Self Guided - The Dingle Way - Graham

Kate & Betsy

Thursday 30th May – Friday 7th June 2024

Number of Travellers: 2
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Overview

The Dingle Peninsula is a distilled expression of the best of Ireland. Breathtaking scenery scattered with ancient archeological sites awaits, combined with award-winning local foods, cosy traditional pubs filled with music and cheer, and of course, populated by colourful Irish characters.

The iconic and internationally-renowned Dingle Way hiking trail circumnavigates this unique corner of the world. The route takes in quiet country lanes, mountain tracks and miles of sandy beach as it winds its way around Slea Head, Ireland’s most westerly point.

Stay in a perfect combination of small B&Bs in rural villages and the countryside alike. You can relax and enjoy your walking, with transport from Tralee to your first night’s accommodation taken care of, and all luggage transfers prearranged where required. By choosing a self guided trip, enjoy the flexibility of walking at your own pace, starting as early or late as you prefer, stopping for as many photos as you’d like, taking your time over lunch or walking straight through with a quick stop on the trail.

PLEASE NOTE: Total daily distances are given for each stage but will vary slightly as you also need to walk to your accommodation each day which will usually add a short distance.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 | Thursday 30th May | Welcome to the Dingle Way | Overnight: Tralee

Day 2 | Friday 31st May | Village of Camp to Annascaul | Overnight: Annascaul

Day 3 | Saturday 1st June | Annascaul to Dingle | Overnight: Dingle

Day 4 | Sunday 2nd June | Dingle Town to Dunquin | Overnight: Ventry

Day 5 | Monday 3rd June | Dunquin to Ballydavid | Overnight: Dingle

Day 6 | Tuesday 4th June | Ballydavid to Cloghane via Mt Brandon | Overnight: Cloghane

Day 7 | Wednesday 5th June | Cloghane to Castlegregory | Overnight: Castlegregory

Day 8 | Thursday 6th June | Finish in Tralee | Overnight: Tralee

Day 9 | Friday 7th June | Departure from Tralee

Highlights

  • Walk the best of the Dingle Way along miles-long sandy beaches, quiet country roads and oceanside trails
  • Pick dates that suit you and leave all the arrangements to us
  • Spend a night in Dingle town - world-renowned for its music-filled pubs and great atmosphere
  • All accommodation, luggage transfers, maps, route notes and Day 1 transfer are included

Day by Day

Day 1 - Thursday 30th May - Welcome to the Dingle Way

Arriving by bus or train to the vibrant town of Tralee, we have arranged a transfer out of town and to the rolling hills of the Slieve Mish Mountains. You will walk this section of the trail on your return to town at the end of the week but for you watch the scenery unfold as you travel. Spend a relaxing evening just off the trail, ready to hit the Dingle Way first thing in the morning.

Overnight: Tralee | Camp Junction House B&B
Room Type: Double x 2

Day 1 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Nelius
Pick Up Location: Tralee Casement Train Station | Pick Up Time: 15:00
Phone: +353872604904

Please contact Nelius if you are delayed.

Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +

Recommended Restaurants:

Keanes Restaurant, Curraheen, +353 (0) 66 7128054

Ashes Pub & Restaurant, Camp – +353 (0)66 713 0133

Fitzgeralds Junction Bar, Dingle Road, Camp – +353 (0)66 713 0120

For a friendly, traditional Irish pub atmosphere try The Railway Tavern Bar, Camp, Tralee – +353 (0) 66 713 0188

Day 2 - Friday 31st May - Village of Camp to Annascaul

Our first day on the Dingle Way takes us right up and over the spine of the Dingle Peninsula to the shores on its southern side. With most of today’s walking on country roads and quiet tracks, we’ll pass Caherconree Mountain while looking out for the impressive megalithic fort perched close to its top. Take in views of the white sands of Inch Beach stretched out below us as we walk towards the teacup-sized Annascaul village. This evening, be sure to stop into the family pub of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, who made attempts at the South Pole with both Scott and Shackleton.

Overnight: Annascaul | The Old Anchor B&B
Room Type: Double x 2
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 15 km / 9 miles | 270 m / 886 ft elevation gain

Day 2 - Directions Read More +

Route Notes to trail head: Leaving your accommodation turn right onto the main N86.  After 190m, turn right again, following the sign for Knockglass More. Continue on this small road for 1.6km where you will see your first Dingle Way marker.

Google maps route from accommodation to trail head: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wvcKeQUpnS3ZUaJEA

Route notes to accommodation: The Dingle Way markers will take you straight to Annascaul village. At grid reference Q 59412 01896 you will be on Church Avenue. Turn right onto the N86/Main St of Annascaul village. Your accommodation will be the third building on your right.

Google maps route from trail end to accommodation: https://goo.gl/maps/jHyFyqXLqV3BdfPj8

Day 2 - Lunch Details Read More +

We recommend pre-ordering packed lunches from your guesthouse for today’s portion of the Dingle Way as lunch options along the route are limited. Don’t forget to fill your water bottles at your accommodation.

Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +

Recommended restaurants for dinner:

The South Pole Inn, Main Street, Annascaul – +353 (0)66 915 7388

Sammy’s Restaurant on Inch Beach – +353(0)66 915 8118. This would involve a taxi that should be paid locally.

Day 3 - Saturday 1st June - Annascaul to Dingle

This morning, the trail continues along side-roads to the ruins of an impressive 16th century castle overlooking a picturesque little rocky cove. Continuing along small laneways, take in views across Dingle Bay and the mountains of the Iveragh Peninsula to the south and spectacular mountain panoramas to the north. Our final destination today is the colourful coastal town of Dingle, renowned the world over for its pubs, traditional Irish music, and, more recently, its fabulous cuisine. Aim to join the locals in one of Dingle town’s many cheerful pubs to experience some real ‘craic agus ceoil’ (‘fun and music’).

Overnight: Dingle | Dingle Harbour Lodge
Room Type: Double x 2
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 23 km / 14 miles | 350 m / 1,148 ft elevation gain

Day 3 - Directions Read More +

Route Notes to trail head: As the Dingle Way goes through the village of Annascaul and right past the door of your B&B, you don’t have far to go today to join the trail. Leaving your accommodation, turn left and you’re on the trail, staying on the N86 for around 600m. You will leave the main road for the quieter section at grid reference Q 59002 01577.

Google maps route from accommodation to trail head: https://goo.gl/maps/kGKPD6osvGqqirbL7

Route notes to accommodations: Your guidebook will bring you to Dingle’s Tourist information centre in Strand Street. Here you will continue straight for 400m, before taking a right turn. Continue walking for 150m and your guesthouse is on your right.

Google Maps route from trail end to accommodation: https://goo.gl/maps/ecoSALvFWdSLshsL8

Day 3 - Lunch Details Read More +

Packed lunch can be pre ordered at your accommodation or simply visit a local deli/ supermarket in Annascaul Village for fresh sandwiches and snacks. Don’t forget to fill your water bottles at your accommodation.

Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +

Recommended restaurants for dinner:

Dingle has some amazing restaurants to choose from. Please see the list attached.

Day 4 - Sunday 2nd June - Dingle Town to Dunquin

The Dingle Peninsula hosts some of the richest collections of ancient archaeological sites in the whole of Europe. Every day you will stumble across standing stones, ancient tombs and other remains of prehistoric monuments. On your hike today, trade the liveliness of Dingle town for quieter parts of the peninsula. You’ll get the chance to view some truly amazing clochains or beehive huts, dry-stone huts with corbeled roofs that at least 12th century but may be as much as 2,000 years old as we follow alongside the spectacular outcrop of Slea Head overlooking the eerie Blasket Islands. Our hike today will also include a long, beautiful stretch along the white sands of Ventry Bay as you head out towards Ireland’s most westerly point and the tip of the Dingle Peninsula.

Overnight: Ventry | The Plough
Room Type: Double x 2
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 22 km / 14 miles | 370 m / 1,214 ft elevation gain

Day 4 - Directions Read More +

Route Notes to trail head: Leaving your accommodation, turn left onto the road and continue until you reach the end. Then, make a right turn. Once you reach the roundabout, take left and continue straight up this road for 800m and you’ve joined the Dingle Way in the direction of Ventry.

Note: If you feel like it, have a coffee and snack stop at Ventry Post Office. This is located just past the school in Ventry village, you can sit overlooking the beach and enjoy the views before continuing on the trail.

Note: If you need any snacks or essentials stock up before reaching Dunquin as there are no shops there.

Google Maps from accommodation to trail head: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ewEFBnVYYk6zknGB6

Route notes to accommodation: Your guidebook will end at a road junction. At the junction, turn right and continue walking for 550m. Then, take another right. After this turn, continue straight on the road for another 100m. You’ll come across Krugers Bar on your right. This is where the taxi will pick you up for tonight’s accommodation in Ventry.

Google Maps from accommodation to trail head: https://maps.app.goo.gl/taNXQyWP4SVW8E2X6

Day 4 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dingle Cabs
Pick Up Location: Krugers Bar | Pick Up Time: 17:00
Phone: +353 (0)87 660 2323

Day 4 - Lunch Details Read More +

Lunch:

We recommend ordering packed lunches from your guesthouse.

Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +

Recommended restaurants for dinner:

There’s a bar and restaurant across from your accommodation, Kruger’s, known for being Ireland’s most westerly pub.

Day 5 - Monday 3rd June - Dunquin to Ballydavid

Over the years, numerous artists have been lured to the beauty of the Dingle Peninsula, and many have made their home on this remote finger of land, with the wild crashing Atlantic and rolling mountains their inspiration. Most of today is spent following the white sand shores of Swerick Harbour and Wine Strand, the iconic Three Sisters hills and the turquoise waters as our backdrop. 

Overnight: Dingle | An Dooneen B&B
Room Type: Double x 2
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 23 km / 14 miles | 100 m / 328 ft elevation gain

Day 5 - Directions Read More +

Route notes accommodation to trail head: This morning, a taxi is booked to pick you up at your hotel and take you to the starting point of today’s trail in Dunquin.

Google Maps route notes to trail head (Taxi): https: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F2c3dsRLcE8Z4XRaA

Route notes to accommodation: After Dooneen Pier, take a left turn at grid reference Q 39100 09363. Continue walking for 1.6km and turn right. After 400m your accommodation is down the laneway to your left.

Google Maps route notes to accommodation: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qMLvHzK3PHYAmQGB8

Day 5 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Dingle Cabs
Pick Up Location: The Plough Inn Ventry | Pick Up Time: 09:00
Phone: +353 (0)87 660 2323

Day 5 - Lunch Details Read More +

Lunch:

We recommend ore-ordering packed lunches from your guesthouse.

Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +

Recommended restaurants for dinner:

There’s a lovely bar and restaurant located in your hotel.

Day 6 - Tuesday 4th June - Ballydavid to Cloghane via Mt Brandon

Today is one of the most challenging days on the trail, climbing over the foothills of the holy pilgrimage site of Mount Brandon, passing drops of almost 450 meters down to the sea below. According to legend, St Brendan (Breanainn) the Navigator had a vision of a “promised land” while seated at the mountain’s summit. He and his monks consequently set sail for that land and disembarked in 535 AD (over 900 years before Columbus) on American soil! Passing pre-historic Ogham stones and panoramic ocean views, the trail climbs to a saddle between Masatiompan and Piaras Mór before dramatic and panoramic descent on mountain trails to the edge of Brandon Bay and the quaint Brandon Village.

Overnight: Cloghane | O'Connors Guesthouse
Room Type: Double x 2
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 26 km / 16 miles | 780 m / 2,559 ft elevation gain

Day 6 - Directions Read More +

Route Notes to trail head: Departing your accommodation, return to where you left the trail on the R549 yesterday. You will meet your first Dingle Way marker 500m down this road.

Google Maps route accommodation to trail head: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mYgftPoGmMA82N1B6

Route notes to accommodation: Continue straight into Cloghane Village and you can’t miss your guesthouse on the left as it is painted bright green!

Google Maps route trail end to accommodation: https://goo.gl/maps/f2ZheTajYeds5crp8

Day 6 - Lunch Details Read More +

Lunch:

We recommend pre-ordering packed lunches from your guesthouse The Old Pier for today.

Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +

Recommended restaurants for dinner:

Pre-book options for dinner tonight include: O’Connor’s Guesthouse, +353667138113 or Mullally’s Bar & Grill, +353667138154.

Day 7 - Wednesday 5th June - Cloghane to Castlegregory

After yesterday’s climb, today’s beach walk comes as a relief as you hike along the length of Ireland’s longest white sand beach. The beach stretches out along a spit of undulating sand dunes known as the Maharees (Na Machairí). The waves here are popular with surfers, windsurfers and kite surfers so there is nearly always entertainment no matter what the weather. The sand dunes create a unique ecosystem, home to the rare Natterjack toad, Whooper swan and the Bewick’s mute swan. Walk the Dingle Peninsula’s northmost peninsulas for incredible views before transferring back to your accommodation.

Overnight: Castlegregory | Shores Country House
Room Type: Double x 2
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 26 km / 16 miles | 50 m / 164 ft elevation gain

Day 7 - Directions Read More +

Route Notes to trail head: Leaving your accommodation take left onto the R550 road and you’ve joined the Dingle Way.

Google Maps route accommodation to trail head: https://goo.gl/maps/pghifF1vA2WtpX9L9

Route notes to accommodation: Today you will finish the Dingle Way in Castlegregory village at a crossroads with Fitzgerald’s shop on the corner. From here your taxi transfer will collect you and bring you to your accommodation for the night. 

Note: Please call your taxi ahead of time and let them know a roughly estimated time of arrival in Castlegregory. We have an ETA of 5 or 6pm. Your transfer is Mary Reynolds, +353 (0) 86 662 4150. If you are early, stop into a local pub.

Google Maps route trail end to Castlegregory village: https://goo.gl/maps/xag4u1ko61a6VX2m9

Day 7 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Castlegregory & Camp Taxi
Pick Up Location: Castlegregory | Pick Up Time: 17:00
Phone: 086 662 4150

Day 7 - Lunch Details Read More +

Lunch:

We recommend pre-ordering packed lunches from your accommodation or the local shop in Cloghane.

Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +

Recommended restaurants for dinner:

If you arrive in Castlegregory early opt for some fresh seafood in Pisces Restaurant +353 (0)66 713 9741.

Note: If you’d prefer to go to your accommodation first and freshen up, you can always get a taxi back to Castlegregory later. Your taxi should be paid locally.

Day 8 - Thursday 6th June - Finish in Tralee

You will enjoy a final blast of sea air on your walk this morning. The Aughcasla standing stone is worth looking out for as you start to head around Tralee Bay. If the tide is high, you will need to head inland a bit rather than walking along the soft sands of the beach. If you have time, we recommend a short detour to visit the restored early 19th century Blennerville Windmill on the outskirts of Tralee before following the road back into town, where we’ve arranged your final night’s accommodation.

Overnight: Tralee | The Ashe Hotel
Room Type: Double x 2
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk Details: 29 km / 18 miles | 300 m / 984 ft elevation gain

Day 8 - Directions Read More +

Route Notes to trail head: Today our transfer will bring you back to where you ended the walk yesterday in Castlegregory Village. From here, continue on the trail. Your transfer is Mary Reynolds, +353 (0) 86 662 4150, you can organise a pick up time with her the previous evening.

Google Maps walking route accommodation to trail head: https://goo.gl/maps/XSCr5DYknMpgUV6AA

Route notes to accommodation: Following the 2km canal path back into the centre of Tralee Town, at the end of Tralee Marina at grid reference Q 83043 13989 turn right onto the N86. Take care as you will be walking along a busy junction. Continue and then take the first exit off the roundabout for Princes Street/Town Centre. At the end of Princes Street at grid reference Q 83373 14223 turn right onto Ivy Terrace. A short 300m walk will take you to the door of the Kerry County Museum and the end of the Dingle Way. From Kerry County Museum, it’s a 10min walk to your hotel. Departing the museum, continue North on Denny Street for 300m. Straight ahead, to the right of Penneys you will see Barrack Lane. Continue walking the narrow Barrack Lane passage until you meet Maine Street at grid reference Q 83691 14520. Your hotel will be straight in front of you.

Google Maps walking route notes: https://goo.gl/maps/qm8HwDKdFS27kTmX9

Day 8 - Transfer Details Read More +

Supplier: Castlegregory & Camp Taxi
Pick Up Location: Shores Country House | Pick Up Time: 09:30
Phone: 086 662 4150

Day 8 - Lunch Details Read More +

Lunch:

We recommend pre-ordering packed lunches from your accommodation.

Day 8 - Dinner Details Read More +

Recommended restaurants for dinner

Tralee has a host of restaurants to choose from. We recommend The Pikeman Bar at The Grand Hotel, +353 66712 2877.

Day 9 - Friday 7th June - Departure from Tralee

This morning, leave Tralee by train or bus at your own leisure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More

This self guided trip includes the following:

  • 8 nights accommodation in hand-picked, family-run guesthouses, B&Bs
  • Breakfast each morning (barring Day 1) in your accommodation or a local cafe
  • Transfer to the start point of the trail where walking to/from accommodations is not possible
  • All luggage transfers
  • Transfer to Camp (the trail starting point) on Day 1 and short transfer on day 7
  • Route notes, OS maps and trail guides
  • 24/7 phone support
Notes Read More

Outdoor Active

Outdoor active is a great app that allows you view digital route guides, outdoor maps & provides GPS navigation features. You can download the app on your phone and follow the route notes below while you are out on the trail. There is no need to pay for the pro version, as these routes are available without it. You can also access and track the routes without data on your phone. These route notes begin and end at your accommodation.

Day 2: Camp Junction House to Old Anchor Inn

Day 3: Old Anchor Inn to Dingle Harbour Lodge

Day 4: Dingle Harbour Lodge to Krugers Bar Dunquin

Day 5: Krugers Bar to An Dooneen

Day 6: An Dooneen to O’Connor’s Bar

Day 7: O’Connor’s Bar to Castlegregory Village

Day 8: Castlegregory Village to The Ashe Hotel

Important Additional Information Read More
  • Hiking Kit List Kit List - PDF: View Now
  • Ireland Guide General Info - PDF: View Now
  • Dingle Way Important Information - PDF: View Now
  • Dingle Restaurants - PDF: View Now
  • On Call Number - PDF: View Now

Get in Touch

Tel: +353 (0)91 457 898 (9am - 5:30pm, Mon - Fri) / +353 (0)86 873 7223 (Out of Office Hours)

Email Cathriona

Accommodation

Camp Junction House B&B

Camp Village | Tralee | Co. Kerry |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)87 243 0704
Web: campjunctionhouse.com

The Old Anchor B&B

Annascaul | Co. Kerry |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)66 915 7382
Web: oldanchorinn.ie

Dingle Harbour Lodge

The Wood | Dingle | Co. Kerry |
V92 Y865 | Ireland
Phone: +353 66 91 51577
Web: dingleharbourlodge.com

The Plough

The Plough B&B, Cantra | Ventry | Co. Kerry |
V92 EY66 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)66 9159727
Web: theploughventry.com

An Dooneen B&B

Ballydavid | Dingle | Co. Kerry |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)66 9155 112
Web: hurleysbandb.com

O'Connors Guesthouse

Cloghane | Co. Kerry |
V92 PV48 | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)66 7138113
Web: oconnorskerry.com

Shores Country House

Cappateige | Castlegregory | Co. Kerry |
Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)87 915 2793
Web: bandbireland.com

The Ashe Hotel

Maine Street | Tralee | Co. Kerry |
V92 W56F | Ireland
Phone: +353 (0)66 710 6300
Web: theashehotel.ie

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Virtuoso

Self Guided – The Dingle Way – Graham

Thursday 30th May – Friday 7th June 2024