This week, we're off to the Emerald Isle to experience its lush green mountains, rugged Atlantic coastline (and that famous Irish 'craic') on our Kerry Way self guided walking tour.
Kerry's iconic 'Black Valley'
In a Nutshell:
Experience the serenity, picture-postcard views and famous warm welcome of Ireland on an exciting walking holiday along the country's longest national trail. Starting and ending in the charming lakeside town of Killarney (named as one of Trivago's top 10 tourist destinations in the world!) you'll follow trails through the awe-inspiring mountains of Killarney National Park and walk along historical roads, discovering the ancient market towns of the county en route.
Grading: This tour is graded moderate, with daily distances averaging 11-18 miles. As you'll be walking for around 6 hours per day, the fitter you are the more you will enjoy your holiday.
Distance: 35 - 128 miles depending on your itinerary. You can enjoy a 4-night short break or a longer 9 or 11-night walking adventure.
Walking in Kerry.
Why walk it?
Killarney National Park is home to the highest peaks in Ireland, as well as its world-famous lakes and enchanting woodland. A little outside the National Park, you'll find the Black Valley, with its majestic scenery and tranquillity it's the ideal place to escape the everyday hustle and bustle and relax in nature. It was even the last part of Ireland to get electricity in 1978 - you can't get much more remote than that!
Regularly voted as the friendliest people in the world, the Irish don't disappoint on the hospitality front. Stopping off at a cosy pub for a well-earned pint and a chat with some of the locals will no doubt be a highlight of your day.
The stunning Kerry Coastline
Full of history and heritage, Kerry boasts sites such as Ireland's 'Old Butter Road’, used in the 19th century to transport butter to Cork. You'll also come across the 2000-year-old Staigue Fort and the striking Ogham Stones, dating back to 4th century AD.
Wildlife enthusiasts should keep their eyes peeled too - red deer are native to the area, while whales have often been spotted off the Kerry coast!
Walking the Kerry Way
Planning your trip:
Killarney is only a 25-minute bus ride from Kerry Airport, with Ryanair flights available from London Luton, London Stansted and Frankfurt. For international adventurers, Aer Lingus operate regular flights from Dublin to Kerry, with the flight taking around an hour. On this walking tour, you'll spend either 4, 9 or 11 nights in handpicked bed and breakfasts, offering the incredible hospitality that this nation is known for. Available from March - October, The Kerry Way is an excellent way to experience the best of quintessential Ireland.
Views over Killarney National Park
If you're feeling inspired and want to get planning your Irish walking adventure, get in touch with our team of experts at hello@macsadventure.com who are always there to help.