The Kerry Way & South Kerry Trails

While Kerry is renowned for having the highest mountains in Ireland, the Kerry Way avoids the higher peaks and opts for the lower reaches of mountain ridges. The trail is intended to quickly progress through a variety of different landscapes and experiences, giving the walker a wider appreciation for the County. These trails are accessible with the kind permission of landowners throughout Kerry.

The spiritual centre of the Kerry Way is Com an Tsleachain Tomb (pictured above) at Com an Chiste / Coomakista on the Kerry Way / Slí Uíbh Ráthach - a 4,000 year old Wedge Tomb, Com an Tsleachain speaks to the ancient routeways that the people of the Iveragh Peninsula used. Indeed, located at the one of the very outermost parts of Ireland, this walking route is living history, with ancient sites and grand views throughout.

_{Images with thanks to Valerie O'Sullivan}

Approximately 215km long (135 miles) and one of the most enjoyable ways to see the region, the Kerry Way is a loop walk of the Iveragh Peninsula, with 9 main stages, allowing you to break up the route into multiple days and rest areas. Starting from Coomnakista near Waterville, the route goes anti-clockwise, passing through some of the most isolated and dramatic countryside in the country, through the International Dark Sky Reserve, the Reeks District, Skellig Coast, the South Kerry Gaeltacht, Kenmare, the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Killarney National Park. As a loop walk, it can be joined at any point. 

Each year, the Kerry Way Ultra takes 500 competitors on an epic race along this route. With the most incredible community feel, sustainability ethos and international reputation, this annual elite sporting event welcomes a vibrant and diverse group of visitors to South Kerry. 

Public Transport can be planned using the TFI Journey Planner which includes the TFI Local Link Kerry routes.

Visit www.southkerry.ie/trails for further information on the trails.