Dingle Way: The Dingle Peninsula Hiking Tours in Ireland

Hike the Dingle Way

Hike the Dingle Way, Ireland’s most scenic trail, once described by National Geographic as “the most beautiful place on earth.” This diverse landscape found while hiking the Dingle Peninsula offers impressive vistas at every turn, from the crashing waves and golden sandy beaches to the rolling green hills of Conor Pass. Gain a unique insight into this Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) region that is rich in history and culture.

Reach the top of Mount Brandon, the highest point on the Dingle Peninsula, and discover panoramic views to the rocky coastline. Listen to local musicians in one of the cosy pubs of Dingle town while sampling a refreshing pint of Guinness. Take in some of the finest coastal walking between Ventry and Slea Head, a true highlight of this trip. This is a landscape that has inspired major film directors to visit and capture it. The route is dotted with ruined castles, ancient standing stones and ‘Clocháns’ (Beehive Huts) that date back to 6000BC. Experience the most spectacular scenery of the southwest of the Emerald Isle, the Dingle Way truly invigorates the senses...

We offer a choice of itineraries completing the full walk in 10 or 8 days or choose to soak up the most scenic sections, savour a golden whiskey at Dingle Distillery, and stay in welcoming hotels on the Best of the Dingle Way walking tour. Or, if you're short on time, spend five days exploring the best walks, sampling whiskey, and relaxing in cosy hotels on the Dingle Way Getaway in Comfort.

Discover The Dingle Way

Gaeltacht and the local lingo

The Dingle Peninsula is one of the main "Gaeltacht" areas of the Emerald Isle, where the Irish language (Gaelic) is widely spoken at home, in schools and even the workplace. Due to its remote location, it was removed from the influences of the modern world for a long time and the local language and traditions have largely remained intact. Staying in "Gaeltacht" villages means you get to really immerse yourself in the Irish cultural heritage.

You can be sure to come across the Gaelic symbols during your Dingle Way adventure - road signs, names, descriptions and even menu items! Learning a few phrases will help you to get a deeper understanding of the people of this beautiful part of the world.

Here are a few sentences to practice:

Good morning - "Maidin Mhaith" (pronounced: mod-jin wot)

Cheers - "Slainte" (pronounced: slawn-cheh)

I speak only a little Irish - "Níl agam ach beagáinín Gaeilge" (pronounced: kneel ah-gum ock byug-aneen gayle-geh)

Thank you - "Tapadh leat" (pronounced: tapah lat)

The weather is beautiful today - "Ta an aimsir go halainn inniu" (pronounced: taw an eyeim-shur guh haul-inn inn-you)
Dingle Peninsula & Hollywood Actors

With a landscape as rugged and wild as the Dingle Peninsula, it comes as no surprise that it has attracted famous film producers, some of these include Star Wars, Ryan’s Daughter, Far & Away, and Playboy of the Western World.

Some, but not all, of the prime filming locations were…

Beaches – Inch Beach is one of the most popular beaches, with a long golden stretch of sand and windswept dunes stretching out into Dingle Bay. Another great spot is the beautifully shaped Ventry Beach, near the Gaeltacht village of Ventry. And finally, Coumeenole Beach, offering dramatic scenery used as a filming location of Ryan’s Daughter.

Slea Head – From the tip of Slea Head you can enjoy far-reaching views to the Blasket Islands and Dunmore Head on the mainland – a Star Wars film location. The coastline made the ideal hiding place for Luke Skywalker’s X-wing.

Castles & Ruins – The ruins of Minard Castle are positioned on a hill, overlooking a small bay with views across the Irish Sea. It was once the stronghold for the Knights of Kerry before it was attacked by the English army in 1650. The ruin is seen in Ryan's Daughter, where the Major and Rose meet.

‘Clocháns’ – These drystone Beehive Huts have been built by the monks on Skellig Michael over many centuries using the ancient method of Corbelling. This style of building dates back to the Neolithic Period. In the Star Wars film 'The Last Jedi' the 'clocháns' were the ancient Jedi shelters where Luke Skywalker resided.
Sustainable Travel along the Dingle Way

When thinking about the Dingle Way, a spectacular coast, rugged mountains, and ancient ruins come to mind. But that's not all the peninsula has to offer! The area has a rich cultural heritage; an ancient language, welcoming residents, longstanding traditions, and outstanding food. The Dingle Peninsula is more than an attraction, it is more than a visit, it is a destination. Residents and members of Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance have recognised their responsibility to keep the area protected, to allow future generations to enjoy it as much as we do today.

Here are some simple ways to contribute during your visit!

Say “NO” to plastic – a great way of doing this is limiting the use of straws, plastic drinking bottles, plastic coffee cups and plastic bags.

Leave no trace – carry your personal waste such as wrappers from snacks and other items and avoid littering along the route.

Stay local, shop local – Support the local communities by eating and shopping locally!

Let nature's sounds prevail – enjoy your experience, keep your noise to a minimum and respect farm animals and wildlife around you (with the added bonus of a higher chance of finding them!)

Leave what you find – Don’t take home rocks, plants or flowers as souvenirs as some of these can be valuable for the natural habitats.

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