Walking the Kerry Way and Killarney National Park

8 days
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Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Nestled in the south-west corner of Ireland, you'll spot contrastingly beautiful landscapes at every turn. From rugged cliffs to some of Europe's finest golden beaches, small friendly villages and velvety green fields to picturesque mountain ranges. Starting in the famous town of Killarney, boasting the magnificent 'Three Lakes of Killarney'. This circular c...
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$2,437
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Overview

Trip type
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Peaceful, beautiful walks in the south-west corner of Ireland
    • Killarney National Park: Ireland's oldest protected wilderness with Ireland's only herd of wild red deer
    • Panoramic views of glistening lakes and rugged mountains
    • A million shades of green as the road follows the contours of the land
    • 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history

What's this trip about?

    Nestled in the south-west corner of Ireland, you'll spot contrastingly beautiful landscapes at every turn. From rugged cliffs to some of Europe's finest golden beaches, small friendly villages and velvety green fields to picturesque mountain ranges. Starting in the famous town of Killarney, boasting the magnificent 'Three Lakes of Killarney'. This circular coastal route follows the spectacular Wild Atlantic Way, you'll pass lovely towns and villages - Waterville, a favoured fishing location for Charlie Chaplin, Sneem famous for its little bridge and Kenmare with its historic textile industry. Meandering the landscape, which was carved out of rock by the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago, marvel at Iron Age forts and ruined abbeys amongst the many sheep that dot the fields, crisp blue loughs and pretty waterfalls. As you head southwards, the coastal views get better and better.The Kerry Way is the Emerald Isle's longest trail - at 210km, it offers fantastic views of the unspoilt landscapes - a walk here will swathe you in 10,000 years of dramatic Celtic history.

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range18 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityKillarney
End CityKillarney

Travel Themes

  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Activities

  • Hiking

Trip includes

    • Standard transfers at the start/end of the trip (if booking inclusive flights)
    • Luggage transfers between hotels
    • Walking transfers to the start of the walks on days 2/3/6 to ensure you see the best of the area

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive in Killarney

This popular town is renowned for its three magnificent lakes in the heart of Kerry. Check into your B&B and then explore the town, choosing from one of its many restaurants for dinner and perhaps enjoying some live music. You stay at the Abbey Lodge (breakfast included)

Day 2 Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen

After a transfer to just outside Glenbeigh, today's walk takes you along the northern shores of the peninsula, to the town of Cahersiveen. Following an old 17th century 'stage coach' route, passing through deserted villages, once busy centres of activity, trading with...

Day 3 Cahersiveen to Waterville

From Cahersiveen, you will once again be driven a short distance to the starting point of today's walk at Coars Cross. From here you will be walking to the town of Waterville. This walk takes you across the tip of the peninsula with views north over the Dingle Peninsula and south to Kenmare Bay. You stay at Seaclusion B&B (breakfast included)

Day 4 Waterville to Caherdaniel

Continuing from the town of Waterville, you walk around and above the coast to reach the village of Caherdaniel. Glorious coastal views out towards the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay await along the route. You stay at Derrymane Bay House (breakfast included)

Day 5 Caherdaniel to Sneem

Continue walking from the village of Caherdaniel, following an old 'butter road' to the village of Sneem. The views across the Beara Peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean are fantastic. You stay at Coomasig View (breakfast included)

Day 6 Sneem to Kenmare

This morning you will be transferred to Tahilla Church, just outside the town of Sneem to walk to the renowned town of Kenmare. This walk takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay, with views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. You stay at Rockcrest House (breakfast included)

Day 7 Kenmare to Killarney

You will start your walk from your accommodation, through Esknamucky Glen and Killarney National Park to arrive at the magnificent Muckross House & Gardens - about 5kms outside Killarney. After spending some time exploring the House and Gardens at Muckross you wil...

Day 8 Leave Killarney

Departure after breakfast. Transfers can be arranged at a supplement, perhaps enjoy extra nights in Killarney to finish your trip.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $1,805
Price per day$226
Last Updated: 5/22/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Standard
Availability
01 Apr 2025
08 Apr 2025
$1,700
02 Apr 2025
09 Apr 2025
$1,700
03 Apr 2025
10 Apr 2025
$1,700
04 Apr 2025
11 Apr 2025
$1,700
05 Apr 2025
12 Apr 2025
$1,700
06 Apr 2025
13 Apr 2025
$1,700
07 Apr 2025
14 Apr 2025
$1,700
08 Apr 2025
15 Apr 2025
$1,700
09 Apr 2025
16 Apr 2025
$1,700
10 Apr 2025
17 Apr 2025
$1,700

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5  Excellent
Excellent
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Great
3,258
Average
609
Disappointing
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Terrible
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A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

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Exodus Travels

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It is all about adventure. That is what Exodus was founded upon and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on.

At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved.

This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday.

Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments.

All our office staff have a passion for travel and adventure, and between us we’ve notched up experience that spans 171 different countries. That’s not all. In their former lives, our team members have been professional archaeologists, wildlife guides, overland drivers, mountain leaders, diving and ski specialists and mountain bike gurus – so no-one is better placed to create tours that appeal to a wide range of specialist interests.

Their care in putting all the details in place really shines through too. Extensive planning, research, fact-finding and training are a sign of our commitment to providing a holiday where your enjoyment, value for money and safety come first. It’s a telling reason why we remain one of the leading worldwide adventure tour companies. It is no exaggeration to say that our tour leaders can make a world of difference to the enjoyment of your holiday – so we choose them carefully. The result is that, in 2013, 93% of our clients stated that their leader exceeded their expectations. Where possible, we train and employ local leaders because they can provide invaluable insights that enrich the trip. What’s more, this investment in local staff really helps us benefit both them and their community.

Why we love this operator
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
What they’re known for
Global trips to a wide array of destinations with a focus on themed adventures, exciting physical activities and learning about local cultures.

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Logistics

What's excluded

    • Visas and vaccinations
    • Travel insurance
    • Single supplements
    • Arrivals and departure transfers (available for a supplement if booking tour only)

Accommodation

You'll stay in a mix of friendly bed and breakfasts. You will be sure of a warm Irish welcome everywhere. It is easy to add extra nights in all of the towns - perhaps you'd like to visit Valencia Island or take a boat trip to the Skellig Islands. Just ask your sales adviser to arrange. *This holiday is also available as a 4-night Short Break*
Cancellation policy

The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.

If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.

If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices. 

Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below): 

  • More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
  • Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
  • 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us: 

Cancelation charge

  • More than 133 days - Deposit only
  • 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost

Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.

If You Change Your Booking

If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking).  You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.

If We Cancel Your Booking

Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.

If We Change Your Booking

  1. Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.

  2. Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.

    2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.

    2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason

Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances. 

Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.

Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.

If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.

Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.

For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination. It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements. For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements, please visit this link .
Meals Included
All breakfasts included. Irish food is not exactly famous, but what you will find is extremely good ingredients used to create basic and classic dishes, both Kerry beef and Kerry lamb, are certainly well known all over Ireland and further afield. You will see rack of lamb, lamb stew and shepherd’s pie, in most places. The county’s other basket is the Atlantic Ocean, and its rivers and loughs. Sea bream and Sea Bass are popular.Trout and Salmon can be served in many different ways, and there is an abundance of shell fish, local chowders are excellent and look out for crab gratin. Wine is readily available but of course one of the symbols of Ireland is Guinness, and we can say from experience that it tastes better in Ireland, but if have a thirst after a long walk, beware the Guinness is not poured quickly, many might say there is a certain amount of time you need to leave after filling the glass halfway up the harp. However it should be left until you see a vivid distinction between the dark body and the creamy white head. Only then can the rest of the glass be filled. Learning from the locals, you should order your second pint before you have finished your first! Craft beer is making a name for itself in Ireland and there are some excellent local ones. Then there is the Irish whiskey, the famous one being Bushmills and Jameson’s, and there are many local whiskies for you to try, the Dingle distillery produces a good whiskey and an excellent gin.
Age Requirements
18 years and up
Travelstride Take
Nothing says beautiful walking tour like the Ring of Kerry! This picturesque area of Ireland has beckoned travelers of all ages for centuries - and it is an ideal area for an easy yet invigorating walking tour. On this tour you’ll walk hotel to hotel, with a few options to customize your way. It is a lot of walking, though fairly easy roads. Just be sure you’re feet are up for it! Along the way you’ll visit various spots of interest, both local gems and classic can’t-miss sites.
Additional Information
  • 7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of HHH, HHHH and 4-star hotels
  • Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
  • Route directions and maps
Trip ID
exodus-W07KE

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