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Dingle Way - Escorted Walking Tour
Western Ireland
Ireland
The Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular regions on Ireland’s West Coast. Moreover, it is steeped in history, mythology and traditional Irish culture. There is no other landscape in Western Europe with the same density and variety of archaeological monuments. This mountainous finger of land, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, has supported various tribes and populations for at least 6,000 years. Because of its remote location and lack of specialized agriculture, there is a remarkable preservation of over 2,000 monuments. It is impossible to visit the Dingle Peninsula and not be impressed by its archaeological heritage, which ranges from Prehistoric times through the Early Christian period to the Middle Ages.
Throughout the region there are magnificent views in all directions. Incredibly green pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, completely empty save for small herds of sheep or goats. At almost every turn there are spectacular views of mist-covered mountains and wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline where deep fissures have been carved, over the centuries, by the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The tip of the peninsula, west of Dingle town, is a stronghold of the Irish language and many traditions and customs have been preserved here along with the language. This is a delightful one-week walk and along the way you’ll enjoy plenty of good Irish cheer!
This walk begins and ends at Tralee, where you spend two nights, an excellent starting point for your exploration of the Dingle Peninsula. You walk west and then south to the pretty town of Dingle where you stay for three nights. From here you explore the spectacular promontory at Slea Head. Your tour includes a ‘free day’ to allow you to partake in other activities if you wish. Weather and time permitting, we may offer a trip to the Great Blasket Island, weather permitting. For the final stage of the tour you cut back to Cloghane on the northern side of the peninsula for your final two nights. From here you discover the dramatic glacial corries of Mount Brandon and its string of ‘paternoster lakes’. The daily stages take you cross-country, through landscapes that are hilly - and boggy at times. During the week we’ll experience wild mountain scenery along with picturesque coastal villages.
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Walking Tour
Meeting:
Tralee
Airport:
Shannon Airport
Transfer:
Shannon Airport
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Rates and Dates for 2013
Rates include:
7 nights bed in room with private shower/ bathroom. Full Irish breakfast each morning. Picnic lunch (on walking days only), 7 Evening Dinners, 6 days walking with expert Irish Guide who accompanies the group for the duration of the holiday. Luggage transfers. Transfers to nearest bus/train station at end of holiday. Souvenir book ‘ Ireland ---- a Travellers Guide’.
| A | 2013 | 8 day trip- high season | 8d / 7n | €1099 | $1430 |
| B | 2013 | 8 day trip- low season | 8d / 7n | €999 | $1300 |
Transfer and Other Options:
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2013
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Shannon Airport transfer on Day 1 at 12 noon (only) included. Return drop off in Killarney
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Check here for details and availability
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| B |
2013
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04/06
- 04/13
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip- low season
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4
/14
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Expired
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| A |
2013
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05/11
- 05/18
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip- high season
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4
/14
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Expired
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| A |
2013
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06/01
- 06/08
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip- high season
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4
/14
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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06/22
- 06/29
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip- high season
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4
/14
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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07/13
- 07/20
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip- high season
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4
/14
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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08/24
- 08/31
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip- high season
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4
/14
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Reserve
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| A |
2013
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09/14
- 09/21
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip- high season
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4
/14
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Reserve
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| B |
2013
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10/05
- 10/12
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip- low season
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4
/14
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Reserve
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Rates do not include:
Any boat trips (eg. Great Blasket Island), personal drinks, entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc. medical expenses or gratuities, luggage transfer supplement if you are only traveler on tour
Day 1 Courtesy Airport Collection from Shannon Airport at 12:00 noon, Cork Airport at 14.00 hrs. and Kerry Airport at 16:00 hrs. Arrive at first guesthouse near Tralee where we stay for the first two nights of our holiday. Evening meal together and a general chat about the coming week’s walks.
Day 2 Today we enjoy a wonderful walk along the Slieve Mish Mountains from Tralee overlooking Tralee Bay and North Kerry. We finish the walk in Camp and transfer back to Tralee. Evening meal in local restaurant.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 250m. Rocky and sometimes muddy mountain track. Boots essential.
Day 3 We cross the peninsula from north to south, following a spectacular old farmer’s track called 'the way of the cow' across the plateau and visiting a genuine old famine village on the way. We finish in the lovely little village of Annascaul and transfer from there to Dingle, where we stay for our next 3 nights. This evening we enjoy dinner together in one of the many excellent local restaurants in the town.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 400m. Grass tracks, open bogland. Can be wet underfoot - boots essential. Some road walking.
Day 4 This is your 'free
day' to allow you to partake in other activities if you wish - such as cycling, horse riding, canoeing or just laze about with a book! Weather and boats permitting, we may arrange a visit to the Great
Blasket Island, renowned for its great storytellers and the literature
they produced. Evening meal and overnight accommodation in Dingle.
Day 5 Enjoy a wonderful walk around the spectacular Slea Head - one of the richest areas of archaeology in this region, with its numerous beehive huts and promontory forts. There are breathtaking views from Mount Eagle on the way. Return to Dingle for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 500m. Beach walking, some road walking, grass and rocky tracks. Boots recommended.
Day 6 We follow the Dingle Way across the shoulder of Mount Brandon, with magnificent views of Brandon Bay. At the end of the walk we descend to the lovely, picturesque village of Cloghane where we spend our last two nights and enjoy our evening meal.
Walk Details - Distance: 18kms. Duration: 5hours. Max. Height: 650m. Grass and rocky tracks, open bogland and some road walking. Boots essential.
Day 7 Our last day’s walk is spectacular, taking us into the heart of the Brandon Range of mountains to the famous ‘paternoster lakes’ with views over Brandon Bay and Fermoyle Strand. Weather permitting, and with guide's advice, there may be an option for some of the group, should they wish, to continue to the top of this 'sacred' Brandon Mountain Peak. Return to Cloghane for farewell dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 12kms. Duration: 5 - 7 hours. Max. Height: 600 - 950m. Rough mountain tracks and rocky terrain. Boots essential.
Day 8 Departures. A courtesy transfer will be offered to the group from Cloghane to Tralee Bus/Rail Station arriving there at approx. 09.30 hrs. From Tralee there is an excellent bus and train service to all major towns, cities and villages in Ireland. Tralee to Cork Airport is 2 hrs. 50 min. Approx. by bus. Tralee to Shannon Airport is 3 hrs. 20 min. approx. by bus.
Your holiday includes the following...
7 nights bed in room with private shower/ bathroom. Full Irish breakfast each morning. Picnic lunch (on walking days only), 7 Evening Dinners, 6 days walking with expert Irish Guide who accompanies the group for the duration of the holiday. Transport to/from each days walking locations and luggage transfers when required. Courtesy transfer to the start of the holiday and first nights B+B. (As per our courtesy transfer timetable.). Transfers to nearest bus/train station at end of holiday (also within our timetable). Public Bus service may be used.
Not included...
Any boat trips (eg. ferry to Great Blasket Island), personal
drinks, entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc. medical
expenses or gratuities.
Recommended Reading: ‘The Dingle Peninsula’ by Steve McDonogh, published by Brandon Press.
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Meeting:
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Tralee
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Airport:
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Shannon Airport
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Transfer:
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Shannon Airport
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Level:
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 Easy to Moderate
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Moderate hikes with some steep inclines. We recommend a walking stick.
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Participants:
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Min
4
participants
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Max
14
participants
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Passports Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except: (a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holde. more
Ireland's
mild and humid climate is ideal for walking holidays. You will never feel too
hot! The summers are pleasantly warm. However , we do get rain here and you
will need to bring a good weatherproof coat and trousers, day rucksack and
most important of all, a pair of sturdy waterproof boots that are vital to the success
of your holiday. Temperatures reach a maximum of 25C/80F in summer with
variations down to 15C/60F on some days.
Temperate zone; mild all year round, due to the North Atlantic Drift.
Coldest months:
January and February with average temperatures of 4 to 7 degrees Celsius during the day.
Warmest months:
July and August with average temperatures of 14 to 16 degrees Celsius.
The sunniest months are May and June, with between five to seven hours
of sunshine per day.
Average annual rainfall:
750 mm (30 inches) in some Eastern areas
800-1200 mm (31 to 47 inches) in low lying areas
1500 mm (59) inches in parts of the west
2000 mm (79 inches) or more in mountainous areas.
Luggage Information
To make things as easy as possible for yourself we would appreciate if you would bring a maximum of 2 small bags instead of one large suitcase. Please remember that guesthouses do not have elevators, therefore, you must be able to carry your own suitcase up narrow and steep staircases. Smaller bags will also ensure that you have more room to walk around in your bedroom.
Medical Information
We recommend you take out your own Personal Accident & Liability Insurance before your holiday starts. In the event of an emergency, your guide will look after phone-calls and will organise to get you to a doctor or hospital, if necessary. If payment is required for medical attention and/or for prescriptions, your guide will ask you for the appropriate money. All EU countries have a reciprocal health care scheme where you can claim back at least some of your health care expenditure on return, providing you have the necessary forms. Pick up a leaflet from your local Health Care Centre before you depart.
Ticks & Lyme disease (Borreliosis)
When you're outside in the mild weather, protect yourself and your family from tick bites and reduce
your risk of Lyme disease (Borreliosis) by following these top tips, courtesy of BADA-UK patron and
Outdoor survival expert, Ray Mears.
1. Know where to expect ticks. Many areas in Ireland with good ground cover and diverse wildlife
(such as squirrels, hedgehogs, birds and deer) can pose a potential risk as wildlife feeds any ticks and
allows their population to increase. Animals also transport ticks to new areas.
2. Use a repellent, reading the instructions carefully. There is currently no vaccine to defend against
Lyme disease so prevention is key.
3. Carry a tick remover. By having a tick remover (and antiseptic wipes) with you, any attached ticks
can be removed sooner, lessening the chance of disease transmission.
4. Tuck your trouser legs into your socks. This helps to deter ticks from crawling inside your trouser
legs, down into shoes and through most socks. Wearing gaiters will also help to prevent this. Lightcoloured
clothing makes it easier to see ticks on it.
5. Take a walking stick with you. Where you can't keep to the centre of paths to avoid ticks on
overhanging vegetation, you can use a stick to tap the vegetation ahead of you, knocking off any
waiting ticks.
6. Check your body carefully for ticks after being outdoors, taking special care to check all over the
body.
7. Don’t bring ticks home. Check clothing and pets for ticks to avoid bringing them inside.
8. Carefully remove ticks. Use a specialist tick-removal tool or fine-tipped tweezers. See the tick
removal section for full instructions.
9. Protect your pets. Talk to your vet about tick treatments.
10. Be a 'Tick Buddy'. You can help your companions by checking for ticks in places they can't see,
such as the back of the head and behind their ears.
Be 'Tick Aware' and Stay Safe!
* What to Bring *
The following items are ESSENTIAL
• Walking boots (preferably leather) offering good ankle support and boots should be waterproof.
• Good quality waterproof jacket and trousers (preferably breathable)
• Daypack/rucksack
Walking Boots Note:
The importance of good boots cannot be stressed too much. All mountains and hills in Ireland are subject to frequent rainfall, and after rain they often become wet and muddy. Good strong ankle high boots are essential to avoid wet uncomfortable feet, and the ankle support also offers invaluable protection on uneven ground. Leather boots perform best in Ireland. We do not recommend you wear new boots on a walking holiday, as blisters are often a problem if boots are not worn-in. The most common injury on the Irish hills is to the ankle or lower leg, usually resulting from a simple slip or fall. This is less likely to happen if you wear comfortable walking boots with good ankle support and a rugged sole.
Waterproof Note:
It is a tremendous advantage to have “breathable” waterproofs. We recommend jackets with a good hood and good neck collar and a zip with cover over it to limit heat leakage. Pockets should be large enough to hold bits and pieces without straining or bulging. An inside pocket that is large enough to hold a map is also a great advantage. Waist high trousers should have a zip on the side of the leg to make it easier to get them on quickly over walking boots. Experience has taught us that rain capes are NOT a good idea for walking in Ireland.
Rucksack or Daypack:
Should be large enough to carry your daily requirements – but not so big you are tempted to carry too much! Padded shoulder straps are essential and a padded hip/waistband gives added comfort and support. Make sure that straps are all adjustable, so that the weight is evenly distributed and carried on the hips rather than the shoulders. A mesh panel on the back will avoid a “sticky” or sweaty back. Experience has shown us over the years that 2 or 3 separate pockets or compartments make it easier to divide your contents for quick and easy finding!
The following is our “Check List” for items we recommend you bring...
Walking Clothing: (Packed Yes/No)
Breathable underwear (if desired)
Breathable tops or t-shirts but not cotton (Base Layer)
Walking trousers or shorts / track suit bottoms (not denim jeans)
Specific walking socks or alternatively thick woollen socks
Thin socks if desired to wear under thick woollen socks
Fleece / pile jacket (or similar – Mid Layer)
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Walking boots
For your rucksack:
Gaiters (protective covering from below knee to boot)
Warm Hat and Sun Hat
Gloves
Small Towel
Water bottle for cold water / Thermos flask (for hot liquids)
Lunchbox or Tupperware for sandwich, knife & spoon
Swimsuit! (We do get good weather from time to time!)
Camera and film & Batteries for camera
Sunglasses
Sit Mat or plastic bag to sit on while eating
Personal First Aid Kit: (to carry in your rucksack)
Blister Treatment (Compeed, Second skin or Moleskin)
Vaseline
Ankle / Knee support bandages
Arnica for bruising or sprains
Disinfectant cream for minor cuts
Band Aids /Elastoplasts for minor cuts
Lip salve
Sun cream
After sun-cream (Aloe Vera)
Insect or Midge Repellent
After-bite ointment
Tick tweezers
Scissors
Personal Medication – to carry just in case we are delayed in returning
to our Accommodation any day.
Travel
Passport (Visa if necessary)
Airline Tickets
Holiday Voucher (if applicable)
Drivers Licence (if necessary)
Credit Card
Copy of your Insurance Cover
Money (some cash (Euro’s) for your first few days or Sterling if visiting N.Irl)
Suitcase Labels (on all bags)
Various – but not essential
Personal Toiletries, soap and face cloth
Pedometer
Compass
Mobile phone (though useful in an emergency, it should not be relied on as
a safety aid as network coverage is often poor in the hills and countryside)
Mobile phone charger (+ electrical adaptor)
Torch
Whistle
We trust you will find this information useful. If you still have questions – please contact us before your departure. If you feel we have omitted something that may be useful to other fellow travelers – we would be delighted to receive your suggestions. Many thanks.
Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
..view other reports for different trips
Accommodation
On your holiday, you will be staying in B&B guesthouses or occasionally small hotels. Some of these accommodations are family homes that have been converted into a guesthouse business, while some are purpose built hotels for tourism, while still others are couples who have adapted a new lifestyle once their children left home. Each has been carefully selected for a variety of reasons; sometimes for their location or the hosts themselves, or perhaps their amazing food. The group may not always stay in one house together. Depending on numbers, we may use two or possibly three houses close by to each other. All rooms are generally traditional en-suites, but from time to time you may have a private bathroom just outside your own bedroom.
Food
Food in Ireland has to be one of the best hidden secrets. It is good, wholesome and in plentiful supply – exactly what is needed after a good walk on the hills! A full and hearty Irish breakfast is served in the house in which you sleep at each location, and afterwards we prepare picnic lunches to eat during the walking day. In the evening we eat our well deserved dinner in either in the guesthouse or hotel where we are staying, or we will go out and visit a local pub or restaurant. Should you have any medical dietary requirements - please be sure to let us know in advance so that we can organize appropriate food for you.
Your Contact Information
In case of emergency, your family can contact the following numbers to leave a message which we will pass on to you as soon as possible.
Monday - Friday (office hours 09.00h - 17.30h): Tel: + 353-(0)66-7128733 Fax: + 353-(0)66-7128762.
Outside Office Hours: Please ask for John Ahern. + 353-(0)87-6538548 or +353-(0)87-2502434.
*All these numbers are equipped with an answering service.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Moderate hikes with some steep inclines. We recommend a walking stick.
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Level:
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(2
to
2
out of 5) Moderate
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Riders:
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Min
4
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Max
14
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Passports
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. persons born in the UK travelling direct from the UK (applicable to British passport holders only).
Note: Whilst UK citizens do not require a passport or visa to enter Ireland, most carriers by air or sea now require some form of identification with photograph, usually a passport or driving licence with photo. Visitors should check what form of ID is required with the individual airline, ferry company or travel agent before travelling.
(b) 2. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Passport Note
3. Imposition of a return ticket as a condition of entry is at the discretion of the Immigration Officer at point of entry.
Visas
Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for the following durations:
(a) nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period (nationals of EU countries wishing to stay for longer than three months must register with the Garda National Immigration Bureau).
(b) nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of up to 90 days.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements
| Passport Required? |
| British |
1 |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
2 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
No |
| Other EU |
No |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
No |
| Australian |
3 |
| Canadian |
3 |
| USA |
3 |
| Other EU |
No |
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Dingle Way - Escorted Walking Tour
Tour Code:
ZZ-IRE-HK-Esc1
8 days /
7 nights
~$1,430.00
Dates: April to Oct
Trip Rating :
Level :
Difficulty Levels Explained
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1. |
Easy
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Easy pace and an average-to-sedentary level of fitness. You should be in good health and fit enough for full day of normal sightseeing and walking.
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2. |
Easy to Moderate
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An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured
activity is recommended.
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3. |
Moderate
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Requires you to have performed the featured activity regularly, with
some periods on challenging terrain. Activities are mandatory and
you may be traveling at high elevations. You need to be in good health and physical condition to enjoy these trips, with adequate muscular strength and cardiovascular endurance.
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4. |
Demanding
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You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or
ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain. |
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5. |
Strenuous
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Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc.. |
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Airport:
Shannon Airport
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Climate
What To Bring
Download tour PDF 
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