Discover the Dingle Peninsula - 10 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Tralee - Explore

Welcome to Ireland! Make your way to the transport hub of Tralee—the administrative capital of County Kerry—via train or bus from any of Ireland's main airports. After settling into your first guesthouse, your host will welcome you with a fully detailed information pack. You'll learn about your trip itinerary, understand what to expect, and receive suggestions for some of the many local restaurants and pubs in Tralee.

The city is lively and filled with delicious food and traditional music. First, take a stroll along the beautiful sandy stretch of Banna Beach before stepping into a pub. You can also visit some of the churches in Tralee, including Ratass Church, which dates back to the 10th century.

Day 2: Walk From Tralee to Camp

After a hearty Irish breakfast in your guesthouse, head out for your first walk. Today's adventure will take you along country roads and the famous Dingle Way. You'll follow this route while strolling under the scenic Slieve Mish Mountains before joining what was once an old road to Dingle Town. Passing a fascinating 12th-century oratory, you'll then continue to the village of Camp where you will spend the night.

Walk Details: 

• Distance: 11 miles 
• Duration: 5 hours
• Maximum elevation: 820 feet
• Terrain: Rocky, muddy mountain paths and grass tracks. This walk can be wet underfoot, so boots are essential.

Day 3: Hike Through Bogland to Annascaul

Today you'll trade the sleepy village of Camp for the more lively town of Annascaul. This route traverses a fascinating and scenic area of bogland. In this particular bog, you may still see many people come each year to cut down wood for the winter.

Crossing to the south side of the peninsula, you'll arrive at the magnificent Inch Beach, where you can stop for a break. Walk along the shore or just sit and listen to the waves. Then you'll turn inland and finish your walk to Annascaul for your overnight stop.

Walk Details: 

• Distance: 10.5 miles
• Duration: 5 hours
• Maximum elevation: 700 feet
• Terrain: Road walking on quiet backcountry roads, then onto grassy tracks and roads. Boots are recommended.

Day 4: Walk Annascaul to Dingle Town via Minard

Leaving the village of Annascaul, you'll start your walk towards the colorful seaside town of Dingle. The route passes through Minard—home to the ruins of a 16th-century castle—and the village of Lispole. The trails then takes old, narrow country lanes through Lisdargan and Ballingarraun before joining the old military road below the Connor Pass. You'll finish your hike in Dingle Town for an overnight stay.

Walk Details: 

• Distance: 12 miles
• Duration: 6 hours
• Maximum elevation: 1,000 feet 
• Terrain: Country lanes, grass tracks, and some road walking. Boots are essential.

Day 5: Hike From Dingle to Dunquin

Your route today starts just outside Dingle, passing the early Christian site of Kilcolman and continuing to the glorious sweep of Ventry Beach. From here, you'll start on a beautiful and historic walk around Slea Head, finishing in Dunquin. This walk offers an opportunity to see "beehive" huts up close, as well as a full view of the Blasket Islands. You'll be transported back to Dingle where you'll spend the night.

Walk Details: 

• Distance: 12 miles
• Duration: 5.5 hours
• Maximum elevation: 1150 feet
• Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, plus beach and road walking. Boots are essential.

Day 6: Explore the Famous Blasket Islands

Today you will explore some of Ireland's most scenic and popular islands, the Blasket Islands, which are located just off the coast of Slea Head. You'll start your morning with a scenic ferry ride across the water to the largest of the islands.

Great Blasket Island remains uninhabited today, but visitors can enjoy this remote and wildly beautiful place. Here you'll spend several hours marveling at its natural beauty and what remains of years of human endeavor. You can look inside restored cottages, enjoy a picnic on the island's shores, watch seals sunbathe, or hike around the grassy terrain.

Day 7: Transfer to Killarney - Cycle Muckross Lake

Welcome to Killarney, a picturesque town in the heart of Kerry that's renowned for its three magnificent lakes. After getting settled into your accommodation, take time to explore the wide range of restaurants and pubs where you can experience traditional Irish music.

If you're feeling active, opt for a cycling trip around Killarney National Park. The 13-mile circular route passes historical buildings, including the 15th-century Muckross Abbey and the 19th-century Muckross House with its lovely gardens. The park is filled with natural scenery unique to the area, with iconic mountain views as you cycle around Muckross Lake. You'll return to Killarney with plenty of time to enjoy the vibrant town and its nightlife.

Day 8: Hike to Kenmare via Killarney National Park

After a hearty breakfast, you'll transfer to the start of today's walk, which is just a few miles outside of Killarney. From here, you'll hike across the scenic landscape of Killarney National Park, passing through Esknamucky Glen—a dense oak forest—to the heritage town of Kenmare. This day is a favorite amongst walkers, as the route passes some of the region's most spectacular scenery and gives you an opportunity to see some of Ireland’s native red deer.

As you settle into your accommodation in Kenmare, get ready to explore this gem of a town. You can stroll the main street, which is filled with colorful pubs and eateries, or meander along Kenmare Bay with views of Killarney National Park. 

Walk Details: 

• Distance: 13 miles
• Duration: 6 hours
• Maximum elevation: 1300 feet
• Terrain: Mountain tracks and green roads. It can be wet underfoot, so boots are essential.

Day 9: Walk Along Kenmare Bay to Sneem

Today you'll enjoy one of the region's most scenic walks in Ireland, starting in Kenmare and ending in the village of Sneem. Your route passes through the area of Templenoe, which takes you along the shores of Kenmare Bay and offers views across the Beara Peninsula and the Caha Mountains. You'll return to Kenmare by transfer and spend another night in the town.

Walk Details:

• Distance: 14 miles
• Duration: 6.5 hours
• Maximum elevation: 1000 feet 
• Terrain: Forest tracks, roads, mountain tracks, and country lanes. Boots are essential.

Day 10: Depart Kenmare

After breakfast, you can enjoy your final morning in beautiful Kenmare. Stroll past colorfully painted shops and take in one last view of the bay before departing to the airport for your flight home.