Day 1 - Arrival to Killarney

From Cork or Shannon airports, travel by bus to Killarney. The town is world renowned for the unsurpassed beauty of its setting rather than any historical or architectural features, but is an interesting place to stay with lots to see and do.

Overnight accommodation in Killarney.

Day 2 - Killarney to Black Valley

Walk from Killarney to Black Valley, along the lake shore through Killarney National Park, Torc Waterfall, and native oak forests. The Way is well marked and a pleasant start to the tour. Finish at Lord Brandon’s Cottage at the head of the Upper Lake. Overnight in remote Black Valley - the last place in Ireland to be electrified in 1967.
Distance 22km. Ascent 400m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.

Day 3 - Black Valley to Glencar

Walk Black Valley to Glencar. Old green roads and mountain sheep country, under the magnificent Magillicuddy Reeks and Carrauntohill, Ireland's highest mountain. The Black valley passes into the Bridia Valley and mountain farming comminities are all that are to be found here. Old roads from settlements go by the magnificent Lough Acoose under the Reeks to Glencar on the Caragh River.
Distance 23km. Ascent 300m. Approximate walking time 6 or 7 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Glencar.

Day 4 - Glecar to Glenbeigh

Start through the old woodlands of Glencar and lovely Blackstones Bridge. The route then climbs above Caragh Lake then crosses Seefin Mountain via the Windy Gap with views of Dingle Bay. Descend through the Cummergporm Glen to the seaside village of Glenbeigh.
Distance 13km. Ascent 200m. Approximate walking time 4 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Glenbeigh.

Day 5 - Glenbeigh to Foilmore

Walk from Glenbeigh to Foilmore near Cahirciveen, with views to the Dingle Peninsula. Your route passes the magnificent Rosbeigh Beach with stunning views over Dingle Bay, before walking through the Foilmore valley overlooked by the majestic Knocknadobar.
Distance 19km or 23 km. Ascents 300m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.

Day 6 - Free Day

Free day in Foilmore with a number of options. Transfer to Cahirciveen to take a ferry to Valentia Island and walk on the island (11km). Boat trip from Portmagee to the Skellig Islands (45 minutes, fare not included), spectacular scenery with 5th century monastic remains.

Overnight accommodation in Foilmore.

Day 7 - Foilmore to Waterville

Walk to Waterville through the hinterland of Cahirciveen. The route passes through turf bogs and pine forest. Some short climbs give views over Valentia Island and the western end of the peninsula.  Overnight in Waterville, a colourful coastal village.
Distance 25km. Ascents 350m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Waterville.

Day 8 - Waterville to Caherdaniel

Waterville to Caherdaniel via the coastal route and Derrynane National Park. A wonderfully scenic route, the distance is short and there is time to take a detour at Derrynane and visit Derrynane House and Gardens. Derrynane House is the home of Daniel O'Connell, an important man in Irish history. O'Connell is known as 'The Liberator' and was the father of Catholic Emancipation duting the 19th century.
Distance 15km. Ascents 200m. Approximate walking time 5 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Caherdaniel.

Day 9 - Caherdaniel to Sneem

Walk Caherdaniel to Sneem on the "old Butter road" - from where butter was transported to Cork in the 19th century. The Way climbs again on the foothills of Eagle Hill and a short detour takes you to the 3rd century, stone built Staigue Fort. Your route stays above the main Ring of Kerry road, following rocky paths through sheep country to Sneem.
Distance 19km. Ascents 280m. Approximate walking time 6 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Sneem.

Day 10 - Sneem to Kenmare

Sneem to Kenmare via Tahilla and Blackwaterbridge. This walk takes you along the rocky shoreline of Kenmare Bay, easy walking through forest and the estate of Dromore Castle. The delightful Blackwater Bridge spans the Blackwater River coming from high in the Macgillycuddy Reeks. Kenmare is an interesting and colourful market town, on the banks of the Roughty River where it opens up into Kenmare Bay. It was founded in 1670 and settled by a handful of Englishmen, who built a prosperous fishing industry and an ironworks.
Distance 14 or 26km. Ascents 50m. Approximate walking time 6 or 8 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Kenmare.

Day 11 - Kenmare to Killarney

Walk to Killarney on the “Old Kenmare Road” a delightful pass between Peakeen & Knockanaguish mountains. Descend through Killarney National Park, old oak forests, lichens, red deer, views over the Lakes of Killarney. The end of the Way passes 18th century Muckross House and Gardens and into the tourist town of Killarney. 
Distance 25km. Ascents 550m. Approximate walking time 7 hours.

Overnight accommodation in Killarney.

Day 12 - Departure from Killarney

Departure by bus or train to Killarney.