The walk from Glenbeigh to Killarney along the beautiful Ring of Kerry is truly an adventure to remember. Adventurers will experience the finest mountain scenery, lakes and coastal views that Ireland has on offer. But what are some of the very prettiest locations on The Kerry Way Walk?
1. Killarney National Park
Killarney was Ireland’s very first national park. It was first established in 1932 having been donated by the Muckross Estate. In 1981 Killarney National Park was designed a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. And today it is managed by Ireland’s National Parks and Wildlife Service to ensure conservation of the area’s most important ecosystems. Deemed by many as the “Jewel in Kerry's crown”, the park consists of 26,000 acres of spectacular Irish countryside. You’ll struggle to find a more beautiful corner of the world.
Killarney National Park.
2. Glenbeigh
The village of Glenbeigh is where many walkers begin their Ring of Kerry journey. This quaint Irish village is one of the country’s best kept secrets. Located close to the head of Dingle Bay, the village offers up some stunning views. To the south you can see the Coomasaharn horse-shoe mountains. Seefin can be seen to the east, Curra to the west, and Slievemish to the North. Glenbeigh’s beautiful Rossbeigh Beach is another beautiful attraction, and has Blue Flag status.
The sea at Glenbeigh, County Kerry, Ireland.
3. Waterville
Waterville is another beautiful Irish village located on The Kerry Way Walk. Uniquely, Waterville is the only village on the whole of the Ring of Kerry that’s located right on the beach. Breathtakingly situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Currane, Waterville is a famous as an angling spot. And a walk along the pathway on the seafront (known locally as the promenade) is a must.
Derrymore Bay Beaches, Waterville.
4. Sneem
Midway between Waterville and Kenmare is Sneem – a picturesque village on the northern side of Kenmare Bay on the Ring of Kerry. Relaxing and peaceful, Sneem is home to perfect Irish walking country. The village’s sculpture park contains sculptures of former President of Ireland, Cearbhall Ó Dalaigh, who lived in Sneem, and there’s also a sculpture of Steve “Crusher” Casey, the wresting World Champion.
5. Kenmare
Kenmare’s Irish name is ‘Neidin’, which means ‘little nest’. The town was founded in 1670 but today its unique charm and beauty remains intact. The stone circle at Kenmare is well worth a visit. Located near the town centre the attraction consists of 15 boulders arranged in a circle, which are over 3,000 years old – dating to the same era as Stonehenge. Other great Kenmare attractions include Cromwell's Bridge, Holy Cross Church, and Dromore Castle. The latter is a grand house built in castellated Gothic Revival style. The town’s most beautiful parkland, Reenagross Park, is another delightful walking spot.
The Kerry Way Walk is one of the most interesting and impressive explorations you can make. Full of Irish charm and beauty, there is much to discover and uncover as you progress across this truly beautiful corner of Ireland.