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Sneem Hills Walking Holiday

Álaind Walking’s Sneem Hills Walking Holiday takes you into the heart of Kerry Geopark as you explore the lower heights of Sneem’s Dunkerron Mountain Range. Kerry Geopark is an area of outstanding natural beauty and in the company of your expert guide, you’ll discover amazing places and stunning sea views. For the duration of your stay your luxury ensuite accommodation with breakfast is at Álaind Lodges, a wonderful countryside retreat in which to relax. You’ll share the experience with a small group of walking enthusiasts. You can leave the logistics to us allowing you to focus on enjoying your holiday.

Walk Difficulty

Tour Duration

Price from

Highlights

Guided Walking Holidays in Ireland
Near the Windy Gap overlooking Kenmare Bay
Coastal View
Coastal Views of Kenmare Bay

Available Dates

Itinerary

On Day 1 our guests on the Wild Atlantic Coastal Views walking holiday arrive at Álaind Lodges on Sportsfield Road, Sneem, Co. Kerry. You’ll find directions and a map on our website. In the evening our small group of walkers gathers for a welcome drink and a holiday briefing.

Álaind Ensuite Room One of our Luxury Double Ensuite Bedrooms

What better than a blazing real fire stove on a cool evening

Description: 13km with 700m Height Gain. Maximum height 450m. Approx. 5 hrs. Moderate difficulty.

Today’s walk starts out on the Kerry Way, where we begin a gradual climb to the windy gap. We take plenty of short breaks along this 3 KM stretch to turn around and soak up the spectacular views. When we reach the Windy Gap we’ll have climbed 300m in height.

Kerry Way Walking Trail with coastal views Kerry Way Walking Trail with Kenmare Bay coastal views
Álaind Walking Iveragh & Beara Peninsulas Walking Holiday

 

The Kerry Mountain Hare is one of our frequent wildlife visitors.

An hour or so into our walking we set out onto the open mountainside. Immediately you’re thrust into Kerry’s wild side as we wind our wind around the numerous high points along this broad ridge. You’re unlikely to meet anyone else now for a while, it’ll be just the group and the spectacular scenery. Trust me, walking with coastal views doesn’t get much better than this.

Having traversed what seems like the top of the world for a wondrous 4 km, we turn an face the Atlantic waters and begin our descent. The descent is gradual and pleasant and before too long we’re back on The Kerry Way. With only a short walk along the Kerry Way remaining, we’re soon at the end of today’s walk.

I’ll bet you’ll have built quite an appetite upon completing this walk. The clean sea air contributes particularly to this for some reason, so you’ll be looking forward to enjoying an evening meal in Sneem village.

Derrynane Trail Description: 12Km with a height gain of 300m and a maximum height of 130m.

Today our walking will be closer to sea level with our maximum height of 150m being some 300m lower than the high point on yesterday’s walk. Again, we’ll be starting out on the beautiful Kerry Way as it winds through the hills. Once again you have the sense of having this beautiful private walking experience, 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. So here it’s not long before we catch our first sighting of the Atlantic ocean and the beach ahead, which marks our impendig arrrival in the village of Caherdaniel.

From Caherdaniel, we’ll make our way to 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’ll stop for a refreshment in one of the local hostelries.

Derrynane Beach on Coastal Views Álaind Walking Holiday Álaind Walking Holiday Derrynane Beach on Coastal Views Álaind Walking Holiday

 

Derrynane Mass Path Walk Descending the Carved Rock steps of the Derrynane Mass Path
Derrynane Beach Walk 
You’ll enjoy an apre-walk refreshments before getting ready for your chosen evening dining in Sneem village.

Derrynane Trail Description: 14Km with a height gain of 500m and a maximum height of 425m.

Today our walking will bring us to the mountain tops with panoramic views of the western coastal edge of the Ring of Kerry. After following a stoney track to the top of the mountain, we’ll have an opportunity to enjoy truly spectacular panaromic views of Derrynane, The Bullr Rock island, Skelligs and Waterville. We’ll then follow an old bog road and contour across the monunatin to join up with the another trail near Coad’s disused copper mines. From here we’ll descent onto the Kerry Way and follow the Dark Skies planetary trail back to our starting point in Catherdaniel.

We’ll stop for a refreshment in one of the local hostelries.

You’ll enjoy an apre-walk refreshments before getting ready for your chosen evening dining in Sneem village.

What’s Included in the Holiday Cost

  • Bed & Breakfast Accommodation
  • Welcome Drink and Briefing on Arrival Evening
  • Professionally Guided Trail Walking
  • Breakfast
  • Packed Lunch
  • Route details and map
  • Apre-walk Refreshments
  • Drying Facilities
 

Not Included:

  • Any pre-tour or post-tour accommodation
  • Evening meals (although we’ll gladly make reservations for you)
  • Travel insurance

 

The Cost of The Kerry Walking Trails Holiday including luxury ensuite bedroom

  • Three Nights / Three Days Kerry Trail Walking – €447 per person sharing (€894 total)
  • €25 per night single supplement applies (€478 total)
 

A €100 per person deposit will be charged on all guided walking holiday bookings. If you cancel more than 4 weeks before arrival date, your deposit will be refunded.

What to Know Before You Go

If you want an exciting escape from your routine, this mini-break is for you. You’ll feel invigorated while exploring trails, open countryside and rugged mountains with a small group of walkers. 
You will enjoy stunning Ring of Kerry views of the Kerry Mountains, the wild Atlantic and beautiful lakes & waterfalls.  Afterwards you’ll relax in your luxury accommodation at Álaind Lodges, Sneem – your base for the duration of your holiday.

Everyone who loves walking on way-marked trails but also like to spice it with some off-trail mountain routes. 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. We will also traverse slopes through sometimes long grass and bracken.

The maximum number of guests is 10 persons. Each holiday requires four or more persons to take place.

We understand that you want more flexibility and peace of mind in these uncertain times. In the event that Government restrictions prevent you travelling for your holiday, we will cancel your booking for free. You will also be able to reschedule your booking without charge.

Fergal Harrington is the owner of Álaind Holidays and a professionally qualified Mountain Leader, who you can email or phone +353-85-2581480 directly to help you plan your perfect holiday.

You’ll base yourself at Álaind Lodges in Sneem for the duration of your walking, where you’ll find it easy to relax. This will be your home from home as you settle into your private luxury bedroom and our spacious lounges complete with real fireplaces – wonderful in the autumn & winter seasons.

Our luxury rooms have comfy beds, pressurised power showers, 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. 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.

Bed and breakfast gift voucher

The minimum you should have includes waterproof boots, waterproof jacket & over trousers, backpack, gaiters & walking poles, hat, gloves and thick hiking socks; water bottle & lunchbox; small torch, personal first aid and sunscreen / insect repellent. 

Transfers to and from Killarney can be arranged at additional cost.  Please inquire with us. 

Highlights of Sneem hills Walking Holiday includes exploring the lower height of the Dunkerrons Mountains.

This Sneem Hills Walking Holiday includes luxury ensuite accommodation and breakfast at Alaind Lodges, Sneem with professionally guided walks, packed lunch, briefing and apre-walk refreshments.

Upcoming Holiday Tour Dates – Click the Date below to Book

The walks consist of easy to moderate walks on Day 2 and Day 3 of the holiday. We will decide on the exact walking routes depending on the weather forecast for the day but below is our typical itinerary.

Holiday Itinerary Day 1 – Arrival in Sneem

One of Álaind Lodges’ cosy lounges – perfect for apre-walk unwinding.

On Day 1 our Álaind walking guests on the Sneem Hills Walking holiday arrive at Álaind Lodges on Sportsfield Road, Sneem, Co. Kerry. In the evening our small group of walkers gathers for some light food, a beverage and a holiday briefing.

What better than a blazing real fire stove on a cool evening
Álaind Ensuite Room
One of our Luxury Double Ensuite Bedrooms

Walking Itinerary Day 2 – Lakes, Waterfalls and Wild Views

Today’s walk is all about traversing the lower slopes of Sneem’s Dunkerron Mountains. Although these mountain are between 600m and 700m high, we’ll be keeping to a maximum height of approximately 400m. This means that we’ll get up close to the beautiful mountain lakes, waterfalls to enjoy the best views of the wild Kerry Geo Park.

Lough Coomnacronia on Alaind Walking Holiday in the Sneem Hills
On route to our lunch break at Lough Coomnacronia water’s edge

Kerry Geo Park incorporates Sneem and its hills and mountainous area and is widely recognised internationally as one of the most geologically significant locations. You simply have to venture into its heart to really appreciate its splendour.

Later in the evening our guests can enjoy an evening meal in Sneem village.

Coomanassig Waterfall on Sneem Hills Walking Holiday
Coomanassig Waterfall above Eagle’s Lake

Walking Itinerary Day 3 – Amazing Ridge Route with Coastal Views

Today we’re setting out initially onto a section of the Kerry Way, which is also a local pilgrimage trail. We pass a number of sacred spots along the way before we set out onto open mountainside.

To the one side we’re spoiled with views of mountains, valleys and lakes and to the other mountains stretching down to the sea. The coastal view are especially beautiful when the light is right and haze-free.

In total we’ll walk for approximately 12 KM before reaching the road back towards Sneem. For those who want to extend their walk, you can follow the Kerry Way trail back to Álaind Lodges. This extends the walk by 5 KM.

Álaind Walking Holiday taking to the wild Sneem hills
Setting out onto the off-trail hill section of the day’s walk.

Later in the evening our guests can enjoy another evening meal in Sneem village.

Why You Should Book the Sneem Hills Walking Holiday with Álaind Walking

Expect to be invigorated while exploring trails, open countryside and wide mountain ridges with a small group of walkers.  You will enjoy stunning Ring of Kerry views of the Kerry Mountains, the wild Atlantic and beautiful lakes & waterfalls.  Your luxury accommodation is at Álaind Lodges, Sneem, where you will relax for the duration of your stay.

Who Should Book This Alaind Walking Holiday

Everyone that loves walking on way-marked trails but like to also spice it up by crossing some wide off-trail mountain routes.

Walking participants should have experience of upland walking and be of good health with reasonable level of fitness. Walkers can expect moderate ascents & descents at the start and end of walks. We will also traverse slopes through sometimes long grass and bracken.

Each holiday requires four or more to take place.

What’s Included in the Holiday Cost:

  • 3 Nights Bed & Breakfast Accommodation
  • 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 Sneem Hills Holiday

The cost of the holiday is from €335 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 Sneem Hills Walking Holiday:

Let us take care of the logistics and all your accommodation needs, so you can focus on enjoying your walking holiday.

Have a question about Álaind Walking’s Sneem Hills Walking Holiday? Send us a message!

Want to know more about walking in Sneem? Read our Guide to Walking in Kerry, which details an account of walking these hills. It’ll give you a feel for whether the challenge of climbing the tallest mountain in Ireland is for you.

Ready to reserve your place? call or email us

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What Álaind Walking Can Offer You

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Experienced Guides

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Fantastic Value

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Suitable For Large Groups

Our Accommodation at Álaind Lodges and our Guides can Cater for Groups of all Sizes.

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Guide Tips

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