COVID-19 Updates - No further bookings for 2021 at this time
Kerry Way Short Break

Kerry Way Short Break

A shorter walk from Killarney to Glenbeigh through the magnificent villages and historical sites in County Kerry.

4 nights
36 miles
Moderate / Demanding

From £490 per person

Find out about the tour

About this route

The Kerry Way Short Break is the perfect solution for those with less time to experience the magnificent mountains, lakes and coastal scenery of the Iveragh Peninsula.

The walk enjoys a mixture of remote valleys, quiet forests, enchanting waterfalls and glistening lakes, with imposing mountain ranges serving as a dramatic backdrop. There are also plenty of scenic coastal stretches to enjoy, complete with pretty bays and thriving harbours, along with several welcoming towns and villages.

The route also boasts a wealth of fascinating local history to discover, particularly as the trail follows an ancient ‘mass path’ to Derrycunnihy Church. 

Standard
Interactive
© Contours Walking Holidays Kerry Way Short Break map
Killarney to Glenbeigh
36 miles (58 km)
2nd January to 24th December

Holiday highlights

Enjoying the spectacular scenery of MacGillycuddy's Reeks, Ireland's highest mountain range.

Following ancient pathways, including the old 'mass path' to Derrycunnihy Church.

Marvelling at the views over the Skellig Islands that rest just off the coast in the Atlantic Ocean. 

Available tours

CodeTourDurationDifficultyPrice per person
KERNSB1 From Killarney to Glenbeigh 4 nights, 3 days walking Moderate / Demanding£490

Kerry Way North Short Break 4 nights, 3 days walking

£NNN per person
  • Itinerary
  • What's included?
  • Extra nights?
  • Tour facts
  • Travel info
  • Weather

Important information

Please be aware that the advertised distances below are based on the optional shortest days available when hiking. An optional taxi transfer is included on the morning of Day 1 which cuts out a short distance from the day to create the advertised distance.

Day 3 has high and low route alternatives, with our advertised distances below being for the higher (but shorter) option for this day.

To ensure that you are accommodated within close proximity of restaurants, cafes or pubs for your evening meal, our preferred itinerary for the Kerry Way does involve some short transfers. These are all pre-arranged and included in the cost of the holiday.

All information regarding transfers will be included in your holiday pack, but if you would like more information prior to booking, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please also keep in touch if you need further details regarding the full hiking route and daily distances without the optional transfers, or for more information on the high/low routes - we'll be very happy to assist. 

Start

Travel to Killarney where your first night's accommodation has been booked

Day 1

Killarney to Black Valley. 11 miles (17.5km)

Day 2

Black Valley to Glencar/Lough Acoose. 11.5 miles (18km)

Day 3

Glencar/Lough Acoose to Glenbeigh. 14 miles (22km)

Finish

Depart from Glenbeigh after breakfast

Your Itinerary

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this tour. Sometimes there may be a shortage of available accommodation in a preferred location, in which case we will transfer you from the trail to your accommodation and back again at no extra charge. Overnight stops marked with a (T) will always require transfers as standard.

Overnight stops marked with an (L) have very limited accommodation, and therefore more often than not will also require a transfer, particularly on bank holidays and weekends. We will use non-transfer accommodation wherever possible.

The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than a mile from the trail to your accommodation; should your accommodation be further than this, transfers will be provided as standard.

Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Dog-friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge, which will be listed below if applicable. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:

A note about transfers
Solo Traveller Supplement
£55.00 per person / per night
Single Supplement
£30.00 per person / per night


You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:

Extra night (Standard)
£50.00 per person / per night
Extra night (Killarney)
£55.00 per person / per night

What's included?

  • 4 nights' accommodation in en-suite rooms (where available) in selected B&B’s, hotels, inns and guesthouses along the trail, or a short distance away via taxi provided at our expense.
  • Breakfast each day.
  • Door to door luggage transfer.
  • Maps with the route marked on and a guidebook or route notes describing the trail.
  • An information pack containing an itinerary, instructions on how to find your accommodation each night and a kit list.
  • Detailed travel instructions on how to get to the start of your holiday and back from the end of it.

Extra Nights & Rest Days

Taking an extra night can give you more time to pause and experience more in the wonderful towns and villages along the trail. Whether you choose to visit some of the local attractions, or to rest your aching feet, a rest day is a wonderful way to extend your holiday.

If you enjoy the splendour of stately homes, an extra night in Killarney will give you time to explore the wonderful Victorian mansion, gardens and traditional farm of the Muckross Estate.

The Black Valley is perfect for those who wish to explore the MacGillycuddy's Reeks, while Glenbeigh is ideal for a stroll along Rossbeigh Beach.

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:

Extra night (Standard)
£50.00 per person / per night
Extra night (Killarney)
£55.00 per person / per night

Tour Facts

Total distance: 36 miles (57.5 km)
Duration: 4 nights, 3 days walking
Minimum daily distance: 11 miles (17.5 km)
Maximum daily distance: 14 miles (22 km)
Code: KERNSB1 Grade: Moderate / Demanding
Season: 2nd January - 24th December
Start of holiday: Killarney
End of holiday: Glenbeigh

Travel Information

Useful information and travel links that will assist you in your plans to travel to the start of the holiday and back from the end of it are sent to you with your full tour pack. A summary is given below:

By Air - The most convenient major town is Tralee and international airport is Kerry (also known as Farranfore).

By Rail - There is a train station at the the start of the trail at Killarney. The nearest train station to Glenbeigh, at the end of the trail, is also Killarney, about 22 miles away. There is rail station 1.4 kilometres away from Kerry Airport, with trains running to Killarney.

By Bus - Various bus services run through Killarney. From Glenbeigh, there is a very infrequent bus service to Killarney, so a taxi may be a better option/essential at some times.

From Dublin - There is a train service between Dublin and Killarney at the start of the trail. There is a bus service between the centre of Dublin and Dublin Airport.

Return to Start - Take a bus or taxi from Glenbeigh to Killarney (the bus service is very infrequent so a taxi may be required).

For planning journeys by public transport in Ireland, please visit: www.journeyplanner.transportforireland.ie

Weather Information

To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:

  • MetCheck - This website allows you to look up detailed weather information for specific locations as far as six months in advance.
  • Met Office - This website shows regional area forecasts a few days in advance, with a general UK forecast description of up to 30 days in advance.
  • Mountain Forecast - This website shows what the forecast is like up on specific hills and fells, and offers forecasts a few days in advance.

Routes on this trail

Kerry Way

Kerry Way

10 nights
116 miles
Moderate / Demanding+
From £1,075 per person
A circular walk visiting the mountains, woodlands and coastline of the Iveragh Peninsula.Find Out More
Kerry Way Highlights

Kerry Way Highlights

7 nights
94 miles
Moderate / Demanding+
From £750 per person
A walk from Killarney to Glenbeigh along the historically rich Ring of Kerry.Find Out More
Explore more holidays on the Kerry Way trail

You might also like

Isle of Wight Coast Path

Isle of Wight Coast Path

5 to 8 nights
71 miles
Moderate+
From £475 per person
A self-guided walking holiday beginning at Ryde and circumnavigating the Isle of Wight.Find Out More
Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

9 to 17 nights
136 miles
Easy / Moderate+
From £915 per person
A walk from Knettishall Heath to Hopton-on-Sea through ancient Breckland and along beautiful coastline.Find Out More
Contours Walking Holidays Contours Cycling Holidays Contours Trail Running Holidays