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      Hiking

      The Dingle Way

      33 review(s)

      Next Trip: 30th - 5th Apr 2024 Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

      From €2,340 View Prices & Dates

      Travel Planning & Advice

      Book With Confidence

      Trip created by Patricia Doe
      View Patricia's Profile

      Region: South West – Cork & Kerry
      Trip Type: Hiking
      Accommodation: Classic
      Max Group Size: 10
      Confirmed: When 3 Travellers Book
      Deposit From: €585.00 €585.00

      Grading:

      Carbon Footprint: 138kg ? What does this mean?
      Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

      All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      Download Itinerary

      The Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry on Ireland’s west coast encompasses some of Ireland’s most extraordinary landscapes.

      By hiking the Dingle Way, you’ll follow an internationally-renowned hiking trail that circumnavigates this unique corner of the world, exploring Dingle’s breathtaking scenery, ancient neolithic sites, award-winning cuisine, traditional Irish music, and  colourful Irish characters.

      Leave all the details to us. Your experienced outdoors guide will lead you on a guided hike of the Dingle Way to explore the storied Irish landscapes at your leisure. Hiking the Dingle Way with a guide will provide you with a unique insight into the history, geology, wildlife, folklore and of course the people of the Dingle Way.

      Trip Highlights

      • Hike the Dingle Way, Ireland's most scenic long distance hiking trail
      • Explore a corner of Ireland once called the 'most beautiful place on Earth' by National Geographic
      • Meet local characters, listen to live traditional music and taste the delicious local food of Dingle

      Did you know?


      This trip can be booked as a private departure


      Learn more

      Day by Day Itinerary

      Day 1 – Welcome to the Dingle Peninsula

      Meeting in Tralee, 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 | approx. 1 hrs.

      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: 18km/11 miles | approx. 4-5 hrs.

      Day 3 – Mount Eagle to Slea Head, Ireland's Westerly 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. (B, L, D)

      Hike details: 12km/ 7miles | approx. 4-5 hrs.

      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. 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/7 miles | approx. 3-4 hrs.

      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: 13 km/8 miles | approx. 3-4 hrs.

      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 hrs.

      Day 7 – Dingle to Tralee 

      Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in the morning before saying goodbye to the wilds of the Dingle Peninsula. Head back to the town of Tralee and enjoy a time for some last-minute shopping before leaving the west coast to begin your journey home. (B)

      This itinerary is subject to changes and improvements. 

      Download Itinerary

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      Hiking
      The Dingle Way

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
      30th Mar - 5th Apr 202410 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,340Book Now
      20th Apr - 26th Apr 20249 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,340Book Now
      4th May - 10th May 20245 places leftCONFIRMED€2,340Book Now
      6th Jul - 12th Jul 202410 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,340Book Now
      17th Aug - 23rd Aug 202410 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,340Book Now
      21st Sep - 27th Sep 202410 places leftUNCONFIRMED€2,340Book Now

      Trip Details

      Expand All
      Accommodation Read More

      This trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort. All accommodations provide breakfast. Whether you’re looking for the liveliness of a traditional Irish pub or beautiful beach vistas, all the accommodations we use on the Dingle Way Hiking Trip play an exciting part in your journey through the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland’s southwest.

      We do not charge single person supplements to people booking on their own. However, you will be expected to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you specifically require a single room you will have to pay the single supplement charge which is subject to availability.

      Meals Read More

      Meals are included in the price of this trip with the exception of dinner on one night. Breakfast is provided each morning, as well as lunch and snacks throughout the trip. Dinner is provided every night. Local pubs and restaurants offer a wide choice of local dishes.

      On this trip, we generally eat dinner as a group however if you would like to make alternative arrangements you are free to do so. Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group. They will recommend options for dinner that evening and will help you make any necessary reservations.

      Inclusions Read More
      • 6 nights accommodation in unique and cosy guest houses and hotels
      • Most meals during the trip (Meals included are indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable hiking guide/driver throughout
      • Pickup and transport throughout the trip, starting and finishing in Tralee
      • 7 days of guided hiking along the famous Dingle Way which circumnavigates the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula
      • Entrance, activity and admission fees as stated in the itinerary
      Trip Grading Read More

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Our blue-graded trips involve exploring some of Ireland’s best hiking regions, introducing some steeper climbs to summits as well as valley and coastal hikes. The hike will be conducted at a steady pace and you will typically hike 5-7 hours per day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from well maintained hiker’s trails to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.

      The daily hikes will occasionally involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. More challenging days are interspersed with lower level valley, coastal or forest walks which would include some cultural highlights along the way.

      Can you comfortably hike for around 10 miles (16km) with the occasional longer day? Are you happy with some ascents of 3,000ft / 900m? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain from good paths to rough mountain tracks?

      Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Ireland Guide at the Tralee Casement Train Station at 13:00 on Day 1 of your trip. You will be dropped off at Tralee Casement Train Station by 12:00 on the last day of your trip. For full details on how to get to Tralee, please see our Travel to Ireland section here.

      Photo Gallery

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Speak to an Expert

      View Profile
      Patricia Doe

      An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets u2013 she particularly loves the under-appreciated regions of Mayo, Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. Having spent many years in the hospitality industry, Patricia is an expert on Ireland’s luxury and unique accommodations. As Wilderness Ireland’s General Manager and head of the sales team, Patricia is ready to help make your Irish adventure spectacular.

      Ask Patricia a Question

      Meet Your Guide

      View guides for all departures

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Our hiking trips range from very straightforward low-level hikes to trips that include more challenging itineraries which will take you to a new mountain top each day.

      Our blue-graded trips involve exploring some of Ireland’s best hiking regions, introducing some steeper climbs to summits as well as valley and coastal hikes. The hike will be conducted at a steady pace and you will typically hike 5-7 hours per day. The terrain underfoot can be anything from well maintained hiker’s trails to rough or boggy ground, boulder fields and mountain tops.

      The daily hikes will occasionally involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. More challenging days are interspersed with lower level valley, coastal or forest walks which would include some cultural highlights along the way.

      Can you comfortably hike for around 10 miles (16km) with the occasional longer day? Are you happy with some ascents of 3,000ft / 900m? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain from good paths to rough mountain tracks?

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 4.85 out of 5 based on 33 review(s) of Hiking – The Dingle Way

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      Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

      That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

      PB

      Paul Bedard

      Reviewed on 04/09/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: Canada
      Trip Date: 19/08/2023
      Trips Taken: 3

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      We really enjoyed the trip. However we were disappointed in the packed lunches. For example there was little variety, bread was not particularly fresh, no napkins provided and since the sandwiches didn't come in a bag, we had to provide our own bags for garbage. Also it would have been nice to have a drink other than water included with the lunch. The lunches we received during our Wilderness Scotland trips were much better.

      Show More
      HL

      Helen Lalas

      Reviewed on 01/09/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: Australia
      Trip Date: 19/08/2023
      Trips Taken: 3

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      This was my first trip with Wilderness Ireland, after doing one with Wilderness Scotland last year. I’m so pleased to have other trips already planned.

      Show More
      KS

      Kimberly Saller

      Reviewed on 29/08/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 19/08/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      This is a great opportunity to see a beautiful view of Ireland and the Dingle Peninsula.

      Show More
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