The Iveragh Peninsula

The peninsula

County Kerry holds the Iveragh Peninsula. It is the largest peninsula in southwestern Ireland. The MacGillycuddy’s Reeks sit in the center. Carrauntoohil, the range’s highest mountain, is also the highest peak in Ireland. The land stretches from the head of Kenmare Bay to the western headlands. Three towns line the route: Kenmare at the gate, Cahersiveen in the middle, and Portmagee at the ferry. They serve as the bases that make the area work.

The centre

The MacGillycuddy’s Reeks form the spine of the peninsula. Carrauntoohil stands as the highest peak in Ireland. The range runs east-west through the center of the Iveragh. Smaller peaks and the valleys between them create the hillwalking country. This terrain is why the peninsula works for hikers as well as coastal visitors. The walk up Carrauntoohil is the big day out. Shorter walks in the range fill the other days.

The coast

The coast runs from Kenmare Bay on the east to the western headlands. It carries the Blasket view, Derrynane bay, and the Skellig boats leaving Portmagee. Headlands like Derrynane Head mark the entrance to the bays. The walk along the coast road usually happens before any of the hills. The peninsula is large enough that one day is not enough. The towns, the coast, and the hills each take their turn.

Practical

The Iveragh is a drive from Killarney. It takes roughly an hour to reach Kenmare at the gate. The peninsula runs west from there. Kenmare, Cahersiveen, and Portmagee act as the bases. The Reeks and the coast are the days out. Check the weather before heading into the hills. The Reeks change fast, and the forecast tells the whole story.