The Dingle Way, a 5-day hiking circuit
In summary
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Sports
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Duration5 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationEurope / Ireland
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AgeFrom 12 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions47.06 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
In a few words
Explore the famous Dingle Way , an iconic 179km route that circles the wild Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. This varied route alternates between quiet country roads, traditional peat bog tracks and forest trails amidst landscapes sculpted by ancient ice ages.
Following the Slieve Mish mountain range , the route offers striking views of ancient red sandstone and glacial valleys extending into the Atlantic Ocean. The only major climb on the route ascends to 600 meters to traverse the ridge of Mount Brandon , the iconic mountain of Saint Brendan between Ballydavid and Cloghane.
At the western tip of the peninsula, the panoramas become spectacular, with the Blasket Islands rising from the ocean opposite the sheltered harbor of Dunquin . Well-marked and accessible to all walking enthusiasts, this long-distance route reveals the natural harbors of Dingle and Ventry in a maritime atmosphere of rare intensity.
The highlights
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Concerts, shopping and excellent seafood in Dingle
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Blasket Island and Clogher Beach Cliffs Interpretive Centre
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Dun an Oir, the "Golden Fort" and the Ballydavid cape
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 6h
- Average distance/day: 16 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 180 m
Management
Daily luggage transfers, detailed itineraries, maps and GPX tracks, restaurant lists, and packing tips. Airport transfers and customized itineraries available upon request.
Program
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Meet me in Dingle.
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Once you arrive at Dublin Airport, take the bus to the train station. Then take the train to Tralee Casement station. From there, take a Bus Éireann bus to the town of Dingle.
Day 1 -
From Dingle to Dunquin
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 180 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's route skirts the port of Smerwick, whose original Viking name means 'port of gold', and a detour will take you to Dun an Oir, the 'fort of gold', where Italian and Spanish soldiers were besieged by the troops of Elizabeth I in 1580. Ballydavid is a bustling fishing port where the local community speaks Gaelic.
Day 2 -
From Dunquin to Ballydavid
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Positive elevation gain 180 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Today's route skirts the port of Smerwick, whose original Viking name means 'port of gold', and a detour will take you to Dun an Oir, the 'fort of gold', where Italian and Spanish soldiers were besieged by the troops of Elizabeth I in 1580. Ballydavid is a bustling fishing port where the local community speaks Gaelic.
Day 3 -
Free day in Ballydavid
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
The West Kerry Museum, located in Ballyferriter, is a fascinating museum open only
By appointment (contact us via the website). Among the exhibits is one of the largest cooking pots.
used in Ireland during the famine of the 1840s. The museum traces the geology, archaeology and
the history of the region, from the Mesolithic period to the present day. The stones engraved in Ogham script are worth a visit in themselves.
The detour. There you'll find a café offering homemade scones as well as an Irish-language bookshop.
Day 4 -
Departure from Dingle
- Transportation Car - 20h - 14km
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
A transfer service is provided from your guesthouse to the town of Dingle. Bus services run between Dingle and Tralee year-round, and a seasonal service runs to Killarney; directions will be provided.
Day 5
Note
Daily walking distances may vary depending on the type of accommodation, which is determined by availability.
Accommodation
Dingle is a small port town located on the Dingle Peninsula in southwest Ireland, renowned for its wild landscapes, hiking trails and sandy beaches.
Dunquin is located at the westernmost tip of the Dingle Peninsula, opposite the Blasket Islands.
Ballydavid is the largest of the fishing ports in the area. It is one of the most iconic historical sites in County Kerry.
Access
Go to the starting point
From Killarney train station to your accommodation:
- By local bus (Bus Éireann – Route 271/275): Direct route 271 during the season or via Tralee. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
Price details
The price includes
- Comfortable and friendly bed and breakfasts, run by locals
- Daily luggage transfer
- Detailed routes, maps and GPX tracks
- 24/7 telephone support
- Where to eat and a selection of reading material about the region
- Packing list, travel tips and much more!
The price does not include
- The flights
- All services not listed in the itinerary
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate what formalities are required for entry and stay in the destination country. You can also consult this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
For connecting flights operated by different airlines, also check the formalities for countries you transit through.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are compliant, in particular regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to still be valid 6 months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations and health recommendations. And don't forget to take into account customs restrictions and other obligations of the destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date — remember to regularly check official websites.
