Whether you want a guided or self guided/supported option, contact Fergal Harrington to confirm accommodation availability and to finalise your booking.
The itinerary below is for our 5 night walking holidays. You can book this as a guided or self-guided / supported trip. Either way you will be looked after by our Álaind Team with support should you need it. You can add extra days in Sneem to add more walks and extend your trip.
On Day 1 our guests on the Kerry Way Walking Holiday arrive at Álaind Lodges (postcode V93AC80) or a partner B&B in Sneem. You’ll find directions and a map on our website. Please contact us if you require collection from Killarney Airport or Train Station. Once you are settled in your luxury ensuite room, you can visit the village or relax in one of our outdoor areas or in winter in front of the fire in our guest lounge. 
After a fine breakfast and armed with your packed lunch, you’ll get ready to catch the local bus from Sneem to today’s starting point in Catherdaniel.
Loher Stone Fort
Waterville
Starting out from the north end of the town the Kerry Way leads in a westerly direction to Caherdaniel.
Crossing the bridge brings you through an attractive woody section of the Kerry Way
Here the Kerry Way crosses a stile and moves away from the N70 Ring of Kerry Road
Crossing over a stile at this point you leave the N70 Ring of Kerry road behind. You’ll now follow a grass trail which leads across the hills and past green farmlands with imposing mountains on one side and view of Kenmare Bay on the other.
2,000 Year Old Ringfort near Castlecove with impressive 360 degree view.
Built circa 300AD of large stone and without mortar, it is a considerable feat of engineering and construction. Its walls are up to 5.5 m (18 ft) high in places and 4 m (13 ft) thick and contained both internal passageways and stairways to its terraces.
It is thought to have been a defensive stronghold for a local lord or king.
Staigues Fort is located 1.5km from the Kerry Way itself but it is well worth the detour should be able for the additional 3km that you’ll be adding to today’s walk.
Remains of freestanding single-cell three-bay single-storey rubble stone church, built c. 1500. Renovated, c. 1750, with cut-stone bellcote inserted over left gable. Now in ruins.
Interesting ruined church dating from the 1500’s and now in ruins. The sign in front of the wrought iron entrance gates provides details of the names of those buried here. A wooden seat in front of the church provides a peaceful resting spot.
Behind the church, while stepping carefully across the uneven ground, you’ll find a mass rock and a holy well. This is one of three nearby holy wells connected to the early Christian Saint Cróhán. It is believed the well waters have healing waters and visitors make a sign of the cross with a stone on the well worn rock in front of the well.
As you near the end of this section of the Kerry Way, you will begin your decent towards Caherdaniel. The views of Derrynane’s blue-flag beach that lie ahead are wonderful. Finding the time for a swim in the crystal waters is highly recommended.
Terrain: Mostly flat following the coastline. Trail passes through woodland and some open mountainside and moorland. Can be wet and boggy in places.
The start of your walk is near the village of Templenoe and to the left just beyond a bridge on the main N70 Ring of Kerry Road. This is where you’ll start onto the Kerry Way and begin following the yellow man trail markers.
Double-arch rubble stone road bridge over river, built c. 1820, with pedestrian refuge to south and having rubble stone parapets with stone on edge copings.
The view to the river below is impressive, particulary after a night of rain. Make sure to take a look over its walls before moving on to the next section of this walk.
Bench on the side of the hill is a nice spot to rest a while.
Extend your Kerry Way Walk by taking in this 25 min detour to the viewing point over looking Kenmare Bay and Rosdohan Island. The Clashnacree Walk is a very beautiful 20-25 minute optional extension to today’s walk. Choose it and you wont be disappointed.
Terrain: Initially follows the N70 road before turning onto a series of quiet country lanes that lead upwards to a maximum height of 205m at Gortamulin. The trails pass through woodland and some open mountainside and moorland. Can be wet and boggy in places.
The start of your walk is near the village of Templenoe. Not from far the church there is a small turning with the familiar Kerry Way yellow man trail markers.
Before long the trail begins to rise and it’s not long before Kenmare Bay and the Beara Penisula on the other side come into view.
When you reach Kenmare you have the opportunity to enjoy some refreshment before catching the bus to Sneem
Not Included:
If you want an exciting escape from your routine, this mini-break is for you.
This mini-break delivers no less a sense of awe and achievement than if you had time to do the full nine day Kerry Way circuit.
You will enjoy stunning rugged Mountain scenery, wild Ring of Kerry landscapes and coastal views.
Afterwards you’ll relax in your wonderful bed & breakfast accommodation in both Sneem and Caherdaniel.
Everyone who loves trail walking and being immersed in wild nature. What’s more, our holidays are ideal for couples, groups and single guests.
Participants should have experience of trail walking on grassy or rocky trail which can be soft and wet in places. You should be able to do required walking distance and must be of good health and fitness.
This is important as some short sections of these walks are classified as moderate and you will encounter some gradual inclines or short steeper ascents but no prolonged climbs.
Waterproof boots and suitable clothing (no jeans or cotton tops) are essential.
You can walk year round in Sneem as even winter conditions 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 number of guests is dependent on the availability of accommodation for the desired dates.
Please contact Álaind Walking’s 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 or other highly rated B&B in Sneem and subsequently in Caherdaniel. All accommodation that we use are run by highly rated properties, run by experienced hosts who are well used to welcoming walkers and looking after their specific needs.
Your accommodation will be your home from home as you settle into your private luxury ensuite bedroom.
At Álaind Lodges, our luxury rooms have comfy beds, pressurised power showers, wooden floors, satellite TV and wifi and tea/coffee facilities.
Furthermore, we have a drying area for your boots and wet gear so you can start each day in comfort.
You should bring waterproof boots, waterproof jacket & over trousers and backpack.
In wet conditions I recommend gaiters and walking poles too.
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.
No problem! Simply contact Fergal at Álaind Walking directly and he’ll get right back to you with details and answers to any other questions you may have.
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.
Cancellations made 60 days or more before the start of the trip will receive a full refund of all payments with no charge applied.
Cancellations made 29-59 days before the start of the trip will be charged the €100 per person deposit.
Cancellations made 15-28 days will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made within 14 days of arrival will not be refunded.
Our Guide is a Certified Professional Mountain Leader.
Our Walking Holiday Packages are hard to beat for value and quality.
We provide accommodation and tailor our walks to meet the needs of your group.
Our Mountain Leader Guide will bring you to the most amazing places
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