8 Days & 7 Nights

4.7

The Dingle Way - 8 Days & 7 Nights

Wandering through the array of archaeological monuments which dot the route
Sampling traditional Irish music and a pint of Guinness in Dingle
Dipping your toes in the refreshing waters at Ventry Harbour
Walking along wild coastlines and sandy beaches, including Ireland’s longest at 11km
Breathing in the scents of wildflowers, heather and the fresh ocean air
Experiencing warm Irish hospitality at hand-picked B&B’s and guesthouses

National Geographic Traveller has once described southwest Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula as “the most beautiful place on earth.” You will agree to this statement when walking along the Dingle Way (Slí Chorca Dhuibhne in Gaelic), a National Waymarked Trail that loops around the peninsula in County Kerry, beginning and ending in the capital town of Tralee. The trail leads walkers through arguably the most impressive and richest archaeological heritage of all of Ireland's national trails. Through scenic contrasts from the crashing waves at Slea Head and wild moorland cloaked in heather to the pastoral tranquility of farmland and golden beaches near Castlegregory. The route also holds some of Ireland’s richest archaeological and cultural sites, with remnants of ancient life in the form of standing stones, ogham stones, and beehive huts, some dating back to 6000 BC. While staying in the villages of Dingle (An Daingean) and Tralee visitors can enjoy traditional Irish music, storytelling, and local ‘craic’ amidst the charm of these cultural hubs.

From £895.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Tralee and overnight

Arrive in Tralee, the county town of Kerry and the official start of the Dingle Way. Why not visit the impressive Thomas Ashe Memorial Hall? Here you’ll find the Kerry County Museum and Information Centre. The building was named after Ireland’s first hunger striker who died in 1917 in the struggle for independence.

Settle into your welcoming bed and breakfast or guesthouse accommodation.

Overnight Tralee

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Ashe Hotel | Hotel

The Ashe Hotel is a family-run hotel offering spacious en-suite rooms with very elegant features. The accommodation offers free WiFi, and rooms include flat-screen TV’s and tea and coffee making facilities. Irish food can be enjoyed in the gastro pub, where locally sourced ingredients are the norm. Or you can enjoy a refreshing beverage at the hotel’s bar.

Benners Hotel | Hotel

Benners Hotel has been welcoming visitors for over 200 years and is now run by the O’Sullivan Family. All rooms are equipped with en-Suite facilities, multi-channel Television, Telephone, complimentary Wi-Fi, Tea & Coffee making facilities, Iron and Ironing board and hairdryer. Fine Their on site bar offers dining and great range of Quality Whiskies, Wines & Beers.

The James Hotel | Hotel

The James Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located in the heart of Tralee, offering a comfortable and contemporary stay with a warm welcome. Its well-appointed rooms feature modern amenities, including air conditioning and complimentary Wi-Fi, while guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast before setting off for the day. After exploring the surrounding countryside, unwind with a drink and live entertainment at Bridge Lane or enjoy a meal at the hotel’s restaurant. With shops, cafés and local attractions just a short stroll away, it’s a convenient and relaxing base for walkers visiting Tralee.

Day 2 Transfer to Camp & Walk to Annascaul 11 miles / 18 km

A morning transfer brings you onto the Dingle Peninsula and into Camp, sitting at the foot of the Slieve Mish Mountains and looking out over Tralee Bay.

You'll start your Dingle Way adventure on foot from here, as the first stage takes you across a mix of open moorland and farmland. As you climb out of the valley, you'll pass beneath Caherconree Mountain (835m) – home to an impressive megalithic fort and some spectacular panoramic views. The route then crosses a saddle between the Corrin and Knockbrack peaks before beginning its descent.

On your way down, take some time at the nature reserve around Inch Beach. Its pristine sands and crashing waves made this stretch of coastline famous when it featured in the 1960s film Ryan's Daughter. From Inch, quiet country roads lead you on to your overnight stop in Annascaul, birthplace of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. Round off the day with a well-earned pint at Crean's own pub, the South Pole Inn.

Ascent: 305m (1,001ft) / Descent: 345m (1,1132ft)

Overnight Annascaul

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

The Old Anchor Inn | Bed and breakfast

The Old Anchor Inn B&B is a cosy, traditional guesthouse in the heart of Annascaul, ideally situated for walkers exploring the Dingle Way. The comfortable en-suite rooms provide a relaxing place to recharge, while a welcoming lounge and hearty breakfast help guests prepare for the day ahead. With a drying room for wet walking gear and friendly hosts happy to share local knowledge, it’s a great choice for those travelling on foot. The village’s pubs and eateries are just a short stroll away, offering a taste of traditional Irish hospitality.

Ardrinane House | Bed and breakfast

For a warm and welcoming stay in the heart of the Dingle Peninsula, Ardrinane House is a lovely family-run B&B nestled beside the peaceful Annascaul River. Its comfortable en-suite rooms and hearty breakfast make it an ideal place to relax and recharge after a day exploring the surrounding countryside. All rooms have a private bathroom, completed with hairdryer, tea/coffee-making facilities and free wi-fi throughout.

Teac Seain Bar & B&B | Bed and breakfast

Teac Seáin Bar & B&B is a welcoming, family-run guesthouse in the village of Annascaul, ideally located along the Dingle Way. Guests can enjoy comfortable en-suite rooms, a freshly cooked breakfast and a cosy bar where they can unwind with a well-earned drink after a day on the trail. With local pubs, cafés and shops just a short walk away, it’s a lovely spot to relax and experience the friendly atmosphere of this traditional Irish village.

Day 3 Annascaul to Dingle 14 miles / 23 km

From Annascaul you head west, along meandering country roads with views of the Iveragh Peninsula. See the 16th century Minard Castle, located in a small sandy cove, the castle was partly destroyed by Cromwell’s men in 1650. Scenic and quiet roads lead inland through farmland to charming Lispole, a good stop for lunch. Set off again to the Connor Pass road and enjoy superb wide vistas as you walk down into Dingle itself.

The town is renowned for its music, seafood and culture. And with some 53 licensed premises, you won't be stuck for somewhere to have a relaxing drink!

Ascent: 339m (1,112ft) / Descent: 367m (1,204ft)

Overnight Dingle

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

O’Neill’s | Bed and breakfast

Experience traditional Irish hospitality at O’Neill’s Bed & Breakfast, a welcoming, family-run guesthouse ideally situated on John Street in the heart of Dingle town. Offering clean, comfortable en-suite rooms with tea and coffee-making facilities, free Wi-Fi and fresh towels, it’s a relaxing base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Guests can look forward to a delicious breakfast each morning, with homemade granola, fresh fruit, baking and a freshly cooked Irish breakfast to set them up for the day. Just a short stroll from Dingle’s colourful streets, picturesque harbour, traditional pubs and excellent restaurants, O’Neill’s is a lovely choice for travellers seeking a friendly atmosphere, personal recommendations from their hosts and easy access to everything this charming coastal town has to offer.

Brosnans B&B | Bed and breakfast

A warm welcome awaits at Brosnan’s Bed & Breakfast, a family-run accommodation offering a comfortable and homely base in the heart of Dingle. The spacious en-suite rooms provide a relaxing place to unwind, with television and tea and coffee-making facilities available. Each morning, guests can enjoy a choice of breakfasts, with vegetarian options catered for, before heading out to discover the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. With Dingle’s lively pubs, traditional restaurants and colourful town centre just a short walk away, it’s an ideal choice for walkers looking to enjoy the area at their own pace. The friendly hosts are also happy to share local recommendations to help guests make the most of their stay.

Emlagh Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Emlagh Lodge is located on the Dingle shore and commands breathtaking views of the bay and harbour, with the town centre just a 5-minute stroll along the shoreline and harbour-side, after which you will find Dingle’s restaurants and shops. Overlooking Dingle Bay, this charming guesthouse features individually styled, spacious en-suite rooms, with some offering lovely views across the bay or gardens.

Day 4 Explore Dingle Town or Visit Blasket Islands

Charming Dingle town has long attracted artists, craftspeople, and musicians who can be found in little workshops, museums, and at unforgettable traditional music sessions throughout Dingle's local pub scene. Today can be spent exploring this thriving community and the heart of one of Ireland's most popular “Gaeltacht” areas. You can hear one of Europe's oldest languages in wide use.

Explore some of Dingle's varied shops, such as The Weavers Shop, where you can find designer handwoven linen, woolen scarves, and throws. Whatever you decide to do, Dingle town does not disappoint!

For those looking to venture further afield, the Blasket Islands are just a short ferry ride from Dingle Marina—a perfect way to spend the day. The Great Blasket Island spans over 1,100 acres of untouched, mountainous terrain. Stretching approximately 4 miles long and half a mile wide, the island is now a designated Special Area of Conservation, brimming with diverse wildlife and vibrant flora. Rich in Irish history and heritage, the Great Blasket was once one of the most remote Irish-speaking communities in Corca Dhuibhne. Although uninhabited since 1953, it remains celebrated for the remarkable literary legacy of its former residents, who vividly chronicled the extraordinary details of their daily lives.

Dingle Sea Safari and Great Blasket Island Experience offer a range of tours, including a full-day adventure featuring a wildlife sea safari, coastal exploration, and time on the island, as well as a quick and convenient return ferry service. These should be booked online, well in advance, to guarantee availability. Once on the island, we highly recommend our Great Blasket loop walk, which showcases the best of this incredibly diverse island.

Great Blasket Loop Walk (optional): 7 km (4.5 miles); Ascent: 275m (902ft) / Descent: 275m (902ft)

Overnight Dingle

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

O’Neill’s | Bed and breakfast

Brosnans B&B | Bed and breakfast

Emlagh Lodge | Bed and breakfast

Day 5 Dingle to Dunquin 15 miles / 23 km

From Dingle, you head further west bringing you through low-lying farmland to the glorious golden sands of Ventry Harbour. After dipping your wearied feet in the turquoise sea head onto the medieval roads of Slea Head. With views over the Atlantic, you may spot the mystical Blasket Islands offshore. Whilst on the mainland you will see remnants of 2,500-year-old historic forts and stone beehive huts.

Climb up to the shoulder of Mount Eagle. Picture-postcard Dunquin with its pier comes into sight where you will find the nearby Heritage Centre, telling the story of the Blasket Islands. You may wish to consider adding an extra night in Dunquin so you can take the ferry (weather permitting) to visit Great Blasket for yourself.

Please note that due to a lack of accommodation available in Dunquin, you may be accommodated in Dingle town for an extra night. In this case taxi transfers will be provided to take you from the trail to your overnight accommodation in Dingle town and back the next day.

Ascent: 427m (1,400ft) / Descent: 394m (1,292ft)

Overnight Dunquin

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

An Portan Guesthouse & Restaurant | Bed and breakfast

Ideally located in Dunquin, a short walk from The Great Blasket Centre and Island Heritage Museum.. The An Portan Guest House offers ensuite rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries, hairdryer, and free wifi.

Gleann Dearg | Bed and breakfast

Set on a 30-acre working farm in the beautiful village of Dunquin, Gleann Dearg Guest House offers a traditional farmhouse experience with breathtaking views across the Atlantic Ocean to the Blasket Islands. Just a short distance from the village and close to the Dingle Way walking trail, this welcoming B&B is an ideal stop for walkers and travellers exploring the spectacular Dingle Peninsula. Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast, relax in the conservatory dining room surrounded by grapevines, and experience the charm of rural Irish life.

Dunquin House | Bed and breakfast

Set amongst historic landmarks and great pubs and restaurants, Dunquin House B&B is the perfect retreat after a day of exploring the Dingle Peninsula. Sink into the exquisite comfort of this boutique B&B as you stare from your window over the dramatic Atlantic and spectacular Blasket Islands. Offering comfortable, well-appointed rooms, some with beautiful sea views, this welcoming B&B provides a relaxing retreat surrounded by spectacular coastal scenery.

Day 6 Dunquin to Ballydavid 12 miles / 19 km

A great, bracing day’s walking along the coastal paths, with outstanding views of the wild Atlantic Ocean and secluded beaches. Perhaps stop at the workshop of renowned Irish potter Louis Mulcahy at Clothar, where you can enjoy coffee and cake in the café or even try your hand at the craft yourself (open July/August).

You will pass by Ferriters Cove and the iconic Three Sisters, before the trail swings east to take you along the sandy beaches of Smerwick Harbour.

If accommodation in Feohanagh is fully booked, you will be accommodated in Murreagh instead. This shortens your walking distance by 4 km, but you'll need to walk an extra 4 km the following day. Alternatively, you can arrange a transfer directly with your accommodation (fee payable) the following morning to the foot of Mount Brandon, giving you a shorter walking day.

Ascent: 133m (436ft) / Descent: 156m (511ft)

Overnight Ballydavid

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

An Riasc | Bed and breakfast

The Begley family at An Riasc are an Irish speaking household and will happily help you learn a cúpla focal (a few words) if you wish! On arrival, you can look forward to delicious cakes and beverages in their dining room or outdoors overlooking the sea and some delicious freshly squeezed orange juice, and homemade granola, along with an array of locally sourced options for breakfast. With their comfortable en-suite rooms with beautiful views of Mount Brandon and the surrounding Atlantic coastline, it's clear to see why they recently won the Farmhouse B&B of the year.

Coill An Rois | Bed and breakfast

Coill an Róis, purpose built guest accommodation located at the foot of Mount Brandon on the Dingle Peninsula, opened its doors to guests almost 20 years ago. Since then, the owner has welcomed guests in the warm traditional manner associated with Irish people. All rooms are ensuite, with power showers, toiletries and hair dryer.

Imeall Na Mara | Bed and breakfast

Overlooking the beautiful waters of Smerwick Harbour, Imeall na Mara ( which translates to Seashore House) is a welcoming, family-run B&B in the peaceful coastal village of Ballydavid on the Dingle Peninsula. Bright, spacious bedrooms offer lovely views of either the harbour or Mount Brandon, while guests can enjoy a hearty full Irish breakfast and delicious homemade baking each morning. The cosy dining room and sunroom provide the perfect spots to relax and take in the surrounding scenery. Ideally located along the Dingle Way walking trail and Slea Head Drive, with beaches, traditional pubs and local restaurants nearby, this charming guesthouse is an excellent base for walkers and travellers looking to experience spectacular coastline and authentic Irish hospitality.

Day 7 Ballydavid to Cloghane 15 miles / 24 km

This is one of the most remote and dramatic sections of the whole walk, and the most challenging as you reach the highest point. The trail offers a combination of history and breathtaking views.

As today is a long and demanding day, you have the option to arrange a transfer with your accommodation to the foot of Mt Brandon for a small additional fee. They will drop you off at the trailhead, allowing you to begin the ascent straight away. This reduces the day's walk to 19km.

You will cross the shoulder of Mount Brandon, one of Ireland’s highest mountains and pass by groups of standing stones. You cross blanket bogs where the turf is still harvested in the traditional way before ending up in the quiet village of Cloghane.

Ascent: 807m (2,658ft) / Descent: 803m (2,634ft)

Shortened Route with transfer (19km): Ascent: 717m (2,252ft) / Descent: 802m (2,631ft)

Overnight Cloghane

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Mount Brandon Lodge | Guest House

Enjoy a warm Irish welcome at Mount Brandon Lodge, a family-run B&B nestled on the edge of Cloghane village, with beautiful views across Brandon Bay and the dramatic slopes of Mount Brandon as its backdrop. This comfortable guesthouse offers en-suite bedrooms with tea and coffee-making facilities, alongside a well-kept garden and outdoor seating area where guests can relax and take in the scenery. Ideally located just off the Dingle Way walking trail, it’s a great base for walkers looking to explore the surrounding mountains, nearby beaches and the spectacular Conor Pass. With breakfast included and packed lunches available for the trail, Mount Brandon Lodge is a welcoming and convenient stop for discovering the natural beauty of the Dingle Peninsula.

O’Connor’s Guesthouse | Guest House

Expect a warm welcome and good ‘craic’ when you check in O’Connors Guest House. All rooms are ensuite with hairdryer, tea and coffee making facilities and scenic views of the mountains and Brandon Bay Estuary. You will also have access to a private lounge, free wifi and direct dial telephone. The guest house is also a traditional Irish pub serving good drink, food, and craic. It is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and traditional music.

Day 8 Onward Travel

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

The Dingle Way is a bracing cliff-top walk in one of the most stunning, historic and remote parts of Europe. With its well way-marked path, unforgettable scenery and welcoming people, the Dingle Peninsula is a great place to forget about the worries of modern life.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Long-Distance Trails

Coastal Walking

Grade & Terrain

Our Dingle Way itineraries are graded moderate and are suitable for regular walkers. The route does not go any higher than 650m (the ascent over a spur of Mount Brandon) and elsewhere the route never rises above 350m making it a low-level, but undulating route. Most days offer between 6 to 8 hours of walking on good terrain which includes historic paths such as boreens (narrow country roads), farm tracks, cliff-top paths, wide sandy beaches and some minor roads. Beaches make up about 17% of the route and it should be noted that overall about 48% follow tarmac roads (bitumen). Although the amount of road walking is more than walkers might expect, the roads are scenic, varied, and mostly along quiet lanes. This reflects the fact that rights of way are almost non-existent in Ireland, and this is something that the Dingle Way has in common with other Irish trails. From time to time there may be some busier stretches where you will need to be cautious of traffic.

Experience & Fitness

This route is suitable for most regular walkers of average fitness. You should train by walking some daily walks of similar daily distances to your planned itinerary.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

Overnight accommodation in hand picked B&B's, guesthouses and small hotels in en suite rooms wherever possible.
Door-to-door baggage transfers
Transfer as per the itinerary
All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
Detailed trip info and mapped tracks, via the Macs App
24-7 Emergency telephone support from our office in the event of any issues

Excluded

Travel to starting point/from finish point
Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks
Travel Insurance
Personal Equipment
Taxi transfers or public transport should you need to skip a stage.

Extras

Additional Transfers
Extra nights before, after or during your walk

When to go Travel & Transfers

Getting to the Start

Tralee is the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula and the starting point of your holiday.

Kerry Airport (KIR) is the closest, just a short taxi ride from Tralee. Ryanair flies there from London Luton (LTN) and London Stansted (STN).

Cork Airport (ORK) has Aer Lingus flights from London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), Bristol (BRS), Birmingham (BHX), Manchester (MAN), Edinburgh (EDI) and Glasgow (GLA). From the airport, take the bus to Cork Kent station (around 20 mins), then the train to Tralee (around 2 hrs).

Shannon Airport (SNN) has Aer Lingus flights from London Heathrow (LHR), Bristol (BRS), Birmingham (BHX) and Manchester (MAN), and Ryanair flights from London Stansted (STN) and Liverpool (LPL). From the airport, take the bus to Tralee (around 2 hrs 50 mins to 3 hrs 15 mins).

Dublin Airport (DUB) is easy to reach from across the UK, with plenty of budget and scheduled flights. Take the bus into the city centre, then the train from Dublin Heuston to Tralee, usually changing at Mallow (around 4 hrs). You can also fly from Dublin to Kerry Airport (KIR) with Aer Lingus.

Prefer to travel by sea? Irish Ferries sails from Holyhead to Dublin, with good bus links from the port into the city centre.

Need a hand planning your journey by bus or train? The Transport for Ireland Journey Planner is the best place to check routes and timetables.

Getting from the End

Your tour finishes in Cloghane, a small village on the northern coast of the Dingle Peninsula. A local bus runs from Cloghane back to Tralee, usually timed around check-out (10am to 11am). Check the Local Link Kerry website for timetables. You can also take the local bus to Dingle town, changing at Camp.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 18kg per person.

At Macs Adventure, we work in partnership with many luggage transfer providers who set a limit on how many bags/suitcases they will transfer per person, and also the weight of the bag/suitcase. Your booking includes a transfer of 1 bag per person. It is very important that you read the luggage information specific to your tour before departure. If you do not adhere to these limits, there is a great possibility that you will be charged locally both for extra bags or if they are too heavy. This limitation can be a challenge, especially as airlines generally have limits that are higher. However, our luggage providers have reasons for these limits (usually due to the Health and Safety of their employees), which we must respect.

Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascent / descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat and sunscreen. In your Macs App you can find a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes for the cooler months and lightweight clothing for summer, and a day pack.

Online Documents

At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.

On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.