Walking Weekend in Kerry
Walking Weekend in Kerry
- Fitness Level : Moderate
- Group: Short Walking Tours
- Suitable for: All age groups
- Duration : Weekend
Sept 26th – 28th 2025.
Staying in Kenmare
A walking weekend in Kerry is the perfect escape for those looking to immerse themselves in Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes. Staying in the charming town of Kenmare, you’ll be ideally placed to explore some of the most scenic sections of the Kerry Way. This renowned long-distance trail winds through rugged mountains, lush valleys, and along the shores of glistening lakes, offering spectacular views at every turn. Kenmare itself is a vibrant town known for its welcoming atmosphere, traditional music, and fantastic local cuisine, making it an excellent base for a weekend of adventure.
Over the course of the weekend, walkers can experience a mix of gentle trails and more challenging routes, showcasing the best of Kerry’s unspoiled beauty. One highlight is the section of the Kerry Way leading towards Killarney on the old green road, wandering through a valley with a dramatic and unforgettable landscape. We also visit part of the Beara Peninsula for a walk on Knockatee with stunning views over Kenmare Bay and the distant peaks of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. Along the way, you may encounter historic ruins, ancient standing stones, and an abundance of local wildlife.
After a rewarding day on the trails, Kenmare offers the perfect place to unwind. Relax in a cosy pub with a well-earned pint, enjoy a hearty meal in one of the town’s excellent restaurants, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a refreshing outdoor escape, a walking weekend in Kerry promises stunning scenery, invigorating walks, and a truly memorable Irish experience.
You can check our Blog about walking in Kerry Here
In the morning, we will leave Dublin and make our way to Kenmare in county Kerry. Kenmare is a beautiful colourful and lively town to stay in. We will take a break along the way to stretch the legs and enjoy a snack.
On arrival to Kenmare and after settling into our accommodation we will take a short drive to the start of our first walk for the weekend.
Old Green Road – Kenmare – this takes in a portion of the Kerry way between Killarney and Kenmare. The walk brings you deep into a beautiful valley that once lived in and there are traces of an old village within this area. The trail meanders along the old road once used between these two towns and you can imagine horses and carts loaded with goods travelling here. The trail is not too tough to walk but does have some small inclines along the way. You finish this walk at Galway Bridge near the lakes of Killarney.
Grade easy to moderate Length 8 km, Duration: 2.5 – 3 hrs, Ascent: approx. 400m, Terrain: Clear paths and tracks.
Today’s walk is on the southern side of Kenmare towards the Beara Peninsula. Starting near the small town of Laragh (hardly even a town) we take a route that brings us up towards one of the greatest viewing points in this region.
Although Knockatee is a relatively small hill it can be a tough climb for people due to its geology. It’s like a small Hungry hill carved out of large rock. Once at the summit though the views across Kenmare Bay, the Beara Peninsula and surrounding mountains are incredible. This is a loop walk that brings us towards Helen’s Bar where it would be rude not to stop and enjoy the small harbour over a drink.
Grade Strenuous Length 9.4 km, Duration: approx. 3 hrs, Ascent: 310m, Terrain: small roads and open mountain trails.
On our return to Kenmare we can freshen up before exploring the town.
After breakfast we will take a short drive to start a short walk before returning to Dublin
Gougane Barra – sits in west Cork and is probably best known for the small church of St. Finbarr, patron saint of Cork, founded his early Christian monastery in the 6th century. There is also a beautiful woodland that’s sits next to the lake here beneath the Sheehy Mountains, where Kevin Barry once had to make a dangerous escape.
Walk easy: Length 4 km, Duration: 1.5 hrs, Ascent: 50m, Terrain: Forest trails.
After our short walk here, we can make our way back to Dublin.
We should be back in Dublin about 6pm.
N.B. Ireland’s climate is of a moderate type and suited to walking all year round. Although it is quite changeable so starting a walk on a fine clear morning may not be the case for the afternoon.
- Hill walking Boots
- Walking Poles (if you use them)
- Rucksack for walks (25L)
- Walking Trousers (Not Jeans)
- Waterproofs (Just in Case)
- Leg Gaiters ( I would recommend leg gaiters for this weekend)
- Walking Socks
- Thermal top / T-shirt (Not Cotton)
- Sun Cream
We are staying at Kenmare Bay Hotel.
- All bedrooms are en-suite with bath & shower, tea & coffee making facilities
- Bar and restaurant with seasonal & locally sourced food produce.
- Fresh breakfast with choices.
- Free Wifi is also available
Breakfasts: are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals etc.
Lunches for the walks: We can source our lunch for walks in local delis and shops enroute.
Evening Meal: An evening meal on day 1 is included in cost.
- Mweelrea is a tough walk and suitable fitness is required.
- All the walks are taken at a pace to suit the group.
- The groups can have a mixed level of fitness and age usually.
- If the weather is too bad on a certain day to do the suggested walk, then the guide will suggest an alternative one.
- The Guide will have the final say on the day of the chosen walk for the safety of the group.
A deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking.
The balance of the cost of your tour / walk is due not less than 6 weeks prior to scheduled departure.
If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case we shall retain your deposit.
- Loss of deposit applies for cancellations made 6 weeks or less in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 50% applies for cancellations made less than 2 weeks in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 1 week in advance, or in case of no-show.
Cost
| Price: €525pps |
Single Supplement €150 Cost Includes
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Pickup:
| Location: Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street at 09:00am. Otherwise meet us in Kenmare for 14:00 |
Got a Question?
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
17 Dodder Lawn, Dodder Valley Park, Firhouse Dublin 24, Ireland
Walking Weekend in Kerry
Testimonials
The sights of Southern Ireland
My husband and I spent a seven-night trip with our guide Hugh and others from an Australian walking group travelling from and returning to Dublin incorporating five walks of varying difficulty. The daily walks were tailored to the varying abilities in the group and lunches pre-arranged. Accommodation and meals were adequate to excellent without a large amount of travel involved and the following sights visited: Dingle coastal walk, Mountain Brandon, Lakes of Killarney, Gap of Dunloe, Cliffs of Moher.
Nothing was too much trouble for the knowledgeable Hugh in who I had plenty of confidence. I can recommend this company who would quickly look after any issues.
It was a really fantastic and unforgettable trip
It was a really fantastic and unforgettable nine days round trip from Dublin to Galway including celebrating even two birthdays!
Terry was amazing and legendary, he showed us the most beautiful places and entertained us with Irish stories, music and songs.
So, we will be back definitely!
BIG THANKS to Hilltoptrek and Terry from the Croatian hiking group!
We've had an amazing time ....
We've had an amazing time walking, trekking and hiking with Hilltop Treks through south west Ireland taking in gorgeous Dingle Peninsula. We travelled as a large group which has its challenges of course but under the care and attention of Terry and Hugh we all had a very memorable trip with many happy moments. Accommodation was very good, and scenery along the way breathtaking. A fair level of fitness IS required especially if hiking up Mount Brandon. Definitely worth it though. Well done and sincere thanks to Terry and Hugh for making our first trip to Ireland so enjoyable.
FAQs for our Walking Weekend in Connemara
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The walks on these tours are of a mixed level with the option on some days to shorten. All the walks are taken at a pace to suit the group. The groups can range from 6 to 16 people in size with a mixed level of fitness and age usually. If the weather is too bad on a certain day to do the suggested walk, then the guide will suggest an alternative one. The Guide will have the final say on the day about the walk for the safety of the group.
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We will be staying at the Kenmare Bay Hotel. Its a cosy accommodation and the perfect place to relax after the days walk. There is Free WIFI in all the accommodations we use. All the rooms are en-suite. The accommodations we use are well used to us bringing them guests after a day’s walk and know that they somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
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Breakfasts are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals etc. Lunches for the walks: We will visit some local shops to get supplies. Evening Meals: Threes course evening meal at the Hotel on first day is included.
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