Walking Routes
Walking or cycling are great ways to see the rugged beauty of the Iveragh Peninsula. The routes laid out below are suitable for almost any walker or cyclist, and they were selected to represent the best quality that this area has to offer: rugged coastlines with views of Skellig, inland walks along world famous fishing rivers and lakes, as well as routes taking in some of the wealth of archaeological sites of interest throughout Iveragh.
Using the links below you will find facts about the different routes as well as ordinance survey maps, google maps and pictures. Use the navigation arrows at the bottom to find even more great routes.
Before embarking on your chosen route, please make sure you have appropriate footwear and refreshments with you.These routes follow public roadways and beaches and we ask you to please be conscious of others using these same facilities for the safety and comfort of all users. In particular we ask that you ensure that all in your party, especially children, would be mindful at all times of traffic approaching from in front and behind you. Please do not drop any litter, we are fiercely proud of our lovely area and we hope you will enjoy it too.
The Kerry Way is the region’s best known and longest walk.The Kerry Way provides a circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula, stretching from Killarney to Glenbeigh, to Mountain Stage, Foilmore, Cahersiveen, Waterville, Mastergeehy, Glenmore, Coad, Caherdaniel, Sneem, Blackwater Bridge, Kenmare and back to Killarney. The route consists, wherever possible, of paths and green roads (unsurfaced) with some linking stretches along surfaced roads. The trail is 215 km long and is divided into 9 stages.
Having parked safely in Killeenleigh, set off northwards in the direction of Caherciveen. Walk for 1 km until you reach a crossroads, where you will turn right. Continue on this tree-lined route for a further 4 km, until you come to a t-junction known locally as Doire Cross, where again you will turn right. Continue straight on, and through Cashlagh Cross.
On entering Caherdaniel village, note the sign for Bealaí Siúlóide na Sceilge, opposite the road which leads to both Freddie’s and the Blind Piper pubs.Take this road and continue up hill as far as Coom Cottage where you turn left. Having seen the views as you enter Caherdaniel from either direction, you know that these sights from the highest point on this walk will transpire to be equally spectacular.
Having parked safely at Killeenleigh, walk in a northerly direction over Killeenleigh bridge and take the first left turning marked with the red arrow. On reaching the T junction at the end of this road turn left, crossing over the Inny once more at Foildrenagh before you turn right onto the main road. Continue on ahead, past the old Mastergeehy national school on your right hand side. This local landmark, built in the nineteenth century, has been unused since the amalgamation of the 5 national schools in the parish in 1973.
This is an 8 km walk along minor public roads from the Glen Strand to Killonecaha and Coom. On a clear day nothing compares to the majestic skelligs, Carraig Liomáin and Puffin Island clearly seen from the Glen. Setting out from the beach front walk along the main road past the Skellig Chocolate Factory and the School.
Having parked safely in Killeenleigh, walk in a southerly direction to Coiscumerach (sometimes called Crois a’ Chárta as it once was the location of a forge). Turn left here and with the well-kept Grotto at your right, continue on along the main road for about 1 kilometre. The Cumerach River flows parallel to the road on the right hand side and hatchery has recently been reopened on this stretch of river to provide fish stocks for rejuvenation of local rivers and lakes.
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