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    Self Guided Walking

    The Dingle Way

    8 review(s)

    Travel Planning & Advice

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    Trip created by Patricia Doe
    View Patricia's Profile

    Region: South West – Cork & Kerry
    Trip Type: Self Guided
    Accommodation: Classic
    Min Group Size: 2 ? Solo Travellers
    Unfortunately for safety reasons, we don’t offer self-guided trips for solo travellers. However, we have lots of solo-travellers on our small group trips and you’d be more than welcome you join one of those.

    Grading:

    Carbon Footprint: 94kg ? 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 is a distilled expression of the best of Ireland. Breathtaking scenery scattered with ancient archeological sites awaits, combined with award-winning local foods, cosy traditional pubs filled with music and cheer, and of course, populated by colourful Irish characters.

    The iconic and internationally-renowned Dingle Way hiking trail circumnavigates this unique corner of the world. The route takes in quiet country lanes, mountain tracks and miles of sandy beach as it winds its way around Slea Head, Ireland’s most westerly point.

    Stay in a perfect combination of small B&Bs in rural villages and the countryside alike. You can relax and enjoy your walking, with transport from Tralee to your first night’s accommodation taken care of, and all luggage transfers prearranged where required. By choosing a self guided trip, enjoy the flexibility of walking at your own pace, starting as early or late as you prefer, stopping for as many photos as you’d like, taking your time over lunch or walking straight through with a quick stop on the trail.

    PLEASE NOTE: Total daily distances are given for each stage but will vary slightly as you also need to walk to your accommodation each day which will usually add a short distance.

    Trip Highlights

    • Walk the best of the Dingle Way along miles-long sandy beaches, quiet country roads and oceanside trails
    • Pick dates that suit you and leave all the arrangements to us
    • Spend a night in Dingle town - world-renowned for its music-filled pubs and great atmosphere
    • All accommodation, luggage transfers, maps, route notes and Day 1 transfer are included

    Day by Day Itinerary

    Day 1 - Welcome to the Dingle Way

    Arriving by bus or train to the vibrant town of Tralee, we have arranged a transfer out of town and to the rolling hills of the Slieve Mish Mountains. You will walk this section of the trail on your return to town at the end of the week but for you watch the scenery unfold as you travel. Spend a relaxing evening just off the trail, ready to hit the Dingle Way first thing in the morning.

    Day 2 - Village of Camp to Annascaul

    Our first day on the Dingle Way takes us right up and over the spine of the Dingle Peninsula to the shores on its southern side. With most of today’s walking on country roads and quiet tracks, we’ll pass Caherconree Mountain while looking out for the impressive megalithic fort perched close to its top. Take in views of the white sands of Inch Beach stretched out below us as we walk towards the teacup-sized Annascaul village. This evening, be sure to stop into the family pub of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, who made attempts at the South Pole with both Scott and Shackleton. (B)

    Hike details: 15 km / 10 miles | 270m ascent

    Day 3 - Annascaul to Dingle

    This morning, the trail continues along side-roads to the ruins of an impressive 16th century castle overlooking a picturesque little rocky cove. Continuing along small laneways, take in views across Dingle Bay and the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula to the south and spectacular mountain panoramas to the north. Our final destination today is the colourful coastal town of Dingle, renowned the world over for its pubs, traditional Irish music, and, more recently, its fabulous cuisine. Aim to join the locals in one of Dingle town’s many cheerful pubs to experience some real ‘craic agus ceoil’ (‘fun and music’). (B)

    Hike details: 22.5 km / 14 miles | 350m ascent

    Day 4 - Dingle Town to Dunquin

    The Dingle Peninsula hosts some of the richest collections of ancient archaeological sites in the whole of Europe. Every day you will stumble across standing stones, ancient tombs and other remains of prehistoric monuments. On your hike today, trade the liveliness of Dingle town for quieter parts of the peninsula. You’ll get the chance to view some truly amazing clochains or beehive huts, dry-stone huts with corbeled roofs that at least 12th century but may be as much as 2,000 years old as we follow alongside the spectacular outcrop of Slea Head overlooking the eerie Blasket Islands. Our hike today will also include a long, beautiful stretch along the white sands of Ventry Bay as you head out towards Ireland’s most westerly point and the tip of the Dingle Peninsula. (B)

    Hike details: 22 km/ 14 miles | 370 m ascent

    Day 5 - Dunquin to Ballydavid

    Over the years, numerous artists have been lured to the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, and many have made their home on this remote finger of land, with the wild crashing Atlantic and rolling mountains their inspiration. Most of today is spent following the white sand shores of Swerick Harbour and Wine Strand, the iconic Three Sisters hills and the turquoise waters as our backdrop. (B)

    Hike details: 23 km/ 14.5 miles | 100 m ascent

    Day 6 - Ballydavid to Cloghane via Mt Brandon

    Today is one of the most challenging days on the trail, climbing over the foothills of the holy pilgrimage site of Mount Brandon, passing drops of almost 450 meters down to the sea below. According to legend, St Brendan (Breanainn) the Navigator had a vision of a “promised land” while seated at the mountain’s summit. He and his monks consequently set sail for that land and disembarked in 535 AD (over 900 years before Columbus) on American soil! Passing pre-historic Ogham stones and panoramic ocean views, the trail climbs to a saddle between Masatiompan and Piaras Mór before dramatic and panoramic descent on mountain trails to the edge of Brandon Bay and the quaint Brandon Village. (B)

    Hike details: 26 km/ 16 miles | 780 m ascent

    Day 7 - Cloghane to Castlegregory

    After yesterday’s climb, today’s beach walk comes as a relief as you hike along the length of Ireland’s longest white sand beach. The beach stretches out along a spit of undulating sand dunes known as the Maharees (Na Machairí). The waves here are popular with surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers so there is nearly always entertainment no matter what the weather. The sand dunes create a unique ecosystem, home to the rare Natterjack toad, Whooper swan and the Bewick’s mute swan. Walk the Dingle Peninsula’s northmost peninsulas for incredible views before transferring back to your accommodation.

    Hike details: 26 km/ 16 miles | 50 m ascent

    Day 8 - Finish in Tralee

    You will enjoy a final blast of sea air on your walk this morning. The Aughcasla standing stone is worth looking out for as you start to head around Tralee Bay. If the tide is high, you will need to head inland a bit rather than walking along the soft sands of the beach. If you have time, we recommend a short detour to visit the restored early 19th century Blennerville Windmill on the outskirts of Tralee before following the road back into town, where we’ve arranged your final night’s accommodation. (B)

    Hike details: 29 km/ 18 miles | 300 m ascent

    Day 9 - Departure from Tralee

    This morning, leave Tralee by train or bus at your own leisure. (B)

    X
    Self Guided
    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 Details

    Accommodation Read More

    This self guided hiking trip features accommodations chosen for their excellent location, service and comfort along or near the Dingle Way. Most days you will walk directly to your accommodation (this may add additional distance to the hike lengths above).

    On some you will be met at the trailhead and transferred to your accommodation. You will spend the night in classic-grade comfortable and characterful lodging in B&Bs, family-run hotels or guesthouses, in villages and towns as well as in rural communities. Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms, which are en-suite with a shower. Single rooms may be available at an additional cost.

    Meals Read More

    Each morning, enjoy a homemade breakfast of your choice at your accommodation. You will be able to order a packed lunch to each on the trail at your accommodation each evening, or pick your lunch up first thing at a local cafe. On some days you will be able to time your start so you can stop at a cafe or restaurant for lunch along the trail.

    Accommodation will be reserved on a Bed & Breakfast basis – lunches and evening meals are not included. Local shops sell sandwiches and snacks for the day ahead. Many guesthouses will also be able to provide a packed lunch for you if you ask them the night before. In the evenings, meals can be taken in local restaurants, hotels, bars or in your accommodation.

    Inclusions Read More

    This self guided trip includes the following:

    • 8 nights accommodation in hand-picked, family-run guesthouses, B&Bs
    • Breakfast each morning (barring Day 1) in your accommodation or a local cafe
    • Transfer to the start point of the trail where walking to/from accommodations is not possible
    • All luggage transfers
    • Transfer to Camp (the trail starting point) on Day 1 and short transfer on day 7
    • Route notes, OS maps and trail guides
    • 24/7 phone support
    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, beach walking, boulder fields and mountain tops. There is also some road walking on tarmac for part of this route.

    While the ascents on the Dingle Way are not high, the Dingle Way includes numerous longer days. Many of the daily hikes will involve routes more than 20km or 15 miles long, with the occasional increase in mileage. More challenging days are interspersed with a lower-level or coastal which would include some cultural highlights along the way.

    Can you comfortably hike for around 15 miles (20km) with the occasional longer day? Are you comfortable on a variety of terrain from tarmac and good paths to rough mountain tracks?

    Travel – Arrival and Departure Read More

    Arrival Info

    • You will be met at Tralee train station on the afternoon of your first day, and transferred to your first night’s accommodation.

    Departure Info

    • Your self guided Dingle Way hike will end in Tralee, where you can arrange a train or bus at your leisure for your onward journey.

    Photo Gallery

    Make an Enquiry

    Get in touch with the team to enquire about booking this trip as a custom departure.

    Speak to an Expert

    Patricia Doe

    An avid cyclist and hiker, Patricia enjoys exploring Ireland’s wild landscapes every chance she gets – she particularly loves the under-appreciated regions of Mayo, Connemara, Sligo and Donegal. Having spent nearly a decade 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

    Trip Reviews

    Rated 4.50 out of 5 based on 8 review(s) of Self Guided Walking – The Dingle Way

     

    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.

    BS

    Bern Schumak

    Reviewed on 11/10/2022

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: United States
    Trip Date: 26/09/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    We had a few hiccups but a call solved problem. Close to end there was not lodging near end and providing taxi was great solution.

    SM

    Sandra Myhre

    Reviewed on 29/09/2022

    Age: 50 - 60
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 11/09/2022
    Trips Taken: 1

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    Such a unique experience and one that I’ll always be grateful that I did. The scenery is spectacular and the people are amazing.

    EC

    Edna Colville

    Reviewed on 27/09/2022

    Age: 60 - 70
    Country: Canada
    Trip Date: 11/09/2022
    Trips Taken: 2

    The Bottom Line

    The Bottom Line

    We loved the walk and saw amazing views that would not be accessible if we were driving. We do feel that more clearly stated information regarding trail markers and directions to accommodations would have made our adventure more enjoyable. The error in our information regarding our accommodation the one night is unacceptable. When doing a walking adventure in a rural area after walking additional kilometres you can’t just hop in a car and get where you need to be. The inclusion of google maps were not useful for us as we did not have our phones on the entire walk and did not want to incur roaming charges each day. More clearly stated accurate instructions are essential.

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