Walk Killarney & Kerry

KILLARNEY & KERRY - A WALKER'S PARADISE

With 26,000 Acres of "free to roam" Killarney National Park surrounded by Kerry's wonderful landscapes and wilderness, miles of nearby golden "blue flag" beaches and a choice of accommodation, dining and entertainment options second to none, there are few places elsewhere on this earth that can offer the outdoor enthusiast such wonderful choice within such an intimate and hospitable location.

It is said that "in Killarney, you will find a different walking route for every day in the year". This may be an exaggeration, but only just !!. At any time of year, with or without guides, walkers can choose from low level parkland walks around beautiful lakes and through some of Ireland's oldest Oakwoods, to higher level hill walks on old coach roads and bridle paths, or for the more adventurous, take on the 3000 feet + summits of the "iconic" MacGillicuddy Reeks. Long and short "linear" walks including some of the pioneering "waymarked" walks like the Kerry Way and the Dingle Way can be navigated in full or in part. Killarney has a plethora of "loop walks" where walkers return to the start point without recovering their steps - some can be completed in 30 minutes while others can take 4+ hours.

Many of Killarney's accommodation providers cater specifically for the outdoor enthusiast.

"Route Maps" and "Pocket Guides" are available for the recognised established routes, but Killarney offers the pleasure of numerous walking options that are still very much in their "undiscovered" state, presenting the walker with the opportunity to explore and discover at will !!.
For the "Longer Distance Walks", fully organised / guided options are available (See contact details furhter down this page).


Remember when visiting the countryside and nature - "Leave No Trace".

EXAMPLES OF MAIN WALKS
Short Walks/Strolls - Duration at Walkers discretion:

(Many of these walks can be comfortably commenced and completed from the Town)
Killarney Town Trail
Knockreer Gardens
Muckross Gardens commencing at Muckross House
Boathouse Nature Trail commencing at Muckross House
Demesne & River Walk
Mossy Woods Nature Trail commencing at Muckross House

Moderate Walks - 2 hrs. (+/-):
(Some of these walks can be commenced from the Town or from along the route)
Killarney to Ross Castle return via National Park.
Ross Island from Killarney.
Arthur Young Nature Trail commencing at Muckross House.
Blue Pool Nature Trail commencing near Muckross Park Hotel
Muckross House & return commencing at Jaunting Car entrance
The Fossa Way Start from Killarney

Medium Distance Walks & Mountain Hikes - c. half to full Day :
( Usually commenced from a 'Start Point' some distance from the town).
Mangerton Mountain Trail
Torc Waterfall & Mountain Trail
Old Kenmare/Killarney Road - Mountain Trail
Tomies/Shehy/Purple Mountain Trail
Tomies & O'Sullivan’s Cascade Forest Walk
Muckross & Dinis Island - commencing from Killarney Town.
Mangerton Forest Walks
Killarney - Gap of Dunloe - Derrycunnihy - return.
Carantouhill Mountain (trek/climb)

Long Distance Walks - 5 + Days :
The Dingle Way - 179 km - 5/6 days.
The Kerry Way - 215 km - 6/7 days.
The Beara Way - 197 km - 6/7 days.
The Blackwater Way - 188 km - 6/7 days.

GUIDED WALKS CONTACTS

*Irish Country Rambles - Mike O'Connor - killarneywalks@gmail.com

*Hidden Ireland Tours with Con Moriarty
Providing personalised activity and cultural adventures of distinction since 1986.
http://www.hiddenirelandtours.com
con@hiddenirelandtours.com

WALK KILLARNEY & KERRY 2011 – FINAL WALK

YEAR TO DATE:

Walk Killarney & Kerry organised 29 days of Walks & Mountain Treks between March 19th and October 30th covering such diverse terrains as, The Kerry Way, McGillicuddy Reeks (all peaks), Struicin & The Bull Ridge, Stoompa & Mangerton, Tomies & Purple Mountains, Mount Brandon, The Paps of Danu, Lord Brandon’s & Derrycunnihy by lake boat. Some of these fully guided walks were “free” including our most recent Deer Experience Walk between Torc & Mangerton Mountains. We have one remaining walk to complete the 2011 Programme, our Christmas Gift end-of year “free” Guided Walk on December 27th (details below).


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UPCOMING WALK:


WALK OF THE "CHRISTMAS EXCESS" IN BEAUTIFUL KILLARNEY THIS YEAR
Celebrate Killarney's victory as Ireland's Tidiest Town 2011 and walk off the Christmas fare excess on December 27th with a fully guided walk through some of Ireland’s oldest oakwoods, on the slopes of Tomies Mountain. Overlooking the beautiful Lough Lein with stunning views of Inisfallen Island, Ross Castle and Killarney town. This is a "free" Christmas Gift Guided Walk in the company of knowledgeable and entertaining guides. It is a relatively easy hill trail walk with some gentle ascents, commencing at the lakeside near tomies at 10.00.am and should conclude within 3 hours - in time for a lunchtime resumption of the Christmas culinary delights. Full details on www.killarney.ie/walkkillarney

WALK DESCRIPTION: A circular 11km walk through one of the few remaining native oak woods in Ireland. Excellent views of Lough Leane (lower lake).It has an abundance of mixed wood with an interesting understorey. A visit to O'Sullivans Cascade and a chance to see the White Tail Sea Eagle makes this an ideal walk for the Christmas holidays.


DIRECTIONS TO START OF WALK: Depart Killarney town on the N72 following the Ring of Kerry/ Killorglin signs. Past Hotel Europe and Fossa Church . Left at next junction following the Gap of Dunloe sign. Shortly beyond the bridge the spans the River Laune as you approach a sharp right bend slow down and take the left turn following the signs for Lough Leane. Continue on carefully narrow road! At a small concrete bridge turn your car and park carefully on the right. Meet your guides here for start of walk.

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NB: The 2012 Walk Killarney & Kerry programme will be published in early February 2012.

IMPORTANT NOTES FOR ALL 2011 WALKS:

All Walks must be booked at least 24 hours in advance on the Walk Killarney Booking Line 1850 566 466 or by e-mail on walk@killarney.ie - Places should only be considered as booked when Walk Killarney confirms bookings by return phone call or e-mail. 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 OR CANCEL 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!

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE FULL WALKING & OUTDOOR ADVENTURE OPTIONS ON - http://www.killarney.ie/walkkillarney

Hidden Ireland Tours Programme

- Multi-day Walking Tours

Hidden Ireland Tours operate small personally guided walking tours throughout Ireland, concentrating of course on our home territory of the Killarney Valley and wider southwest. Detail of these trips, run at any time of year for private groups can be found on; http://www.hiddenirelandtours.com


- Day Walks

Sister company, Hidden Ireland Adventures provide the visitor to the Killarney Valley with a series of diverse walking and multi-activity adventures taking place each day. Detail of these excursions can be found on: http://www.hiddenirelandadventures.com


- Corrán Tuathail

On Wednesday and Saturdays throughout the year, on Full Moons and notable Dawns and privately at any time, Con Moriarty guides small groups to the summit of Ireland’s highest mountain. Offering a wide variety of routes suitable to the walker, scrambler or climber, these intimate outings offer a unique insight in to the natural and cultural history of the mountains and region.


- Classic Traverse of the Ridge of the Reeks

(alias, The Ridge of the Reeks or The Reeks Walk)

Simply, the finest mountain traverse in Ireland with 7 summits
over 3000’!
From Kate Kearney’s Cottage, Gap of Dunloe to Doire na Féinne and Loch a’ Chúis.
Distance: 25 kms (15 Miles) • Ascent: 1800m (6000ft)
Expected time: 7-10 hours.

On a number of occasions throughout the year, Con Moriarty guides
a small number of mountaineers on this magnificent expedition,
sharing the special heritage of this place that is his life’s passion.

Forthcoming 2011 dates:

Sunday October 30th.

For more information, call Con on 087 221 4002 or contact via email; con@hiddenirelandtours.com

Guided ascents of Corrán Tuathail every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the year. http://www.hiddenirelandadventures.com/reeks-ridge/