Kerry & Cork, Guided Walking with Sightseeing in Ireland

2027 dates available Europe Lates Offers Early Booking Offer

7 nights accommodation

Availability Sep-Oct 2026, May-Oct 2027

2 Itineraries available

Half Board

Grades 2 details

Non-members From

£1,909

pp

Inc flights

Members From

£1,859

pp

Inc flights

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Experience the wild beauty and wonderful charm of Western Ireland on this walking with sightseeing holiday. Enjoy short, guided walks of 3–5 miles that explore the best of the Beara Peninsula and the Ring of Kerry combined with visits to highlights such as Killarney National Park, Muckross, and Torc Waterfall. We’ll also visit Glengarriff Bay, and Derrynane Beach, take a boat trip to the glorious gardens of Garinish Island, and stop by a working farm for a taste of rural life. And to round off your adventure, enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music, song, and storytelling.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
The 3-star Kenmare Bay Hotel sits on the edge of the pretty little town of Kenmare, facing the hills of the Kerry Way. The hotel has a pleasant restaurant, cosy bar with outside seating, and a large indoor swimming pool with sauna and spa pool.
Kenmare Bay Hotel.JPG

Walking grades and options

This trip is graded level 2.  

Your fitness 

Having a solid base of fitness before your holiday will ensure you've the best chance of completing the holiday and enjoying it to boot. Here's a few simple tips to help you get fit and ready for your challenge: 

  • Get out walking - whether the weather, get out there, and start building your fitness months before yourholiday
  • Build your distance gradually and geta number of 3-4hr days in 
  • Ideally, try and do two consecutive days training if possible
  • Take the stairs every time
  • Train on different terrain
  • Train with your day pack and your walking boots too, to ensurethey'rewell worn in before your holiday 
  • Other sports help improve your walking fitness too. The best ones are jogging, cycling, swimming, which willbuild your stamina, and yoga which will help strengthen your core and improve balance
  • Time training will help ensure you enjoy your holiday to the max.

What You’ll Love

  • Exploring the wild west coast landscapes
  • Admiring the beauty of some fabulous gardens
  • Learning about rural life with visits to a working farm
  • Snapping shots of Torc waterfall & Killarney National Park
  • Boat trips out into the bay in search of wildlife

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 
  • Return flights from London Heathrow, including baggage and transfers
  • All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)

Reviews


Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Itinerary

Welcome to Kenmare Bay Hotel. Unpack and settle in. 

Distance: 5 miles (8km) 

Ascent: 570 feet (175m) 

We travel north from Kenmare to Killarney National Park, to explore its impressive lakes and the grounds of Victorian Muckross House. Have your camera at the ready from the off for views of “the Meeting of the Waters” – the spot where magnificent Muckross Lake and Muckross House & gardens meet.

We’ll have free time to explore Muckross. There are many options to choose from – stroll a bit further and enjoy the spectacular scenery, walk the plentiful marked trails, or sit and enjoy the view. Alternatively, pay a visit to the farm, the house or it’s gardens. Keep a lookout for the traditional Irish jaunting cars (horse-drawn carts) here, too.  

Please note - Entrance to the grounds of Muckross House is free, if you wish to visit the house itself, the gardens or the farms, entrance is payable locally. 

From Muckross and majestic Torc waterfall, we’ll head to Moll’s Gap, for an insight into life on a working farm. 

Distance:  4 miles (6km) 

Ascent:  little ascent 

Today we’ll take a boat trip out into Kenmare Bay to admire its beautiful scenery, and hopefully sight some of its wildlife, too. In the afternoon, our walk is a fabulous induction to the area. We’ll be led on a walking tour that introduces us to the stories and histories of the town, from its stone circles and Georgian architecture to its lace-making industry. We’ll also learn of some of the town’s famous characters including Antarctic explorer Tom Crean.   

Distance:  3 miles (5km) 

Ascent:  200 feet (60m) 

Today we visit Glengarriff Nature Reserve, home to myriad flora, fauna and ancient tales. We walk a short loop following the river and view some ancient oaks on the way. Our coach then takes us to Glengarrif where we’ve time to get our lunch or explore the Bamboo Park (payable locally), before we take the boat over to Garinish Island. Keep your eyes open for seals, they often make an appearance on the way. A short walk on the island takes us on a discovery of its fabulous gardens, which flourish in this microclimate. 

 

Distance:  4 miles (7km) 

Ascent:  500 feet (150m) 

We’ll explore wild and dramatic coastline today as we follow the rocky Atlantic shores to the beautiful gardens of Derrynane House, ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell – Ireland’s 19th-century liberator. Please note - our walk today has a short series of rocky steps included, which takes sure footedness to negotiate. Your leader will show you pictures of the steps in advance. For anyone who would prefer an easier walk, there is the option of more time at Derrnynane House, exploring the shoreline and Abbey Island on their self guided trail, or time in their beautiful gardens, where you will meet the group again after the walk. After the walk we enjoy a guided tour of his former home (included) and relax with free time to explore the gardens and Abbey Island. From Derrynane we’ll make a brief stop in Sneem to explore its craft & coffee shops before heading back to Kenmare.

 

Distance: 2.5miles (4km) 

Ascent: 320 feet (100m) 

Waterfalls, woodland and a wealth of history, are the highlight today as we follow the Heritage Trail within Gleninchaquin Park. Our walk will take us past the “Famine Cottage” – renovated and thatched in recent years, the cottage has become a popular setting for films based in Ireland – see if you recognise the scene. 

From Gleninchaquin, we travel along the Beara Peninsula and out to the beautiful 19th century woodland - Dereen Gardens (entrance included). We’ve 60acres to explore – subtropical plants and sublime views of mountains, sea and shore.  

 

Fully Escorted Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day – Fully Escorted Tours 

On our Fully Escorted departures, your HF Holidays leader will meet you at the airport prior to your flight and will travel with you to your hotel ready to start your holiday. 

Please meet your HF Holidays Leader 2 hours 30 minutes before your flight departure at London Heathrow, Terminal 2: 

Group Meeting Point - near arrivals, outside security. Level 1 - Arrivals & Departures ("B" Gates) Look out for the HF Holidays sign. 

Your HF Holidays Leader will then travel with you to the hotel, helping you settle in and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to your holiday.  

 
 

Distance: 5 miles (8km) 

Ascent: 570 feet (175m) 

We travel north from Kenmare to Killarney National Park, to explore its impressive lakes and the grounds of Victorian Muckross House. Have your camera at the ready from the off for views of “the Meeting of the Waters” – the spot where magnificent Muckross Lake and Muckross House & gardens meet.

We’ll have free time to explore Muckross. There are many options to choose from – stroll a bit further and enjoy the spectacular scenery, walk the plentiful marked trails, or sit and enjoy the view. Alternatively, pay a visit to the farm, the house or it’s gardens. Keep a lookout for the traditional Irish jaunting cars (horse-drawn carts) here, too.  

Please note - Entrance to the grounds of Muckross House is free, if you wish to visit the house itself, the gardens or the farms, entrance is payable locally. 

From Muckross and majestic Torc waterfall, we’ll head to Moll’s Gap, for an insight into life on a working farm. 

Distance:  4 miles (6km) 

Ascent:  little ascent 

Today we’ll take a boat trip out into Kenmare Bay to admire its beautiful scenery, and hopefully sight some of its wildlife, too. In the afternoon, our walk is a fabulous induction to the area. We’ll be led on a walking tour that introduces us to the stories and histories of the town, from its stone circles and Georgian architecture to its lace-making industry. We’ll also learn of some of the town’s famous characters including Antarctic explorer Tom Crean.   

Distance:  3 miles (5km) 

Ascent:  200 feet (60m) 

Today we visit Glengarriff Nature Reserve, home to myriad flora, fauna and ancient tales. We walk a short loop following the river and view some ancient oaks on the way. Our coach then takes us to Glengarrif where we’ve time to get our lunch or explore the Bamboo Park (payable locally), before we take the boat over to Garinish Island. Keep your eyes open for seals, they often make an appearance on the way. A short walk on the island takes us on a discovery of its fabulous gardens, which flourish in this microclimate. 

 

Distance:  4 miles (7km) 

Ascent:  500 feet (150m) 

We’ll explore wild and dramatic coastline today as we follow the rocky Atlantic shores to the beautiful gardens of Derrynane House, ancestral home of Daniel O'Connell – Ireland’s 19th-century liberator. Please note - our walk today has a short series of rocky steps included, which takes sure footedness to negotiate. Your leader will show you pictures of the steps in advance. For anyone who would prefer an easier walk, there is the option of more time at Derrnynane House, exploring the shoreline and Abbey Island on their self guided trail, or time in their beautiful gardens, where you will meet the group again after the walk. After the walk we enjoy a guided tour of his former home (included) and relax with free time to explore the gardens and Abbey Island. From Derrynane we’ll make a brief stop in Sneem to explore its craft & coffee shops before heading back to Kenmare.

 

Distance: 2.5miles (4km) 

Ascent: 320 feet (100m) 

Waterfalls, woodland and a wealth of history, are the highlight today as we follow the Heritage Trail within Gleninchaquin Park. Our walk will take us past the “Famine Cottage” – renovated and thatched in recent years, the cottage has become a popular setting for films based in Ireland – see if you recognise the scene. 

From Gleninchaquin, we travel along the Beara Peninsula and out to the beautiful 19th century woodland - Dereen Gardens (entrance included). We’ve 60acres to explore – subtropical plants and sublime views of mountains, sea and shore.  

 

Daily Walk Options

Grade 2

Easier Walks

Good paths but walks are a bit longer. Some walks, particularly in mountain areas, may have sections over rough or steeper terrain.

Accommodation

Kenmare Bay Hotel & Resort - Kerry & Cork

The 3-star Kenmare Bay Hotel sits on the edge of the pretty little town of Kenmare, facing the hills of the Kerry Way. The hotel has a pleasant restaurant, cosy bar with outside seating, and a large indoor swimming pool with sauna and spa pool.

The hotel has a range of facilities including the Courtyard Bar, which has a cosy atmosphere. The courtyard terrace is a decked area off the bar where you can relax with a drink. 

There is also the Bay Health Club, which includes a spa pool and swimming pool, gymnasium and extensive selection of beauty and holistic treatments available (payable locally).

Our holidays at Kenmare are on a half-board basis and include breakfast and your evening meal. Two of your evening meals will be taken in local restaurants.

Breakfast

The hotel offers a self-service buffet breakfast each morning with tea, coffee and toast served at the table.

A typical Irish breakfast includes sausages, bacon, eggs, mushrooms, tomatoes, black & white pudding and soda bread. Should you prefer something a little lighter, you can choose from a selection of fresh fruit, croissants, cereal, and fruit juice. 

Lunch (payable locally)

You can buy packed lunches from the hotel (order the night before). Alternatively ingredients for your picnic lunch can be bought from local shops; your leaders will advise you of the options.

Evening meal

Dinner is served in the Bay Restaurant, which focuses on local Kerry produce combined with fine wines and attentive service whilst enjoying views of the Kerry Mountains. For vegetarian option and any other special dietary requirements we recommend that you spend a few minutes discussing these with the hotel staff. 

On two evenings, meals will be taken in specially selected local restaurants.

Drinks

The hotel has a well-stocked bar serving beer, wine and spirits.

The hotel has 127 bright and spacious en-suite bedrooms, all with:

  • Direct dial telephone
  • Flat screen TV
  • Hairdryer

Getting here

Address

Kenmare Bay Hotel
Kenmare
Co Kerry

Tel: 00353 64 664 9300

More Information

Vaccinations & health information EU NEW 2026

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see whether any health precautions are needed for your trip. Health advice and requirements can change, so we recommend doing this in good time before travel.

As a general rule, travellers should ensure they are up to date with routine UK vaccinations and boosters, including, for example, MMR and diphtheria, tetanus and polio. Some countries may require you to have specific vaccinations such as Malaria, Rabies and Yellow Fever. Please check with your GP if you are unsure.

Please note that the use or possession of some common prescription or over-the-counter medicines is restricted or banned in certain countries. If you will be carrying medication, you should check with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling. As an extra precaution, we recommend keeping medication in its original packaging, carrying a copy of your prescription, and, where possible, asking your pharmacist to provide the medication name in the language of the country you are visiting.

For further country-specific health advice, visit www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.traveldoctor.co.uk. If you are travelling from outside the UK, please consult your own doctor and check local entry requirements.

 

Passport & Visa information - SHARED FOR ALL EU NEW 2026

This information is for those travelling with a full ‘British Citizen’ passport; for all other nationalities or passport holders, please check with your local consulate for advice.

Passport Requirements

This information applies to travellers holding a full British Citizen passport. Entry requirements vary by destination and can change at short notice. For most EU and worldwide destinations, passports must be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some countries also require a minimum period of validity remaining on your passport (often up to 6 months beyond your return date), even if you are not staying that long.
We strongly recommend ensuring your passport has at least six months’ validity remaining at the time of travel to avoid any issues.

If you hold a different type of British passport or a passport issued by another country, you must check the requirements with the relevant embassy, consulate, or official government website.

Visa Requirements

Visa rules depend on your nationality, destination, length of stay, and purpose of travel, and they can change frequently. It is your responsibility to check whether you require a visa before travelling.
British passport holders should check the latest entry, passport validity and visa requirements for their destination on the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

 

 

Packing list - Overseas Guided Walking

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Walking boots 
  • Waterproof jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers 
  • Insulated jacket/top 
  • Walking clothing  
  • Walking socks (plus spares)  
  • Sunhat 
  • Gloves/mitts and warm hat
  • Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)  
  • Headtorch 
  • High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)  
  • Sunglasses with a dark lens 
  • Rucksack (15-30 litres)  
  • Mobile phone 
  • Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.) 
  • Passport 
  • Visa (if applicable) 
  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 
  • UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC

Recommended

  • Collapsible walking poles 
  • Swimwear and travel towel
  • Snacks
  • Dry bags
  • Rubbish bags
  • Insect repellent

Optional extras

  • Camera 
  • Sit mat
  • Flask for hot drinks 
  • Durable lunch box
  • Gaiters 
  • GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

With flights EU & WW

Book your holiday ‘with flights’ and you can choose to depart from a range of UK airports* to your destination. For latest flight times and prices please call us on 0203-974-8865 or email reservations@hfholidays.co.uk  

If you choose to book your flights with us, we automatically include return transfers between the destination airport and hotel.  

Without flights EU

Alternatively, tailor your journey to suit you by booking your holiday ‘without flights’ and you’ll have the freedom to book your own flights from your local airport.   

*Subject to availability 

Local currency for Kerry & Cork

The local currency is the Euro.

Electricity information for Kerry & Cork

220 Volt AC with the same 3-pin plugs as in the UK. In the older part of the hotel the pins are round (adaptors can be borrowed from the reception).

ATM availability for Kerry & Cork

There are several ATM machines in Kenmare where you can obtain money.

Carbon Footprint

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: KNM07-WOD09

Share

Dates & availability

Kerry & Cork, Guided Walking with Sightseeing in Ireland

Members save an additional £50 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

26 Sep - 3 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,909

£1,759

pp

Members

£1,859

£1,709

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

3 Oct - 10 Oct 2026

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,909

£1,759

pp

Members

£1,859

£1,709

pp
Single rooms

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

Call to enquire 020 3974 8865

2027

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

1 May - 8 May 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,159 £2,109

£1,889 £1,839

pp

Members

£2,109 £2,059

£1,839 £1,789

pp
Single rooms

£2,459 £2,409

pp

£2,409 £2,359

pp

£2,189 £2,139

pp

£2,139 £2,089

pp

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

8 May - 15 May 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,099 £2,049

£1,859 £1,809

pp

Members

£2,049 £1,999

£1,809 £1,759

pp
Single rooms

£2,399 £2,349

pp

£2,349 £2,299

pp

£2,159 £2,109

pp

£2,109 £2,059

pp

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

14 Aug - 21 Aug 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,199 £2,149

£1,959 £1,909

pp

Members

£2,149 £2,099

£1,909 £1,859

pp
Single rooms

£2,499 £2,449

pp

£2,449 £2,399

pp

£2,259 £2,209

pp

£2,209 £2,159

pp

Early Booking Offer Save £50 Per Person

2 Oct - 9 Oct 2027

7 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£2,099 £2,049

£1,859 £1,809

pp

Members

£2,049 £1,999

£1,809 £1,759

pp
Single rooms

£2,399 £2,349

pp

£2,349 £2,299

pp

£2,159 £2,109

pp

£2,109 £2,059

pp
Image

Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

Image

Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

Image

Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Your Wishlist
No Wishlist Items

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.