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    Deluxe Hiking

    The Kerry Mountains

    24 review(s)

    Next Trip: 18th - 24th May 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

    From: £2,680 View Prices & Dates

    Travel Planning & Advice

    Book With Confidence

    Trip created by Patricia Doe
    View Patricia's Profile

    Region: South West – Cork & Kerry
    Trip Type: Luxury & Deluxe
    Accommodation: Deluxe
    Max Group Size: 8
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book
    Deposit From: £690

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 144kg ? What does this mean?
    Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

    Download Itinerary

    Perhaps Ireland’s most acclaimed region, Kerry’s incredible scenery, soaring mountains and snug villages form a perfect backdrop to this Ring of Kerry hiking tour in southwest Ireland. On this Ring of Kerry hiking adventure, we’ll summit two of Ireland’s highest mountains, dip our toes in the Atlantic along Kerry’s white sand beaches, follow forgotten pilgrimage paths and relish in wild ocean views.

    By day, explore the best of the Ring of Kerry by hiking many amazing landscapes such as Killarney National Park, the wildest sections of the Kerry Way, the rugged Dingle Peninsula, the Gap of Dunloe, and Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. By night, relax in some of Kerry’s finest Deluxe accommodations while enjoying Kerry’s famous foodie scene. Enjoy the adventure of a rugged hiking trip alongside the comfort and luxury of Kerry’s best hotels and guesthouses.

    Your guide will provide a fascinating insight into the rich cultural and geological history of this spectacular landscape, and help you spot wildlife, such as kestrels, sparrow hawks, foxes and red deer. Throw in a few colourful local characters that we’re bound to meet along the way and you have the perfect hiking vacation in Ireland.

    Trip Highlights

    • Hike in Ireland's highest mountain range, summiting Ireland's highest peak, Carrauntoohil.
    • Traverse Kerry's two great mountainous regions on the Dingle and Iveragh Peninsulas.
    • Explore the best of the Ring of Kerry such as Killarney National Park and the Gap of Dunloe.
    • Explore the best of the Ring of Kerry while relaxing in Kerry's finest Deluxe accommodations.

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 – Killarney National Park

    Meeting in the vibrant town of Killarney, we will head to the emerald meadows, shimmering lakes and solemn forests of Killarney National Park. Joining the Kerry Way for an afternoon’s hike, wander the backcountry of what once was the Muckross Estate, flanked by the peaks of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and visit a beautiful waterfall before returning to our base in time for a hearty dinner. (L, D)

    Hike Details: 9 km / 5.5 miles | approx. 4hrs.

    Day 2 – Mangerton Mountain & The Devil's Punch Bowl

    Mangerton Mountain is one of the largest areas of desolate wilderness in Ireland’s southwest and is a perfect introduction to the terrain to come. The views from the ridge across the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks towards the higher peaks are absolutely spell-binding. The evocatively-named Devil’s Punchbowl is a glacially-formed corrie lake where legend has it, a monster was banished by a saint to a watery grave. (B, L)

    Hike Details: 10 km /6.5 miles| approx. 5-6hrs.

    Day 3 – Lakes of Killarney Boat Trip & The Black Valley

    We start our day by setting sail on the serene lakes of Killarney with the jagged peaks of Killarney’s mountains as our stunning backdrop. Alighting from our boat at an idyllic location along the water’s edge, we take to one of the most scenic parts of the Kerry Way. The route follows quiet roads and mountain tracks meandering their way through the Black Valley – so-called since this region was the last place in Ireland to be connected to the electric grid in the 1970’s. (B, L)

    Hike Details: 13 km/ 8 miles | approx. 7hrs.

    Day 4 – Carrantuohil - Ireland's Highest Mountain

    Today is a real highlight – our day’s goal is to climb Carrantuohil*, Ireland’s highest peak. At 1,040m, its pointed summit presents an enticing challenge for any mountain lover. Taking into consideration various factors, our guide will decide the best route for attempting the summit for the day. As we hike, we’ll admire wildflowers, spot raptors soaring on the mountain peaks and look out for Irish mountain hares. From the top, enjoy views over the Ring of Kerry as you stand at the top of Ireland. (B, L)

    Hike Details: 15 km/9 miles | approx. 5-6hrs.

    * The walk this day includes some scrambling and ridge walks which are elements of red grade difficulty. There is an option to sit out and spend the day in Killarney as an alternative.

    Day 5 – The Dingle Peninsula from Ventry to Slea Head

    The Dingle Peninsula is home to a rich collection of European archaeological sites. Hike past standing stones, prehistoric monuments, and clochains or beehive huts that are thousands of years old. Weaving along parts of the Dingle Way and an upland trail over Mount Eagle, drink in stunning coastal views along impressive trails. Enjoy beach walks from Ventry Beach before ending your hike at Slea Head, Ireland’s westernmost point. From here, gaze out over the Blasket Islands – once home to a thriving island community, harsh conditions led to their abandonment in the 1950s. (B, L)

    Hike Details: 10 km / 6 miles | approx. 3. hrs.

    Day 6 – Mount Brandon

    Our challenge today is one of Ireland’s highest mountains. Named after the 6th-century monk St. Brendan the Navigator, he is said to have viewed “The Promised Land” from Mt Brandon’s summit. This inspired his legendary voyage to North America 500 years before the Vikings and 1,000 years before Columbus. We’ll follow a less-travelled route to the top for panoramic views of Brandon Bay. The Dingle Peninsula is a haven for artists and crafters and we will visit a local crafter’s workshop to learn more about Dingle’s long artistic heritage before an evening in Dingle town, arguably one of the strongest bastions of traditional Irish music. (B, L, D)

    Hike Details: 11 km/7 miles | approx. 6-7 hrs.

    Day 7 – Inch Beach & Depart

    After breakfast, we say goodbye to the group and depart our accommodation for Limerick train station, where you can begin your journey home. Along the way, we will stop for a short walk along a glorious white sand beach savouring the opportunity for a final breath of fresh Atlantic air. (B)

    Hike Details: 5 km/3 miles| approx. 1 hr.

    This itinerary is subject to changes and improvements. All hiking times are approximate. 

    X
    Luxury & Deluxe
    The Kerry Mountains

    To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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    The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

    Trip Dates & Prices

    All payments taken in local currency EUR

    Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
    18th May - 24th May 20246 places leftGuaranteed £2,680Book Now
    29th Jun - 5th Jul 20245 places leftGuaranteed £2,680Book Now
    17th Aug - 23rd Aug 20247 places leftAvailable £2,680Book Now
    31st Aug - 6th Sep 20245 places leftGuaranteed £2,680Book Now

    Trip Details

    Accommodation Read More

    While visiting the beloved Ring of Kerry, expect a Deluxe level of accommodation – relax in boutique hotels, stately guesthouses, and beautiful manors. Each Deluxe accommodation has been chosen for its high comfort standards and service, its scenic location and its lovely amenities.

    On this deluxe hiking tour of the Kerry Mountains, partake in all of the excitement of a hiking adventure paired with the comfort and luxuriousness of deluxe accommodations. More than just a place to sleep, your accommodations play an active role in your Irish experience.

    Single Rooms

    There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of €600 is charged.

    Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

    Meals Read More

    Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided on the first and final nights. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes.

    On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

    Inclusions Read More
    • 6 nights accommodation in unique and cosy guest houses and hotels
    • Most meals during the trip (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
    • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable hiking guide/driver throughout
    • Pickup and transport throughout the trip
    • 7 days of hiking among the majestic mountains of Ireland’s southwest
    • Entrance and admission fees as stated in the itinerary
    Trip Grading Read More

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Our blue-graded trips involve exploring some of Ireland’s best hiking regions, introducing some steeper climbs to summits as well as valley and coastal hikes. The hike will be conducted at a steady pace and you will typically hike 5-7 hours per day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from well maintained hiker’s trails to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.

    The daily hikes will occasionally involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. More challenging days are interspersed with lower level valley, coastal or forest walks which would include some cultural highlights along the way.

    Can you comfortably hike for around 10 miles (16km) with the occasional longer day? Are you happy with some ascents of 3,000ft / 900m? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain from good paths to rough mountain tracks?

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland at Killarney Train Station at 12:30 on Day 1 of your trip. You will be dropped off at Limerick Colbert Train Station by 13:00 on the last day of your trip. For full details on how to get to Killarney, please see our travel section here.

    Photo Gallery

    Make This Trip Private

    Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

    Speak to an Expert

    Patricia Doe

    An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets – she particularly loves the under-appreciated regions of Mayo, Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. Having spent nearly a decade in the hospitality industry, Patricia is an expert on Ireland’s luxury and unique accommodations. As Wilderness Ireland’s General Manager and head of the sales team, Patricia is ready to help make your Irish adventure spectacular.

    Ask Patricia a Question

    Meet Your Guide

    Difficulty Grades Explained

    Blue Graded 4-6

    Our blue-graded trips involve exploring some of Ireland’s best hiking regions, introducing some steeper climbs to summits as well as valley and coastal hikes. The hike will be conducted at a steady pace, and you will typically hike for 5-7 hours per day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from well-maintained hiker’s trails to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.

    The daily hikes will occasionally involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. More challenging days are interspersed with lower-level valley, coastal or forest walks which would include some cultural highlights along the way.

    Can you comfortably hike for around 10 miles (16km) with the occasional longer day? Are you happy with some ascents of 3,000ft / 900m? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain, from good paths to rough mountain tracks?

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.96 out of 5 based on 24 review(s) of Deluxe Hiking – The Kerry Mountains

     

    Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

    That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

    SL

    Stephanie Lubrecht

    Reviewed on 14/10/2023

    Age: 30 - 40
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 30/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Final verdict: this trip was great and 100% changed my mind about guided tours. I was nervous signing up for a guided tour as I don't love the idea of traveling in a large group, but I knew hiking in unfamiliar terrain without a guide wouldn't be the relaxing vacation I was hoping for. The small group size is key. Wilderness Ireland proves that tour travel can be done well and relatively affordably. This trip was absolutely a splurge for us, but when I looked at comparable companies Wilderness Ireland's pricing was the best far and away. We would never have been able to afford many of the other companies comparable packages, and are truly grateful to Wilderness Ireland for offering trips of this quality at this price point. We will absolutely be returning to Wilderness Ireland to explore more of the country when we are able to, the value and level of service they provide is absolutely worth the price in my opinion. Thank you to Liam and the whole Wilderness Ireland team!

    JY

    Julia Yaris

    Reviewed on 09/10/2023

    Age: 20 - 30
    Trip Date: 30/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    KS

    Katherine Smith

    Reviewed on 21/09/2023

    Age: 30 - 40
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 02/09/2023
    Trips Taken: 3

    The Bottom Line

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