Best coastal hiking trails in County Kerry
Looking for trails where the ocean’s your soundtrack? These coastal routes let you hike with a sea breeze in your hair, waves lapping beside you, and unbeatable views of the horizon.
Here are some great trails to explore in County Kerry.
Most popular trails
Reviews for coastal hiking trails in County Kerry
Are-we-there-yet · reviewed over 1 year ago
Lovely sea and cliff views. Suggest going clockwise for best sea views out and back. Wear walking shoes or boots if it has been raining as the cliff section can be quite mucky.
Aisog · reviewed over 1 year ago
Great loop walk with fantastic views to Annascaul village with the Annascaul Lake in the distance and Inch beach and Iveragh Peninsula on the other side of the peaks. We started by leaving the car near the Post office/South Pole Inn and walked up the hill (Church Ave) to the start of the trail (there's a post with the map and stair crossing on to the trail). It was an overcast day (May 2024) but no rain, just a bit windy.Beginning was challenging, it's a good incline but once we got to the first peek it was easy walking from there. We followed the posts (some still standing and visible, some not so much). A few sections were very boggy. Walked easily by the three peeks and started a way downhill - steep and tricky with some loose stones here and there. We got down through the last stone steps and joined the road (R561) - here we added an extra stop and walked across the road to get to the shore. After that we came back to the R561 road. With the sea behind us we walked along the road, passed one right turn and got to the second country road to our right (it's a SECOND road to your right, not the first one). We followed this road till we got right back at the Post office. Great walk to start if you're in the area. There's a picture of the map that I took at the end of our trail with the information on how to do this loop walk in the opposite to our way (although I think it would be much harder)
Frequently asked questions for hiking trails in County Kerry
Autumn (September to November) brings cooler temperatures and an increase in rainfall. However, it can be a beautiful time to hike in Ireland, as the landscapes transform with vibrant autumn colors. The weather can be unpredictable, so check forecasts and plan accordingly. Spring (March to May) offers similar conditions, with cool temperatures and occasional showers. It's a quieter time to explore the trails, and you can witness the country's lush vegetation come to life.
Winter (December to February) can be challenging for hikers due to shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures, and more frequent rain. However, some enthusiasts still enjoy winter hiking in Ireland, taking advantage of fewer crowds and the unique beauty of frost-covered landscapes. Safety is paramount during this season, so ensure you have appropriate gear and check local conditions before embarking on your adventure.
For more detailed climate information and to plan your hiking trips accordingly, you can visit Met Éireann, Ireland's National Meteorological Service: https://www.met.ie/
Remember to always prioritize safety and be prepared for changes in weather conditions, regardless of the season.
To learn more about Ireland's flora and identify specific species, resources like the National Biodiversity Data Centre provide valuable information and interactive guides: https://biodiversityireland.ie. Remember to respect and protect the natural environment by not picking or damaging any plants you encounter during your hikes, ensuring that future hikers can appreciate Ireland's diverse flora.
