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The Iveragh Peninsula is one of Ireland's great natural tourist attractions. It encompasses a 179 kilometre circuit from Killarney, via Killorglin, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Kenmare and back to Killarney across Moll's Gap and past Ladies View - one of Ireland's most famous viewpoints. You will leave the tour bus route and journey along a network of ancient paths which weave between the main points, on the long-distance track known as the Kerry Way. During this superb week long self-guided walk you will experience stunning coastal scenery and pretty fishing villages, such as Caherdaniel and Portmagee, whose beautifully preserved stone dwellings have weathered the coastal elements for centuries, nestled amid a picturesque scene of verdant hills. At night you will get a taste of traditional Irish hospitality in comfortable B&Bs chosen for their good character, location and fine Irish breakfasts.
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27kg of CO2-e PP per day
(188kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Killarney
Arrive in Killarney, the popular town renowned for its three magnificent lakes in the heart of Kerry. On arrival at your first guesthouse, your host can assist with suggestions for dinner and possibly music. Killarney can be reached from Dublin, Cork or Shannon Airports with bus and/or train connections available year round. Note: There are options to extend your trip, see 'Special Notes' below for details. These must be requested at time of booking.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk from Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen (6hrs)
A morning transfer takes you to the start of today's walk. You will set off on foot from just outside the town of Glenbeigh, along the northern shores of the peninsula, to the town of Cahersiveen. The walk follows an old 19th century 'stage coach' route and gives spectacular views across to the Dingle Peninsula. You will pass through old deserted villages which were once busy centres of activity, trading with passengers passing through. Overnight in Cahersiveen. Walk details: 24km/15mi. Total ascent 555m/1820ft, Total descent -643m/2100ft. Highest point: 367m/1204ft Terrain: 53% paved paths and roads, 47% trails Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking. Boots essential. Transfer: 40 minutes
Meals: B
Day 3
Walk to the town of Waterville across the tip of the peninsula (5hrs)
A short transfer will take you a short distance to the starting point of today's walk at Coars Cross. From here you set out to to the town of Waterville. This walk takes you across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and west across the Atlantic Ocean. Overnight in Waterville. Walk details: 18km/11.25mi. Total ascent 653m/2142ft, Total descent -789m/2588ft. Highest point: 396m/1300ft Terrain: 31% paved paths and roads, 69% trails Mountain tracks, coastal paths – boots recommended Transfer time: 5 minutes
Day 4
Enjoy glorious coastal views as you continue to Caherdaniel (4hrs)
Setting out from Waterville, you walk around and above the coast to reach the little village of Caherdaniel, once the home of Ireland's famous liberator, Daniel O’Connell. Glorious coastal views out towards the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay await along the route. Overnight in Caherdaniel. Walk details: 14.5km/9mi. Total ascent 336m/1102ft, Total descent -304m/997ft. Highest point 246m/807ft Terrain: 49% paved paths and roads, 51% trails Rocky and grass tracks, mountain tracks and bogland and some road walking. Boots essential
Day 5
Follow an old 'butter road' to Sneem village (4.5hrs)
Continue hiking south-east today, with the sea remaining in view as you follow a network of little boreens, farming tracks and hillside routes. From Caherdaniel, you follow an old ‘butter road’ towards the village of Sneem, enjoying glorious views across Kenmare Bay to the Beara Peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean. Walk details: 17.4km/10.9mi. Total ascent 533m/1749ft, Total descent -547m/1794ft. Highest point: 226m/741ft Terrain: 28% paved paths and roads, 72% trails Country lanes, grass tracks, rocky mountains and some road walking - boots essential.
Day 6
Walk along bay shores to Kenmare (6.5-8hrs)
This morning you will be transferred to Tahilla Church, just outside Sneem, to start your walk. Beginning east of Sneem, you hike along the shores of Kenmare Bay with wonderful views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. Continuing inland to the beautiful Blackwater Bridge, you finish with a stunning ascent offering superb views towards the heritage town of Kenmare, where you overnight. Walk details: 27.3km/10.9mi. Total ascent 733m/2405ft, Total descent -733m/2405ft. Highest point: 213m/699ft Terrain: 41% paved paths and roads, 59% trails Forest tracks, some road walking, mountain tracks and country lanes - boots essential. Transfer time: 10 minutes
Day 7
Return to Killarney on foot (6hrs)
Starting from your accommodation, walk through the Esknamucky Glen and Killarney National Park to arrive at the magnificent Muckross House and Gardens, about 5km outside Killarney. After spendig some time exploring the house and gardens, make your way to Killarney for your overnight. This is a glorious walk, giving you the opportunity to see or hear some of Ireland's native red deer as you walk through the National Park. Walk details: 25km/15.6mi. Total ascent 853m/2798ft, Total descent -823m/2700ft. Highest point: 351m/1151ft Terrain: 43% paved paths and roads, 57% trails Mountain tracks, board walks and green roads. Can be wet underfoot – boots essential
Day 8
Trip concludes
Trip arrangements conclude in Killarney after breakfast. From Killarney connections by bus and train are frequent to Cork, Limerick, Shannon or Dublin. Private transfers are available on request.
What's included
What's not included
GRADE 4 - Daily stages of 5 to 6.5 hours. The distances in km are listed for each stage. The paths are well defined and clearly marked. There are some steep sections on sometimes loose and rocky ground and through muddy areas, and there are lots of ups and downs. A good level of fitness is required and you should be able to read a map. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.
Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.
With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love.
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