The first stage of the Dingle Way, from Tralee to Camp, offers a beautiful introduction to the varied landscape of the Dingle Peninsula. The route begins in the lively town of Tralee, where you will find the official starting point at the Kerry County Museum. From there, you follow the towpath along the Tralee Ship Canal toward the village of Blennerville, known for its distinctive white windmill.
After crossing the canal, you leave the bustle of the town behind and walk along quiet country roads and farm tracks that gently rise along the northern slopes of the Slieve Mish Mountains. Along the way, you pass through green meadows, trickling streams, and enjoy panoramic views over Tralee Bay and the surrounding hills.
A notable feature along the route is the crossing at the Finglas River, where large stepping stones and a rope handrail help you cross. Just before reaching Camp, you pass the ruins of the medieval Killelton Oratory, a silent witness to the region’s rich history. The stage ends in the charming village of Camp, nestled at the foot of the mountains. Here, you can relax and enjoy the local hospitality in one of the pubs before continuing on to the next stage.
The stage from Camp to Annascaul on the Dingle Way is a varied walk that takes you through rolling hills, along rugged mountain slopes, and eventually to the dramatic south coast of County Kerry. It’s a route full of contrasts: quiet country lanes, green fields, wide-open views, and cultural heritage all blend seamlessly along the way.
Soon after leaving Camp, the trail begins a gradual climb with views of the imposing Caherconree Mountain, an 835-meter-high peak crowned by a megalithic fort said to date back to the Iron Age. As you ascend, you’re rewarded with sweeping views over the unspoiled Irish countryside and, in the distance, the Atlantic Ocean.
The path continues along rural tracks toward the southern coastline of the peninsula, eventually reaching the iconic Inch Beach. This vast sandy beach, made famous by the film Ryan’s Daughter, is a perfect place to pause, with nearby cafés and pubs where you can enjoy a snack or drink with a sea view.
Just before arriving in the village of Annascaul, you pass by Lough Anscaul, a picturesque glacial lake nestled in a broad U-shaped valley. In the surrounding fields, you will find ancient standing stones, silent witnesses to the region’s long history. The day ends in the charming village of Annascaul, the birthplace of the renowned Irish polar explorer Tom Crean. A visit to his former pub, The South Pole Inn, makes for a perfect conclusion to this stage. Here, you can not only relax and recharge, but also learn more about Crean’s heroic Antarctic expeditions.
After leaving Annascaul, the trail winds toward the coast, where you arrive at the ruins of Minard Castle. This 16th-century structure sits dramatically on a stony beach and offers sweeping views over Dingle Bay and the Iveragh Peninsula across the water. It’s a perfect spot for a short break or photo opportunity. From there, you continue through the countryside toward the village of Lispole, where the remains of the old Lispole Railway Viaduct serve as a reminder of the former railway line that once connected Tralee and Dingle. The landscape becomes increasingly open, with views of the imposing mountains Croaghskearda and An Cnapán Mór rising in the distance, creating a strong sense of being immersed in nature.
Later on, you cross the Garfinny River via a bridge, and the trail curves southwest. Here, you can already feel the coast and Dingle drawing near. The stage ends in the vibrant harbor town of Dingle, where you’re welcomed by colorful streets, lively pubs, and the renowned Irish hospitality.
The route begins in the lively harbor town of Dingle and leads you westward along a breathtaking coastline, following quiet country roads and unpaved paths. You soon reach the charming village of Ventry, where a beautiful sandy beach stretches along the bay. From there, the trail gradually ascends along the slopes of Mount Eagle, offering impressive views over the ocean, the Blasket Islands, and the rugged landscape as a reward for your efforts.
Along the way, you pass ancient beehive huts (clocháns), which are a reminder of the early Christian settlement in this area. As you approach Slea Head, one of the westernmost points of Ireland, the landscape becomes increasingly spectacular. Here, you walk along dramatic cliffs with unforgettable views over the vast Atlantic Ocean. This stage offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and history.
The stage from Dunquin to Cuas on the Dingle Way is one of the most scenic and varied sections of the trail. From the moment you leave Dunquin, a landscape unfolds filled with rugged cliffs, secluded bays, and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Blasket Islands.
One of the first highlights along this route is Slea Head, one of the westernmost points of Ireland. Here, you will enjoy spectacular views over the sea and the surrounding coastline. Nearby, you will pass the well-known Coumeenoole Beach, a beautiful, remote beach that frequently appears in films, a perfect spot for a short break.
As you continue, the trail leads past the ancient beehive huts (clocháns), early stone dwellings that reflect the early Christian history of the region. The path then winds along the slopes of Mount Eagle, offering ever-changing vistas over the peninsula, the inland mountains, and the coastline. Not far from Dunquin, you will also find the Blasket Centre, where you can learn more about the rich culture and history of the island group just off the coast.
This stage combines quiet paved roads with unpaved paths and short beach sections. The terrain is generally easy to walk, though some parts can become muddy in wet weather.
The stage from Cuas to Cloghane on the Dingle Way is without a doubt one of the most impressive and challenging sections of this long-distance trail. The route starts in the hamlet of Cuas, where you quickly begin a steep ascent toward the shoulder of Mount Brandon, the highest point of the Dingle Way.
This climb is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness. However, those who take on the challenge are richly rewarded: along the way, breathtaking panoramas unfold over the rugged peninsula, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding mountains. After reaching the summit, a long and often steep descent leads you to the village of Cloghane on the northern side of Mount Brandon. The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rainfall. In case of poor weather and low visibility, it is strongly recommended to skip this stage and travel to Cloghane by transport instead.
