South Kerry Greenway Guide

The South Kerry Greenway is a developing walking and cycling route through the spectacular landscape of the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry.

Following sections of the former railway line that once ran towards Valentia Harbour, the Greenway combines traffic-free cycling with mountain scenery, railway heritage and access to some of South Kerry’s best-known towns and villages.

The full South Kerry Greenway is still under development, with a section currently open at Glenbeigh.

South Kerry Greenway at a Glance

Location: County Kerry

Current open section: Glenbeigh

Distance: Approximately 4.2km

Suitable for: Walking and cycling

Surface: Greenway surface

Difficulty: Easy

Route type: Predominantly former railway corridor

Best for: Families, leisure cyclists, walkers and visitors exploring South Kerry

Where is the South Kerry Greenway?

The South Kerry Greenway is located on the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry, an area better known to many visitors as the Ring of Kerry.

The developing Greenway follows sections of the former railway corridor through South Kerry, with the route ultimately creating a much longer walking and cycling experience through the region.

At present, visitors can experience a completed section of the Greenway at Glenbeigh.

Glenbeigh Greenway Section

Approximately 4.2km of Greenway is currently open at Glenbeigh.

Although relatively short, this is a particularly scenic section and provides a good introduction to the wider South Kerry Greenway project.

The route is suitable for walkers and cyclists and, because of its manageable distance, is particularly suited to families and those looking for a short, leisurely cycle.

The surrounding mountains and countryside are a major part of the experience.

How Long Does it Take?

Allow approximately 20–30 minutes each way by bike at a relaxed pace.

However, there is little reason to rush it. Allow additional time for stops, photographs and exploring Glenbeigh and the surrounding area.

Walkers should allow approximately one hour each way, depending on pace.

Is the South Kerry Greenway Suitable for Families?

Yes. The completed Glenbeigh section is relatively short and traffic-free, making it a good option for families with children.

As always, younger children should be supervised, particularly around access points and any road crossings.

What is the Surface Like?

The completed section has been developed specifically for walking and cycling and provides a generally smooth Greenway surface suitable for standard bicycles, e-bikes and family cycling.

You don’t need a specialist mountain bike to enjoy the route.

Railway Heritage

The South Kerry Greenway follows part of the route of the former railway through the Iveragh Peninsula.

The railway once connected communities across South Kerry and ultimately reached Valentia Harbour before closing in 1960.

Today, elements of that railway heritage remain part of the landscape.

The old railway alignment also provides one of the characteristics that makes railway Greenways particularly enjoyable for leisure cycling: relatively gentle gradients.

What to See Along the South Kerry Greenway

The landscape is the main attraction.

Expect views across the South Kerry countryside, surrounding mountains and reminders of the old railway as you travel along the route.

The short distance of the currently open section means it can easily be combined with other attractions and activities around Glenbeigh.

Food & Drink Near the Greenway

Glenbeigh has a selection of pubs, cafés and places to eat, making it easy to include lunch, coffee or an evening meal as part of your visit.

Greenways Ireland will be adding recommended places to eat and drink near the South Kerry Greenway to this guide.

Accommodation Near the South Kerry Greenway

There is a range of accommodation available around Glenbeigh and across the wider South Kerry area, including hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and self-catering accommodation.

Staying locally also gives visitors the opportunity to combine the Greenway with the Ring of Kerry and other attractions around the Iveragh Peninsula.

Accommodation providers near the South Kerry Greenway will be added to this guide.

Bike Hire

Visitors who don’t bring their own bicycles should check bike-hire availability locally before travelling.

Greenways Ireland will be adding local bike hire and cycling services to this guide.

Things to Do Nearby

The Greenway can easily form part of a wider visit to South Kerry.

Glenbeigh is close to Rossbeigh Strand, while the surrounding area offers beaches, walking routes, mountain scenery and access to many of the attractions found along the Ring of Kerry.

Further west, Caherciveen provides another excellent base for exploring the Iveragh Peninsula.

Future South Kerry Greenway

The section at Glenbeigh is only part of the larger South Kerry Greenway project.

Further development will substantially increase the distance available to walkers and cyclists and create a much more significant traffic-free route through South Kerry.

As new sections open, Greenways Ireland will update this guide with distances, access information, facilities and places worth visiting along the route.

Plan Your Visit

If you’re travelling specifically to cycle the South Kerry Greenway today, remember that the completed Glenbeigh section is approximately 4.2km rather than a full-length Greenway.

For that reason, we’d recommend making the Greenway part of a wider day exploring Glenbeigh and South Kerry.

Bring your bike, take your time and leave enough of the day to discover what else the area has to offer.