The Dingle Way

This hiking trip suits regular hikers with a reasonable level of fitness. Most days involve 6–8 hours on the trail, so it’s worth building up to a few hikes of similar distance to your planned daily stages before you go.

It’s a low-level route with plenty of ups and downs. The highest point is around 650m (2,130 ft), where the trail crosses a spur of Mount Brandon. Elsewhere, it never climbs above 350m (1,150 ft). You’ll hike on good, varied terrain, following historic boreens (narrow country lanes), farm tracks, cliff-top paths, wide sandy beaches and quiet back roads.

Beaches make up about 17% of the route, and you can safely walk most of them even at high tide. Take extra care in stormy weather, when it may be safer to follow the dunes or switch to the road. When crossing streams, check the ground is firm before you step onto it.

Around 48% of the route is on paved roads, which is more than many hikers expect. Most of these are quiet, scenic country lanes. Public rights of way are almost non-existent in Ireland, so the Dingle Way, like other Irish trails, relies on these lanes to link up the off-road sections. There are a few busier stretches, so keep an eye out for traffic on those.

Our Dingle Way tours are graded moderate. Individual days vary, so some may feel a little tougher than the overall grade and others a little easier.

Along the way, you’ll stay in small, characterful accommodations, from family-run B&Bs to guesthouses and hotels. Expect a warm welcome and plenty of traditional Irish hospitality. Your hosts are often happy to share local tips, and there’s frequently a cup of tea waiting when you arrive after a day on the trail.

We always aim to book you into the locations listed in your itinerary. In the more remote parts of the Dingle Peninsula, though, availability is limited, so occasionally we’ll need to place you in a nearby town instead. If that happens, you’ll get clear directions to and from the trail, or a return transfer, so you can pick up the route right where you left off. This may make your hiking day slightly longer or shorter.

We recommend booking as early as you can to get the best choice of accommodations, especially around Dunquin and Camp. Options in these small villages are few, so we may use a transfer to a nearby town instead.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome on this tour. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner aren't included, so you're free to choose from the options available. Most of your accommodations are happy to provide a packed lunch on request, bookable on arrival, or you can pick something up at a local shop or café. In the evening, dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants.

You can hike the Dingle Way from April to October, starting on any day of the week during the season.

Irish weather is famously changeable, so it’s hard to pin down a single best time to go. But any month in the season makes for a great trip. Conditions are rarely extreme, though they can shift quickly, so come prepared for a bit of everything, from sunshine to a passing shower. Packing layers and a good waterproof jacket will keep you comfortable whatever the day brings.

Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg per person.

It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

The route is well waymarked throughout and easy to follow.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Recommended Reading

Although not essential, if you'd like more information on the route, please see our recommendation below:

The Dingle Way Rucksack Readers Guide

Getting to the Start

Tralee is the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula and the starting point of the 10-days and 8-days tour.

For those on the 6-days tour, you will start in Annascaul. From Tralee, take the Bus Éireann service to Annascaul (around 55 mins), with fares payable on board.

Shannon (SNN) and Dublin (DUB) are the easiest airports from North America. Shannon is the closest, with nonstop flights from Boston (BOS) and New York (JFK) with Aer Lingus, and from Toronto (YYZ) with Air Transat. Dublin has the widest choice of nonstop flights, from cities across the US and Canada. Flight times from the East Coast are roughly 6 to 7 hours.

From Shannon Airport, take the bus to Tralee (around 2 hrs 50 mins to 3 hrs 15 mins).

From Dublin Airport, take the bus into the city center, then the train from Dublin Heuston to Tralee, usually with a connection in Mallow (around 4 hrs). Prefer to fly the last leg? Aer Lingus flies from Dublin to Kerry Airport (KIR), just a short taxi ride from Tralee.

Cork Airport (ORK) is another option if you’re connecting through a European hub like London. From the airport, take the bus to Cork Kent station (around 20 mins), then the train to Tralee (around 2 hrs).

Planning Your Trip

Need help planning your trip by bus or train? The Transport for Ireland Journey Planner is the best place to check routes and schedules.

Getting from the End

Your route home depends on which tour you choose.

Dingle Way (10 days) and Dingle Way (6 days), finishing in Tralee

Your tour finishes back in Tralee, so just follow the directions above in reverse.

Dingle Way (8 days), finishing in Cloghane

Your tour finishes in Cloghane, a small village on the northern coast of the Dingle Peninsula. A local bus runs from Cloghane back to Tralee, usually timed around check-out (10am to 11am). Check the Local Link Kerry website for schedules. You can also take the local bus to Dingle town, changing at Camp.

Flying home from Shannon or Dublin? Both airports have US preclearance, so you’ll clear US immigration and customs before you board and arrive in the US as a domestic passenger.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

You must have valid travel insurance to book with Macs Adventure. Your policy must cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and cancellation of your holiday.