A walk from Kerry's county town Tralee, to the fishing port of Dingle and beyond, through one of the last strongholds of the Gaelic language and through 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'.
The average walking time ranges from 5 to 6.5 hours per day, at a leisurely pace.
Itinerary Day 1 - Arrival Optional complimentary transfer from Kerry or Shannon Airport (see below). Overnight in 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 - Option/Rest Day in Dingle - Optional walks (notes provided) - Marine Centre or Boat trip to see 'Fungi', Dingle's resident dolphin. - Visit some of Dingle's 52 pubs, Dingle's attractive craft shops and famous restaurants..
Day 5 - Dingle to Slea Head Distance: 19km/12miles 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 - Slea Head-Ballyferriter Distance: 12km/7.5 miles Ascent 90m/300ft 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 beaches of Smerwick Harbour to Ballyferriter village.
Day 7 - Ballyferriter to Feohanagh Distance: 23km/14.5 miles Ascent 170m/550ft This leg of the Dingle Way continues along the shoreline and cliffs of the western end of the Dingle Peninsula and towards Brandon Creek (Cuas), legendary starting point for St. Brendan's journey to discover America. Close-by we will collect you to transfer you to your final night's accommodation in Tralee.
Day 8 - Feohanagh to Cloghane Distance 21km/13 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.
Day 9 - Cloghane to Castlegregory Distance 25km/15.5 miles. Ascent 85m/280ft Today’s walk is substantially a beach walk, along the splendid strands of the northern side of the Dingle Peninsula. Road stretches intersperse, maintaining "contact with civilisation." Day 10 - Castlegregory to Tralee Today’s walk takes you back to Tralee, along the northern coast of the Dingle Peninsula, once again partly on beach, with the last stretch along the slopes of the Slieve Mish Mountains.
Day 11 - Departure Day
Dates 2008 Every Saturday throughout the year.
Price includes • Courtesy transfer from and to Kerry Airport from May until Sept • Seven/Eleven night’s accommodation, based on two adults sharing in Irish Tourist Board approved accommodation, with ensuite facilities. • Full Irish breakfast each day. • Luggage transfer each day. • Route description and maps by Seán Ó Súilleabháin.
