Self-Launched Kerry Way & Killarney National Park Walk
8 days · Kerry, Ireland
Exodus charges £1,680
No-markup version: ~£555 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Walk Ireland's longest trail independently — 210km of wild Atlantic coastline, Iron Age forts, crimson deer in Killarney National Park, and a million shades of green. This self-launched version of the Exodus Kerry Way itinerary swaps the guided package for budget-friendly B&Bs and guesthouses you book direct, free OS/trail navigation apps (the Kerry Way is exceptionally well-marked), and local bus transfers where needed. All the same daily stages, all the same breathtaking views — at a fraction of the cost. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Killarney
Killarney, County Kerry
Make your way to Killarney — the best connections are from Dublin by Bus Éireann (Expressway route 13, ~£22, ~4 hrs) or train via Irish Rail (~£35–50, ~3.5 hrs). Check into a hostel or budget guesthouse in the town centre. Spend the afternoon exploring Killarney's famous three lakes (a free jaunting car-free walk along the lake shore is lovely), then pick a pub for dinner and live traditional Irish music — Ross Castle area has great options.
🚌Bus Éireann Expressway Dublin–Killarney ~£22, or Irish Rail ~£35–50. From Cork, Bus Éireann route 240 (~£15, ~2 hrs).
🛏Killarney International Hostel or Neptune's Killarney Town Hostel — dorm from ~£22/night, private room from ~£45/night. Book direct or via Hostelworld.
- →Arrive by Bus Éireann or Irish Rail from Dublin
- →Walk along the shores of the Lakes of Killarney (free)
- →Visit Killarney town centre and St Mary's Cathedral (free)
- →Dinner and live traditional music in a local pub (~£15–20)
Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen (21 km)
Glenbeigh → Cahersiveen
Take the Bus Éireann 270/280 service or a local taxi (~£20–25 shared) from Killarney to Glenbeigh to reach today's trailhead. Walk 21 km along the northern shores of the Iveragh Peninsula following the old 17th-century stagecoach route — the Kerry Way waymarking (yellow arrows) is excellent so no guide is needed. Pass deserted villages and enjoy sweeping views across to the Dingle Peninsula, Rossbeigh Strand and Inch Beach (famous from Ryan's Daughter). Arrive in Cahersiveen for the night. Download the Outdooractive or Komoot app for the full Kerry Way GPX track (free).
🚌Bus Éireann 270 Killarney–Cahersiveen via Glenbeigh (alight at Glenbeigh) ~£8. Alternatively, a local taxi to the trailhead ~£20–25.
🛏QC's Townhouse or Sive Hostel, Cahersiveen — from ~£20 dorm / ~£50 private. Book direct.
- →Walk the Kerry Way: Glenbeigh to Cahersiveen, 21 km (~6–7 hrs)
- →View Rossbeigh Strand and Dingle Peninsula panoramas (free)
- →Explore deserted famine-era village ruins along the route (free)
- →Evening meal in Cahersiveen (~£14–18)
Cahersiveen to Waterville (18 km)
Cahersiveen → Waterville
Walk or take a short local taxi (~£10) to Coars Cross, the day's trailhead just outside Cahersiveen. Today's 18 km stage crosses the tip of the Iveragh Peninsula with stunning views north to the Dingle Peninsula and south to Kenmare Bay. The route is well-marked — follow yellow Kerry Way arrows. Arrive in Waterville, the favoured seaside retreat of Charlie Chaplin. Look out for the Charlie Chaplin statue on the seafront. The village has great seafood restaurants.
🚌Short local taxi or walk from Cahersiveen to Coars Cross trailhead ~£8–10. No public bus on this stretch.
🛏Waterville Caravan & Camping Park (glamping/pod from ~£30) or Smugglers Inn B&B from ~£50/night. Book direct.
- →Walk the Kerry Way: Cahersiveen to Waterville, 18 km (~5–6 hrs)
- →Views north over Dingle Peninsula and south to Kenmare Bay (free)
- →See the Charlie Chaplin statue in Waterville (free)
- →Seafood dinner in Waterville (~£15–20)
Waterville to Caherdaniel (15 km)
Waterville → Caherdaniel
A shorter stage today at 15 km — a great day to enjoy a slower pace. Walk around and above the coast from Waterville with glorious views out to the Skellig Islands (the dramatic sea stacks famous as a Star Wars filming location) and Ballinskelligs Bay. Caherdaniel is a tiny village — check out Derrynane National Historic Park and its beach, both free to visit. Book a Skellig Islands boat trip for a future visit if the weather allows.
🚌Walk from Waterville — trail starts from the town. No transfer needed.
🛏Derrynane Bay House B&B or Wave Crest Camping & Caravan Park, Caherdaniel — B&B from ~£50, camping/pods from ~£25. Book direct.
- →Walk the Kerry Way: Waterville to Caherdaniel, 15 km (~4–5 hrs)
- →Views of the Skellig Islands and Ballinskelligs Bay (free)
- →Visit Derrynane National Historic Park — Daniel O'Connell's home (~£5 entry)
- →Swim or relax at Derrynane Beach (free)
Caherdaniel to Sneem (12 km)
Caherdaniel → Sneem
The shortest walking day of the trip at just 12 km — savour it. Follow the old 'butter road' from Caherdaniel to the charming village of Sneem on the Kenmare River estuary. Views across the Beara Peninsula and out to the Atlantic Ocean are fantastic. Sneem's two village squares are colourful and quirky — look out for the unusual sculptures dotted around. This is a great afternoon to relax, explore the village, and enjoy a hearty pub lunch.
🚌Walk from Caherdaniel — trail starts from the village. No transfer needed.
🛏Sneem Hotel B&B or local guesthouse from ~£50/night. Book direct or via Booking.com.
- →Walk the Kerry Way: Caherdaniel to Sneem, 12 km (~3.5–4.5 hrs)
- →Views across the Beara Peninsula and Atlantic Ocean (free)
- →Explore Sneem village — quirky sculptures and colourful houses (free)
- →Lunch and a pint in one of Sneem's traditional pubs (~£12–16)
Sneem to Kenmare (27 km)
Sneem → Kenmare
The longest day of the walk at 27 km — start early. Take a local taxi (~£10–12) to Tahilla Church, just outside Sneem, which is the official trailhead for this stage. Walk along the stunning shores of Kenmare Bay with views across to the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains all day. Arrive in Kenmare — a pretty heritage town known for its fine lace-making tradition, excellent restaurants, and stone circle. Treat yourself to a good dinner tonight — you've earned it.
🚌Local taxi from Sneem to Tahilla Church trailhead ~£10–12.
🛏Ring of Kerry Hostel or Kenmare Bay Hotel B&B — hostel dorm from ~£22, private/B&B from ~£55. Book direct.
- →Walk the Kerry Way: Tahilla Church to Kenmare, 27 km (~7–8 hrs)
- →Views of Kenmare Bay and the Caha Mountains (free)
- →Visit Kenmare Stone Circle — Bronze Age monument (free)
- →Explore Kenmare town's shops and laneways (free)
- →Dinner in one of Kenmare's acclaimed restaurants (~£20–28)
Kenmare to Killarney (25 km)
Kenmare → Killarney
Start from your accommodation in Kenmare and walk through the beautiful Esknamucky Glen into Killarney National Park — Ireland's oldest protected wilderness. Keep eyes and ears peeled for Ireland's only native wild red deer herd as you pass through ancient oak woodland. Arrive at the magnificent Muckross House & Gardens (~5 km outside Killarney) — explore the Victorian mansion and its lake-side gardens (house entry ~£9, gardens free). Walk the final stretch into Killarney town for your last night. A truly glorious finale.
🚌Walk starts from Kenmare accommodation — no transfer needed. Trail is waymarked throughout.
🛏Killarney International Hostel or Neptune's Killarney — dorm from ~£22, private from ~£45. Book direct or via Hostelworld.
- →Walk the Kerry Way: Kenmare to Killarney via Esknamucky Glen, 25 km (~7–8 hrs)
- →Walk through Killarney National Park — spot wild red deer (free)
- →Visit Muckross House & Gardens (~£9 entry for house, gardens free)
- →Celebratory dinner and drinks in Killarney (~£20–25)
Depart Killarney
Killarney, County Kerry
Breakfast included at most B&Bs. If time allows before your onward journey, consider a morning jaunting car ride around the lakes (~£25–30pp), a visit to Ross Castle (£8 entry), or a final walk around Knockreer Estate (free). Take the Bus Éireann Expressway or Irish Rail back to Dublin or Cork for your onward travel. Or extend your stay — Kerry has plenty more to explore!
🚌Bus Éireann Expressway Killarney–Dublin ~£22 (3.5–4 hrs) or Irish Rail ~£35–50. Book in advance at irishrail.ie or buseireann.ie for best prices.
🛏N/A — departure day
- →Optional: Morning jaunting car ride around the Lakes of Killarney (~£25–30pp)
- →Optional: Visit Ross Castle (£8 entry)
- →Optional: Walk Knockreer Estate lakeside (free)
- →Depart by Bus Éireann or Irish Rail (~£22–50 to Dublin or Cork)
Self-launched vs. Exodus
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Exodus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£555 | £1,680 |
| Duration | 8 days | 8 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £1,125 per person (67%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Exodus-style trips? Check them out here.~£555
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
Customise with Tour BusterCreated by
Travel Crew
0 trips
Frequently asked questions
How much does Self-Launched Kerry Way & Killarney National Park Walk cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £555 per person for 8 days in Kerry, Ireland. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Exodus?+
Yes — Exodus charges around £1,680 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £555 — a saving of roughly £1,125 (67%) per person.
How long is the Kerry, Ireland trip?+
This itinerary runs 8 days, covering 8 day-by-day stops through Kerry, Ireland.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a hiking, culture, slow-travel trip through Kerry, Ireland, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
No comments yet — be the first to share your take.
Sign in to leave a comment.