Iveragh Peninsula · Ireland
The Kerry Way
The 214km walking version of the Ring of Kerry — a loop from Killarney around the Iveragh Peninsula, on trails instead of the road.
Updated August 23, 2026
If you have driven the Ring of Kerry and thought "there must be a better way" — this is it. Nine sections base out of villages you'd never stop at by car (Glenbeigh, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Sneem). The MacGillycuddy's Reeks form the spine — you circle Ireland's highest range.
Best months: May-September
Trailhead / base town: Killarney
Nearest airport: KIR
Waymarked: Yes — signposted route
Waypoint map — 10 points
Topographic base map + trail polyline. Click each waypoint for the trail-note.
Elevation profile
Estimated — download the GPX for definitive elevation data on device.
3599m
Peak gain
Profile is an approximation from the trail's published ascent metres + typical mountain-profile shape. Real per-metre elevation available in the GPX download opened on Garmin, Gaia, Komoot, or Apple Watch.
Community reviews
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Trail waypoints in order
- 1
Killarney (Start + Finish)
- 2
Black Valley
Last village in Ireland to get electricity (1976)
- 3
Glencar
- 4
Glenbeigh
- 5
Cahersiveen
- 6
Waterville
- 7
Caherdaniel
- 8
Sneem
- 9
Kenmare
- 10
Torc Waterfall
Getting out of Killarney (KIR)
Skip the taxi rank and lock in your fare before you land.
Pre-book a fixed-price transfer
Our pickDriver waits at arrivals with your name, tracks your flight, and the price you see is the price you pay. English-speaking, fixed price. No surge, no haggling at 2am.
Check transfer pricesRenting a car instead? Compare rentals with free cancellation.The Kerry Way — frequently asked
How long does the The Kerry Way take to complete?
9-12 days for the full 214km (4500m total ascent). Difficulty grade: moderate.
Is the The Kerry Way waymarked?
Yes — waymarked with yellow arrow + walking-man signs at every junction. You do not need a topo map to complete it, but bring one anyway for weather-diversion decisions.
When is the best time of year for the The Kerry Way?
May-September. Outside these months conditions can turn technical (mud, mist, short daylight) and the value-per-effort drops sharply.
Where should I base myself for the The Kerry Way?
Killarney — the trailhead is here and it's the natural place to sleep before + after. Fly into KIR, pre-book airport transfer, and pick a base hotel with parking if you're doing multiple sections.
Do I need a permit for the The Kerry Way?
No permit required — the trail crosses public land, National Parks land, or is a formally waymarked national trail with open access. Respect any farm-stile signs and leave gates as you found them.