Ireland | Ireland’s Dingle Way Mini Trek
A captivating journey through Ireland’s rugged coastline, charming villages, and rich cultural heritage
Trip Highlights:
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Stunning coastal views with dramatic cliffs, beaches, and rolling hills that showcase Ireland's natural beauty
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Explore quaint villages, ancient ruins, and traditional Irish culture while immersing in local history and folklore
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Throughout the trek, enjoy delicious, locally-sourced cuisine, from fresh seafood to hearty Irish fare
Perhaps Ireland’s best walking tour is found in the very southwest of the country on the Dingle Peninsula. Found in County Kerry, one of the countries largest, the Dingle Peninsula is Ireland’s westernmost point. A part of the Republic of Ireland (and not the United Kingdom), many also consider it the westernmost point of Europe.
The Dingle Way involves hiking up to 180 kilometers over a period of up to 10 days. What sets it apart over the many hiking alternatives found throughout Ireland is the incredible variety participants enjoy while walking the route. There is almost always a surprise lurking around an upcoming corner.
Like many of the organized walking paths in both the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, the Dingle Way is more a series of “rights of way” rather than a homogeneous trail system. Throughout, it uses a latticework of farm roads, back streets of small villages, tracks across bleak coastland, beaches, and trails up remote hills to create this circumnavigation of one of Ireland’s most picturesque landforms.
The route is quite well marked, allowing for confident navigation even in less than ideal weather. The trail council pays attention to the paths, but in wilder situations and in poorer weather the paths can be damp. Participants will find the days reasonably long underfoot, but rarely strenuous.
As with all outings in this part of the world, there is much joy to be derived from the variety and character of the accommodations. Ryder- Walker’s mini trek includes grander facilities with expansive views over the Atlantic, and cozy B&Bs tucked away in the middle of nowhere.
The breakfasts provided are often more than a typical daily portion. The “Full Irish Breakfast” at most establishments includes fresh fruits, scones, breads, muffins, porridge, eggs, bacon, ham, blood pudding, potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, and a variety of additional items.
Lunches can be a variety of picnic items found in the small grocers in most villages, to packed lunches provided by the hotels and B&Bs, to delightful pubs that may be tucked around a corner as you pass through a tiny hamlet.
The pub life will also very likely be the backdrop to each evening’s dinner. With just a short trip down the street or the coastline, you’ll find a convivial pub serving excellent and varied fare.
Finally, no one needs a second invitation to the superb teas, ales, and single malts the region has to offer.
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Transfer independently to Dingle, a charming town on the Dingle Peninsula known for its rugged landscapes and rich Gaelic heritage. Stay overnight in a welcoming inn along Dingle Bay, just a short walk from the town center. Arrive early to explore this vibrant market and port town, home to 50+ pubs and numerous quaint tea houses.
You have reached the southernmost point of the Dingle Way by now and it is time to turn your sights to the more northern coast. Enter upon Ventry harbor and enjoy a few kilometers of sand underfoot. Coastal islands come into view as you wander among both ruined and intact clocháns (Bronze Age hive-like huts). Arrive at the village of Dunquin and a superior B&B.
Distance: 12 miles.
Elevation gain: 1250 ft.
Today, enjoy the variety of terrain as you wander through smaller sea cliffs, beaches, and coves. To the north, Brandon Mountain—the second highest in Ireland—beckons as you draw closer. Your journey ends at the base of this imposing peak in the hamlet of Baile na nGall. Alongside its sister villages, Feohanagh and Ballyferriter, it forms a welcoming oasis along this rugged coast. Your inn for the night sits at the water’s edge, overlooking Smerwick Harbour, and is within walking distance of beaches, pubs, restaurants, and historical sites.
Distance: up to 15.5 miles.
Elevation gain: 330 ft.
This stage of your hike begins in Feohanagh, the sister village of Baile na nGall, and leads to Cloghane. It features the most challenging climb of the itinerary, ascending over 2,000 feet toward Brandon Mountain’s summit—one of five peaks in the range and Ireland’s second-highest. The route offers breathtaking views, and as always, a warm and inviting inn awaits you tonight.
Distance: up to 13 miles.
Elevation gain: 2200 ft.
We’ve arranged a taxi transfer from your hotel in Cloghane back to your hotel in Dingle. This picturesque town has a lot to offer. We will provide suggestions for an excursion, or you can simply unwind and explore one of Ireland’s most beloved destinations.
Distance: Twenty minute taxi ride from Cloghane.
