Harder
Walks: 7 to 9 miles (11-14km) with
some rough terrain and some short sections
on country lanes. Up to 1,800ft (540m) of
ascent in a day.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival
day
For those
arriving on the HF Holidays’ flights to
Cork, the onward journey to Kenmare is by
coach. In the afternoon your leaders will
organise a stroll around the town of
Kenmare. On the first evening your leaders
will explain more about the walks.
Day 2: Sneem
The beautiful village of Sneem on the Ring
of Kerry offers a wonderful introduction.
Nestled between mountains and wild rugged
coast, it has some of the best views of the
region. Both walks explore the historical
and geographical features of the region.
Easier walk
11 km The Lomanagh Loop Ascent 210m
Starting from Sneem we follow the Lomanagh
Loop on minor roads, forest tracks and
fields onto the Kerry Way and back to Sneem
for some Irish hospitality.
Harder walk
14.5
km Blackwater Bridge to
Sneem Ascent 210m
From Sneem we follow the Fermoyle Loop on
marked paths across hillsides passing
features such as standing stones, turf
cutting, and a cillin (unconsecrated
graveyard)
Day 3:
The Kerry Way
Today’s walks will take us along the scenic
coastline to arrive at the beautiful gardens
of Derrynane House, ancestral home of Daniel
O'Connell known as Ireland's nineteenth
century liberator.
Easier Walk:
9.5km
160m) ascent.
High Route to Caherdaniel and Derrynane
a stunning walk with spectacular coastal
views
Harder Walk:
Butter Road
and Mass Path to Derrynane 12km
320m Ascent.
Day 4: Free
day
On your free
day you may relax in Kenmare, or travel the
Ring of Kerry before taking a cruise around
the awe-inspiring Skellig Islands, home to
an 8th century hermitage and large puffin
and gannet colonies.
Day 5: Beara
Peninsula
Today both walks start at the tip of the
Beara peninsula, a stone’s throw away from
Dursey Island. It’s mostly coastal walking,
finishing at the the old copper mining town
of Allihies for a drink.
Easier Walk: This walk leaves the active fishing harbour of Garnish and goes along the shoreline of Ballydonegan Bay. We traverse below Lackacroghan where we can enjoy fabulous views back to Dursey before dropping back down towards Allihies and its beautiful beach ending in Allihies itself. The landscape has scattered remains of the once thriving copper mining industry. 9.5km 300m Ascent.
Harder Walk: Starting near the Dursey cable car station, we ascend Ballaghboy and straddle the ridge with fine views across the north and south of the peninsulas. We soon view lofty sea cliffs before we finally descend back to Garnish pier and finish with the easier walkers. 13km 450m Ascent.
Day 6:
Glengarriff
Easier Walk: Today this group walks
within the protected area of Glengariff
Nature Reserve, home to a multitude of
wildlife, flora, fauna and ancient tales. We
walk a short loop following the river and
view some ancient oaks on the way. After
crossing meadows, we ascend to “Lady
Bantry’s Look Out” point. After enjoying
lunch in Glengarriff, we take a boat to
Garnish Island via Seal Island and then walk
around this fabulous garden flourishing in
its own microclimate. We return to
Glengarriff harbour by the same boat. 8km 150m ascent.
Harder Walk: From the little town of Adrigole, the harder walk follows the Beara Way and heads up the north side of the lofty Sugar Loaf Mountain to 500m with great views of Bantry Bay and Sheeps Head peninsula. Our path then descends towards Glengarriff Nature Reserve before heading down into Glengarriff. 12km 620m ascent.
Day 7: Killarney
National Park
North of
Kenmare takes us to the Killarney National
Park and the majestic lakes amidst the
surrounds of the abbey, castle and
magnificent Victorian mansion of Muckross
House.
Easier Walk: We walk from Galway Bridge along the Kerry Way passing through Esknamucky Glen, Cores Cascade to follow the Old Kenmare Road to Torc Waterfall and Muckross Estate. Here we will have time to explore the gardens and visit the café. 11km 300m ascent.
Harder Walk: We walk along the Kerry Way from Galway Bridge passing through Esknamucky Glen, Cores Cascade on good tracks to Torc mountain. The ascent is rewarding with panoramic views across the lakes and up the Black Valley and beyond. We make our descent and follow the Old Kenmare Road to Torc Waterfall and Muckross Estate to join the easier group. 14km 600m ascent.