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.
