Horseback riding in North County Kerry, Ireland

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Hiking - Dingle Way


Itinerary for Hiking - Dingle Way



Sample Itinerary: 10-day tour - subject to changes

Note: It is also possible to sign up for a shorter tour (8 days or 5 days).

Day 1: Travel to Camp
Make your own way to Camp, overlooking Tralee Bay to the north with the majestic Gearhane and Caherconree peaks to the east. It has been an historic crossing point of the Slieve Mish Mountains since the first settlers were here in 1700BC . Camp is a small settlement, with plenty of local colour and a short circular walk to limber up for the kilometers ahead!
Overnight in Camp Village
Meals Included: none

Day 2: Camp to Anascaul via Inch Strand
Hike to the south on turf cutting roads, through the glorious bogland of Slieve Mish- the wilderness of the blanket bog is punctuated with conifer forest and the stacks of drying turf. Skirt Ardroe Hill, overlooking the magnificent 8-km of sand dunes and beach at Inch, with views south to the Ring of Kerry and Ireland’s highest mountain range, before following the “Maum” (pass) down to Annascaul village.
An optional extra hike over Brackaloon Hill adds 5 km (2 hours).
Walking Distance 18.5 km (about 6 hours) / Ascent 460 m 
Overnight in Annascaul
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Anascaul to Dingle
Follow Acres Hill to the staunch remains of 12th century Minard Castle, mostly destroyed by Cromwell’s army in 1650. Turn inland again on minor roads to the railway village of Lispole. All the way you are within scent of the seas of Dingle Bay and encircled by the Kerry Mountains. From Lispole, the Way follows mostly sheep farming country before climbing An Cnoc Maol Mor and descending the old green droving road into Dingle town.
Walking Distance 23 km (about 6.5 hours) / Ascent 560 m 
Overnight in Dingle
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 4: Dingle to Dunquin
Minor roads take you from Dingle to Ventry; beyond is some of the most spectacular scenery you could hope to find. Cross the magnificent Ventry harbour, weave through fuchsia hedges and climb an old track on the foothill of Mount Eagle past the early Christian beehive huts at Fahan. Behind are views south to the Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island. Ahead the route opens up to Slea Head and the Blasket Islands. This is the most westerly point in Europe, beyond is North America!
Optional route over Mount Eagle adds 5 km and 2 hours (we include notes for this climb, only advisable in good weather conditions)
Walking Distance 25 km (about 7 hours) / Ascent 650 m 
Overnight in Dunquin
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 5: Dunquin to Ballydavid
We recommend a visit to the Blasket Island Interpretative Centre before departing Dunquin. This facility illustrates the harshness of life on the Blasket Islands until the last inhabitants resettled to the mainland in 1953.
The route follows the Norse named Smerwick Harbour and a detour takes you to Dun an Oir, the Fort of Gold, where Italian and Spaniard soldiers were besieged by troops of Elizabeth I in 1580.
Your destination for the day is Ballydavid, a thriving fishing harbour and a Gaelic speaking community.
Optional route over Cruach Mharthain adds 1 hour.
Walking Distance 16 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 240 m 
Overnight in Boherboy or Feonanagh (+3-5km from Ballydavid village)
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 6: Ballydavid to Cloghane
You are in the cradle of early Christian civilization here, with as many as sixty notable sites of cultural and religious development from the 5th to 9th centuries. Today’s hike takes you upto the saddle of Mas an Tiompain (the Pass of the Drum) below Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest mountain at 950m. The scenery is superb – Tralee Bay, the Magharees against the hues of the Slieve Mish mountains. The descent to Cloghane is nothing short of thrilling on a clear day, and well-earned respite is available in the village!
Walking Distance 22 km (about 7.5 hours) / Ascent 750 m 
Overnight in Cloghane
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 7: Free Day in Cloghane
You can choose to climb Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest mountain (ascents 950 m / 8 hours return), only recommended in good weather and to experienced hikers.
Alternatively, walk to the Valley of Loch a Dúin, inhabited from the early Bronze Age. What is important in the valley is an unbroken line of habitation for 4000 years. There are approximately eighty stone structures, wedge tombs, standing stones, cooking sites or fulacht fia and rock art.
Walking Distance 10 km (about 4 hours) / Ascent 100 m 
Overnight in Cloghane
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 8: Cloghane to Castlegregory
Back at sea level, today’s walk follows the coast around the Castlegregory promontory via the surfing beaches of Brandon and Scraggane Bay to the limestone Isles of Magharee. The fishing harbour of Kilshannig is one of the last places where the traditional namhog is made – a fishing boat with a tarred canvas skin on a light wooden frame. Crabs caught freshly here are transported to the tables of France and Spain. A cross slab bearing the Greek Chi-Rho symbol of Christ is in the 15th century Kilshannig Church.
Walking Distance 13 or 28 km (about 4 or 7 hours) / Ascent 30 m 
Overnight in Castlegregory
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 9: Castlegregory to Camp
A nice coastal route along Tralee Bay.
The optional route (8 km / Ascents 20m. Approximate walking time 2 hours) visits the deserted village of Killelton, its inhabitants evicted by their landlord in the 19th century. There are also the remains of a 12th century oratory. It is a wonderful place with immense views of Tralee Bay.
Walking Distance 12 km (about 3 hours) / Ascent 80 m 
Overnight in Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 10: Departure
Make your own transfer arrangements from Camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast

--------------------------------------

Sample Itinerary
: 8-day tour
 - subject to changes

Day 1: Travel to Camp
Make your own way to Camp, overlooking Tralee Bay to the north with the majestic Gearhane and Caherconree peaks to the east. It has been an historic crossing point of the Slieve Mish Mountains since the first settlers were here in 1700BC . Camp is a small settlement, with plenty of local colour and a short circular walk to limber up for the kilometers ahead!
Overnight in Camp Village
Meals Included: none

Day 2: Camp to Anascaul via Inch Strand
Hike to the south on turf cutting roads, through the glorious bogland of Slieve Mish- the wilderness of the blanket bog is punctuated with conifer forest and the stacks of drying turf. Skirt Ardroe Hill, overlooking the magnificent 8-km of sand dunes and beach at Inch, with views south to the Ring of Kerry and Ireland’s highest mountain range, before following the “Maum” (pass) down to Annascaul village.
An optional extra hike over Brackaloon Hill adds 5 km (2 hours).
Walking Distance 18.5 km (about 6 hours) / Ascent 460 m 
Overnight in Annascaul
Meals Included: Breakfast

Day 3: Anascaul to Dingle
Follow Acres Hill to the staunch remains of 12th century Minard Castle, mostly destroyed by Cromwell’s army in 1650. Turn inland again on minor roads to the railway village of Lispole. All the way you are within scent of the seas of Dingle Bay and encircled by the Kerry Mountains. From Lispole, the Way follows mostly sheep farming country before climbing An Cnoc Maol Mor and descending the old green droving road into Dingle town.
Walking Distance 23 km (about 6.5 hours) / Ascent 560 m 
Overnight in Dingle
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 4: Dingle to Dunquin
Minor roads take you from Dingle to Ventry; beyond is some of the most spectacular scenery you could hope to find. Cross the magnificent Ventry harbour, weave through fuchsia hedges and climb an old track on the foothill of Mount Eagle past the early Christian beehive huts at Fahan. Behind are views south to the Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island. Ahead the route opens up to Slea Head and the Blasket Islands. This is the most westerly point in Europe, beyond is North America!
Optional route over Mount Eagle adds 5 km and 2 hours (we include notes for this climb, only advisable in good weather conditions)
Walking Distance 25 km (about 7 hours) / Ascent 650 m 
Overnight in Dunquin
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 5: Dunquin to Ballydavid
We recommend a visit to the Blasket Island Interpretative Centre before departing Dunquin. This facility illustrates the harshness of life on the Blasket Islands until the last inhabitants resettled to the mainland in 1953.
The route follows the Norse named Smerwick Harbour and a detour takes you to Dun an Oir, the Fort of Gold, where Italian and Spaniard soldiers were besieged by troops of Elizabeth I in 1580.
Your destination for the day is Ballydavid, a thriving fishing harbour and a Gaelic speaking community.
Optional route over Cruach Mharthain adds 1 hour.
Walking Distance 16 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 240 m 
Overnight in Boherboy or Feonanagh (+3-5km from Ballydavid village)
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 6: Ballydavid to Cloghane
You are in the cradle of early Christian civilization here, with as many as sixty notable sites of cultural and religious development from the 5th to 9th centuries. Today’s hike takes you upto the saddle of Mas an Tiompain (the Pass of the Drum) below Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest mountain at 950m. The scenery is superb – Tralee Bay, the Magharees against the hues of the Slieve Mish mountains. The descent to Cloghane is nothing short of thrilling on a clear day, and well-earned respite is available in the village!
Walking Distance 22 km (about 7.5 hours) / Ascent 750 m 
Overnight in Cloghane
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 7: Cloghane to Camp
Back at sea level, today’s walk follows the coast, all the way around the Castlegregory promontory if you desire, or across the neck of the spit via Lough Gill, home to Bewick swans and Natterjack toads. From Castlegregory village, mudflats and turf cuttings, quiet coastal paths give way to farmland and a climb back to Camp.
Walking Distance 22 or 32 km (about 6 or 8 hours) / Ascent 30 m 
Overnight in Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 8: Departure
Make your own transfer arrangements from Camp.
Meals Included: Breakfast

--------------------------------------

Sample Itinerary
: 5-day tour
 - subject to changes

Day 1: Travel to Dingle
Make your own way to Dingle.
Limber up with a local circuit walk on Ballysitteragh Hill. This is a strenuous but very rewarding walk, with fabulous views of Dingle town and harbour; on a good day you can see most of the peninsula. It is not compulsory to complete the full round trip, you can walk as far as you feel comfortable with and return the same way.
Alternatively, you can go for a walk around Dingle harbour, by the shoreline (6km. No ascents. Approximate walking time 2 hours).
Walking Distance 19 km (about 6.5 hours) / Ascent 630 m 
Overnight in Dingle
Meals Included: none

Day 2: Dingle to Dunquin
Minor roads take you from Dingle to Ventry; beyond is some of the most spectacular scenery you could hope to find. Cross the magnificent Ventry harbour, weave through fuchsia hedges and climb an old track on the foothill of Mount Eagle past the early Christian beehive huts at Fahan. Behind are views south to the Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island. Ahead the route opens up to Slea Head and the Blasket Islands. This is the most westerly point in Europe, beyond is North America!
Optional route over Mount Eagle adds 5 km and 2 hours (we include notes for this climb, only advisable in good weather conditions)
Walking Distance 25 km (about 7 hours) / Ascent 650 m 
Overnight in Dunquin
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 3: Dunquin to Ballydavid
We recommend a visit to the Blasket Island Interpretative Centre before departing Dunquin. This facility illustrates the harshness of life on the Blasket Islands until the last inhabitants resettled to the mainland in 1953.
The route follows the Norse named Smerwick Harbour and a detour takes you to Dun an Oir, the Fort of Gold, where Italian and Spaniard soldiers were besieged by troops of Elizabeth I in 1580.
Your destination for the day is Ballydavid, a thriving fishing harbour and a Gaelic speaking community.
Optional route over Cruach Mharthain adds 1 hour.
Walking Distance 16 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 240 m 
Overnight in Boherboy or Feonanagh (+3-5km from Ballydavid village)
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 4: Ballydavid
You are in the cradle of early Christian civilization here, with as many as sixty notable sites of cultural and religious development from the 5th to 9th centuries. An optional hike takes you up; up to the saddle of Mas an Tiompain (the Pass of the Drum) below Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest mountain at 950m. The scenery is superb – Tralee Bay, the Magharees against the hues of the Slieve Mish mountains. There are several local hikes including Ballydavid Head taking in the spectacular 9th century stone fort of  Cathair Fionnurach.
Walking Distance 14 km (about 5 hours) / Ascent 750 m 
Overnight in Ballydavid
Meals Included: Breakfast


Day 5: Departure
This morning, transfer from your accommodation back to Dingle town (10 minutes). Then, make your own transfer arrangements from Dingle.
Meals Included: Breakfast

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Hiking - Dingle Way
Tour Code: ZZ-OUT-38
10 days / 9 nights
Dates : April to October

Trip Rating :
Level : Fitness Level
Difficulty Levels Explained
1. Easy
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.
2. Easy to Moderate
An average level of fitness or some experience with the featured activity is recommended.
3. Moderate
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.
4. Demanding
You must be extremely physically fit and are expected to hike or ride four to six hours over steep or more rugged terrain.
5. Strenuous
Prolonged hiking/biking on moderate to difficult terrain (five to nine hours a day).
May include high altitude, rugged terrain etc..

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Season Seasons  MinReserve
A 2024 04/03 - 10/15 10d / 9n 10 day Self Guided trip 2 Reserve
B 2024 04/03 - 10/15 8d / 7n 8 day Self Guided trip 2 Reserve
C 2024 04/03 - 10/15 5d / 4n 5 day Self Guided trip 2 Reserve
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Airport: Kerry airport
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