Stage 3
Glencar to Glenbeigh
STAGE 3
Glencar to Glenbeigh
This stage of the Kerry Way follows for the most part, the pristine waters of the Caragh River as you enjoy the peaceful splendour of Lickeen Woods. Taking the shorter route via the Windy Gap or Bearna Gaoithe, this mountain pass allows the walker to savour the magnificent views over Dingle Bay, Rossbeigh and Inch beaches on the Wild Atlantic Way.
The optional route around Seefin or Suí Finn mountain meaning ‘the seat of Fionn’ (Fionn MacChumhaill of Irish mythology) adds 4.5km (1.5 hours) to your walk but has spectacular views all around of Caragh Lake and the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, Ireland’s highest mountain range.
Length: 13.5km via Windy Gap / 18km via Seefin & Treanmanagh
Hours: 4-6 hours
Grade/Difficulty: Moderate (weather dependent)
Ascent: 441m
OSI map: 78
Grid Ref (Start): V 72435 84078
Grid Ref (Finish): V 67016 91102
Terrain: Mix of paths, mountain track/green road and roadway.
See Transport page for sustainable travel options >>
The route in detail
Glencar to Gortdirragh
From Glencar Post Office the Kerry Way heads southwest on a narrow track for approximately 1km through An Currach Beag / Curragh Beg before rejoining the surfaced road and crossing Bealalaw Bridge. Turning right the trail then follows the meandering Caragh River through Doirín na nÁiríoch / Derreenanaryagh before turning left into a forest plantation and then joining and continuing on a forest road at Drom Braon / Drombrane. The trail then carries on north along the surfaced road at An Licín / Lickeen for approximately 500m before turning left into Lickeen Wood.
The route continues through Lickeen Wood, where, after a short rise, the spectacular view of the Upper Caragh River entering Caragh Lake opens up before you. Stay on the winding path through the undulating rocky outcrops and varied
tree species to join a forest road and then turn left onto the surfaced Glencar to Glenbeigh road just west of Blackstones Bridge.
Continue west and then northwest for approximately 2.1km, through An Drom Thoir / Drom East and Bun Glaise Theas / Bunglasha South and then veer left onto a narrow surfaced road near the old Bunglasha School. After approximately 1.5km this surfaced road fades into a mountain pass and reaches a junction at Gort Darach / Gortdirragh.
Gortdirragh to Glenbeigh/Commaun
You now reach a junction in the Kerry Way Walking Route at Gort Darach/Gortdirragh – both options leading to Glenbeigh Village.
Turning left* at this location is the 4km direct route, via the Windy Gap, while turning right** is the longer, perhaps more scenic, 9km route through Treanmanagh and circumnavigating Seefin Mountain.
*Turning left at the Gort Darach/Gortdirragh junction, continue north west for approximately 1km to reach the summit of the saddle at Windy Gap – relax and enjoy the view north over Glenbeigh Village, Rossbehy Creek and Inch, north east to Castlemaine Harbour and north west across Dingle Bay with the Dingle Peninsula stretching out to the west – pointing to the Blasket Islands which can be seen on the horizon on a clear day. Before you leave the Windy Gap to head down towards the sea, look behind you and bid adieu to the towering
MacGillycuddy’s Reeks and the mountainous and oak cloaked Glencar Valley, the Upper Caragh River and Caragh Lake. Leaving the saddle, continue downhill through An Chúil Rua Uachtarach/Coolroe Upper to reach a narrow surfaced road at An Gabhlán/Gowlane. Follow the surfaced road for approximately 1km, then turn right at a T-junction and continue for another 1km through Cill na mBreac Uachtarach/Kilnabrack Upper to reach Glenbeigh Village.
**Turning right at the Gort Darach/Gortdirragh junction, continue on the mountain pass along the slopes of Seefin Mountain for approximately 3.2 km through An Láthair/Lauhir, An Trian Garbh/Treangarriv and Coise Thuaidh/Cosha North to reach a narrow surfaced road at An Trian Meánach/Treanmanagh – all the time inhaling the breathtaking view over Caragh Lake with the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks standing guard in the distance. Continue on this surfaced road for 1.2km through the peaceful and picturesque valley to reach the 5-road junction at An Comán/Commaun.
Commaun to Glenbeigh
You now reach a junction in the Kerry Way Walking Route at An Comán/Commaun – both options leading to Glenbeigh Village. Turning left† at this location is the elevation gaining 4.5km scenic route along the northern slopes of Seefin Mountain while continuing straight ahead†† is the somewhat less taxing tarred road 4km route.
†Turning left take the uphill mountain road through An Comán/Commaun and An Trian Meánach/Treanmanagh for approximately 2km – gaining both elevation and spectacular views – north to the Dingle Peninsula, east over Castlemaine Harbour, Caragh Lake and onwards towards Killarney & The MacGillycuddy Reeks, and west over Dingle Bay and The Blasket Islands. You then veer right from the
mountain road and travel 1.75km, through An Curraichín/Curraheen, along the northern slopes of Seefin Mountain, dropping gradually to eventually meet the N70 Ring of Kerry road at Cill na mBreac Uachtarach / Kilnabrack Upper. Turn left to reach your destination – Glenbeigh Village.
††Continue straight ahead and downhill on the tarred road for 2km through An Comán / Commaun and An Curraichín / Curraheen enjoying the views east over Castlemaine Harbour and north over Cromane, Inch Strand & the Dingle Peninsula. The Caragh River meanders its way from Caragh Lake to Caragh Creek in the foreground. Turn left on reaching the N70 Ring of Kerry Killorglin to Glenbeigh road and follow it, carefully, for 2km to reach your destination – Glenbeigh Village.
