Walking Holidays in Ireland with Walking in Ireland Walking Tours

EIGHT DAYS ALONG THE DINGLE WAY- TRALEE TO CLOGHANE

Independent Hiking along the Dingle Way

· Stunning scenery and charming villages

· Hiking through the Irish speaking “Gaeltacht”.

· Transport to/from Kerry Airport or Tralee Train Station included

· Independent Walking

· Carefully planned village to village itinerary

· Great choice of pubs and restaurants each evening.

· Full route descriptions, diagrams, guidebooks and maps provided.

· Luggage transported between guesthouses

· Back up and vehicle support, as well as advice and recommendations

· Mobile phones provided with all contact numbers pre programmed.

· Seven nights’ accommodation in charming family run guesthouses

· Full Irish breakfast each morning

· Packed lunch every day

Day One: Arrival in Tralee

We’ll meet you at either Kerry Airport or Tralee Train Station and bring you to your first night’s accommodation. Tralee is the capital of county Kerry and the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula. It has a great choice of pubs, restaurants and shops. Useful if you have forgotten to bring anything. The town is a good introduction to Kerry life and it is easily walkable. Established by the Normans in 1216, it developed into a thriving commercial centre in the 18^th century. Depending on what time you arrive you can enjoy our specially designed walk that will allow you get to see to experience the long history of the town.

Day Two: Tralee to Camp (17.5kms, 200m ascent)

After breakfast you are ready to begin the Dingle Way. Early on in the walk you pass Blennerville, which is the largest working windmill in the British Isles. It has a visitors centre if you feel like an early break. The old train line between Tralee has Blennerville has been reopened and the Dingle Way runs parallel to the track. Today’s walk offers scenic views from the lower slopes of Slieve Mish out along Tralee Bay and towards the Brandon Mountains. It is a beautiful stretch and a good introduction to the peninsula. Tonight’s destination is Camp, the crossroads for those wishing to follow the coast road to Dingle or the majestic Conor Pass. The village offers a number of cosy pubs serving food which are only a few minutes from your guesthouse.

Day Three: Camp to Anascaul (17km, ascent 270m)

Leaving Camp along old boreens you rise to a low pass that brings you to the southern slopes of the peninsula. Before long you begin to enjoy magnificent view across to the neighbouring Iveragh peninsula. As you approach the sea the long white sands of Inch strand can be seen. You can really begin to understand the beauty of the West of Ireland along these sections and regardless of the weather it never fails to impress. The way continues onto the charming village of Anascaul, your destination for tonight. Anascaul is a delightful spot with a surprisingly large choice of pubs. Great food can be had at The South Pole Inn, named after its founder Tom Crean (1877-1938), who took part in the famous Scott Antarctic expeditions. Live traditional music can be enjoyed on most nights.

Day Four: Anascaul to Dingle (19km, ascent 340m)

Today’s walk takes up to Dingle, the commercial centre of the peninsula and one of the most beloved towns in Ireland. Set in a natural harbour this sheltered bay is blessed by the some of the best food, live music and artisan shops to be had in the west. Located in the Gaeltacht, (Irish is the first language here although everyone also speaks English), it offers a unique taste of old Ireland while also being a progressive artistic centre. Today’s walk is along quiet country roads. Early on in the day you pass by the scenically located ruin of Minard Castle, before turning inland once more and after the town of Lispole the way rises to allow sweeping views of the Ring of Kerry. The final section is a descent into Dingle Harbour.

Day Five: Dingle to Dunquin (20km, ascent 370m)

Today is one of our favourite days of the walk. While reasonably challenging, it is remarkably rewarding. The route takes you along the coast to Ventry where you walk along a great sweep of sands before climbing up to Slea Head and experiencing in our opinion the greatest view in Ireland. The Blasket islands come into view as you begin your descant back toward the coast and the remote and strongly Irish speaking village of Dunquin. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Day Six: Dunquin to Ballyferriter (28km, ascent 100m)

In contrast with yesterday’s hike, today’s is relatively flat allowing time to visit Louis Mulcahys pottery and some of the great beaches and coves dotted along the coast. The route is along minor roads, boreens and a coastal path. It is an outstandingly scenic day and you can see some of the best beaches in the country. Tonight’s accommodation is at the foot of Mount Brandon, a location of religious significance for many Irish Catholics.

Day Seven: Ballyferriter to Cloghane (21km, ascent 780m)

Today walk is the most challenging of the Dingle Way and in many ways it’s most rewarding. A steep ascent gives way to 360 degrees views of the Conor Pass, the roaring Atlantic Ocean, Slea Head, Dun naOr and Brandon Bay. We are still in awe every time we walk this section and memories of today’s scenery will stay with you for a long time. The descent brings you to the cosy hamlet of Cloghane on the shores of Brandon Bay, with its charming guesthouse and pub.

Day Eight: Return

After breakfast you can enjoy a circular route along the Dingle Way before being collected and taken back to Tralee or Kerry Airport. If you wish to stay in Kerry for another night we would be delighted to arrange or recommend places to visit and stay.

Booking and Rates

The price for the trip is 790 Euros per person based on two people sharing. There is a single supplement of 195 Euros for those requiring a single room throughout the trip. Bookings can be made for any dates (subject to availability) and individuals, couples or groups can be accommodated. Transport on arrival and return to Tralee or Kerry Airport is included. Please contact Wonderful Ireland for details.

*BOOK NOW TO RESERVE YOUR DINGLE WAY WALKING HOLIDAY*

Member of Failte Ireland and Walking Cycling Ireland