The Kerry Way landscape

Photo: Photo by Seán Ó Conchúir on Unsplash

The Kerry Way

~9 days · 116.2 mi · hard · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance116.2 mi
Days out9
Elevation gain15,961 ft
Gain / mile137 ft
High point1,286 ft
Difficulty index45/100

What the The Kerry Way is known for

Ireland's classic long circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula, looping out of Killarney beneath Macgillycuddy's Reeks through glens, bog roads and coastal villages on the old butter roads.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the The Kerry Way on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 7 ft to 1,283 ft over 116.2 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 27.1 mi · 23%
  • Downhill 21.3 mi · 18%
  • Flat 67.7 mi · 58%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

How hard is the The Kerry Way?

45 / 100

On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the The Kerry Way scores 45/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the The Kerry Way take?

Most backpackers hike the The Kerry Way in about 9 days (8 nights out) over its 116.2 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the The Kerry Way?

The The Kerry Way climbs roughly 15,961 ft total — about 137 ft per mile, topping out near 1,286 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the The Kerry Way Plan Free →