Walking in Kerry

Where else would you find so much for the walker? Miles of old coach roads, mountain paths once trod by mediaeval monks, and disused railway lines. Along the way are deserted settlements, forts, a sub-tropical flora, rare birds, and red deer roaming free.

The Kerry Way, The Dingle Way, The North Kerry Way and the Beara Way are all marvellous long distance walking routes. Although these walks are long, most can be broken into daily legs of 15-30k (9-18mls). Accommodation en-route varies from hotels and guesthouses to hostels. Plan and book in advance. Most towns and many villages have Tourist Information Offices that will be happy to help. Those who enjoy the Nature Trails will find a most interesting selection at Muckross House in Killarney National Park. Also, check locally, as many towns have fine walking trails.

High and handsome

Five of Ireland´s highest mountains are in the MacGillycuddy Reeks, including Corrán Tuathail, Ireland´s highest peak at 3,414 feet (1,041m). Mount Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula is sixth on the list at 3,127 ft (952m). Actually, of the 21 highest mountains in Ireland, 14 are to be found in Kerry.

Photo right: Ballydavid, Dingle Peninsula

Ways to make you happy

The Kerry Way, a walker´s Ring of Kerry, is the longest way-marked trail in Ireland. Taking in Killarney National Park, mountain passes, and coastal paths, its circuit of Iveragh is 215k (135 miles). The Dingle Way leaves Tralee town and takes a circuit of the Peninsula. Apart from a gap on the shoulder of Brandon, most of the 179k (108 miles) is low level. Loch a´Dúin is a short self-guided walk through a beautiful valley steeped in history.
Contact Cloghane/Brandon Information Centre (Tel. 066-7138277).

The North Kerry Way, 29-mile (46k) walk has been developed between Tralee town and Kerry Head. The route follows the coastline through Spa, Banna, and Ballyheigue to finish as a splendid loop overlooking the mouth of the river Shannon. Not only does it offer the walker a variety of sea and hillside scenery but it also touches many places of archaeological and historic interest.

In his new book, Off the Beaten Track, Kevin Cronin describes two excellent walks along Kerry´s disused railway lines: Glenbeigh to Valentia Harbour on the Iveragh Peninsula and from Camp to Glenagalt on the Dingle Peninsula. Massive viaducts, beautiful bridges, tunnels, deserted railway stations - so different, so interesting, really enjoyable walking.

Your guide

A number of excellent guidebooks are now available on walks in the county. Check the local Tourist Information Office or bookstore for copies of The Kerry Way, The North Kerry Way, The Dingle Way, The Beara Way and many others. Nature Trail booklets for Killarney National Park can be had at Muckross House, Killarney.

Geology

Thanks to major movement in the earth´s crust about 26 million years ago, Kerry has more high ground than any other county. The Iveragh Peninsula alone has eight peaks over 3,000ft (914m). During the course of aeons these rocks have been submerged in oceans, scorched in deserts, shattered by volcanoes, and carved by glaciers.

Flora

Photo left: Sundew, (Drosera) Druichin Mona

Fauna

One of the great joys of walking in Kerry is the abundant wildlife. In Killarney´s hinterland red deer are common around Torc and Mangerton, while Sika deer are found in the woodlands. Stoats, foxes, goats, hares, and mink roam freely. In damp, dark places look out for the handsome Kerry slug unique to these parts.

Alas, the last eagle was shot in the 18th century. We still have peregrine falcons, kestrel and merlin. On coasts the chough, with its black plumage and red bill and legs, is common.Birdwatching in Kerry tells of our many migrant birds. Read more about the Fauna ok Kerry.

Archaeology

Kerry has an air of antiquity to it. The Dingle Peninsula alone has over 2,000 historic sites. Megalithic tombs, ogham stones, and mediaeval churches are almost everywhere. Visit an old fort or admire the view from a ruined cottage in a deserted valley; if the nearby fields bear the marks of potato ridges, you are witness to the legacy of the Great Famine that killed hundreds of thousands in the late 1840s. Read more about the Archaeology of Kerry.

Photo right: Wedgetomb, Waterville Co. Kerry, c.4000 years old.

Safety

In Kerry cloud, rain, and wind come and go abruptly. Walkers and climbers beware! Check the weather forecast; take suitable clothing and equipment; tell others your intended route. In emergency, dial 999: Kerry Mountain Rescue.

The walks

Although some of these walks are long, most can be broken into daily legs of 15-30k (9-18mls). Accommodation en route varies from hotels and guesthouses to hostels. Plan and book in advance. Most towns and many villages have Tourist Information Offices that will be happy to help.

The Kerry Way, a walker´s Ring of Kerry, is the longest way-marked trail in Ireland. Taking in Killarney National Park, mountain passes, and coastal paths, its circuit of Iveragh is 215k (135 miles).

The Dingle Way leaves Tralee town and takes a circuit of the Peninsula. Apart from a gap on the shoulder of Brandon, most of the 179k (108 miles) is low level.

Loch a´Dúin - short self-guided walk through a beautiful valley steeped in history. Contact Cloghane/Brandon Information Centre or Dingle Tourist Office, Strand Street, Dingle. Telephone +353-66-9151188.

Killarney National Park has a number of short self-guided nature trails. Booklets about the walks are available at Muckross House.

North Kerry Walks - scenic and interesting local walks, such as The Bog Walk in Listowel; Rambles around Ballybunion; Tarbert House Woodland Walk. Lyreacrompane offers the recently opened Mass Path and the Fionn MacCumhaill Circuit. Details at Tralee or local Tourist Office.

There are many benefits to just turning up at the appointed time, all transport, accommodation and guides arranged. With Into the Wilderness Tours, you do just that. From Ross Castle they boat you through Killarney´s lakes, stopping off at Inisfallen island, where you will see the famous abbey, and Dinis Cottage, a Victorian teahouse. The party walks back to Killarney via the Arthur Young nature trail, taking in Muckross House en route.

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