Tralee

Day 1: Arrive to Tralee, the capital of County Kerry, and check into your hotel where you will spend the next three nights. After settling in, join your guide and fellow participants for a briefing at 5 pm. Tonight, enjoy a delicious meal in one of the town's best restaurants and maybe a drink in a local pub as you get to know the other members of your group.
Meals Dinner

Day 2 - Brandon Point

Enjoy a scenic coastal drive along the northern shore of the Dingle Peninsula (approx. 50 min), with a stop at Brandon Bay, popular for water sports. During our hike today, we explore remote shores of the Dingle Peninsula, offering views of Mount Brandon and Brandon Bay. Look out for migrating whales and dolphins. Traverse hills with heather and peatland, enjoying lunch overlooking Sás Creek's turquoise waters. We will navigate around cliff summits to reach the local highpoint, Faill an tSáis, before continuing through rugged terrain to a stone shelter and concluding with a traditional peat harvesting site. We will celebrate the completion of our first hike at an Irish Pub—a perfect end to the day.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Distance 12.54 km / 7.8 mi | Elevation Gain 493 m / 1617 ft | Grading Level 2*

Day 3 - Slea Head

Today, we head to Conor Pass, Ireland’s highest mountain pass, offering breathtaking views of a glacial valley with serene lakes and majestic mountains. Descend into Dingle town, then travel west to Slea Head, known for its archaeological richness with beehive huts and promontory forts. Embark on a stunning hike around Slea Head, enjoying picturesque Irish landscapes of stone walls, pastures, and rugged coastline. Take in the views from Mount Eagle, overlooking the literary-rich Blasket Islands. Conclude with a leisurely stroll along Coumeenoole Beach, dipping your toes in the Atlantic surf. This afternoon, we explore some of the ancient sites around the peninsula and visit colourful Dingle town.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Distance 8.73 km / 5.4 mi | Elevation Gain 286 m / 938 ft | Grading Level 2*

Day 4 - Mangerton Moutain

Journey to Killarney town, nestled on the shores of the Lakes of Killarney. Today’s hike takes us to Mangerton Mountain in Killarney National Park, steeped in legends, including one about a glacial lake known as “The Devil's Punchbowl.” Your guide will share tales and insights as you ascend alongside the river to reach this iconic spot. Pause for scenic views and a snack before tackling the rugged ascent to the summit, offering panoramic vistas of Killarney National Park and beyond. Descend back to the starting point. Enjoy some leisure time in Killarney town before we conclude our day with an exclusive tour and dinner at Killarney Brewing & Distilling Co. Discover the brewing processes, indulge in a tasting session, and relish a delightful dinner.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Distance 9.8 km / 5.21 mi | Elevation Gain549 m / 1,801 ft | Grading Level 3*

Day 5 - Derrynane

After breakfast and with your picnic lunch in hand, you'll be transported to the picturesque Derrynane House to explore Derrynane National Park's serene landscapes. Drive along the southern coast of the Iveragh Peninsula, following the renowned Ring of Kerry (1.5 hours). En route, visit scenic spots like Ladies View, charming villages as well as impressive Staigue Fort, an Iron Age Ring Stone Fort known for its impressive dry stone wall construction. Embark on a scenic hike through stunning landscapes of woodland, beach, farmland, and coastal paths. Discover historic sites like Abbey Island and Derrynane Abbey, linked to the life of Daniel O'Connell, "The Liberator." We will then continue exploring the Iveragh Peninsula, with stops at other hidden gems, before returning to Killarney for an evening at leisure.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Hike Distance 6.8 km / 4.2 m | Elevation Gain 170 m / 558 ft | Grading Level 2*

Day 6 - Killarney National Park

Enjoy a wonderful boat trip through the beautiful Three Lakes of Killarney to reach an old “hunting” lodge, where we begin our hike. We will follow an ancient Mass Path along the lake, passing through old oak woods with opportunities for wildlife sightings and photos. We'll also stop at the Torc Waterfall, a lovely natural wonder fed by the Owengarriff River. Conclude today's adventures with a visit to Muckross House, a Victorian mansion surrounded by manicured gardens, offering insight into 19th-century estate life. This evening, we return to Killarney for our final group dinner.
Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike Distance 15.14 km / 9.4 mi | Elevation Gain 462 m / 1515.75 ft | Grading Level 2*

Day 7 - Depart Killarney

This morning, savor one last delicious Irish breakfast as a group before departing for the airport or starting your next adventure. There are regular buses and trains from Killarney to major cities and airports. Please contact us before you book your departing flights so we can ensure you have sufficient time to travel to the airport from Killarney.
Meals Breakfast

Click here to view/download our full itinerary PDF

May 19th 2024