The Dingle Peninsula is the Ireland that we dream about on St. Patrick's Day. Rugged coastlines and windswept hills give way to unspoiled villages and cozy B&Bs. Sheep graze contentedly while the sounds of Irish ditties spill from local pubs and into the surrounding countryside.
The Dingle Way explores this ancient corner of Ireland during a 12-day tour. The trip begins in the heart of County Kerry, Ireland, and follows a latticework of coastline trails, backcountry lanes, farmroads and hilltop tracks.
Accommodations range from grand, well-appointed establishments, with sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean, to cozy Bed and Breakfasts, tucked away in the remote Irish countryside.
Tour Highlights:
- Hike through a Gaeltacht, a federally protected region of Ireland that maintains the traditional Irish way of life, from Irish music sessions at the local pub, to predominately Gaelic-speaking communities.
- Explore a diversity of landscapes, from pastoral farms and quaint country villages, to mountains, cliffs and the crashing surf of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Sheep-lot's of them. It's no wonder that the Irish like their sweaters. The Dingle Peninsula boasts more than 500,000 woolly friends.
Itinerary
Day 1 Independent transfer to Tralee. Tralee is the capital of County Kerry. It is easy to access via train and/or bus from all major Irish airports and ports of entry. Overnight in a superb and welcoming four star hotel with a highly attentive staff and excellent facilities.
Day 2 An easy-to-follow sequence of back roads, alleys and canalways begins your hike before ascending into the Slieve Mish range of hills. Ford a handful of well-maintained stream crossings before reaching the hamlet of Camp Village. Overnight in a superior B&B.
Day 3 A brief backtrack regains the trail and off you go on a series of silent and charming farm roads. Head up into the hills and approach the Emlagh river before accessing Inch Beach. The beach boasts both a cafe and pub. Sentinels in the way of Standing Stones invite you into the hamlet of Annascaul and another excellent and welcoming inn.
Day 4 Descend from Annascaul to the sea shore and Minard Castle, built by the Knight of Kerry and destroyed by Oliver Cromwell. This ruin is the largest fortress on the peninsula. A long and gradual descent through farmland takes you to charming Dingle proper. For the next two nights you are in an excellent and well-located inn.
Day 5 Every little village or hamlet on the peninsula has its charm but Dingle is certainly the spot to while away a lazy rest day and to soak in the beauty of Southern Ireland. Bustling and colorful, this market and port town boasts no fewer than 52 pubs as well as an endless array of quaint tea houses.
Day 6 You have reached the southernmost point of the Dingle Way by now and it is time to turn your sights to the more northern coast. Enter upon Ventry harbor and enjoy a few kilometers of sand underfoot. Coastal islands come into view as you wander amidst the both ruined and intact Clochans (Bronze Age hive-like huts). Arrive at the village of Dunquin and a superior B&B.
Day 7 Today enjoy the variety of wandering in and out of smaller sea cliffs, beaches and coves. Brandon Mountain, the second highest in Ireland now beckons as you approach it to the North. Finish at the base of this imposing peak. The hamlet you are in is Feohanagh, which in the company of sister villages Ballydavid and Ballyferriter creates a welcoming oasis along this rugged coast. Enjoy dinner in a superior inn.
Day 8 This stage from Feohanagh to Cloghane is certainly the most challenging climb of the circuit with an ascent of over 2000 feet toward the summit of Brandon Mountain, one of five summits in this range. It is the second highest peak in Ireland and the route commands outstanding views. As always you have an excellent inn awaiting you tonight.
Day 9 This afternoon’s goal is Castlegregory which is a long ramble along beach and coast. There can be a bit of art involved in piecing together the sandy terrain of Fermoyle Strand, but, rather than tedious, it becomes a fun game. Up to 17 miles and 165 feet of elevation gain (can be a bit more up and down depending on the amount of dune scrambling you choose). A short transfer delivers you to Killarney and your superb five-star bed and breakfast.
Day 10 Relax, dine well and prepare for the drive to Dublin for departure the following day. We'll offer sightseeing and hiking options in Killarney.
Day 11 Depart. Transfer to Dublin or Shannon. We can advise you on Dublin hotels.* (Not included in tour cost). Please do not consider driving in the city as it is very complicated and right side of the vehicle equipment and left side of the road driving will be unpleasant even though you will be fairly expert by now.
Click here to request an expanded itinerary (including distance and elevation gains).
