9 Night Dingle Way Self-Guided Walking Tour
Please note that booking is not confirmed until all accommodation is reserved/booked which can take up to 72 hours. We will notify you once all accommodation is booked. Please also note that itinerary might vary from stated itinerary due to availability of accommodation. Many thanks for your patience.
The Dingle Way – Slí Chorca Dhuibhne in Irish – is a diverse and beautiful moderate walking trail, full of surprises for those who wander its paths. During a week’s rambles over The Dingle Way, you’ll encounter panoramic vistas of sea, mountain and islands, a profusion of unique birds, plants and unspoiled landscape, and an astonishing array of ancient sites spanning 6000 years.
The Magical Kingdom of Kerry and The Dingle Way (Slí Chorca Dhuibhne)
Along its 178km (110 mi.) length, The Dingle Way traverses pristine sandy beaches bordering on crystal seas, fuchsia and gorse lined green roads leading through pastoral countryside, heather and bracken covered hills, and mountain passes up to 700 meters (2000 ft.) high. Here, where ancient Bronze Age and Celtic peoples lived for thousands of years, you can enjoy gannets and shearwaters in endless flight above wave battered cliffs, or laugh at rare, red-footed and red-beaked chough dabbling amongst purple Devonian sandstone boulders along the shore. On another day you might delight in multiple rainbows over a verdant patchwork quilt of field and stone as you pause and refresh in the cool quiet glen of an ancient sacred well. The days will pass all too quickly as you explore the magical Kingdom of Kerry!
Slí Chorca Dhuibhne is more than nature at its finest … it is Gaelic culture at its best. On The Dingle Way much of your walking will take you through the heart of the Dingle Gaeltacht, one of the few remaining Irish speaking areas in Ireland. Here Irish music, dance and traditional ways live on in a vibrant culture that welcomes you at every turn. In the evening, after your day’s walk, you’ll enjoy home-cooked traditional Irish meals or local seafood in one of the peninsula’s many fine restaurants. Afterwards, there’s traditional music and Irish set dancing to savour at many pubs around the peninsula.
Once you’ve booked our Dingle Way holiday, you can relax and savour the walking, knowing that we’ll handle all the details. We will arrange your pickup and drop off at Tralee Bus/Train station. We’ll arrange outstanding B&Bs, fabulous dinners, packed lunches. We’ll have your luggage waiting for you at the end of every day. And well before you head off for Ireland, we’ll send you a complete itinerary and a detailed DingleWay Guide. We have train and bus schedules on hand too and can help you set up your travel to Tralee. While you are here, we’re never more than 20 minutes from you by car should a problem pop up. You will be well taken care of! You won't have to worry about a thing. Bain sult as. Enjoy yourself.
Dingle Way 9 nights & 8 days walking
Day 1: Following collection from Tralee Bus Train station, brought to first B&B in Tralee – Kerry’s Capital – stay Tralee.
Day 2: First leg of the Dingle Way – Tralee to Camp – 18.5km/11.5 miles
Leaving Tralee, takes you through the picturesque village of Blennerville and The Slieve Mish Mountain range. It is a moderate leg but can be marshy underfoot at times.
Day 3: Camp to Annascaul – 16km/10 miles Mountainous green road and coastal walk – stunning views of Inch Beach – great for a picnic and paddle
Day 4: Annascaul to Dingle – 22km /13 miles
Again coastal and green roads coming across Minard Castle-nice for a picnic - some paved minor country roads – much trekking through farming area culminating in a winding trek into Dingle town, the Dingle Peninsula’s hub.
Day 5: Dingle to Dunquin – 22km/13.5 miles
This is a very spectacular leg of the journey. Great Atlantic looming out in front and views of Iveragh Peninsula and Skellig Rock islands on clear days which ultimately brings you to views of the Great Blasket Islands.
Day 6: Dunquin to Ballydavid – 11 miles – 18km
Again mostly coastal and very nice cliff walks and fabulous views all the way. Some beach walks also
Day 7: Ballydavid – Cloghane over the shoulder of Mount Brandon-Ireland's second highest mountain-3000 feet approx. gradual slope initially and then some scrambles. Fabulous views once again once weather permits! - 22km/13.5 miles but can be shortened to 19km / 12 miles
Day 8: Cloghane - Castlegregory
Much beach walking along Ireland's longest beach. Nice easy relaxed day to end the trip! - 28km/17 miles but can be shortened to approx 19km/12 miles by cutting out the tip of the Magharees Peninsula.
Day 9: Castlegregory to Tralee – 28km/17.5 miles
Close the circle on the Dingle Way. Much beach walking initially and then retrace some of your footsteps back to Kerry’s capital, Tralee.
Day 10: We will make arrangements for you to be collected in time for your relevant connections from Tralee Bus/Train station
Cost €1210 per person sharing a double or twin room
You wont have to worry about a thing! The 9 night 8 day walking holiday includes:
9 nights Bed & Breakfast
8 days selfguided walking
7 packed lunches
Transfer of luggage each day between B&Bs
Transfer to foot of Mt. Brandon
Meetup in Dingle
1 Detailed Dingle Way Guide between 2 people
Pick up at Tralee Train/Bus station on first day and return on last day.
Optional extra nights / rest days available - please email: info@celticnature.com
Dingle
Buzzy fishing port of Dingle Town right in the heart of The Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne in Irish). Dingle is a great place to spend a little time seeking out some hidden gems such as The Díseart Chapel & Gardens in the middle of town or the gorgeous little galleries and craft shops that abound not to mention the cafes and restaurants and pubs and Irish traditional music. Perhaps a boat trip or kayaking trip might be appealing also.
Great Blasket Island (An Bhlascaoid Mhóir)
Take in a ferry to the uninhabited Great Blasket island which lies 5km/3miles off the most westerly point of the Dingle Peninsula and was once home to many Irish language writers who chronicled a way of life that is now past but continues to be culturally and historically very significant - The following books are well worth checking out: Tomás Ó Criomhthain- The Island Man (An tOileánach); Peig Sayers - Peig; and Muiris Ó Suilleabháin- 20 Years a Growing (Fiche blian ag fás).
Guided option available
An added option which some of our walkers like to take is a guided walk with Kevin. Kevin is very passionate about his local area and he can enrich the Dingle Peninsula and Kerry and Ireland and give you an insight into this green isle. Kevin will accompany a guided walk with stories from past and present, drawn from the history books, literature and local folklore which explore the history and gaelic culture of this unique landscape. Guided option available...... Great experience and real immersion into the culture of Ireland. please email us for further info: info@celticnature.com