Kerry’s Coastal Greenway Expands with a New Coastal Route on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way
Dingle Bay, Co. Kerry
The latest stretch of the South Kerry Greenway to open — Mountain Stage to Kilkeehagh — brings the total accessible route to 10km of off‑road walking and cycling through some of Ireland’s most picturesque and heritage‑rich areas. At Mountain Stage, a 100‑metre elevated boardwalk reveals sweeping views across lush green hills and over Dingle Bay. The viewpoint is also a discovery point along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors can hire a standard or electric bike from Kerry Greenway Bike Rentals, located in Glenbeigh.
The opening marks another important step in the development of the South Kerry Greenway, which is steadily emerging as one of Ireland’s most exciting outdoor projects. The route follows the line of what was once Europe’s most westerly railway — a track that clung to the cliffs above the Atlantic, carrying passengers through some of the island’s wildest scenery.
Cycling on Valentia Island, Co. Kerry
One of the standout features of this new stretch is the peaceful woodland corridor along Curra Hill, where users can enjoy a sheltered, nature‑rich route. As the trail opens out, it rewards visitors with sweeping views of the Coolroe and Beenreagh peaks, showcasing the rugged beauty that makes Kerry so special.
The former Great Southern and Western Railway line — the most westerly railway in Europe from 1893 to 1960 — forms the backbone of the greenway, which will eventually stretch for 32km from Glenbeigh to Reenard. The full route will encompass dramatic cliff‑hugging sections with spectacular Atlantic views, as well as countryside and woodland stretches that run alongside parts of the Ring of Kerry touring route and the Kerry Way walking trail.
Across Ireland, disused railway lines have been transformed into scenic and accessible greenways where people can walk or cycle along safe, largely off‑road routes dotted with railway heritage. Gentle gradients and smooth surfaces make these experiences accessible to all.
The South Kerry Greenway’s starting point in Glenbeigh is near the Blue Flag Rossbeigh Strand, and along the route travellers will find pretty towns, villages and heritage sites worth exploring. Kells Bay House and Gardens offers unique sub‑tropical gardens and beautiful cliff and riverside walks. Visitors can stay overnight in the Victorian house or enjoy authentic Thai dining in the on‑site restaurant
Portmagee, Co. Kerry
Further south, the scenic market town of Cahersiveen has a lovely marina and an engaging heritage centre housed in the impressive Old Barracks. The town is also home to Skellig Six18 Distillery & Visitor Experience, where premium Irish whiskey and gin are crafted using inspiration from the rugged Atlantic landscape. The name references Skellig Michael, the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site where sixth‑century monks carved 618 steps into the rockface to build their clifftop monastery. Boats to the island depart from Portmagee, just 15km from the end of the greenway.