The Dingle Way in Ireland: map, accommodation, route, and more!

Rintsje Bosch
Rintsje Bosch
28 Feb 2024 12 min read
The Dingle Way in Ireland: map, accommodation, route, and more!
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Walking the Dingle Way. The Dingle Way is an enchanting trek in the Dingle Peninsula, in Ireland. This is a rare slice of Ireland where Gaelige (Gaelic) is still spoken, century-old crofts huddle below the mountains, and where you can find ancient sites scattered across a sparsely populated area.

The Dingle Way is located along the shoreline of the westernmost point in mainland Ireland and is situated north of the Kerry Way and the Beara Way. This breathtaking trail guides you through stunning archeological sites, surrounded by coastal and mountain scenery. If you are looking for a trekking adventure in Ireland, the Dingle Way is a great option!

The Origin of the Dingle Way

The Dingle Way (Irish: Slí Chorca Dhuibhne) is a long-distance trail around the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. It is a 179-kilometer (101-mile) long circular route that begins and ends in Tralee and is typically completed in nine days. It is designated as a National Waymarked Trail by the National Trails Office of the Irish Sports Council and is managed by the Dingle Way Committee and Kerry County Council.

The Dingle Way is located along the shoreline of the westernmost point in mainland Ireland and is situated north of the Kerry Way and the Beara Way. This breathtaking trail guides you through stunning archeological sites, surrounded by coastal and mountain scenery. If you are looking for a trekking adventure in Ireland, the Dingle Way is a great option!

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Best Season for the Dingle Way in Ireland

Contrary to other treks in Europe, like the  Alta via 2 in the Dolomites  and the  Salzburger Almenweg  in Austria, where you can only trek during the summer months, you can walk the Dingle Way all year round.  The popular season is between March and October, May being the most recommended month. What you should know is that weather conditions are frequently wet and windy, regardless of the season that you choose, so pack the necessary wet/warm weather gear and always have an extra, dry pair of shoes to wear at the end of the day. A good rain jacket and overtrousers will be your best allies. 

The Dingle Way Map

Below you will find a map detailing the 9 stages of the Dingle Way, starting and ending in Tralee, in the Dingle Peninsula:

Did you know that we can book all huts and refuges for the Dingle Way for you? Check out all our options here.

Itinerary - Dingle Way Walking Route

The Dingle Way starts and ends in the city of Tralee in the Dingle Peninsula, in the county of Kerry, Ireland. The trail is traditionally divided into 9 stages with an average walking time of 7 hours per day. Below you will find a description of each of the stages on the Dingle Way:

Day
1

Arrival in Tralee

Today you will have to make your way to Tralee. In Tralee, you will spend the night at a hotel preparing for your Dingle Way adventure.

Grand Hotel Tralee (Tralee)

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Grand Hotel Tralee (Tralee)
Day
2

Tralee to Camp

Duration: 04:59 h
Distance: 18.2 km
Ascent: 310 m
Descent: 260 m

The Dingle Way trail starts in Tralee. Alongside the railings of the park to the right of the museum you will find the sign marking the official start of the Dingle Way. Across the park, you will find Princes Street. In Princes street turn left and continue to Princes Quay and onto a roundabout. Turn right to start your Dingle Way adventure by following the canal path to Blennerville. Follow the canal path up to the bridge opposite the Blennerville Windmill. Cross the canal towards the village.

The Dingle Way follows the main N86 road to Dingle for a short stretch across Blennerville. After crossing the canal, take the second left turn. Follow some quiet country back roads as you ascend into the flanks of the Slieve Mish mountain range. Follow the trail for about 3 kilometers to Tonavane, where the trail turns west into the open mountainside. Follow the trail across marshy terrain and walk past several breathtaking glacial valleys.

On your way, you will also come across the preserved ruins of Killelton Oratory. The final section of today's stage takes you down to a valley, crosses the Finglas River, and continues uphill towards a minor road. Turn to the right and follow the trail downhill for about 1 kilometer to Camp.

Camp Junction House (Camp)

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Camp Junction House (Camp)
Day
3

Camp to Annascaul

Duration: 05:08 h
Distance: 18.2 km
Ascent: 380 m
Descent: 400 m

After Camp, take the trail to the west of the Finglas River crossing. For about 2 km, the Dingle Way guides you towards the southwest while slowly ascending out of the valley. During this section, you can admire the views of the Caherconree Mountain (835m) and the megalithic fort located close to its top. At 235 m you will cross the saddle between the peaks of Corrin and Knockbrack and then you will continue your walk with amazing views of the mountain ridges of Moanlaur and Knockmore to your left.

The path then gradually descends into a small forest, the only one on the entire Dingle Way. You walk through the forest for about 2 kilometers. When you emerge from the forest, follow a minor back road towards the south until the Emlagh River. The Dingle Way then gradually turns to the west and reveals the beautiful views of Inch Beach.

After an energizing break at the beach, continue your walk towards Maum. From the beach, the Dingle Way ascends behind a line of houses facing towards the bay and guides you through small roads away from the coast. After rounding the summit of Knockafeehane you will be able to see the glacial valley on which Lough Annscaul is located. Walk for another 2 kilometers into the heart of Annascaul.

The Old Anchor Inn (Annascaul)

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The Old Anchor Inn (Annascaul)
Day
4

Annascaul to Dingle

Duration: 06:29 h
Distance: 23.4 km
Ascent: 400 m
Descent: 430 m

After Annascaul, the Dingle Way joins the busy Tralee-Dingle road for a bit but then turns into a quieter road for 4 kilometers before descending to sea level next to the ruins of the 16th century Minard Castle. After leaving the beach, ascend through a steep, narrow path towards some classic Irish boreens and minor roads that guide you through the surrounding farmland for about 6km. Before Lispole you will find yourself surrounded by breathtaking views of the Croaghskearda (608m) and An Cnapán Mór (649m) peaks to the north. After crossing the N86 road, the Dingle Way heads towards the north in the direction of Croaghskearda Mountain.

Follow the minor road for about 2 kilometers. The path then cuts across farmland and rises onto the lower mountain slopes. This section of the Dingle Way can get quite muddy, so make sure you bring some gaiters along. After crossing the Garfinny River bridge, the Dingle Way heads towards the southwest again towards Dingle.

Dingle Harbour Lodge (Dingle)

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Dingle Harbour Lodge (Dingle)
Day
5

Dingle to Dunquin

Duration: 05:57 h
Distance: 21.4 km
Ascent: 410 m
Descent: 370 m

Today your day will start walking along the harbor where you will cross the bridge over the Milltown River and you will follow the main road for 1 kilometer. You will then follow a side road towards a rough area of low-lying farmland. Follow this road for about 3 kilometers and then, following the signs, turn to the north and join the "Pilgrim's Route" for 300 meters. The Dingle Way then leaves the "Pilgrim's Route" and turns off the road for 1.5 kilometers across the country towards the northwest. After the Mám an Óraigh saddle, the trail descends onto a minor road that leads to Ventry.

You will then walk for about 2.5 km through the beach across the sands of Ventry Harbour. Once again on firm land, the Dingle Way follows some intertwining minor roads and tracks for about 2 kilometers until meeting the Slea Head Road. Be careful while walking this section alongside the road. A lane to the right will lead you back up to the Dingle Way. You will then walk for 7 kilometers alongside the base of Mount Eagle with amazing views over the Atlantic.

The last part of today's stage guides you once more through the main road for 3km and then descends towards a picturesque and very popular pier, a true symbol of Ireland. The next turn to the right will take you straight to Dunquin.

An Portán Guest House (Dunquin)

Info
An Portán Guest House (Dunquin)
Day
6

Dunquin to Feohanagh

Duration: 05:09 h
Distance: 19.6 km
Ascent: 160 m
Descent: 170 m

Today you will start with a brisk ascent out of Dunquin. Heading north the Dingle Way turns into a gravel path and then goes around the shoulder of An Ghráig, situated at 120m above sea level. The route then descends and joins once more the main road.

After walking across grasslands and passing the small Clogher Beach, the Dingle Way skirts some cliffs before arriving on the tarmac, where it proceeds towards the northeast. The trail soon arrives at a T-junction, where there have been some recent changes. Go to the right followed by an immediate turn to the left and walk up the east side of the golf course instead of the west.

After Smerwick Harbour, the Dingle Way will guide you through the beach for about 6 kilometers before reaching Murreagh and Ballydavid. After Ballydavid, you will walk next to the cliffs for about 3 kilometers before heading back inland and rejoining the road at Glashabeg. Follow the road to Feohanagh.

The Old Pier Guest Accommodation (Feohanagh)

Info
The Old Pier Guest Accommodation (Feohanagh)
Day
7

Feohanagh to Cloghane

Duration: 08:01 h
Distance: 26.4 km
Ascent: 790 m
Descent: 800 m

During this stage, you will reach the highest point on the Dingle Way. Should the weather conditions be poor and should the visibility be bad, we advise taking a ride to Cloghane.

Today you will leave Feohanagh and you will follow the Dingle Way through an old green road towards the peak Cnoc na mBristi, to the northeast. There follows a long and stiff climb to the shoulder of Brandon Mountain round the saddle between Masatiompan and Piaras Mór. For the descent, the use of walking poles is advised since the path is quite steep and the trails can be muddy. The descent then turns more gradual and guides you into the valley. Walk for another 4 kilometers where you will reach a wider road which will lead you to Brandon Village. The final stage of this section guides you from the pier at Brandon across lanes for just over 6km before finally making it to Cloghane Village.

Mount Brandon Hostel (Cloghane)

Info
Mount Brandon Hostel (Cloghane)
Day
8

Cloghane to Kilshannig

Duration: 04:19 h
Distance: 16.8 km
Ascent: 70 m
Descent: 70 m
After Cloghane, you follow a quiet, undulating road that turns north after Drom Hill. This section of the Dingle Way is about 3.5 km long before it takes you through Drom and Farrendalouge and rejoins the coast at Fermoyle. The stretch between Fermoyle and Kilshannig is mainly on sandy beaches with several streams to cross. After a day of heavy rain or high tide, these streams can become extremely deep. It is advisable to go to the higher sand dunes, where they are easier to cross.

Harbour House B&B (Castlegregory)

Info
Harbour House B&B (Castlegregory)
Day
9

Kilshannig to Camp

Duration: 06:01 h
Distance: 23.4 km
Ascent: 120 m
Descent: 70 m
The first part of today's route is mainly along the beach. Then you arrive at Castlegregory. This is a quiet village with a special charm. When leaving Castlegregory, the path goes through a boggy area. At Aughacasla, the path takes you past Tralee Bay, where you have a wonderful view of the water, the beach, and the towering mountains in the distance.

Camp Junction House (Camp)

Info
Camp Junction House (Camp)
Day
10

Camp to Tralee

Duration: 04:52 h
Distance: 18 km
Ascent: 230 m
Descent: 280 m
On the last day of the hike, you cross the Finglas River and head uphill to the valley. You will come across the well-preserved ruins of Killelton Oratory. The trail leads you past some breathtaking glacial valleys and continues over swampy terrain. The path continues into an open mountainside before reaching the Slieve Mish mountain range. You then walk through Blennerville, where you will find the windmill. Then you come to Princes Quay again, with a little further on the Kerry County Museum; the ending point of this walk.

Grand Hotel Tralee (Tralee)

Info
Grand Hotel Tralee (Tralee)
Day
11

Departure

After breakfast, our services and your Dingle Way adventure will be over. Have a safe trip back home!
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How to get to the starting point of the Dingle Way

The Dingle Way starts and ends in Tralee, the Couty of Kerry's main town and administrative hub. The Dingle Way trail starts at the Town Park Gate to the west side of the Ashe Hall at the end of Denny Street, near the Kerry County Museum. The Dingle Way is traditionally walked clockwise, from Tralee towards the north to Camp, and then southwest towards Annascaul.

How to get to Tralee?

The most convenient way is flying to Kerry Airport, which is located 12 miles/19 kilometers outside town, and gets flights from Dublin, London-Luton, London-Stanstead, and Frankfurt-Hahn.

You can also reach Tralee via train from Mallow, where you can get a connection to/from Cork and Dublin. Train services run every two hours almost every day, except on Sundays, when the services are less frequent. There are also direct buses that connect Tralee with Cork, and, with a change at Limerick, from Galway and Dublin.

Dingle Way Accommodation

On the Dingle Way, you can either spend the night in a cozy hotel or in a typical Irish B&B, where you will receive a warm welcome and a typical Irish breakfast. The accommodation options can be a bit limited at times. The Dingle Way is a popular trek in Ireland and it welcomes thousands of trekkers every year. Arranging the stages and booking the accommodation should not be taken lightly, since the hotels get fully booked months in advance.

Baggage Transfer on the Dingle Way

The Dingle Way is a popular trek and attracts many tourists every year. The tourism industry in the Dingle Peninsula welcomes these visitors and has developed several services to make the trek around the peninsula easier and lighter. One of these services is that of baggage transfer, which is also very popular in other treks in the British Isles, like the Great Glen Way and the West Highland Way, both in Scotland.

There are several agencies that offer baggage transfers during the Dingle Way and most of them offer their service for about EUR 15,- per bag, per day. The Baggage transfer companies pick up your bags every morning from your hotel and make sure that they are waiting for you at your next stop when you arrive. That way, you can enjoy the trek without any extra weight on your shoulders. Quite convenient, isn't it?

Baggage Transfer on the Dingle Way

At Bookatrekking.com, we not only book your huts, we also send you on your way with a comprehensive hiking guide with the most important information for your Dingle Way, including interactive Komoot maps. Browse all our options here and turn your dreams into reality.

Camping on the Dingle Way

Well, technically there is no law prohibiting camping or wild camping in the Dingle Peninsula and you probably find many stories of people who have done it. If you want to give it a try, you can do so. However, if you want to go camping on the Dingle Peninsula you should consider the following first: the terrain along the Dingle Way can be very exposed, which means that there is little or no shelter on higher ground from the strong winds and the rain. In Spring, much of the uplands can be very muddy, and finding a dry spot can be a difficult task. If you still want to go camping on the Dingle Way, make sure that you are prepared and have the right equipment for it, Ireland's weather is not exactly camping-friendly!

Not sure yet or want to discuss your plans for the Dingle Way with one of our trekking experts? Get in touch today and turn your dreams into memories!

Packing List for the Dingle Way

No matter where you go hiking or for how long, bringing the right equipment is of utmost importance. For your hike, the first thing you need is a good backpack. The size of it will depend on the number of days you will be trekking, the season and the clothes you take with you. If you have luggage transport, the comfort level of your daypack is most important. We have compiled a packing list with a few essential items of clothing you should bring and some extras you might find useful:
  • Essentials

  • Extras

Is walking the Dingle Way safe?

In terms of difficulty, the Dingle Way is an easy to moderate hike. There are some stretches on the way that are more demanding since they include some steep climbs and sheer drops. Visibility can also be a challenge at times due to fog and low clouds, especially on stage 6, from Feohanagh to Cloghane. Despite the occasional poor visibility, the Dingle Way is a safe trek. The path is wide and the trail is clearly marked with a yellow arrow on black background.

Is walking the Dingle Way safe?

Safety tips for the Dingle Way

Although this is far from being a trek in the Himalayas, unexpected things can always happen and you might also find obstacles on the hiking trails along the way. The Dingle Way is safe, the trails are quite straight forward and there is not an extreme difference in altitude. However, for your safety, every hike deserves a level of respect; respect for the terrain, the trails, wildlife and vegetation, local rules and regulations, and above all, your physical capabilities and safety. Therefore, for an unforgettable and safe hiking memory, please keep the following safety recommendations in mind:

  • Know your limits

    Always prepare each stage carefully to use your energy wisely, respect your physical and mental limitations, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. When ascending or descending, if applicable, always use the aids provided, such as handrails and ropes. Is this trek suitable for you? Well, familiarize yourself with the grading system and figure out if this trek matches your capabilities. If you still need professional advice you can always contact Bookatrekking.com experts.

  • Stay on marked trails

    The most important thing is to never leave the marked paths. For easy navigation we work with our trusted partner Komoot, whose interactive maps, also available offline, provide you with the necessary digital means to get from A to B in the Dingle Way. As a backup, make sure to bring a hiking guide or a paper map with you.

  • Fully equipped

    Make sure you have the necessary gear for the conditions you'll be facing, including appropriate clothing, footwear, and any necessary equipment for the terrain you'll be hiking on. Always wear clothing adapted to the weather of Dingle Way and protect yourself from cold and wetness or heat and sun. Besides, make sure you carry enough food and water for the duration of your trek. On the way, you might (or might not) be able to buy snacks.

  • Stay reachable

    If you are hiking solo or in small groups it is advisable to inform people back home about your plans, what route you are taking and when you plan to return. Even small incidents can lead to unpleasant emergencies so make sure you are available at all times. Bring a charged phone containing at least the phone numbers of immediate family members, your accommodations en route and the emergency phone numbers operating in the Dingle Way.

  • Respect for nature

    Do not litter, prevent noise, stay on the marked trails, do not disturb wildlife or grazing animals, and respect protected areas.

Where Can I Book the Dingle Way?

At Bookatrekking.com you can book the self-guided Dingle Way and many other treks. We take care of all the details for you, including arranging accommodations, organizing luggage transportation and providing you with relevant information well in advance of your trek. Find our offers here. Our easy-to-use platform allows you to browse and compare different trekking options and find the perfect fit for your interests, abilities, and budget.

If you have any questions about a specific trek or need help choosing the right one for you, our team of trekking experts is here to assist you. Simply reach out to us and we will be happy to provide you with personalized recommendations and advice to help you plan the trekking adventure of a lifetime.

Is the Dingle Way not your cup of tea and are you looking for other epic adventures? Check out one of our following blog posts:

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