Visitors and locals can now experience the South Kerry Greenway for the very first time, as the first section of this much-anticipated route opens to the public. From Friday 19 December, a 3.1km stretch between the former Kells Railway Station and Golden’s of Kells is fully open and accessible to walkers and cyclists.

Kells Railway Station

The completion of the Kells section of the South Kerry Greenway comes as work continues on the construction and completion of other parts of the facility. It is anticipated that the next section of the greenway – from the trailhead at Glenbeigh through Curra Wood and on to the road overbridge at Mountain Stage (5km) – will open to the public in early summer of 2026.

Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Foley warmly welcomed the development:

‘This is a very exciting time for the entire county. The South Kerry Greenway is one of our most anticipated public projects and amenities in Kerry. I want to thank the team at Kerry County Council and the contractors who have completed this section of the greenway, and we look forward to the opening the remainder of the route over the coming years. I also want to acknowledge local landowners for their cooperation and support as well as our partners in the Department of Transport and Transport Infrastructure Ireland.’

Cathaoirleach of the Kenmare Municipal District, Cllr Norma Moriarty said:

‘This is a very historic day for the Iveragh Peninsula. I am thrilled that members of the public will get the opportunity to get their first taste of the South Kerry Greenway over the Christmas season. The greenway will be an all-weather and all-seasons amenity and offers a beautiful facility in a breathtaking location to locals and visitors alike.’

Temporary car parking is available for greenway users at Golden’s of Kells and at the former Kells Railway Station car park. Full details in relation to access and locations details can be found here: South Kerry Greenway

The official opening of this section of the greenway will take place in 2026.

The South Kerry Greenways is the third route opened in Kerry following the Tralee to Fenit and Listowel to Limerick Greenway amenities.

South Kerry Greenway History

The South Kerry Greenway follows the corridor of the former Killorglin–Valentia Harbour railway line, once the most westerly railway in Europe. Operating from 1893 to 1960, the line connected stations in Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Kells, Cahersiveen and Valentia Harbour—the westernmost terminus. Known for its dramatic, cliff-hugging route and Atlantic vistas, the line made its final journey on 30 January 1960, leaving behind iconic structures such as the Gleesk Viaduct. The South Kerry Greenway is part of the wider Kingdom of Kerry Greenways initiative, offering locals and visitors alike the chance to explore County Kerry’s natural beauty by foot or by bike.