Co Kerry: one walk, one run, one hike, one swim, one cycle, one park and one outdoor gym

Your essential, outdoor, family-friendly guide to Co Kerry

Tue Jun 29 2021 - 06:01

When the weather is good, there is so much to do outdoors in Ireland – solo, or with family or friends. Here are seven activities - with locations, descriptions, tips and some maps for a general guide.

Below you can read John O'Dwyer's pick for a great walking path, Conor O'Keeffe on a running route, Rozanna Purcell recommends a hiking trail, Mary McCarthy on an outdoor swimming location, Ian O'Riordan picks a cycle trip, Sylvia Thompson on a family-friendly park and Fiona Alston selects a popular outdoor gym.

And remember, whatever you do and wherever you go, please be safe. And enjoy.

ONE WALK

Name Derrynane Mass Path
Distance 7km loop
Approximate duration 2.5 hours
Difficulty Moderate
Starting point Google Maps Derrynane House (grid reference V 529 587)
Amenities Parking and tea rooms
Idyllic outing with a mix of forest trails, beach walks, Mass paths and quiet boreens. Can be rough underfoot, so come well shod.

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ONE RUN

Name: Glanteenassig Wood Loop to Lough Slat and Lough Caum
Length: 10.3km
Elevation gain: 252m
Route type: Loop
Footwear: Roud or Trail Runners
Background: Glanteenassig Wood Loop to Lough Slat and Lough Caum is a 10.3 kilometre moderately trafficked loop trail located near Castlegregory, County Kerry, Ireland that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options.

Route Information: Starting in the Glanteenassig Wood carpark. Follow the trail head from the carpark until you meet a T junction. Tale the left hand turn which will bring you to Lough Slat. From here head towards Lough Caum. There is a magnificent wooden walkway that skirts around the lough which is one of the highlights of the trail itself. The entire area exudes a sense of wonder and natural awe, so make sure to look up and take it all in. I recommend not using headphones and enjoying the quiet bliss of this beautiful area. You will skirt around the entirety of the lough and bring you back to where you started your run around the lough. Take the left turn and in 400m the trail veers right. Follow this section of trail until the pathway again veers right and brings you back to the first junction where you will take the left hand turn to bring you back to the trailhead. Feel free to make this run into a half marathon by doing this wonderful loop twice! (Aided by: Sport Ireland and Coillte)

ONE HIKE

Hike name Carrauntoohil Via Brother O'Sheas Gully and down the Zig Zags
Distance 14km
Elevation gain 1040m
Approximate duration 6-7 hours
Difficulty Advanced
Route type Loop
Starting point Google Map "Cronins Yard"
Amenities Toilets, cafe, parking
Dog-friendly? No
Tips I recommend getting a guided hike of Carrauntoohil especially for a first-timer; Kerryclimbing are fantastic for a great day out
Note Firefighters have been tackling a large blaze in Killarney National Park near Carrauntoohil. Please check before embarking on this route

ONE SWIM

Name: Nun's beach
Location: Google Map: Nun's Beach, Ballybunion
Brief description: Secluded horse-shoe shaped cove. Very cold Atlantic water
Amenities: No
Lifeguard: No
Water quality: Excellent (the more accessible Blue Flag Ballybunion South Beach around the corner)
Tips: There used to be steps but now accessible only by boat or down the side of the cliff with the assistance of a fixed rope. Peaceful swimming and never overly busy as a result.

Sarah Ruddock heading down to Nun’s beach for a swim.

ONE CYCLE

Name: The Conor Pass Loop
Start location: Tralee
Route: Tralee (my adopted Kerry town) is the perfect base for exploring The Kingdom, especially for cyclists, this magnificent loop heading out by Blennerville following the road to the epic Conor Pass climb with views to die for, dropping down into Dingle, and following the Annascaul and Camp road home.
Distance: 90km
Time: 4-5 hours
Highlights: The view back down from the Conor Pass never grows old
Look out for: Short but useful designated cycle lanes from Dingle to Tralee
Tips: The hardened cycling could easily add a loop of Slea Head (43km), taking in Ventry, Dunquin and Ballyferriter.

ONE PARK

Park name: Muckross House, Gardens and Traditional Farms
Amenities: Three working farms with animals, poultry and historical machinery give visitors a first-hand experience of traditional farming life. The beautiful formal gardens include a sunken garden, a rock garden, a Victorian walled garden and glasshouses.
Special features: Craftworkers who can be observed at work in their studios also sell their work in the craft shop.
Access: On site car park and bus or jaunting car rides from Killarney. Adults €9.25, age 13-18 €6.25, u-12 free. Google Map "Muckross House".
Dogs: Dogs on leads in informal gardens but not on the traditional farm.
Tip: Plan your trip well to fit in guided tours of Muckross House and visits to the traditional farm.

Muckross House and garden near Killarney is a major tourist attraction

ONE OUTDOOR GYM

Name: The Barracks, Beaufort
Equipment: Walker, rower, cross trainer, bike, stepper, fitness rider.
Location: Google Maps
Information: This is a small gym area at the back of the Barracks building in the village. There is also outdoor gym equipment along the path by Knockreer playing fields in Killarney National Park.