Highlights
- Tap your toes to traditional music in colorful Dingle Town
- Discover remote "beehive" huts and famine villages
- Walk the 5-mile long Ventry Beach
- Traverse alpine plateaus with panoramic views
- Relax at an alpine lake surrounded by rocky hills
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Dingle - Explore | Dingle Town |
| Day 2 | Day Hike From Dingle to Dunquin | Dingle Town |
| Day 3 | Panoramic Views From Tiduff to Cloghane | Cloghane |
| Day 4 | Hike the Plateau From Cloghane to Annascaul | Annascaul |
| Day 5 | Depart Annascaul |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Dingle - Explore
Welcome to Ireland! Arrive in the lovely fishing village of Dingle on the southwestern tip of the Dingle peninsula for the first night. Dingle is accessible from Ireland's major airports by a train/bus connection in nearby Tralee or Killarney.
Dingle is a “lively” village, with plenty of excellent restaurants and good pubs. Irish music sessions are available most nights of the week, throughout the year. Suggested activities include:
- Spend the evening walking colorful Green Street and stop into the famous Dick Mack's pub for a pint of the black stuff and traditional music.
- Enjoy the beauty of An Diseart's beautiful stained glass chapel.
- If you're traveling with kids, check out the Oceanworld Aquarium and try to spot Fungie the dolphin from the shore.
- And if you have enough time, take a boat tour of the bay and enjoy the stunning views of Dingle Peninsula.
Day 2: Day Hike From Dingle to Dunquin
After enjoying breakfast, hop into your prearranged taxi and head towards the start of today's walk, which is just outside of Dingle Town. The hike passes the historical Kilcolman and continues on to the glorious Ventry beach. From here you'll walk along a beautiful and historic path around Slea Head to finish at Dunquin. This walk offers an opportunity to see “beehive” huts—round structures made with dry stone dating back to the 12th century—and also to get a full view of the Blasket Islands.
Return by a prearranged taxi and enjoy another lively night in Dingle. Enjoy a traditional seafood dinner at Doyle's or grab take-out at Reel Dingle Fish and have a picnic along the water. Afterwards, tap your toes to traditional music at Foxy John's pub, which is filled with quirky and eclectic decor.
Walk Details:
- Distance: 11 miles (19 km)
- Duration: 5.5 hours
- Max. Ascent: 1150 feet (350 m)
- Terrain: Rocky grass tracks, beach, and some road walking. Boots are essential.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Panoramic Views From Tiduff to Cloghane
Today is all about spectacular views of the Dingle Peninsula. Like yesterday, a prearranged taxi will transfer you from Dingle Town to the tiny village of Tiduff where you'll start your walk. You'll begin along an old military road, which is remote and full of history. With some of the most breathtaking views of the Dingle Peninsula, this exclusive path is only accessible by foot, so you can enjoy the vistas within the peaceful stillness of the Irish countryside.
You'll eventually make your way to the northern side of the peninsula, finishing in the small seaside village of Cloghane. You will stay the night in Cloghane, so enjoy your evening in total tranquility. Walk along the rocky beach, stroll through the colorful streets, and enjoy endless views of the mountains.
Walk Details:
- Distance: 14 miles (22 km)
- Duration: 6.5 hours
- Max. Ascent: 1500 ft (450 m)
- Terrain: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections, plus gravel tracks and some road walking. Boots are essential.
Day 4: Hike the Plateau From Cloghane to Annascaul
It's time to head back to the southern part of the Dingle Peninsula with a beautiful walk to the small village of Annascaul. You'll start along a spectacular old farmer’s track, which will take you over a plateau with stunning views. You'll pass a deserted famine village and scenic Annascaul Lake on the way. Your descent takes you into the village of Annascaul where you'll spend the night. Warm up with a drink at Hanafin's Bar and keep the scenic views coming with a stroll along Annascaul River Walk.
Walk Details:
Distance: 9 miles (14 km)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Terrain: Grass mountain tracks with some rocky sections, plus some road walking. Boots are essential.
Day 5: Depart Annascaul
Enjoy your last traditional Irish Fry (breakfast) before leaving Annascaul. You can connect in nearby Tralee by either public or private transport. From Tralee, catch a connection by bus or train back to Cork, Shannon, or Dublin. Shannon and Dublin are Ireland's main international airports, although Cork has some connections within Europe.
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