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Tracing the coast of the Dingle Peninsula as it juts out into the Atlantic, the Dingle Way is Ireland’s best-loved National Trail. We have selected the most scenic section for you to enjoy on this short hiking holiday, choosing lower level routes to ensure maximum views without maximum exertion. The pretty town of Dingle (An Daingean) is bohemian, artistic and friendly and a great place to start your on-foot adventure. Heading west toward the Atlantic along beaches and quiet tracks, the way wends through fuchsia hedges past ancient forts and early Christian sites. Views extend to the Blasket Islands and the Skelligs; you can learn more about life on these remote islands at the award-winning Blasket Island Centre. Dunquin and Ballyferriter make for pleasing overnight stops along the Dingle Way trail where you can meet local artisans and enjoy a pint in the pub. Hiking between the Slieve Mish mountains and the sea you are in the cradle of early Christian civilization. With a transfer back to Dingle Town included, travel onwards or linger in this remote part of Europe to enjoy the craic, the seafood and the wild beauty.
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14kg of CO2-e PP per day
(57kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in Dingle
Arrive in Dingle Town, the largest settlement on the Dingle peninsula. Despite being a remote part of the west coast of Ireland, Dingle is easy to get to from international airports in Dublin, Shannon and Kerry. From Dublin, take the train to Tralee from where you can get a bus (Bus Eireann) to Dingle. From Shannon Airport, take the shuttle bus into Limerick and then bus to Dingle. Kerry is the closest airport, and you can either take a taxi for the 1 hour journey by road or the bus via Tralee. Dingle is a small town nestled between the mountains and the coast of the Wild Atlantic Way. The town is popular with tourists but retains much of its original character as it still a working fishing port. There is much to see and do. Visit the Dingle Distillery to sample local gin and whiskey, learn about the local area at the Wave, browse art galleries and enjoy the food. There are some excellent seafood restaurants here. Dingle is also famous for its “hardware pubs” where you can buy a pint and some wellies, and with 50 pubs to choose from it’s a great place to get acquainted with the local craic. Accommodation: Overnight in a friendly B&B in the centre of Dingle with ensuite rooms.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Transfer to Ventry, walk to Dunquin – 10 miles/16km, 4-5 hrs
A private transfer (10 mins, included) will take you to the village of Ventry to begin your hike on the Dingle Way. The trail today is mainly on quiet country roads and beaches. Beyond Ventry is some of the most spectacular scenery on the entire peninsula as you wend your way through fuchsia hedgerows to climb the track at the foothill of Mount Eagle. Pass by the early Christian beehive huts known as clochains littering the hillside at Fahan. Savour the views of Ventry Harbour and to the south, the Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island. Ahead, the Dingle Way opens up a vista to Slea Head and the Blasket Islands. You will pass the famous stone pier close to Dunquin with its winding road making it a perfect location to capture an iconic image. Beyond this is America! You will stay overnight in Dunquin. Accommodation: Overnight in a B&B with sea views in Dunquin.
Meals: B
Day 3
Walk Dunquin to Ballyferriter – 7 miles/11km, 3–4 hrs
After your hearty Irish breakfast, pay a visit to the local heritage museum, the Blasket Centre. which tells the story of the community who lived a life of subsistence fishing and farming on the remote Blasket Islands until their evacuation in 1953. You may also want to spend time visiting the local art pottery to purchase a handmade souvenir. Rejoining the trail, your route navigates north to round the shoulder of An Ghraig at 120m above sea level. Skirt cliffs where the full force of the Atlantic can be felt as waves crash below. The route reaches Smerwick Harbour from where you detour off the main trail to Dun an Oir, the Fort of Gold, where Italian and Spanish soldiers were besieged by Elizabeth I’s troops in 1580. Take the high line across the sand dunes, to arrive in Ballyferriter (Baile an Fheirtearaigh). Situated in a green valley between the majestic hill of Cruach Mharthain, Ballyferriter is a Gaeltacht village where people speak the Irish language. Accommodation: Overnight in a characterful pub with attached B&B. The traditional bar retains the charm of times past and a warm welcome. Mingle with the locals and practice your Gaelic over a pint of Guinness.
Day 4
Walk Ballyferriter to Cuas – 10 miles/16km, 4–5 hrs
Your final day’s walking continues along the beaches of Smerwick Harbour affording fabulous views of mountains and the sea. Take a short detour to visit the famous Gallarus Oratory, Ireland’s most iconic early Church. You are in the cradle of early European Christian civilization and there are 60 notable sites in the area dating back from the 5th to 9th centuries. Following the easter side of Smerwick Harbour, through the small town of Ballydavid, your trail now turns inland through sheep farming countryside to your final overnight stop in the smally village of Cuas. Accommodation: Spend your final night in a guesthouse with a bar and restaurant in this remote village. Surrounded on all sides by spectacular scenery, this small and friendly hotel is a welcome retreat.
Day 5
Arrangements end after return transfer to Dingle
Enjoy a final Irish breakfast and pack your bags ready to depart. A private transfer (included) will see you travel back to Dingle town where arrangements end. The transfer will be timed to meet with the bus to Tralee. You can spend further time exploring the area (ask our team about adding extra nights), or continue your journey in Ireland.
What's included
What's not included
During your trip you will stay in friendly local B&BS that have selected on account of the warmth of the welcome and proximity to the walking trail. The character of the local area will shine through your hosts and your Irish breakfast. All rooms are ensuite and generally include a TV and tea and coffee making facilities. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will endeavour to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby but please appreciate options are limited in this remote corner of rural Ireland.
The Dingle Way follows minor roads, trails that are traditional access routes to turf cutting areas and beach and village paths. The route is exposed to the elements as there are few trees and you are on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. A reasonable level of fitness and ability on rocky and sandy paths is required. You need good boots with ankle support. The trail is generally obvious and well-trodden, but can become slippery in wet weather.
The walk is graded as Introductory to Moderate. We have chosen the most scenic, and straightforward, section of the trail for this easier Dingle Way itinerary with lower level hikes avoiding some of the more mountainous sections of trail. The Dingle Way is easy to follow as it is well way-marked. The route follows minor roads, village trails and beach and forest paths. As you are walking along the Atlantic Coast, you are exposed to the elements at times! A reasonable level of fitness and ability on sandy and rocky paths is required. You need good boots with ankle support. The trail is generally good and well-trodden, but can become slippery in wet weather. Carry plenty of drinking water and adequate protection against the sun and the rain.
Per Person, Twin Share
If you are short on time, or would like to experience the most scenic section of the trail, then this trip is a great option. The itinerary has also been designed to be more gentle, missing out Mt Brandon and some of the trickier sections of the trail. This short break will give you a real flavour of Ireland’s wild west coast.
Despite being one of the most westerly points in Europe, Dingle is easily accessible from international airports in Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Kerry. If you are flying into Dublin, the easiest way to get to Dingle is to take the Big Green Bus directly from the airport to Tralee. The journey takes around 4.5 hours and is very reasonably priced. From Tralee, take the local bus to Dingle (1 hour). Regular buses run from Shannon Airport to Limerick and on Tralee. You can also take the train from Dublin to Tralee.
The Dingle Way trail is very easy to follow; it is marked with way-markers at every junction. The markers are black square posts with a yellow directional arrow and a walker. The Dingle Way follows minor roads, traditional access routes to turf cutting areas and beach and forest paths. Much of the route west of Dingle follows minor roads and beaches due to land access issues, which makes the scenery no less spectacular, but does make for easier hiking.
On the edge of the Atlantic, the weather on the west coast of Ireland is changeable! There is a reason Ireland is called the Emerald Isle – the fields are a beautiful green on account of the rainfall. However, weather systems pass through quickly and it is not unusual to feel that you have experienced four seasons in one day. You can go from full waterproofs to shorts and t-shirt in minutes. Although good weather cannot be guaranteed, travelling from May to September is traditionally the best time as temperatures are warmer.
The Gaeltacht refers to regions in Ireland where the Irish language (Gaeilge) is still spoken as a community language. These areas are typically located along the western and coastal parts of Ireland. Dingle is a Gaeltacht area where over 75% of the population speak Gaelige on a daily basis. The Gaeltacht areas are culturally significant and often offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional Irish customs, music, and language. It's also a place where Irish language immersion programs and courses are commonly held, making it a great destination for those interested in learning Irish and exploring the country’s heritage.
The "craic" (pronounced "crack") is a popular Irish term that refers to good times. It’s often used to describe a lively atmosphere, particularly in the context of gatherings, pubs, and parties. The phrase "What's the craic?" is commonly asked to inquire about what’s happening or what’s going on—basically, "What’s the news?" The craic can also refer to the general vibe of a situation, like a great conversation, music session, or an entertaining evening with friends. It’s all about enjoying the moment and having a good time.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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