5 Best Places to Walk Your Dog In Kerry
This month for Operation TransPAWmation, we’re shining a light on all the different ways you can have fun and get out and exercise with your furry friend. Regular exercise is essential to help keep our dogs from gaining excessive weight, and to ensure their overall physical and mental health remains intact. Getting out and about helps keep the brain active, is a great stress reliever and boredom buster; both for dogs and humans!
Check out our blog post below on the best walking trails both you and your dog can avail of in County Kerry.
1.Glanageenty, Ballymacelligott
A favourite amongst dog walkers, this hidden gem is perfect for a family afternoon out. Tucked away in the Sherwood Forest of Munster, also known as the Valley of the Fairies, the area is packed with both wildlife to marvel at and history to enjoy. There’s no doubt your canine companion will have an abundance to explore and sniff around at, between all the different smells, the streams to plunge into, the wide varied terrain. You may have some up-close encounters with horses, cattle and friendly donkeys – so be sure to pack a lead with you. It’s a gorgeous route that is suitable for most abilities, so a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors. There are three routes; the 3km Glanageenty Loop, the 5km Lenihan’s Loop and the 9km Bernard Brothers Loop. Park at Bernard Collins Memorial carpark and go discover this incredible walkaway.
2. North Kerry Way
The North Kerry Way is a 48-kilometre direct walking route found in the northern part of Co Kerry. Starting in Tralee and ending in the picturesque village of Ballyheigue, this route is almost entirely along the coast. You and your dog will enjoy passing beautiful beaches, breath-taking views of the scenic mountainous area, and a multitude of ancient sites, churches and field monuments. One of the few long trail hikes on which dogs are allowed in Kerry, don’t miss this opportunity to burn some of your dog’s energy wile also enjoying the great outdoors.
3. Muckross Lake Loop
A truly magical and enchanting wood, you and your dog can meander and marvel at this sacred place. Muckross Lake is located in Killarney National Park at the foot of Torc Mountain. The quickest circuit around Muckross Lake takes about three hours and there are several loops you can choose to add on, including up to Torc Waterfall. Starting and ending in Muckross House, be sure to check out Torc Waterfall, a gorgeous 18m high waterfall with a viewing point for some photo opportunities.
4. Ballyseedy Woods
The woodland area dates back as far as the 16th century, and today, Ballyseedy is a sustainable woodland recreational amenity for the people of Kerry and visitors alike. Locatrd just outside Tralee, it is perfect for adventuring around with your dog while also enjoying the local flora and fauna and reconnecting with nature. It is a unique and tranquil retreat which extends to nearly 80 acres, and has at least 22 varieties of native trees that are marked with their Gaelic and English names in the woods. After your stroll, why not pop by Ballygarry House Hotel or Ballyseedy Garden Centre and Café for a coffee-both offer outdoor seating and are dog friendly.
5. Brackloon Loop
Located about five kilometres from the gorgeous Inch Beach, this moderate 7-kilometre hike will take you across the three peaks of Annascaul, Co Kerry, giving both you and your four legged friend plenty to marvel at. The area is steeped in myths; according to legend fabled Celtic warrior Cuchulainn fought and killed the warrior Feirdia to win the love of the beautiful Scail. However, she did not return his love as she remained true to Feirdia and Scail drowned herself in the river – after which the village is named, Annascaul. Along the route, you will get incredible views of Dingle Bay, Slieve Mish Mountain and the Com Dubh River System.
What is Operation TransPAWmation?
Petmania’s Operation TransPAWmation began in 2017 to highlight the rise in overweight dogs in Ireland. Since then we have extended the campaign to a whole-health campaign for dogs and cats, helping 1000’s of pet owners get to grips with their pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
Now in its 7th Year, Operation TransPAWmation is designed to help dog and cat owners identify and make small changes that can help improve their pet’s overall health and wellbeing.
For in-person support on your #PetmaniaOT journey, you can also drop into any one of our pet shops nationwide and speak with a member of our team.
