Dingle Peninsula Walk
Dingle Peninsula Walk
$1263
Dingle Peninsula Walk
8 Days Starting in Tralee and ending in Annascaul
Visiting: Ireland
Tour Overview
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. 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. There are plenty of small hamlets to enjoy good Irish cheer along the way and in the evenings you will stay at a selection of B&Bs, chosen for their good character, location and excellent Irish breakfasts.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Tralee
Make your own way to Tralee and your accommodation. Your host can suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music. Take the time to enjoy some of the many interesting and historic sights in the area, such as the National Folk Theatre or a tour of the medieval castle.
Day 2 : Begin Walking On The Dingle Way To The Village Of Camp (17Km/10.6Mi, 5.5Hrs)
After breakfast, start your walk along country backroads to join the Dingle Way. You follow this route under the Slieve Mish Mountains before joining what was once an old road to Dingle. Rising above 762m in parts, the mountain range was the scene of prehistoric battles, recorded in legend as having been part of the "Milesian invasion". The Milesians, meaning "soldiers of Spain", are said in the legends to have been Gaels who came originally from Egypt, settled in Spain, and invaded Ireland in 1700 BC. As you enter the peninsula from Tralee towards Camp, the bright expanse of Tralee Bay comes into full view.
Walking details: Rocky and muddy mountain and grass tracks. Can be wet underfoot - boots essential. Height Gain: 216m, Height loss 196m, Max height: 160m/525ft.
Day 3 : Continue To Lively Annascaul (17Km/10.5Mi, 5Hrs)
The walk today takes you through a fascinating area of bog where many locals still come to cut their winter fuel. Crossing to the south side of the peninsula, you arrive at the magnificent Inch Beach before continuing inland to Annascaul, where you stay overnight. At the southern foothills of the Slieve Mish Mountains, the combination of mountains and beaches makes for spectacular scenery.
Walking details: Road walking on quiet back country roads, then onto grassy tracks and finishing on road. Boots recommended. Height gain - 420m, height loss - 415m, Maximum height of 240m/787ft.
Note: it is possible to arrange an additional night in Annascaul (or elsewhere during the walk) which is highly recommended if you would like to do some of the mountain walks in the area. This must be booked when you make your original reservation as you cannot change arrangements once booked (without cancellation penalty). Ask your consultant for cost details.
Day 4 : On To Dingle Via Minard Castle (22Km/13.8Mi, 6.5Hrs)
Heading to the town of Dingle, the route passes through Minard, with its 16th century castle, and the village of Lispole. It then takes old, narrow country lanes through Lisdargan and Ballingarraun before joining the old military road below the Connor Pass and on to Dingle. With a population of approximately 1200, Dingle is a lively market town and fishing port. There are many restaurants, craft shops, art galleries and pubs to enjoy. Most of the pubs in summer will have live music.
Walking details: Grass Country lanes, grass tracks and some road walking. Boots essential. Height gain - 492m, height loss - 506m, Max. height: 150m/492ft.
Note: You may wish to spend an extra night in Dingle, to walk part of the Dingle Way around the beautiful bay of Smerwick Harbour or take a day trip to the Great Blasket Island. This must be requested at the time of booking.
Day 5 : Historic Walk Around Slea Head To Dunquin (18Km/11.3Mi, 5.5Hrs)
Today you will start just outside Dingle, passing the Early Christian site of Kilcolman and continuing to the glorious sweep of Ventry Beach. Ventry is a small village four miles west of Dingle. The whole Ventry area is linked by the arc of Ventry Harbour, with one of the most attractive beaches on the west coast of Ireland. From here the track takes you on a beautiful and historic walk around Slea Head. This walk offers an opportunity to see the “beehive huts”. At one stage there were over 400 of these drystone huts, which are generally believed to have been homes. It is believed that the huts at Slea Head date to the 12th century, when the incoming Normans forced the Irish off the land and out to the periphery of the peninsula. There is also a full view of the Blasket Islands. Return to Dingle via Dunquin.
Walking details: Rocky and grass tracks, beach walking and some road walking. Boots essential. Height gain - 501m, height loss - 525m, Max. height: 180m/590ft.
Day 6 : Remote Walk To The Northern Side Of The Peninsula To Cloghane (22Km/13.5Mi, 6.5Hrs)
After breakfast, transfer to Cuas from where the walk takes you along an old military road to the eastern side of the Brandon Massif, finishing in the village of Cloghane. This is a remote but spectacular walk, full of history and through country only accessible by foot.
Walking details: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections. Gravel tracks and some road walking. Boots essential. Height gain - 774m, height loss - 796m, Max. height: 655m/2132ft.
Note: Stay one or two extra nights and make the most of the waymarked walks in this area. Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims to climb the holy Mt Brandon, or explore the wealth of archaeological sites in the valley of Lough Adoon. Additional nights must be requested at the time of booking.
Day 7 : Plateau Walk To Annascaul (14.5Km/9Mi, 5Hrs)
Enjoy a wonderful walk along the Dingle Peninsula from north to south following a spectacular old farmer’s track. You walk over the plateau, passing a deserted famine village and Annascaul Lake en route to the village of Annascaul.
Walk Details: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections; can be damp. Boots recommended. Height gain - 480m, height loss - 499m, Max. height: 365m/1197ft.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
The trip concludes after breakfast. Make your own way to Tralee by either public or private transport. From Tralee, connections by bus and train are frequent to Cork, Limerick, Shannon or Dublin.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
7 nights in B&Bs -
7 full Irish breakfasts - Irish breakfasts usually start with porridge or cereals followed by fried eggs, bacon / sausages, tomato, toast, coffee, tea and juices.
-
7 nights accommodation in B&Bs on a twinshare basis with ensuite facilities
-
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 15kg, supplement applies for excess
-
Digital information pack with route notes and maps & App access
-
Emergency hotline
-
Travel to Tralee and from Annascaul
-
Meals not listed as included, drinks
-
Travel insurance - mandatory
-
Guide – this is a self-guided walking holiday
-
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
What's Not Included
-
Internal transfers by local bus or taxi
-
Dinner, lunch and drinks - during some walking days there will not be an opportunity to purchase lunch and we recommend that you pack a picnic lunch.
-
Guide - this is a self guided tour
-
Luggage transfer, 2 pieces maximum, total weight 15kg pp. Maximum dimensions 55cm x 35 cm x 25 cm.
-
Travel insurance
Grading
MODERATE - GRADE 3
This is a self-guided walk with average daily stages of 5.5 hours. The distances in kms are listed for each stage. The paths although well defined and clearly marked, have some steep sections on sometimes loose and rocky ground and through muddy areas. There are lots of ups and downs. A reasonable level of fitness is required and you should be able to read a map. As with all of our trips it is important that you are well prepared. We suggest that you undertake regular exercise – swimming, cycling, jogging, two to three times a week for three months prior to your departure.
What You Carry
As the walks are fully supported you only need to carry a daypack with your daily requirements including wet weather gear, lunch supplies, water bottle, warm top, phone etc.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
Sunday - Sunday
Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 14, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 08, 2024 - Jul 15, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 09, 2024 - Jul 16, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 10, 2024 - Jul 17, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jul 11, 2024 - Jul 18, 2024Friday - Friday
Jul 12, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 13, 2024 - Jul 20, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 15, 2024 - Jul 22, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 16, 2024 - Jul 23, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 17, 2024 - Jul 24, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jul 18, 2024 - Jul 25, 2024Friday - Friday
Jul 19, 2024 - Jul 26, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 20, 2024 - Jul 27, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 21, 2024 - Jul 28, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 22, 2024 - Jul 29, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 23, 2024 - Jul 30, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 24, 2024 - Jul 31, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Jul 25, 2024 - Aug 01, 2024Friday - Friday
Jul 26, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Jul 27, 2024 - Aug 03, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 04, 2024Monday - Monday
Jul 29, 2024 - Aug 05, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Jul 30, 2024 - Aug 06, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Jul 31, 2024 - Aug 07, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 01, 2024 - Aug 08, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 02, 2024 - Aug 09, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 03, 2024 - Aug 10, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 04, 2024 - Aug 11, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 05, 2024 - Aug 12, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 06, 2024 - Aug 13, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 07, 2024 - Aug 14, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 08, 2024 - Aug 15, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 09, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 10, 2024 - Aug 17, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 18, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 12, 2024 - Aug 19, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 13, 2024 - Aug 20, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 14, 2024 - Aug 21, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 15, 2024 - Aug 22, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 16, 2024 - Aug 23, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 17, 2024 - Aug 24, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 25, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 19, 2024 - Aug 26, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 20, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 21, 2024 - Aug 28, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 22, 2024 - Aug 29, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 23, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 24, 2024 - Aug 31, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Aug 25, 2024 - Sep 01, 2024Monday - Monday
Aug 26, 2024 - Sep 02, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Aug 27, 2024 - Sep 03, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Aug 28, 2024 - Sep 04, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Aug 29, 2024 - Sep 05, 2024Friday - Friday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 06, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Aug 31, 2024 - Sep 07, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 01, 2024 - Sep 08, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 02, 2024 - Sep 09, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 03, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 04, 2024 - Sep 11, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 05, 2024 - Sep 12, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 06, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 14, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 15, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 09, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 10, 2024 - Sep 17, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 11, 2024 - Sep 18, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 12, 2024 - Sep 19, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 20, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 14, 2024 - Sep 21, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 15, 2024 - Sep 22, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 16, 2024 - Sep 23, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 17, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 18, 2024 - Sep 25, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 19, 2024 - Sep 26, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 21, 2024 - Sep 28, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 23, 2024 - Sep 30, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Sep 24, 2024 - Oct 01, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Sep 25, 2024 - Oct 02, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024Friday - Friday
Sep 27, 2024 - Oct 04, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Sep 28, 2024 - Oct 05, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Sep 29, 2024 - Oct 06, 2024Monday - Monday
Sep 30, 2024 - Oct 07, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 01, 2024 - Oct 08, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 02, 2024 - Oct 09, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 03, 2024 - Oct 10, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 04, 2024 - Oct 11, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 05, 2024 - Oct 12, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 06, 2024 - Oct 13, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 07, 2024 - Oct 14, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 08, 2024 - Oct 15, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 09, 2024 - Oct 16, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 11, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024Saturday - Saturday
Oct 12, 2024 - Oct 19, 2024Sunday - Sunday
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 20, 2024Monday - Monday
Oct 14, 2024 - Oct 21, 2024Tuesday - Tuesday
Oct 15, 2024 - Oct 22, 2024Wednesday - Wednesday
Oct 16, 2024 - Oct 23, 2024Thursday - Thursday
Oct 17, 2024 - Oct 24, 2024Friday - Friday
Oct 18, 2024 - Oct 25, 2024Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.