Mountain Stage to Kells
* Freedom to roam
Walking
MOUNTAIN STAGE TO KELLS
This section of the Kerry Way follows a route that has been used in various historical periods as a coach road, a butter road and a pilgrimage path.
This route will take you along the side of Drung Hill and down through Coomshanna Forest to Kells with views of the sea along the way. The walking route is signposted as part of the Kerry Way.
As the path heads down the hill, the scenery shifts from exposed grass and heather to the forest of Coomshanna.
THE WALK
- Duration: 3 hours
- Length: 9km
- Route Type: Point to point
- Pet friendly: No
- Category: Mountain
Stagecoach road
You can still see the wheel ruts in the ground from when this road was the main stagecoach route to and from South Kerry.
Butter road
The path was part of an old butter road where people transported firkins from South Kerry to Cork.
Railway tunnels
From Drung Hill, you can look down and see tunnels where the railroad to Valentia Island ran until 1960.
Standing stones
Kells is home to a high concentration of standing stones and neolithic rock art.
FAQ
Head south from Glenbeigh on the Ring of Kerry Road (N70). There will be a turn-off on the left that brings you to a minor road that runs parallel to the main road.
Find a place to park where you won’t obstruct tractor traffic and don’t block any gates.
Good walking shoes, water and a snack.
This walk is split between two maps. The first part is covered by OSI Discovery Series 78 and the second is in OSI Discovery Series 83.
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Escape to the Heart of the Kingdom, home to Ireland’s highest mountains, darkest skies and cleanest air
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Escape to the Heart of the Kingdom, home to Ireland’s highest mountains, darkest skies and cleanest air
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