This 8 or 5 day walking tour of southwest Ireland is based in the delightful coastal village of Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry. Walk directly from your guesthouse on 2 days on the Kerry Way, on old coach and butter roads by the Atlantic Ocean overlooking Dingle Bay. Discover the wild valleys of mid-Kerry and Killarney National Park. Relax and unwind with the superb views, unique flora and fauna and a landscape imbued with folklore. Enjoy the craic (fun) and music in the local pubs.

Glenbeigh (Gleann Beithe – Valley of the Birch trees) is a beautiful vibrant village situated by the Atlantic Ocean, at the foot of the mountains of the Iveragh peninsula, on the Ring of Kerry. Walk on the 6 miles of golden, blue flag beach of Rossbeigh, while breathing in the fresh Atlantic sea air. The town has great pubs and restaurants where you will have the opportunity to hear traditional Irish music or even partake in some dancing! Situated on the Kerry Way walking route you can walk from your guesthouse on two days.

Go Ireland Walking Lodge Accommodation
Your accommodation for the week is in Kerry Ocean Lodge, Go Irelands quality 20-bedroom walking lodge, based in the centre of Glenbeigh with every walkers need catered for. Every room has a TV, hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathroom. There is also free internet access, free laundry facilities and private parking. 

Tour Highlights:
• Glenbeigh – a picturesque, vibrant village by the Atlantic ocean
• Glenbeighs strong tradition of music and dance
• Rossbeigh Beach – an award winning blue flag beach
• Killarney National Park – lakes, oak woods, waterfalls, bogland, native Irish Red Deer
• 19th century Muckross House (optional) and Gardens
• Mid Kerry’s inland valleys and the Gap of Dunloe
• Spectacular coastal walk overlooking Dingle Bay
• ‘ Sub-tropical’ & unique flora, folklore, archaeology
• Optional boat trip to the Skelligs islands (a monastic settlement from 600AD)
• Rock Art (4,000 years old)

Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrival
19.00 hrs. Dinner and welcome briefing with guide at guesthouse in Glenbeigh.

Day 2 Dooks Beach and ‘Mountain’
Distance: 12km/7.5miles Ascent: 50m/165ft
A gentle walk on road, bog road and beach allows you to experience a variety of habitats (blanket bog, sand dune, freshwater lake/stream and seashore) as well as to view peat cuttings. End the walk with a visit to Ireland’s only Bog Village museum where you can see how people lived in olden days.

Day 3 The Kerry Way (Kells-Glenbeigh)
Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent: 300m/1,000ft
The first walk takes you on the early Christian route and medieval coaching road, with detours to view archaeological artefacts and 4,000-year-old rock art, views across Dingle Bay and a possible diversion to a beach for a swim in the Atlantic Ocean.

Day 4 The Kerry Way (Glenbeigh-Glencar)
Via Windy Gap – Distance: 13km/ 8miles Ascent 350m/1,150ft
Via Treanmanagh – Distance: 17km/10.5miles Ascent 270m/ 900ft
You walk from the seaside village of Glenbeigh, ascend gradually to circle Seefin Mountain and stroll downwards into the lush valley of the Caragh River in storied Glencar.

Day 5 Option/Rest Day – Options:
Day tours, i.e., Ring of Kerry, Dingle Peninsula, Killarney, etc., or boat trip to Skelligs Rock. Alternatively go fishing, golfing, horse riding, hire a bike, walk or simply relax.

Day 6 The Kerry Way (Black Valley) and the Gap of Dunloe
Bridia Valley to Gap of Dunloe – Distance: 16km/10miles Ascent: 400m/1,300ft
Derrycunnihy to Gap of Dunloe – Distance: 14km/8.75m Ascent: 200m/ 660ft
There is a choice of routes through the dramatic, ice-carved Black Valley, followed by a walk up and through the internationally known Gap of Dunloe.

Day 7 Killarney National Park
Distance: 10.5km/6.5miles Ascent: 230m/ 750ft. Descent: 330m/1,100ft
Option extra: 12km/7.5miles
The final leg of the Kerry Way takes you into Killarney National Park – through ancient oak woods, along the Old Kenmare Road, with a descent beside the spectacular Torc Cascade and into the gardens of Muckross House (19th century mansion), with its welcoming teashop. Optional extended walk to visit to the ruins of Muckross Friary (15th century).

Day 8 Departure

Price includes:
• Go Ireland transfer from/to to Kerry and Shannon Airports for a small supplement
(Please see details below)
• Seven nights in Irish Tourist Board approved guesthouse based on two adults
sharing with en-suite facilities*
• Full Irish breakfast on seven days
• Five packed lunches
• Six dinners
• Transfers to and from walks each day
• Experienced local guide throughout itinerary
• Notes and maps by Seán Ó Súilleabháinn