Dingle Way - Classic

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.

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.

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.

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 Ballydavid or Murreagh 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.