County Kerry - Adventure & Explore

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1

We’ll collect you from Cork airport (1pm) and drive over to Kerry, stopping on route we have a chance to stretch your legs before we head to our accommodation.After settling in, we’ll head out for the first meal, where you’ll immediately begin to relax and enjoy the surroundings. Over dinner we’ll discuss the plans for our adventure and make final decisions on some of the walks. This is your chance to say if there’s something you’ve always wanted to see!

Days 2-7

These are our 3 full days to get out and explore County Kerry. There are so many options that we’ll be spoilt for choice, and where we choose to go depends very much on the group and the weather. All of our walks will be easy or moderate, with plenty of chances to take photos and admire the landscape.

Here are some ideas to get you excited:

Dingle - The Dingle peninsula lies to the north of Kerry and is famous for the holy Mount Brandon, the miles of sand on Inch Beach, and views west to the Blasket Islands. An option here could be to split a day into two, spending the morning walking some hill trails overlooking the coastline, have lunch in Dingle itself, and then spend more time down at the coast in the afternoon.

Killarney National Park - Just outside the town of Killarney stands the wooded Killarney National Park, complete with lake, mountain views and Ross Castle. A walk here would be an easy option on any of the days, and we can even venture as far as the Purple Mountain, a rounded hill overlooking the National Park and the last gasp of the high mountains before they give way to the central Irish lowlands.

Iveragh Coast - The entire coast of this central peninsula is one of the most dramatic places to walk in the country, and what better way to see it then to head right to the edge, gazing down on the jewel in the crown, the Kerry Cliffs. You never know, we may see all sorts of marine life out in the waters, and then take some time to explore the ruins of Ballinskelligs Castle.

Macgillycuddy’s Reeks - It’s definitely a good idea to spend some time in the company of Ireland’s highest mountains. Not only are they surrounded by myth and legend, but they are excellent places to walk. Even if we don’t head to a summit, there are a series of excellent low level trails so we can enjoy gazing up at the peaks from the shelter of the valleys.

Each afternoon we’ll return to the accommodation to freshen up before heading out to sample some great local food for the evening meal.

Day 8

On our final day we’ll pack up and leave the hostel to begin the drive back to Cork. On the way we’ll stop off and have a break going to a walk or seeing some sights along the way, such as Blarney Castle and the River Lee.Please make sure you check the travel information below before booking your return flight.

About the Area - County Kerry

County Kerry lies in the south-west of Ireland, and is made up of several peninsulas that stick out into the ocean. This leads to the unique character of the region, an area of rugged mountains, rolling inland hills, and a long coastline. It is not unusual to spend a day exploring the serene mountain lakes before descending to dip your feet in the sea. The Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest peaks in Ireland, lie in a long ridge on the Iveragh Peninsula, and over on the Dingle peninsula Mount Brandon stands proud above the village of Dingle, a sacred peak named after Saint Brandon. Killarney is one of the main towns and is a bustling centre, with easy access to the main walking areas and the scenic Killarney National Park. Besides the natural beauty, you’ll experience the very best in Irish hospitality in this county on the edge.