The Dingle Way on foot in 8 days

Hike south along peat-cutting trails through the magnificent Slieve Mish bog – this wild expanse of peatland is dotted with coniferous forests and drying peat mounds. Skirt Ardroe Hill, which overlooks the stunning sand dunes of Inch Beach, with breathtaking views south to the Ring of Kerry and Ireland's highest mountain range, before descending over the pass to the village of Annascaul.

Follow Acres Hill to the imposing remains of Minard Castle, dating from the 12th century and largely destroyed by Cromwell's army in 1650. Then head inland along secondary roads to the railway village of Lispole. Along the way, you'll enjoy the sea spray of Dingle Bay and be surrounded by the Kerry mountains. From Lispole, the trail mainly traverses pastureland before climbing An Cnoc Maol Mor and descending via the old transhumance route back to the town of Dingle.

Today, the trail mainly follows secondary roads and beaches, but beyond the village of Ventry, some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable unfolds. It winds between hedgerows of fuchsias and climbs an old path at the foot of Eagle Mountain, passing the early Christian huts of Fahan. Behind, you can see Ventry Harbour and, to the south, the Ring of Kerry and Valentia Island. Ahead, the trail opens up to Slea Head and the Blasket Islands.

We offer an alternative route via Mount Eagle, a magnificent but demanding hike requiring good navigation skills. It is not recommended in bad weather.

Today's route takes you along the port of Smerwick, named after the Vikings. A detour will lead you to Dun an Oir, the Golden Fort, where Italian and Spanish soldiers were besieged by the troops of Elizabeth I in 1580. Ballydavid is a bustling fishing port and home to a Gaelic-speaking community.

The optional route via Cruach Mharthain adds 1 hour.

You are here at the cradle of early Christian civilization, with no fewer than sixty remarkable sites bearing witness to the cultural and religious development from the 5th to the 9th centuries. Walk to Cloghane, then climb to the Mas an Tiompain (Drum Pass) at the foot of Mount Brandon. Admire the stunning panorama of Tralee Bay and the Magharees Mountains against the backdrop of the Slieve Mish range.

Today's hike follows the coastline, either skirting the Castlegregory headland or crossing its isthmus via Lough Gill, a haven for Bewick's swans and natterjack toads. From Castlegregory, the mudflats, peat bogs, and quiet coastal paths give way to farmland and the climb back to camp. There are two options for this hike.

Departure from Camp to Tralee by bus for the end of the trip.