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    | Dingle Headland Peninsula

    Self Guided Walking

    The Dingle Way

    17 reviews


    Deposit From: €391€391
    Region: South West – Cork & Kerry
    Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

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

      From: €1,520 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Patricia Doe


      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.

      Marker Icon

      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Welcome to the Dingle Way Read More

      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.

      Meals Included: None

      Day 2 – Village of Camp to Annascaul Read More

      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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 18 km / 11 miles | 270 m / 886 ft

      Day 3 – Annascaul to Dingle Read More

      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’).

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 26 km / 16 miles | 350 m / 1,148 ft

      Day 4 – Dingle Town to Dunquin Read More

      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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 25 km / 16 miles | 370 m / 1,214 ft

      Day 5 – Dunquin to Ballydavid Read More

      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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 23 km / 14 miles | 100 m / 328 ft

      Day 6 – Ballydavid to Cloghane via Mt Brandon Read More

      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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 26 km / 16 miles | 780 m / 2,559 ft

      Day 7 – Cloghane to Castlegregory Read More

      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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 25 km / 16 miles | 50 m / 164 ft

      Day 8 – Finish in Tralee Read More

      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.

      Meals Included: Breakfast
      Walk Details: 29 km / 18 miles | 300 m / 984 ft

      Day 9 – Departure from Tralee Read More

      Day 9

      Departure from Tralee

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

      Meals Included: Breakfast

      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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      Trip Dates & Prices

      We don’t offer self-guided trips for solo travellers. However, our small group trips are very popular for those travelling independently. If you would like to join one, don’t hesitate to have a browse of all our adventures here.

      All payments taken in local currency EUR

      Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityPriceBook
      16th May - 24th May 20242 places availabile €1,520 PPBook Now
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      X
      Self Guided
      The Dingle Way

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      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
      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.

      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

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      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?

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 4.65 out of 5 based on 17 review(s) of Self Guided – 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.

      DC

      Donna Cassese

      Reviewed on 18/09/2023

      Age: 70 - 80
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 02/09/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      RC

      Ruth J Cook

      Reviewed on 15/09/2023

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 02/09/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      Ireland did not disappoint. I was a little surprised at the amount of busy road travel as part of the Dingle Way.

      RH

      Robert Haynes

      Reviewed on 13/09/2023

      Age: 70 - 80
      Country: USA
      Trip Date: 02/09/2023
      Trips Taken: 1

      The Bottom Line

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