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The Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular regions on Ireland’s West Coast. Moreover, it is steeped in history, mythology and traditional Irish culture. There is no other landscape in Western Europe with the same density and variety of archaeological monuments. This mountainous finger of land, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, has supported various tribes and populations for at least 6,000 years. Because of its remote location and lack of specialised agriculture, there is a remarkable preservation of over 2,000 monuments. It is impossible to visit the Dingle Peninsula and not be impressed by its archaeological heritage, which ranges from Prehistoric times through the Early Christian period to the Middle Ages.
Throughout the region there are magnificent views in all directions. Incredibly green pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, completely empty save for small herds of sheep or goats. At almost every turn there are spectacular views of mist-covered mountains and wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline where deep fissures have been carved, over the centuries, by the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The tip of the peninsula, west of Dingle town, is a stronghold of the Irish language and many traditions and customs have been preserved here along with the language. This is a delightful one-week walk and along the way you’ll enjoy plenty of good Irish cheer!
Trip Outline
This trip begins and ends at Tralee, where we spend two nights, an excellent starting point for our exploration of the Dingle Peninsula. We walk west and then south to the pretty town of Dingle where we stay for three nights. From here we explore the spectacular promontory at Slea Head, and on our free day we offer a trip to the Great Blasket. For the final stage of the tour we cut back to Cloghane on the northern side of the peninsula for our final two nights. From here we discover the dramatic glacial corries of Mount Brandon and its string of ‘paternoster lakes’. The daily stages take us cross-country, through landscapes that are hilly — and boggy at times. During the week we’ll experience wild mountain scenery along with picturesque coastal villages.
Day 1 Courtesy Airport Collection from Shannon Airport at 12:00 noon, Cork Airport at 14.00 hrs. and Kerry Airport at 16:00 hrs. Arrive at first guesthouse near Tralee where we stay for the first two nights of our holiday. Evening meal together and a general chat about the coming week’s walks.
Day 2 Enjoy your wonderful first day’s walk among the Slieve Mish mountains with views over Tralee Bay, the broad Atlantic and the wild countryside of this region. After the walk, we transfer you to your accommodation. Evening meal in local restaurant.
Walk Details — Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 250m. Rocky and sometimes muddy mountain track. Boots essential.
Day 3 Today, you cross the peninsula from north to south, following a spectacular old farmer’s track called ‘the way of the cow’ across the plateau and visiting a genuine old famine village on the way. You finish in the lovely little village of Annascaul from where we transfer you to Dingle, where you stay for your next 3 nights. This evening, enjoy dinner together in one of the many excellent local restaurants in the town.
Walk Details — Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 400m. Grass tracks, open bogland. Can be wet underfoot — boots essential. Some road walking.
Day 4 This is your ‘free day’ to allow you to partake in other activities if you wish – such as cycling, horseriding, canoeing or just laze about with a book! Weather and boats permitting, we may arrange a visit to the Great Blasket Island, renowned for its great storytellers and the literature they produced. Evening meal and overnight in Dingle.
Day 5 Enjoy a wonderful walk around the spectacular Slea Head — one of the richest areas of archaeology in this region, with its numerous beehive huts and promontory forts. There are breathtaking views from Mount Eagle on the way. Return to Dingle for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details — Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 500m. Beach walking, some road walking, grass and rocky tracks. Boots recommended.
Day 6 Today, you follow the Dingle Way across the shoulder of Mount Brandon, with magnificent views of Brandon Bay. At the end of the walk you descend to the lovely, picturesque village of Cloghane where you spend your last two nights of the tour and enjoy your evening meal.
Walk Details — Distance: 18kms. Duration: 5hours. Max. Height: 650m. Grass and rocky tracks, open bogland and some road walking. Boots essential.
Day 7 Your last day’s walk is spectacular, taking you into the heart of the Brandon Range of mountains to the famous ‘paternoster lakes’ with views over Brandon Bay and Fermoyle Strand. NB — Weather permitting, and with guide’s advice, there may be an option for some of the group, should they wish, to continue to the top of this ‘sacred’ Brandon Mountain Peak. Return to Cloghane for farewell dinner and overnight.
Walk Details — Distance: 12kms. Duration: 5 — 7 hours. Max. Height: 600 — 950m. Rough mountain tracks and rocky terrain. Boots essential.
Day 8 Departures. A courtesy transfer will be offered to you from Cloghane to Tralee Bus/Rail Station arriving there at approx. 09.30 hrs. From Tralee there is an excellent bus and train service to all major towns, cities and villages in Ireland. Tralee to Cork Airport is 2 hrs. 50 mins. Approx. by bus. Tralee to Shannon Airport is 3 hrs. 20 mins. Approx. by bus.
Recommended reading: ‘The Dingle Peninsula’ by Steve McDonogh, published by Brandon Press.
Holiday Includes:
Not Included: Any boat trips (eg. Great Blasket Island), personal drinks, entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc. medical expenses or gratuities.
Courtesy Airport Collection: Saturdays only
Shannon at 12 noon, Cork at 14.00 hrs. and Kerry at 16.00 hrs.
If you do not wish to avail of the Courtesy Airport Collection, please make your own way to the first accommodation, where your guide will meet you at 18.00 hrs. for a Briefing Session followed by dinner with the group at 19.00 hrs.
Please note that Ireland can be a bit ‘damp’ both underfoot and overhead, with some liquid sunshine! Irish weather is unpredictable and the nature of walks can change quickly and dramatically because of the weather. This is one of the many pleasant aspects of walking in Ireland. SouthWestWalks Ireland reserve the right to alter this itinerary due to weather conditions or the walking ability of each group.
2012 Tour Dates:
April 7 – 14 (Easter)
April 21 – 28
May 12 — 19
June 2 — 9
June 30 — July 7
July 21 — 28
August 4 — 11
September 8 — 15
September 29 — October 6
Difficulty of Walks: 2 Boot
