On Day 1 guests for the Wild Atlantic Coastal Walks walking holiday arrive at Álaind Lodges on Sportsfield Road, Sneem, Co. Kerry, V93AC80.
You’ll find directions and a map on our website. Please contact us if you require collection from Killarney Airport or Train Station.
In the evening our small group of walkers gathers for a welcome drink and a holiday briefing.
Luxury Double Ensuite Bedrooms
Blazing real fire stove – relaxing end to a day
Today’s walk starts out on the Kerry Way, where we begin by walking down to the water’s edge near Blackwater Bridge on the Sneem to Kenmare Ring of Kerry Road. This will be our first close encounter with the Atlantic Waters of Kenmare Bay and provides excellent photo opportunities.
Water’s edge near Blackwater Bridge
From Blackwater Bridge we set out on the Kerry Way trail, gaining height as we leave the Ring of Kerry Road behind. The landscape soon opens up with beautiful sea views to our left and hills and moorland to our right. This is beautiful territory and conveniently we’ll come across a well positioned bench seat from which to relax and soak up the views.
The Kerry Way now descends again and the trail narrow as we approach Long Lake or Loch Fada as its known in the Irish language. The trail becomes a green grassy path as it skirts its way through woodland and sections of farmland. It maintains its peacefulness until we exit the trail at Tahilla Church where we cross the road and find it again.
Soon we’ll be passing through what was once Tahilla Village, which has long since been deserted. Tahilla was once a thriving village and likely rivalled Sneem in its size but suffered through emigration during the famine years. The remains of the buildings are visible today and one can’t help but imagine what life here used to be like.
We have time for one more view over Kenmare Bay as we detour onto the Glashnacree walk and begin a short climb to the viewing point, where we’ll grab a seat and savour the views. Finishing this loop will bring us to the end of our walk for the day, from where we’ll take a ride back to Álaind Lodges.
I’ll bet you’ll have built quite an appetite upon completing this walk. The clean sea air builds up quite a hunger, so you’ll be looking forward to enjoying an evening meal in Sneem village.
Today our walking will again be close to sea level with a maximum height of 150m. We’ll start out on the beautiful Kerry Way as it winds through the hills. Once again you have the sense of having this beautiful walking experience to ourselves, far away from the outside world.
In fact, although you might not be aware of it, you’re never too far from the nearest village while walking the Kerry Way.
It’s not long before we catch our first sighting of the Atlantic ocean and the stunning Blue Flag Derrynane Beach. We’ll be completing a loop walk of this area, taking in mature woodland, a stunning sandy beach, dunes and the seashore nature trail. At the end of 12KM walk, we sometimes stop for a refreshment in one of the local hostelries.
On return to Álaind Lodges, we’ll enjoy apre-walk refreshments before getting ready for your chosen evening dining in Sneem village.
Today our walking will again start from the little village of Caherdaniel but this time along the Kerry Way in the direction of Sneem. This trail is also the Dark Skies planetary trail that runs as far as Coad Church.
Leaving Caherdaniel we’ll begin one of the few climbs of today’s walk, gaining 80 metres over a kilometer. Very quickly we’ll be at ease and immersed in the quiet landscape as the trail winds it way through the hills and craggy outcrops. Cahernageeha and Mullach Bog Mountains impose themselves to our left handside. As on so many walks, it’s worth keeping a rear view for the wonderful views of Derrynane arising behind.
Soon we reach the highest point on our walk at 200m and with it come beautiful views of Kemare Bay and its islands. We pass the old Coad Church and graveyard and make a quick detour to take a look around and visit Saint Crohan’s holy well.
Now we’re following quiet country lanes towards Staigue Fort belived to be 1500 years old and amazingly preserved. If time allows, we’ll detour a little here to catch a view of it in the distance.
At this point the trail leaves the tarred road behind again and we continue to follow it until we reach the main road 6 km from Sneem. This is the end of today’s walk and we’ll take a ride back to Álaind Lodges.
You’ll enjoy apre-walk refreshments before getting ready for your chosen evening dining in Sneem village.
Price From:
A nonrefundable deposit of €150 per person will be charged when booking this booking this walking holiday package (or full payment if you are booking within 4 weeks of arrival).
The balance of the payment is due 4 weeks before the start of the trip.
Not Included:
Expect to be invigorated while exploring Ring of Kerry coastal trails; beach & shoreline walks, coastal hills and open countryside with a small group of walkers.
You will enjoy stunning beachfront and coastal walking with views of the Wild Atlantic, Kenmare Bay, the islands and the Kerry Mountains.
Your luxury accommodation is at Álaind Lodges, Sneem, where you will relax for the duration of your stay.
Everyone who loves walking on way-marked trails but also likes to spice it up with a few hills and grassy or rough tracks.
Rest assured we take plenty of stops to take in the views and chat. We keep the group together, so everyone has a rewarding experience.
What’s more, our holidays are ideal for couples, groups and single guests.
Walking participants should have experience of upland walking and be of good health with reasonable level of fitness.
This is important as you can expect moderate ascents & descents at the start and end of walks.
Waterproof boots are recommended as we will be walking on rough and often wet trails.
You can walk year round in Sneem as winter consitions are mild with snow and ice being uncommon. The average weather temperatures are between 7C degrees (45F degrees ) in January and February, and 15.5C degrees (60F degrees) in July and August. In fact the weather is largely frost free thanks to the warm Atlantic Gulf Stream that allows even semi-tropical vegetation to thrive here.
The maximum number of guests is 10 persons. Each holiday requires minimum two or more persons to take place.
Please contact Fergal Harrington at +353851422677 if you want to discuss your holiday requirements. Alternatively, you can send him an email.
You’ll base yourself at Álaind Lodges in Sneem for the duration of your walking holiday, where you’ll find it easy to relax.
This will be your home from home as you settle into your private luxury bedroom. You can relax in our spacious lounges complete with real fireplaces – wonderful in the autumn & winter seasons.
Our luxury rooms have comfy beds, pressurised power showers, wooden floors, satellite TV and wifi and tea/coffee facilities.
Furthermore, we have a drying room for your boots and wet gear so you can start each day in comfort.
Our Kerry Walking Trails holiday package includes all guided walks, luxury bed & breakfast, packed lunch and apre-walk refreshment.
We’ll happily organise your evening meals in Sneem village for you.
Reassuringly we and our supplier partners take Covid-19 precautions to ensure you feel safe and protected. We participate fully in Fáilte Ireland’s Covid-19 Safety Charter.
The minimum you should have includes waterproof boots, waterproof jacket & over trousers and backpack.
I recommend a walking pole which you can attach to your rucksack when not in use.
You should also have a hat, gloves, extra thin warm layers, thick hiking socks, water bottle & lunchbox.
We can supply walking poles. You may also wish to bring a personal first aid kit and sunscreen / insect repellent.
Fergal Harrington is the owner of Álaind Holidays and a professionally qualified Mountain Leader, who you can email or phone +353-85-1422677 directly to help you plan your perfect holiday.
We can arrange transfers to and from Killarney Airport or Train Station with the cost shared equally among those travelling. Please inquire directly with us.
Non-Refundable Deposit:
A non-refundable deposit of €150 is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation.
Cancellation Fees:
Within 30 days of arrival: 100% of the total booking cost will be charged.
Between 31 and 60 days of arrival: 50% of the total booking cost will be charged.
More than 60 days of arrival: The deposit of €150 will be retained.
No-Show:
If a guest fails to arrive without prior notification, the full booking cost will be charged.
Our Guides are Certified Professional Mountain Leaders.
Our Walking Holiday Packages are hard to beat for value and quality.
We can provide accommodation and walking to meet the needs of your group..
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