As the proud Dog Mama to three beautiful, energetic rescue dogs I love heading off rambling with my doggos. We need to get out for some decent walks every single day – for their stimulation, to burn off energy and to help keep them fit and most importantly – happy! I need it for all those reasons too and as a Yoga Teacher I understand the how vital down-time is, I crave our walks for my own headspace to be honest. Strolling with them is my happy place!

Sadly, dogs are not welcome on all walks and trails around Kerry such as The Kerry Way, Dingle Way and on a lot of mountains around here due to the amount of farm animals such as sheep and cattle.

I’ll admit sometimes find myself heading to the same tried and tested places with them – spaces where I know they can be freely off lead, where they are safe and places where there’s some good sniffing! However, this Summer I’m keen to explore other places with them and I’ve gathered up a list of my favourite and arguably the best dog walks around Kerry (in my humble opinion!) to share with you. This list isn’t exhaustive, it’s just a little taster of what’s on offer here in the Kingdom. I’ve also included some of my favourite pit-stops for food and drinks, might as well make a day of it and support local hospitality businesses too.

Please remember to keep your dog on a lead and under control. I find it hard to hold Bruce, the big dude on a lead, he loves to pull when he finds an interesting scent so I use a handsfree leash (check out the note below).  It’s important to respect the local area, wild life and domestic animals – it’s all our homes, we are all part of Nature, so be sound and sensible and when you’re out walking, leave only your footsteps, leave no other trace 😊

Let’s get started – firstly, there’s a great blog that includes epic walks like Torc Mountain, Glanageenty, Gleninchaquin Park and Muckross Lake Loop https://outsider.ie/ireland/dog-friendly-walks-in-kerry/. I won’t reinvent the wheel but I’d like to share my added top tips for these rambles:

1.       The North Kerry Way

One of the few long trail hikes on which dogs are permitted here in Kerry. A 48 km linear walking route through the northern part of Co. Kerry, starting in Tralee and ending in the village of Ballyheigue. Highlights include the section from Blennerville to Spa village, stop at The Oyster Tavern Bar & Restaurant with their outdoor seating area or at Spa Seafoods (great chowder, fish & chips!) who also have benches under the trees for you and your dogs.

My absolute favourite part of this route is along the blue flag awarded Banna Beach. Stretching for over 10km Banna is an unspoilt beauty. At the main carpark you’ll find doggie bags and bins too! Swing by the quirky Salty Souls Café located in a vintage Caravan in Banna’s main carpark. There’s free dog dog treats on offer and an endless supply of fresh, clean water for your four-legged friend. The friendly owner Jason (my partner!) makes an awesome barista style Badger & Dodo coffee or try one of their famous Campfire Hot Chocolates with a homemade sweet treat for yourself and a complementary doggie biscuit for your pal. Open 7 days a week from June through to the end of August and weekends all year round. Visit www.facebook.com/saltysoulscafe or www.instagram.com/salty_souls_cafe for more details.

Can your dog Downward Dog?! Whilst at Banna, press pause and join me at Ebb & Flow Yoga for a Beach Yoga class (www.ebbflowyoga.ie for info) or sign up for one of the upcoming Yoga & Surf Adventure Days this Summer at www.ebbflowyoga.ie/events . And yes dogs are very welcome to join you on the mat!

If you make it all the way to the end of the North Kerry Way to the picturesque village of Ballyheigue you’ll find many bars, restaurants and shops like The White Sands Hotel, a well-stocked Centra Shop and The Sea Shell for hot chips and more. Grab a cuppa and a bite to eat and lig to scíth (rest up!) on the steps or benches overlooking the beach.

2.      Glanageenty, Ballymacelligott

One of my favourites! A real hidden gem, it’s a way marked trail with three routes. Personally, I love the challenge of trying to run the 5km loop with the doggos and some friends every week. A massive sense of achievement on this hilly wonder! There’s always some up close encounters with horses, cattle and friendly donkeys – so bring your lead. My dogs go nuts for this place! The smells, the streams to plunge into, the varied terrain - doggy heaven! There’s picnic spots along the trails so it’s perfect for a pack lunch pit stop. Bring your camera, the views are spectacular and there’s historical plaques scattered all around the trails so allow time for meandering and learning about those who came before us. Don’t forget to give a little donation at the entrance to help with the upkeep of this unique place.

Not far from Glanageenty is the town of Castleisland. I highly recommend popping over there to visit Nana Bea’s Café, they have a funky new outdoor seating area (dog friendly, water bowls ready for your dudes!), all their baking is homemade and they are rocking out a drool-worthy wood fired pizza menu. Love this place!

3.       Torc Mountain

It gets very busy! Go early morning and beat the masses. Better yet go mid-week, weekends are crowded. Also I wouldn’t recommend this walk unless you and your dog have a reasonable level of fitness. Also consider if the terrain is suitable for your pooch - for example, our French Bulldog, though fit, he’s not built for this type of ground. Too many steps, I wouldn’t do it him, but it’s Molly & Bruce’s kinda place!

4.       Muckross Lake Loop

It’s approximately 15km, in particular I am enchanted by the Yew Forest called Reenadinna Woods. It’s one of the most magical places I’ve ever been and one of only three pure yew woods left in Europe. Please keep your dog on a lead in all areas of the National Park. Take your time, meander and marvel at this sacred place. Visit in Spring time after it’s been raining, when it’s lush and teeming with life. The woods smell extra special when it’s damp out -  the aroma of the earth mingles with the trees and the sun’s rays dapple the forest floor.

After a long day’s walking, re-fuel at the popular Eleven77 Food Bus based outside the Gleneagle Hotel. They have a pup refuel stand with water bowls and doggie bags. Grab some gourmet street food to go at this popular addition to Killarney’s thriving food scene.

Shorter Walks

Here’s some shorter walks too that might suit little human and small dog legs! They are wonderful places for handy strolls and ideal if you’ve less time for ambling, though no less scenic.

5.       Beale Strand, North Kerry

I visited Beale for the first time recently, the views over to Co. Clare, the trees growing right to shore line and the miles of sandy beach are very memorable. Well worth a visit! You’re close to Ballybunion here with a myriad of well documented walks and beaches. For some refreshments I’d recommend Coast Café in the town centre – outdoor seating and doggies are very welcome. Seaside Café right above the beach - wear stretchy pants, their waffles are unreal! La Gourmandise bakes fresh bread and French style pastries daily. A weekly Farmers Market used to run each weekend over Summer in Kilcooley’s Country House Hotel in the pretty, secluded gardens, hopefully it’ll be back again this year. Check out Ballybunion Community Market on Facebook for updates.

6.       Ballyseedy Woods, Tralee

Up to 4km of looped walks in an 80 acre woodland that date back to the 16th Century. Like many other popular walks it gets busy, so I recommend very early morning particularly in Spring to listen to the dawn chorus. Wild garlic grows in abundance here too in Spring /early Summer. After your stroll pop by Ballygarry House Hotel or Ballyseedy Garden Centre and Café for a cuppa and something tasty. Both offer outdoor seating and are dog friendly.

7.       Cromane

There’s a 3km stroll from Cromane Strand to Cromane Point (6km round trip) right along the sea. Enjoy views of the Slieve Mish Mountains, the Dingle peninsula, and The Mcgillicuddy Reeks. It’s a flat walk along the roadside overlooking the water. I prefer to head back the strand though where the dogs can get a good burst of freedom and chase skimming stones! Pop in to the Boathouse Café Cromane afterwards for Coffee & a homemade sweet treat. And like Salty Souls Café, Banna, The Boathouse also offer free doggie treats and fresh water for your canine companion – well played ladies!

8.       Waterville, South Kerry

A quaint little town down south. There’s so many walks in the area to enjoy, I recommend checking out a few here https://www.theringofkerry.com/local-waterville-walks

My favourite is to start at the promenade (from the carpark) and walk towards the Smugglers Inn and then onto the beach. Stop by to Beach Cove Café in the town which actively welcomes dogs too! Their hot chocolate is epic! You’re also close to Reenroe Beach for a walk, your choices are endless.

To finish off, here’s a quick-fire list of other walks you might want to add to the bucket list (in no particular order!):

• Glenbeigh Fairy Trail just out the village on the road to Rossbeigh. Upcycle Mobile Café is located at the entrance to the Fairy Forest. The cafe offers speciality coffee, delicious hand baked goods and more from an upcycled rice vintage horsebox. Be sure to nip in to Emilies Glenbeigh for the BEST sourdough bread I have ever tasted! I’m obsessed! They also offer gourmet sandwiches and wood fired pizzas.

• Derrynane House, Gardens, Fairy Trail and Beach. I LOVE Derrynane, you and your dog will too! There’s the gorgeous Ahamore Café in the Gardens with outdoor seating and water bowls for your furry friends, also some shaded trees for them to lay under whilst you nibble on their homemade fare – the vegetarian Salad Bowl is really good!

• Ballydavid Cliff Walk Dingle. Although some may argue it’s not as impressive as other nearby cliff walks, this trail is less crowded and still features some incredible views. In Dingle our dogs have been welcomed in bars such as Dick Macks (beer garden & Pizza out back), Currans (no food, only drinks – it’s old world Ireland at it’s best). Check out Mexwest a mobile Tex Mex wagon behind Paddy Bawn Brosnan’s Bar.

• Lyracrumpane Mass Path/River Walk (4.3km)

• Lickeen Woods Loop, Glencar (2km) and Kerry Life Loop (3.1km)

• Glanteenassig Forest Loop (1.8km)

Have a wonderful time hiking, rambling, getting lost, find yourself and re-fueling around the Kingdom of Kerry and if you’re near Banna Beach be sure to stop by to visit me at Ebb & Flow Yoga or at Salty Souls Café! Can’t wait to meet you and your four-legged friends!

Happy wandering,

Maeve x

Notes on Handsfree leash:

I use a lead that’s a belt around my hips with leg straps, it’s called a Canicross Running Belt. There’s a bungee cord lead attached and Bruce wears a harness. It’s old now but there’s two good ones I can recommend – Zero DC Canicross Grizzly Running Belt or the Neewa Canicross Belt. Please ensure to get a bungee lead to use with either one. They are GAME CHANGERS if you have a big dog or several dogs and want to free up your hands!

Photo Credit: Poshey Aherne Photography - thanks mate :)