The Dingle Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights
- Wandering through the array of archaeological monuments which dot the route
- Sampling traditional Irish music and a pint of Guinness in Dingle
- Dipping your toes in the refreshing waters at Ventry Harbour
- Walking along wild coastlines and sandy beaches, including Ireland’s longest at 11km
- Breathing in the scents of wildflowers, heather and the fresh ocean air
- Experiencing warm Irish hospitality at hand-picked B&B’s and guesthouses
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Tralee and overnightArrive in Tralee, the county town of Kerry and the official start of the Dingle Way. Why not visit the impressive Thomas Ashe Memorial Hall? Here you’ll find the Kerry County Museum and Information Centre. The building was named after Ireland’s first hunger striker who died in 1917 in the struggle for independence.
Settle into your welcoming bed and breakfast or guesthouse accommodation.
Benners Hotel has been welcoming visitors for over 200 years and is now run by the O’Sullivan Family. All rooms are equipped with en-Suite facilities, multi-channel Television, Telephone, complimentary Wi-Fi, Tea & Coffee making facilities, Iron and Ironing board and hairdryer. Fine Their on site bar offers dining and great range of Quality Whiskies, Wines & Beers.
Derreen Tighue House is located in Tralee, within 1.8 km of Kerry County Museum and 8 km of Ardfert Cathedral. At the guest house, rooms include a desk and a flat-screen TV. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and a hair dryer, rooms at Derreen Tighue House also boast free WiFi. At the accommodation rooms are equipped with a seating area. Guests at Derreen Tighue House can enjoy a continental or a Full English/Irish breakfast.
Lace-up your boots then follow road and canalside paths, passing by Blennerville windmill; the largest working one of its kind in the British Isles! Then climb up to open moorland and soon cross the flanks of the Slieve Mish range. Here stepping stones have been laid across the typical Irish bog. Admire views across Tralee and towards Mount Brandon in the west as you cross the Finglas River and eventually descend to Camp.
Please note that due to a lack of accommodation available in Camp, you may be accommodated in Tralee town for an extra night. In this case, taxi transfers will be provided at an additional cost to take you from the trail to your overnight accommodation in Camp and back the next day.
The Camp Junction House is a B&B, with two additional apartments. It has panoramic views of Tralee Bay and Slieve Mish Mountains. All bedrooms are ensuite with free wifi access.
On this stage, you’ll be walking across moorland and farmland. Caherconree Mountain (835m) with its megalithic fort offers impressive vistas, as you gradually climb out of the valley, crossing a saddle between Corrin and Knockbrack peaks.
As you descend you may like to take a break at the stunning nature reserve of Inch Beach. With its crashing waves and pristine beach, Inch Beach is featured in the 1960s film Ryan’s Daughter. Make your way along small roads to your overnight stop of Annascaul, the birthplace of Antarctic Explorer Tom Crean. Why not reward yourself with a pint in Crean’s pub, the South Pole Inn?
The owners offer a warm welcome to the Old Anchor Inn, in the heart of Annascaul Village. The bright, airy rooms are all ensuite, with tea and coffee making facilities. The dining room has views onto the village street and mountains in the distance. The inn serves hearty fare such as their Irish stew, seafood pie, or tasty homemade pizza!
Annascaul House is a family run B&B situated in the heart of Annascaul village. Rooms are equipped with tea & coffee making facilities, as well as TV, hairdryer, and fluffy white towels. Hosts Noel & Moira are a great source of local walking route knowledge and advice. The accommodation has of 4 ensuite bedrooms, a dining room, and lounge. Feel free to relax in front of the log fire in the lounge or, if it’s a sunny day, enjoy the private garden.
Teac Seain is a family run Bar and B&B situated in Annascaul village, a peaceful tranquil area with beautiful walks and scenery to admire. Teac Seain's bar has a cosy atmosphere where you are met with a warm welcome.
From Annascaul you head west, along meandering country roads with views of the Iveragh Peninsula. See the 16th century Minard Castle, located in a small sandy cove, the castle was partly destroyed by Cromwell’s men in 1650. Scenic and quiet roads lead inland through farmland to charming Lispole, a good stop for lunch. Set off again to the Connor Pass road and enjoy superb wide vistas as you walk down into Dingle itself.
The town is renowned for its music, seafood and culture. And with some 53 licensed premises, you won't be stuck for somewhere to have a relaxing drink!
O’Neill’s is a family-run bed and breakfast, centrally located in Dingle town and yet secluded from the busier tourist areas. The rooms are all ensuite and have tea/coffee making facilities, as well as free wifi. Enjoy a wonderful breakfast, including options such as oatmeal with Bailey’s Irish cream, or Dingle Bay smoked mackerel.
All rooms including family rooms are ensuite, spacious, and have a TV and hairdryer. The B&B is located in a quiet cul-de-sac just 2 minutes’ walk to the town centre where you will find a good selection of restaurants and pubs!
Emlagh Lodge is located on the Dingle shore and commands breathtaking views of the bay and harbour, with the town centre just a 5-minute stroll along the shoreline and harbour-side, after which you will find Dingle’s restaurants and shops.
From Dingle, you head further west bringing you through low-lying farmland to the glorious golden sands of Ventry Harbour. After dipping your wearied feet in the turquoise sea head onto the medieval roads of Slea Head. With views over the Atlantic, you may spot the mystical Blasket Islands offshore. Whilst on the mainland you will see remnants of 2,500-year-old historic forts and stone beehive huts.
Climb up to the shoulder of Mount Eagle. Picture-postcard Dunquin with its pier comes into sight where you will find the nearby Heritage Centre, telling the story of the Blasket Islands. You may wish to consider adding an extra night in Dunquin so you can take the ferry (weather permitting) to visit Great Blasket for yourself.
Please note that due to a lack of accommodation available in Dunquin, you may be accommodated in Dingle town for an extra night. In this case taxi transfers will be provided to take you from the trail to your overnight accommodation in Dingle town and back the next day.
Ideally located in Dunquin. The An Portan Guest House offers ensuite rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, and free wifi. There is an a la carte restaurant and snack bar.
A traditionally renovated Irish farmhouse situated in the tranquil village of Dunquin close to pubs and a restaurant with spectacular sea views overlooking the Blasket Islands. They also offer a wash and dry service for €10 if required.
Set amongst incredible views, historic landmarks and great pubs and restaurants, Dunquin House B&B is the perfect retreat after a day of exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Sink into the intense comfort of this boutique B&B as you stare from your window over the dramatic Atlantic and spectacular Blasket Islands. A warm Irish welcome and incredible hospitality are guaranteed, as well as a delightful choice of locally-sourced breakfast options. Dunquin House B&B is the ultimate Irish getaway, just waiting to be discovered.
A great, bracing day’s walking along the coastal paths, with outstanding views of the wild Atlantic Ocean and secluded beaches. Perhaps stop at the workshop of renowned Irish potter Louis Mulcahy at Clothar, where you can enjoy coffee and cake in the café or even try your hand at the craft yourself (open July/August).
You will pass by Ferriters Cove and the iconic Three Sisters, before the trail swings east to take you along the sandy beaches of Smerwick Harbour.
Please note that depending on the accommodation that we have secured for your holiday, you will be walking from Dunquin to Ballydavid or to Feohanagh on this day. The distance to Ballydavid is 15km (9mi) and the distance to Feohanagh is 19.5km (12mi). Due to accommodation limitations along this route we are using both locations, keep this in mind as it may slightly increase or decrease the total mileage of this day and the next.
The Begley family at An Riasc are an Irish speaking household and will happily help you learn a cúpla focal (a few words) if you wish! On arrival, you can look forward to delicious cakes and beverages in their dining room or outdoors overlooking the sea. At breakfast, you can expect delicious freshly squeezed orange juice, and homemade granola, along with an array of locally sourced options. An Riasc recently won the Farmhouse B&B of the year award granted by the EU Business News.
Perfectly located on the water's edge, overlooking Smerwick Harbour. Located within walking distance of beaches, pubs, restaurants and historical sites. You will be welcomed with tea, coffee and home baking. Packed lunches are also available if required.
Coill an Róis, purpose built guest accommodation located at the foot of Mount Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula, opened its doors to guests almost 20 years ago. Since then, the owner has welcomed guests in the warm traditional manner associated with Irish people. All rooms are ensuite, with power showers, toiletries and hair dryer.
This is one of the most remote and dramatic sections of the whole walk, and the most challenging as you reach the highest point. The trail offers a combination of history and breathtaking views.
You will cross the shoulder of Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest mountains and pass by groups of standing stones. You cross blanket bogs where the turf is still harvested in the traditional way before ending up in the quiet village of Cloghane. The total distance is based on reaching Cloghane after crossing Mount Brandon, if you avoid this part of the route by directly walking to Cloghane, the distance is reduced by 4km (2.5 mi).
Please note that depending on the accommodation that we have secured for your holiday, you will be walking from either Ballydavid or Feohanagh to Cloghane on this day. The distance from Ballydavid is 30km (18.5mi) and the distance from Feohanagh is 26km (16mi).
Mount Brandon Lodge is a family-run bed and breakfast on the very edge of Cloghane. All the amenities that the village has to offer are just a stroll up the street. The house faces out onto Brandon Bay and has Mount Brandon as a backdrop.
Expect a warm welcome and good ‘craic’ when you check in O’Connors Guest House. All rooms are ensuite with hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and scenic views of the mountains and Brandon Bay Estuary. You will also have access to a private lounge, free wifi and direct dial telephone. The guest house is also a traditional Irish pub serving good drink, food, and craic. It is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and traditional music.
After breakfast you will transfer to Tralee where your walking holiday will come to an end. See the Travel Info section for some useful details for your onward travel.
This trip has a carbon score of 14kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 14kg is equivalent to 7 bottles of champagne. That’s a lot of bubbles!. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?The Dingle Way is a bracing cliff-top walk in one of the most stunning, historic and remote parts of Europe. With its well way-marked path, unforgettable scenery and welcoming people, the Dingle Peninsula is a great place to forget about the worries of modern life.
Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
Our Dingle Way itineraries are graded moderate and are suitable for regular walkers. The route does not go any higher than 650m (the ascent over a spur of Mount Brandon) and elsewhere the route never rises above 350m making it a low-level, but undulating route. Most days offer between 6 to 8 hours of walking on good terrain which includes historic paths such as boreens (narrow country roads), farm tracks, cliff-top paths, wide sandy beaches and some minor roads. Beaches make up about 17% of the route and it should be noted that overall about 48% follow tarmac roads (bitumen). Although the amount of road walking is more than walkers might expect, the roads are scenic, varied, and mostly along quiet lanes. This reflects the fact that rights of way are almost non-existent in Ireland, and this is something that the Dingle Way has in common with other Irish trails. From time to time there may be some busier stretches where you will need to be cautious of traffic.
This route is suitable for most regular walkers of average fitness. You should train by walking some daily walks of similar daily distances to your planned itinerary.
The accommodations along the Dingle Way are small and varied, you will stay in family-run B&Bs, guest houses, and hotels. A warm welcome is guaranteed as well as traditional Irish hospitality.
We will always try to accommodate you at the locations that are detailed in the itinerary, but this may sometimes be difficult due to limited availability in remote areas. Sometimes we might have to accommodate you elsewhere and if this is the case, you will always receive directions to and from the trail or in some cases, return transfers from the path. Please be aware that this may result in slightly longer or shorter walking days. Booking as far in advance as possible is recommended to secure the preferred overnight locations.
We will be happy to accommodate your party with single rooms if requested and this trip is also available to solo walkers.
There is a lack of accommodation in Dunquin which can make it more difficult for us to secure an overnight stay in this area. This means that you are likely to be accommodated in Dingle town instead and return taxi transfers to and from the path will be provided. The same applies to Camp, where the choice of accommodation is small and tends to run out of availability early in the season. This means that you will be accommodated in Tralee instead and transfers will be provided at an additional supplement.
Meals
A hearty breakfast is included each morning. Lunch and dinner are not included so you are free to choose from the available options. Most of your accommodations will more than happy to provide a packed lunch on request and this can be booked on arrival. Alternatively, you can buy lunch at local shops or stop in a café. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs or restaurants.
The Dingle Way is waymarked throughout and easy to follow. Our recommended route and the general best practice is walking the Dingle Way circuit in the traditional clockwise direction.
Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account.
Please note that depending on the time of year and recent weather, the trail may be boggy in places that could reduce your average walking speed.
- Overnight accommodation in hand picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels in en suite rooms wherever possible.
- Door-to-door baggage transfers
- A detailed information pack and guidebook
- Transfer as per the itinerary
- Access to the maps via the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- 24-7 Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of any issues
- Travel to starting point/from finish point
- Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
- Travel Insurance
- Personal Equipment
- Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.
- Additional Transfers
- Extra nights before, after or during your walk
The Dingle Way is available from April to October and you can start your trip on any date of the week within the season. As the Irish weather is so famously changeable, it is hard for us to indicate the very best time to go. However, we believe that anytime between April and October should offer a wonderful experience. The Irish weather is changeable but not often extreme, although it is important to be prepared for any conditions!
This is one of the most popular classic trails on the Emerald Isle and for that reason, we suggest booking as early as possible to secure our preferred accommodations and avoid disappointment.
Most visitors to Ireland will arrive in Dublin by air or by ferry. Regardless of your place of arrival, Tralee is well connected and easily accessible by bus or train from all major cities.
There are excellent train services from here that run to Tralee with Irish Rail. There are about 6 services daily between Dublin Heuston and Tralee train stations. Most services require a change at Mallow, with an average journey duration of around 4 hours. For train timetables and tickets, see the website of Irish Rail.
You can also fly to Kerry Airport and take a bus (30 mins-1h30) to Tralee. For bus timetables and tickets, see the website of Bus Eireann. If there are no direct flights from your nearest airport, it may be good to know that there are flights between Dublin and Kerry with Aer Lingus.
If your itinerary has a different starting point to Tralee, you will still need to travel here first and then get on a bus to Annascaul or Dingle from there. From Camp to Tralee and vice-versa takes approx. 25 mins. From Tralee to Annascaul takes approx. 55 mins. For bus timetables and tickets, see the website of Bus Eireann.
This tour also finishes in Tralee, so you can simply follow the directions in reverse.
Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg per person.
At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes a transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.
The distances and ascent / descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat and sunscreen. Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
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 15kg per person.
Our itineraries are graded moderate and are suitable for regular walkers. Most days offer between 6—8 hours of walking on good terrain which may include forest tracks, board walks and minor roads. The Dingle Way does not go any higher than 650m (the ascent over a spur of Mount Brandon), and elsewhere the route never rises above 350m, so it is comparatively low-level, however is undulating.
The Way uses a variety of routes throughout its length. Several beaches provide great walking (about 17% of the Way), however overall about 48% of it follows tarmac (bitumen) roads, although you will have covered nearly half of this upon reaching Dingle. This reflects the fact that rights of way are almost non-existent in Ireland, and this in common with other Irish trails. The road walking is scenic and mostly along quiet lanes, however there are from time to time some busier stretches where you will need to be cautious with traffic.
Your information pack has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes and a day pack.
Traditionally April/May has always been the most popular time of year because the theory goes that the weather is better. Although I believe any time between April and October offers a wonderful experience.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate walkers with dogs as many of the accommodation providers we use do not accept pets.
You can use public transport or local taxis to continue to your next overnight stop.
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