Hiking The Dingle Way

Day 1 – Limerick to the Dingle Peninsula

Meeting in the cosmopolitan city of Limerick, we’ll enjoy our first lunch together before trading the city hubbub for the wind-rustled landscapes of the Dingle Peninsula. A short yet breathtaking scenic stroll to stretch our legs will introduce us to the wonders of Dingle before a delicious seaside dinner together. (L, D)

Hike details: 3km/2 miles, max. 1 hour*

Day 2 – Minard Castle to Dingle Town

Our trail starts at the ruins of the impressive 16th century Minard Castle overlooking a salt-sprayed sandy cove. Hear stories of Cromwell’s struggle to drive the stubborn Gaelic clans from this castle as we marvel at the views of Dingle Bay and the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula. Traversing sweeping landscapes and country lanes, we finish our hike amidst the colourful lanes of Dingle town, renowned for its cheery pubs, traditional Irish music, local artisans, and its fabulous seafood cuisine. Tonight, we’ll join the locals in one of the pubs to experience some real ‘craic agus ceoil’ (‘fun and music’). (B, L, D)

Hike details: 14km/ 8 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*

Day 3 – Mount Eagle to Slea Head, Ireland's Westernmost Point 

Uninterrupted Atlantic views are the reward for traversing a short uphill section over the saddle of Mount Eagle. The Dingle Peninsula hosts some of the richest collection of archaeological sites in Europe – we’ll come across standing stones and prehistoric monuments, as well as clochains or beehive huts, which may be as much as 2,000 years old. Today’s hike veers a little off of the Dingle Way to include some of the peninsula’s most impressive trails and coastal walking. For the perfect end of the day, visit a microbrewery for a tour and tasting to quench the day’s thirst. Meet Ireland’s first female microbrewer and see how locally-sourced resources such as water from an on-site well are combined to produce seasonal beers. (B, L, D)

Hike details: 12km/ 7miles, approx. 4-5 hours*

Day 4 – Smerwick Harbour & Wine Strand

Over the years, numerous artists have been lured to the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, finding inspiration in Dingle’s wild crashing shores, glittering coves and rolling mountains. It’s easy to see why as we follow the quiet north shores of Dingle, a remote corner of the peninsula that is visited by few others. Our hike follows the white sand shores of Smerwick Harbour and Wine Strand, with the iconic Three Sisters hills behind us and brilliant turquoise waters below. (B, L, D)

Hike details: 14km/ 8 miles, approx. 5-6 hours*

Day 5 – Hiking Mount Brandon 

Up for a challenge? Today we make our way through the wildest part of Dingle, following a rough trail along the shoulder of Mount Brandon, a route often used by pilgrims to climb the holy mountain. According to legend, St Brendan had a vision of a “promised land” while seated at the mountain’s summit. He consequently set sail for his promised land and supposedly disembarked in 535 AD (900 years before Columbus) on American soil. Passing pre-historic Ogham stones and panoramic ocean views, the trail climbs over Mt Brandon’s saddle before descending into Brandon Bay and the teacup-sized Brandon Village. (B, L, D)

Hike details: 15 km/9 miles, approx. 6-7 hours*

Day 6 – The Maharees & Woodworker Studio

After yesterday’s climb, our beach walk along the length of Ireland’s longest white sand beach comes as a relief. Stretching out along a spit of undulating sand dunes known as the Maharees, the waves here are popular with wind and kite surfers. The sand dunes create a unique ecosystem, home to the rare Natterjack toad, Whooper swan and the Bewick’s mute swan. We’ll also visit a woodworking studio where a charismatic furniture maker and storyteller will show us some traditional carving techniques. We’ll enjoy a final dinner together in Dingle town where we toast our accomplishments hiking the Dingle Way. (B, L, D)

Hike details: 17 km/10 miles, approx. 6-7 hours*

Day 7 – Dingle to Limerick 

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the Dingle Peninsula with a short morning stroll along one of Dingle’s iconic beaches to watch the world come to life. We’ll head back north to Limerick Train Station, where you can begin your journey home. (B)

Hike details: max. 5km/3 miles, approx. 1 hour*

*This itinerary is subject to changes and improvements.