The magical Dingle Peninsula combines the very best of Irish culture and hospitality with stunning mountain landscapes and wild coastal scenery. Starting from the bustling market town of Tralee our route follows the ever-changing Dingle coastline of beautiful sandy bays, remote fishing villages and lofty cliffs.

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Dates and prices
	Average temperatures
	Travel Information

Detailed itinerary

61 miles. 11-13 miles per day. Generally under 750ft of ascent, except day 4 which has 2,400ft.

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: Tralee to Aughacasla Strand
Distance: 18½km (11½ miles), 130m (425ft ascent)
The first stage of the walk comprises two very different sections. Our first section traverses the lower slopes of the Slieve Mish Mountains. These towering summits, which rise to 2,800ft, dominate the entrance to the Dingle Peninsula. The second half of the day follows the sweeping coastline of Dingle Bay as our route heads along the beach towards Aughacasla Strand.

Day 3: Castlegregory to Fermoyle
Distance: 19½km (12 miles), negligible ascent
The second day of the walk follows the northern coast of the peninsula as it sweeps around Tralee and Brandon Bays. We start just north of Castlegregory. Heading north we first round the Magheree Peninsula which separates Tralee and Brandon Bays. Our walk continues along the sandy beach until finally we reach Fermoyle. Our hotel lies just half a mile inland with extensive views back along the beach we have just walked.

Day 4: Brandon to Ballydavid
Distance: 21½km (13½ miles), 730m (2,400ft) ascent
The third day of our walk is markedly different from the previous two in that we leave the flat northern coast and climb high onto the slopes of Brandon Mountain, Ireland's second highest peak (952m or 3,122ft). After a short stretch on quiet country lanes the path ascends the wild slopes of Brandon, to reach the highest point of the walk at 650 metres (2,130ft). As we descend to the west we enter the Gaeltacht, or Irish speaking area, which covers the tip of peninsula. Our day ends at Ballydavid, a small fishing community on the shores of Smerwick Harbour.

Day 5: Free Day - Dingle Town

Day 6: Ballydavid to Slea Head
Distance: 20km (12½ miles), 230m (750ft) ascent
Our fourth leg of the walk follows the rugged western coast of the Dingle. We start at Ballydavid and at first follow the peaceful shores of Smerwick Harbour. Now heading south we follow a series of country lanes and cliff paths toward Dunquin and Slea Head. This marks the westernmost point of our walk and there are excellent views of the crashing Atlantic waves and the lonely Blasket Islands.

Day 7: Slea Head to Dingle Town
Distance: 16km (10 miles), 230m (750ft) ascent
The final day's walk takes us from the dramatic cliffs of Slea Head to the colour and bustle of Dingle Town. We take a path that contours along the slopes of Mount Eagle above the road, which carves its way around the headland. After about 4 miles we walk along the beach at Ventry Harbour. Heading inland we leave the Dingle Way (which follows the road into Dingle Town) and for our final stretch follow the 'Pilgrims Path', a pleasant route that emerges at the top of the High Street in the town. Dingle Town with its many colourful bars is a suitable place to celebrate our walk around this stunning peninsula.

Day 8:Depart after breakfast

Fitness
We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of this walk and get the most out of your holiday. The walking day is normally 6-7 hours and it is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace.

Baggage Transport
Transport of your luggage will be arranged by us through local operators and is of course, included in your holiday price. It would be appreciated if you limited your luggage to one medium sized bag, rucksack or suitcase.

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Dates and prices

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Average temperatures

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Travel information

Start: For those who have booked our “with flight” holiday, a coach transfer from Kerry airport direct to your first accommodation is automatically included.

Finish: The holiday finishes in Dingle Town and similar arrangements apply. A coach transfer to Kerry airport will be arranged to connect with the HF Holidays flight.

Please note that these transfers will be timed to connect with the HF Holidays’ flights.

If you are making your own flight arrangements Kerry Airport is particularly convenient for this holiday but it is only served by a small number of Ryanair flights from London Stansted and Aer Lingus from Dublin. Those flying to Kerry Airport will probably find it easiest to take a taxi to the first hotel in Tralee - cost around €15-€20. At the end of the holiday a taxi from Dingle Town to Kerry Airport costs approximately 60 Euros with a journey time of around 1 hour. Alternatively you could fly to Dublin or Cork, from where there are onward connections to Tralee by train – see www.irishrail.ie

Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 23/08/07 (provisional)

Ryanair
Stansted-Kerry
Out 16:50 - 18:20
Return 09:20 - 10:40

Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throught the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Lounges: To book airport lounges visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

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