Highlights Include Guided Walks of the Best local trails and favourite sections of The Kerry Way, including coastal views, scenic valleys, ancient woodland and mountain passes.
This 3 night Kerry Way Walking Holiday includes luxury ensuite accommodation at Álaind Lodges, Sneem, 3 x breakfast, 2 x packed lunches and two days of guided walks & transport.
Upcoming Holiday Tour Dates – Click Your Desired Date to Book
The walks consist of two days of guided walking along the awesome Kerry Way and remote local trails where we will bring you to amazing places. Typically we will walk for approximately 5 hours each day and take in one or two distinct short sections of the Kerry Way and local trails.
Holiday Itinerary Day 1 – Arrival in Sneem
On Day 1 our Álaind walking guests on the Best of Kerry Way Walking holiday arrive at Álaind Lodges, Sportsfield Road, Sneem, Co. Kerry. In the evening our small group of walkers gathers for some light food, a beverage and a holiday briefing.
Sample Walking Itinerary Day 2 – Torc Butter Road 8 KM and Cummeenduff Glen 6 KM
Today we’re sampling the highlights of two sections of the Kerry Way. The first of which is the 8KM section from Torc to Derrycunnihy, characterised by relatively easy walking with a height gain of 250 m.
From where our transport leave us, we have an opportunity to view the well-known Torc waterfall in all its glory. Although a stepped path exists alongside the water, today we’ll start at the top and ease ourselves into the days walk.
Torc to Derrycunnihy
This walk was the first one I ever did on the Kerry Way and I’ll always remember the exhilarating feeling it gave me. Loved by many, this walk has it all. Stunning native oak woodlands; wide valleys flanked by the tall mountains of Torc and Mangerton; and idyllic cascades gradually reveal themselves.
For the next 8 Km, you’ll be immersed in some of the most magnificent surroundings. We’re following the Butter Road trail also known as the Old Kenmare Road. Although you’re actually not too far the main tourist road, you’d never know it. The quietness is remarkable and we do not meet anyone or hear any mechanical sounds along the walk.
Cummeenduff to Bridia Valley
After a short break for lunch our transport takes us to the start of our afternoon walk through the Glen of Cummeenduff. Cummeenduff lies between the Black Valley and The Bridia Valley and is flanked by the tallest mountains in Ireland, namely the Macgillycuddy Reeks.
Although we haven’t traveled too far, you’ll be surprised by the contrasting world we’re entering. Gone are the quaint narrow stone paths and oak woodlands, this is the land of mountainous like sheep, goats, hares and eagles. The summits tower above and although we’re not climbing those today, our walk does involve some height gain. 250 vertical metres in fact, which will take us to the top of the mountain saddle at a height of 320m.
Just before reaching the saddle we detour to Lough Curraghmore to take in the views. Ireland’s tallest mountain Carrauntoohil is now above us, up there in the clouds at 1,038 metres high. On the other side of the Kerry Way towers Broaghnabinnia Mountain at 745m. But onward now to the saddle where we catch our first sight of the beautiful Bridia Valley.
The walk down into the valley is beautiful and again very peaceful. We pass signs for the Bridia Valley Loop Walk but continue along the Kerry Way until we meet our transport beside The Lack Road. As we have completed 6 KM to this point, we leave the Lack Road for another day and return to Sneem to relax and freshen up. Later in the evening our guests can enjoy an evening meal in Sneem village.
Sample Walking Itinerary Day 3 – Caherdaniel to Sneem 12 KM
Today’s walk is again a relatively easy one taking us to a maximum height of 200 metres, which is perfectly afford us beautiful sea views. We’ll complete an 11 KM section today from Caherdaniel towards Sneem. For those wanting to extend the walk, you have the option of continuing back to Álaind Lodges – 5 KM extra along the Kerry Way.
From Catherdaniel we pickup the narrow steep path into the hills above the village. It’s truly beautiful here and very green indeed. Before moving leaving Caherdaniel in the distance, it’s worth stopping to take in the views of The Atlantic aver Derrynane Beach. It’s not long before once again the beautiful silence surrounds and the mood become calm and relaxed.
Although we don’t hit the vertical heights of yesterday’s walk, we still meet quite a few small hills along the way but none that are too challenging. Imagine this as section of the Kerry Way as a walk that caters for all tastes, standards and ages.
Wonderful Variety of Trails and History
Continuing to follow the Kerry Way, we experience a mixture of grass trails, quiet back-roads and stone paths. Soon enough we reach Coad Church ruins dating from medieval times and associated with Saint Crohan. Further along in the direction of Sneem and approx 1 KM from the Trail is the fantastically preserved stone Staigue Fort.
During this section we pass quite a number of farm animals and I always think what a fabulous location they call home. The cows in particular seem particularly chilled out as they admire the view.
We’re now walking parallel to the coast and beautiful views of Kenmare Bay and the Beara Peninsula of County Cork present themselves. With one last 80m climb ahead, we reach the top of the hill, from where it’s a short stroll to our transport home. As I mentioned you can walk back to Álaind Lodges from here if you so wish.
Upon arrival at the Lodges, we gather for a beverage in the outdoor area. Later in the evening our guests can enjoy an evening meal in Sneem village.
Why You Should Book the Best of Kerry Way Walking Holiday with Alaind Walking
Expect to be invigorated while exploring the Kerry Way trail as it winds through beautiful Ring of Kerry countryside with a small group of walkers. You will enjoy stunning Ring of Kerry views of the Kerry Mountains, Kenmare Bay & the wild Atlantic and beautiful native woodlands.
Who Should Book This Alaind Walking Holiday
Walking participants should at least be regular walkers, preferably have some experience of upland trails and be of good health with a reasonable level of fitness. Waterproof boots or trail shoes and waterproof gear are recommended.
Each holiday requires four or more to take place.
What’s Included in the Holiday Cost:
- 3 Nights Bed & Breakfast Accommodation
- Luxury Ensuite Bedroom
- Briefing on Evening of Arrival
- 2 Days of Guided Walking
- Packed Lunch x 2
- Drying Room
- Apre-walk refreshments
Transfers to and from Killarney can be arranged at additional cost. Please inquire with us. Guided walks are led by Fergal Harrington, qualified Mountain Leader and professionally insured.
Not Included:
- Any pre-tour or post-tour accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Personal drinks at evening meals.
What is the Cost of The Best of Kerry Way Walking Holiday?
The cost of the holiday is from €425 per person sharing. €75 single supplement applies.
What You Need to Bring:
The minimum is waterproof boots, waterproof jacket & over trousers, backpack, gaiters & walking poles, hat, gloves and thick hiking socks; water bottle & lunchbox; small torch, personal first and sunscreen / insect repellent. Upon completion of booking, we will detail the full list of essentials.
How to Book Your Place on The Best of Kerry Way Walking Holiday:
Let us take care of the logistics and all your accommodation needs, so you can focus on enjoying your walking holiday.
Have you a question about Álaind Walking’s Best of Kerry Way Walking Holiday? Send us a message!
Want to know more about the Kerry Way? Check out our Guide to Walking The Kerry Way. You can also read our Guide to Walking in Kerry. This will give you a feel for whether this wonderful Kerry Way walking experience is for you.
