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British Trails
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Wainwrights Way
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Alternative Coast
to Coast
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West Highland Way
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Cornish Coast
Path
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Cotswold Way
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Hadrians Wall
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Cleveland Way
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Isle of Wight
Coastal Path
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South Downs Way
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Norfolk Coast
Path
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Rob Roy Way
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The
magical Dingle Peninsula combines the very best of Irish culture and
hospitality with stunning mountain landscapes and wild coastal scenery.
Starting from the bustling market town of Tralee our route follows the
ever-changing Dingle coastline of beautiful sandy bays, remote fishing
villages and lofty cliffs.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival day
Day 2: Tralee to Aughacasla Strand
Distance: 18½km (11½ miles), 130m (425ft ascent)
The first stage of the walk comprises two very different sections. Our
first section traverses the lower slopes of the Slieve Mish Mountains.
These towering summits, which rise to 2,800ft, dominate the entrance to
the Dingle Peninsula. The second half of the day follows the sweeping
coastline of Dingle Bay as our route heads along the beach towards
Aughacasla Strand.
Day 3:
Castlegregory to Fermoyle
Distance: 19½km (12 miles), negligible ascent
The second day of the walk follows the northern coast of the peninsula
as it sweeps around Tralee and Brandon Bays. We start just north of
Castlegregory. Heading north we first round the Magheree Peninsula which
separates Tralee and Brandon Bays. Our walk continues along the sandy
beach until finally we reach Fermoyle. Our hotel lies just half a mile
inland with extensive views back along the beach we have just walked.
Day 4: Brandon to
Ballydavid
Distance: 21½km (13½ miles), 730m (2,400ft) ascent
The third day of our walk is markedly different from the previous two in
that we leave the flat northern coast and climb high onto the slopes of
Brandon Mountain, Ireland's second highest peak (952m or 3,122ft). After
a short stretch on quiet country lanes the path ascends the wild slopes
of Brandon, to reach the highest point of the walk at 650 metres
(2,130ft). As we descend to the west we enter the Gaeltacht, or Irish
speaking area, which covers the tip of peninsula. Our day ends at
Ballydavid, a small fishing community on the shores of Smerwick Harbour.
Day 5: Free Day - Dingle
Town
Day 6: Ballydavid
to Slea Head
Distance: 20km (12½ miles), 230m (750ft) ascent
Our fourth leg of the walk follows the rugged western coast of the
Dingle. We start at Ballydavid and at first follow the peaceful shores
of Smerwick Harbour. Now heading south we follow a series of country
lanes and cliff paths toward Dunquin and Slea Head. This marks the
westernmost point of our walk and there are excellent views of the
crashing Atlantic waves and the lonely Blasket Islands.
Day 7: Slea Head
to Dingle Town
Distance: 16km (10 miles), 230m (750ft) ascent
The final day's walk takes us from the dramatic cliffs of Slea Head to
the colour and bustle of Dingle Town. We take a path that contours along
the slopes of Mount Eagle above the road, which carves its way around
the headland. After about 4 miles we walk along the beach at Ventry
Harbour. Heading inland we leave the Dingle Way (which follows the road
into Dingle Town) and for our final stretch follow the 'Pilgrims Path',
a pleasant route that emerges at the top of the High Street in the town.
Dingle Town with its many colourful bars is a suitable place to
celebrate our walk around this stunning peninsula.
Day 8:Depart after
breakfast |
