Walk Killarney & Kerry

THE KERRY WAY CONTINUES – 2 DAYS AT A TIME!

Irish Country Rambles supported by Walk Killarney continue with their novel walking programme for the forthcoming Public Holiday periods,

Walking enthusiasts have the opportunity to cover the full “Kerry Way” trail over 8 days spread across 4 Public Holiday periods i.e., October 2009, Christmas 2009, St. Patrick’s 2010 and Easter 2010. The Kerry Way is Ireland’s most famous long distance “waymarked walk” – totalling c.110 miles from Killarney – on through the breathtakingly beautiful and historic Ring of Kerry mountain and coastal landscapes and returning to Killarney.

This programme caters for those who love the meandering, historic and diverse terrain covered by the famous Kerry Way, but who don’t have the available time to do the entire 110 miles of the Kerry Way over consecutive days. At c. 110 miles (excluding a number of spurs), the Kerry Way is Ireland's longest and arguably most famous of the waymarked ways. While it has been walked in full by thousands of people, many others who wish to do so, don’t have the necessary time or indeed level of fitness to do it all over 8 or 9 consecutive days - so now they can do the Kerry Way in the Walk Killarney & Kerry programme but spread over different weekends i.e., The October Weekend, Christmas, St. Patrick's and Easter. Participants will be coached to and from the start and finish of each stage and at the end of the programme those who complete the full route will be presented with a suitable memento of their achievement.

Distances covered per day will range from 11 to 15 miles. As always, participants must ensure that they are suitably fit for the walks and that they are properly attired in terms of walking boots, raingear etc. The fee for each days walk will be €25.

Numbers will be limited and to avoid disappointment, walkers are encouraged to book their places as early as possible on 1850 566 466 or by e-mail to walk@killarney.ie

"WAY TO GO ST. PATRICK'S WEEK"

WALK KILLARNEY RESUMES KERRY WAY PROGRAMME WITH ADDED HIGH PEAKS OPTIONS ON THE SECOND WEEKEND.

Organisers of the Walk Killarney - Kerry Way Programme have just announced that the "Kerry Way Walk 2 Days at a Time" series will resume on the weekend prior to St. Partrick's Day and, they have added two days of higher peak walks on the following weekend.

Programme Leader Michael O'Connor (Irish Country Rambles), said, "Following on from the start of the Programme in October when two of the 8 stages were completed (Derrycunnihy to Lough Acoose and Lough Acoose to Glenbeigh), we regretted having to cancel the next two stages over the Christmas period because of the extremem wet weather in November and of course the freezing conditions over the Christmas period. However, we are now delighted to announce that Stage 3 - Glenbeigh to Foilmore Church will take place on Saturday March 13th and Stage 4 - Foilmore Church to Waterville will follow on Sunday March 14th". "Both of these stages include some of the most breathtaking coastal scenery as the walk heads into the Iveragh Peninsula - with relatively moderate ascents on Saturday to c.950ft and on Sunday to c.1200ft."

"On the following weekend, we are adding two higher peak treks i.e., on Saturday March 20th we are scheduling a Category "A" Mountain trek on Killarney's magnificent southern backdrops of Stoompa and Mangerton. This is considered to be a good mountain trek - going up to c. 2800 ft. Weather permitting, participants are promised quite magnificent views of the Killarney Lakes & Valley. Participants need to be physically fit for this trek. This is followed on Sunday March 21st by the more challenging Category "A" peaks on the eastern side of The Gap of Dunloe – Purple & Tomies Mountains. With peaks of 2745 feet and 2425 feet respectively, this ridge walk requires a high level of fitness. The walk offers magnificent views to the east of the Killarney Lakes & Valley and equally magnificent views to the west of the Gap of Dunloe and the MacGillicuddy Reeks.

Walks Co-ordinator Jerry O'Grady of Killarney Chamber of Tourism & Commerce, confirmed the arrangements for both weekends.
"The Kerry Way Stages will both depart by coach from Killarney Tourist Office on Beech Road at 08.30.a.m. (Saturday March 13th & Sunday March 14th) and the cost per walk is €25 including guiding and transport to and from the stage".

"The Stoompa & Mangerton trek on Saturday March 20th will commence at 09.00 from the normal start point at the base of Mangerton (it will be signposted from Molly Darcy's Pub). The Tomies & Purple trek on Sunday March 21st will commence at 09.00 from Kate Kearney's Cottage. The cost per walk will be €10.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY WALK - March 17th

National Park Walk
c. 2 hours low level walk
Meeting Point 10am - Golden Gates
"Free" - No need to pre-book

IMPORTANT NOTES

All Walks must be booked at least 24 hours in advance on the Walk Killarney Booking Line 1850 566 466. Walkers must be properly attired in terms of proper walking boots and rainwear. Walkers are asked to bring a back-pack with food, refreshments, sunscreen and perhaps a change of clothing. In deference to Wildlife and Landowners, the organisers regret that dogs or other pets are not allowed on the walks. Finally, the organisers regret that the Full Day Walks are not considered suitable for children under 12 years. All intending walkers should make sure they are appropriately physically fit for the category of walk being undertaken. Walkers are asked to adhere to the “Country Code” and “Leave No Trace” of their visit.
NB: ORGANISERS MAY CHANGE WALKS OR ROUTES IN THE EVENT OF WEATHER OR ROUTE DIFFICULTIES
Booking Line: 1850 566 466
E-mail: walk@killarney.ie
Web: http://www.killarney.ie/walkkillarney
Don’t forget your Camera!