The Dingle Way

Upon arriving in Tralee you are greeted by the charming blend of traditional Irish culture and scenic beauty. Located in County Kerry, Tralee is the gateway to exploring the stunning landscapes of the Wild Atlantic Way. Visitors can start by strolling through the town's historic streets, visiting the Kerry County Museum, or enjoying a peaceful walk in the Tralee Town Park. Then indulge in local Irish cuisine, with fresh seafood, hearty stews, and traditional dishes like soda bread and black pudding served in the town's cozy pubs and restaurants.

The Dingle Way is a scenic hiking trail that starts in Tralee, at the Kerry Museum, and leads through diverse landscapes towards Blennerville and beyond, eventually reaching the village of Camp. The route takes you along the canal, through quiet country roads, and up the Slieve Mish mountain range, offering stunning views of Mount Brandon and ancient glacial valleys. However, some sections, particularly the moorlands, can be marshy and challenging, so hikers should be prepared with proper gear like gaiters and extra socks. Highlights along the way include the Victorian reservoir, the ruins of Killelton Oratory, and the original Tralee to Dingle stone path.

Distance: 22 km

Elevation Gain: +200m

Today you walk along local roads, crossing the Finglas River and gradually emerging from the valley. The path offers stunning views of Caherconree Mountain (835m) and its ancient megalithic fort. Though the trail includes some rough and steep tracks, hikers are rewarded with sights like the Emlagh River and the famous Inch Beach, known for its golden sands and film history. As the route continues, it passes through forests and fields before descending into Annascaul village. Highlights include Lough Anscaul in a glacial valley and the South Pole Inn, once owned by Antarctic explorer Tom Crean.

Distance: 17 km

Elevation Gain: +270 m

Leaving Annascaul, the Dingle Way follows the busy Tralee-Dingle road before transitioning to a quieter road, eventually reaching the sea and the ruins of the 16th-century Minard Castle. The beach offers stunning views across to the Ring of Kerry. From there, the trail climbs a steep path and continues through farmland and traditional Kerry boreens. As the route approaches Lispole. The trail then ascends the lower slopes of Croaghskearda Mountain, where the terrain can become muddy. The path continues through farmland, crossing the Garfinny River, before leading to the famous Conor Pass, offering breathtaking views as the trail descends into the town of Dingle.

Distance: 19 km

Elevation Gain: +220 m

Today you can explore Dingle, a picturesque gem on Ireland's southwest coast. Immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and breathtaking scenery. Stroll through colorful streets lined with artisan shops, cozy cafés, and lively pubs where traditional music fills the air. Dive into the wonders of the sea at the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, home to the beloved resident dolphin, Fungie. Don’t miss the chance to savor mouthwatering fresh seafood—Dingle is a true culinary delight!

As you leave Dingle on the Dingle Way, you'll pass historical sites like 1908 government housing and the Milltown River B&B, where Robert Mitchum stayed during Ryan’s Daughter. After crossing the Milltown River bridge, follow signposts through farmland towards Ventry Beach, a 2.5 km sandy stretch. The trail then skirts Mount Eagle, offering stunning views of the Blasket Islands and ancient beehive huts. Be cautious on the narrow tourist road leading to Dunquin Pier, where the route ends at the Blasket Islands Heritage Centre, rich with local history.

Distance: 20 km

Elevation Gain: +370 m

As you leave Dunquin, the Dingle Way takes you uphill, passing fields where seaweed was used to reclaim land for farming. You'll see patches of farmland created by clearing rocks and enriching the soil with sand and seaweed. The trail offers great examples of this on the hillside. The route turns into a gravel path at An Ghráig, then descends to rejoin the main road. Notable stops include Louis Mulcahy's pottery studio and Clogher Beach. Continuing along cliffs with stunning views of the Atlantic, the trail passes Dun an Oir, site of a 1580 massacre, before winding through Smerwick Harbour and reaching Ballydavid.

Distance: 16 km

Elevation Gain: +1000 m

Leaving Ballydavid, you walk through a scenic cliff walk before heading inland and rejoining the road at Glashabeg. As you pass through Feohanagh, the impressive Brandon Mountain rises ahead, with the cliffs of Ballydavid Head to the northwest blocking views of the sea. The trail then leads to a challenging climb between Masatiompan and Piaras Mor, where hikers will find an Ogham Stone boundary marker dating back to 500 AD. You'll arrive to the quiet village of Brandon, where two pubs by the seafront offer a perfect spot to relax. The final stretch of the trail takes you to Cloghane Village.

Distance: 19 km

Elevation Gain: +670 m

Depart from Cloghane along a quiet road that curves inland, offering impressive views of glacial valleys to the south. The route passes through Drom and Farrendalouge, eventually emerging at Fermoyle Beach. In contrast to the previous day’s mountain terrain, this stunning beach will be your path for much of the journey to Castlegregory. Watch for the Maharee Islands in Brandon Bay to your left and Fermoyle House. As you reach the top of the strand, the trail passes through the small village of Fahamore, where two welcoming pubs offer refreshments. The final stretch of tarmac road leads you to Castlegregory.

Distance: 29 km

Elevation Gain: - 50 m

Our services end after breakfast unless you have booked another service with us.

The Dingle Way is an ideal choice for those passionate about and drawn to Irish landscapes, enchanted by the variety of moorlands, cliffs, castles, villages, and many other quintessentially Irish features. However, before choosing this route, keep in mind that rain is almost guaranteed here—avoiding it might be a stroke of luck, but it’s definitely something to prepare for.

Another factor to consider is the difficulty of the trail—pay close attention to the daily elevations, but above all, be aware that several sections feature rugged terrain. Stability on your feet is essential, and some parts may be challenging for those who suffer from vertigo.

For our trips, we always select accommodations with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be included, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation provided for the trip you’re interested in.

We place great importance on the choice of lodging and select hotels with care and attention. We know how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We prefer welcoming and charming accommodations, ideally family-run, that truly embody the spirit of the place and can welcome you with comfort and warmth.

Where, due to the nature of the route, the choice of accommodations is limited, we select the option that best aligns with our standards.