A self guided (independent) 7 night walking tour on the Dingle Way.
A walk from the compact village of Camp, to the fishing port of Dingle and Slea Head, through one of the last strongholds of the Gaelic language and spectacular scenery, rich in archaeological remains. Along the way we pass mountains, corrie lakes and beaches – the setting of many films, including Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away.
The average walking time ranges from 5 to 6.5 hours per day, at a leisurely pace.
8-day Tour Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival
Optional transfer from Kerry or Shannon Airport (see below) to Camp.
Day 2 – Camp to Annascaul
Distance: 17km/10.5miles. Ascent: 350m/1,150ft
Today you cross the spine of the Dingle Peninsula to traverse above the wildlife sanctuary of Inch beach and then on green road and hilltop to the picturesque village of Annascaul, where you overnight.
Day 3 – Annascaul to Dingle
Distance: 21km/13miles. Ascent: 410m/1,350ft
Continue along a medieval road to the fishing village of Dingle which is steeped in Irish culture and music and where the locals still speak in the native (Gaelic) tongue. Overnight in Dingle.
Day 4 – Free Day in Dingle
– Optional walks around Dingle (notes provided)
– Visit the Dingle Aquarium
– Boat trip to see ‘Fungi’, Dingle’s resident dolphin.
– Visit some of Dingle’s 52 pubs, craft shops, tea houses, book shops and famous restaurants.
– Boat trip to the Blasket Islands
– Visit a local spa
Day 5 – Dingle to Dunquin
Distance: 19.5km/12.25miles. Ascent: 345m/1,150ft
This days walking is spectacular, taking you via Ventry Beach and along the slopes of Mount Eagle to Slea Head. This stretch is famous for its concentration of archaeological sites. Overnight in Slea Head.
Day 6 – Dunquin- Cuas
Distance: 24km/15 miles. Ascent 70m/230ft
This leg of the Dingle way takes us north along the Atlantic Cliffs, passing Coumenoole Beach, location for one of the dramatic scenes of the film Ryan’s Daughter and via the first of the beaches of Smerwick Harbour to Cuas Village.
Day 7 – Cuas to Cloghane
Distance 18km/11 miles. Ascent 825m/2,700 ft.
This is an exciting day’s walk, which takes you high on the line of a military road to a saddle on the Brandon Mountain Range, then down enjoying spectacular views, to the shore of Brandon Bay. Good visibility – or navigating ability – is required. You will be transferred back to Tralee for your last night.
Day 8 – Departure
Departure after your full Irish breakfast.