Hiking and walks in Kerry

Mount Brandon

At 952 m Brandon is the highest Irish peak outside the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks. From our side of the mountain the classic route is the Faha path, marked from the grotto above Cloghane. It climbs past a chain of small lakes into a glacial coum before the steep pull to the summit ridge. The other way up is the Saint’s Road, the old pilgrim path from Ballybrack on the west side, marked by white crosses. Allow 4 to 5 hours either way. The weather turns fast here, so go on a clear forecast with a map, a compass and layers.

Pedlar’s Lake and the Conor Pass

From the waterfall car park near the top of the Conor Pass, a ten minute scramble brings you up to Pedlar’s Lake, a dark lake held in a ring of cliffs. Below the pass the Loch a’Duin valley runs quiet and wild, with old field walls and standing stones along the stream. You can be back at the car in an hour, or spend the afternoon there. The Conor Pass road itself is narrow and not suited to large vehicles.

Glanteenassig Forest Park

About 25 minutes from Castlegregory, Glanteenassig is a forested glen with two lakes, a boardwalk over the bog and gravel loops. It is the reliable choice for a soft day, and for small legs that will not manage a mountain.

Beach walks

The sand at Brandon Bay runs for about 12 km, and outside July and August you will often have long stretches to yourself. At its western end the Fermoyle Beach Walk loops round the headland in about an hour; check the tide first, as high water can cut off the return along the sand. The Maharees have dune paths between two bays, best at sunset.

The Dingle Way

The Dingle Way is a waymarked loop of about 160 km that starts and ends in Tralee. It passes through Camp, Castlegregory and Cloghane, so from most of our homes you can walk a stage and get a lift back. The stretch over the shoulder of Brandon between Cloghane and Ballydavid is the hardest day on the whole route.

North Kerry

From Listowel, the Ballybunion cliff walk starts at the castle car park and takes under an hour, past sea arches and the Nine Daughters Hole. The Tralee to Fenit Greenway follows the old railway for 13.6 km beside the estuary, flat enough for any age and shared with cyclists.

Before you set out

• Mountain weather changes within the hour. If cloud comes down on Brandon, turn back.
• Check tide times before any beach walk that rounds a headland.
• Much of the high ground is farmed. Keep dogs on a lead near sheep and close every gate.
• In an emergency call 112 or 999 and ask for Mountain Rescue.