Dingle Peninsula Guided Holiday

The Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular regions on Ireland’s West Coast.  Moreover, it is steeped in history, mythology and traditional Irish culture.  There is no other landscape in Western Europe with the same density and variety of archaeological monuments. This mountainous finger of land, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, has supported various tribes and populations for at least 6,000 years. Because of its remote location and lack of specialised agriculture, there is a remarkable preservation of over 2,000 monuments. It is impossible to visit the Dingle Peninsula and not be impressed by its archaeological heritage, which ranges from Prehistoric times through the Early Christian period to the Middle Ages. 

Throughout the region there are magnificent views in all directions. Incredibly green pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, completely empty save for small herds of sheep or goats. At almost every turn there are spectacular views of mist-covered mountains and wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline where deep fissures have been carved, over the centuries, by the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean.  The tip of the peninsula, west of Dingle town, is a stronghold of the Irish language and many traditions and customs have been preserved here along with the language.  This is a delightful one-week walk and along the way you’ll enjoy plenty of good Irish cheer!

Trip Outline

This trip begins and ends at Tralee, where we spend two nights, an excellent starting point for our exploration of the Dingle Peninsula. We walk west and then south to the pretty town of Dingle where we stay for three nights.  From here we explore the spectacular promontory at Slea Head, and on our free day we offer a trip to the Great Blasket.  For the final stage of the tour we cut back to Cloghane on the northern side of the peninsula for our final two nights.  From here we discover the dramatic glacial corries of Mount Brandon and its string of ‘paternoster lakes’.  The daily stages take us cross-country, through landscapes that are hilly - and boggy at times. During the week we’ll experience wild mountain scenery along with picturesque coastal villages.
 

Day 1 Courtesy Airport Collection from Shannon Airport at 12:00 noon, Cork Airport at 14.00 hrs. and Kerry Airport at 16:00 hrs.  Arrive at first guesthouse near Tralee where we stay for the first two nights of our holiday. Evening meal together and a general chat about the coming week’s walks.

Day 2 Today we enjoy a wonderful walk along the Slieve Mish Mountains from Tralee overlooking Tralee Bay and North Kerry.  We finish the walk in Camp and transfer back to Tralee.  Evening meal in local restaurant.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms.  Duration: 5 hours.  Max. Height: 250m. Rocky and sometimes muddy mountain track.  Boots essential.

Day 3 We cross the peninsula from north to south, following a spectacular old farmer’s track across the plateau and visiting a genuine old famine village on the way.  We finish in the lovely little village of Annascaul and transfer from there to Dingle, where we stay for our next 3 nights. This evening we enjoy dinner together in one of the many excellent local restaurants in the town.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms.  Duration: 5 hours.  Max. Height: 400m.  Grass tracks, open bogland.  Can be wet underfoot - boots essential.  Some road walking.

Day 4  Wonderful walk around the spectacular Slea Head - one of the richest areas of archaeology in this region, with its numerous beehive huts and promontory forts.  There are breathtaking views from Mount Eagle on the way.  Return to Dingle for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms.  Duration: 5 hours.  Max. Height: 500m.  Beach walking, some road walking, grass and rocky tracks.  Boots recommended.

Day 5  This is your free day.  Weather and boats permitting, we offer a visit to the Great Blasket Island, renowned for its great storytellers and the literature they produced.  Evening meal and overnight accommodation in Dingle.

Day 6  We follow the Dingle Way across the shoulder of Mount Brandon, with magnificent views of Brandon Bay.  At the end of the walk we descend to the lovely, picturesque village of Cloghane where we spend our last two nights and enjoy our evening meal.
Walk Details - Distance: 18kms.  Duration: 5hours.  Max. Height: 650m. Grass and rocky tracks, open bogland and some road walking.  Boots essential.

Day 7  Our last day’s walk is spectacular, taking us into the heart of the Brandon Range of mountains to the famous ‘paternoster lakes’ with views over Brandon Bay and Fermoyle Strand.  If weather permits and if, all the group feel able we may continue to the top of this historic mountain.  Return to Cloghane for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 12kms.  Duration: 5 - 7 hours.  Max. Height: 600 - 950m.  Rough mountain tracks and rocky terrain.  Boots essential.

Day 8  Departures.  A courtesy transfer will be offered to the group from Cloghane to Tralee Bus/Rail Station arriving there at approx. 09.30 hrs.  From Tralee there is an excellent bus and train service to all major towns, cities and villages in Ireland. Tralee to Cork Airport is 2 hrs. 50 mins. Approx. by bus. Tralee to Shannon Airport is 3 hrs. 20 mins. Approx. by bus.   

Recommended reading: ‘The Dingle Peninsula’ by Steve McDonogh, published by Brandon Press.

Holiday Includes:

• 7 nights bed in room with private shower/ bathroom.
• Full Irish breakfast  each morning.
• Picnic lunch (on walking days only), 7 Evening Dinners, 6 days walking with expert Irish Guide who accompanies the group for the duration of the holiday.
• Transport to/from each days walking locations and luggage transfers when required.
• Courtesy Airport Collection from Airport to the start of the holiday and first nights B+B. (As per our courtesy transfer timetable.).
• Transfers to nearest bus/train station at end of holiday (also within our timetable). Public Bus service maybe used.
• Souvenir book  ‘ Ireland ---- a Travellers Guide’.

Not Included: Any boat trips (eg. Great Blasket Island), personal drinks, entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc. medical expenses or gratuities.

Courtesy Airport Collection:  Saturdays only
 Shannon at 12 noon, Cork at 14.00 hrs. and Kerry at 16.00 hrs.
If you do not wish to avail of the Courtesy Airport Collection, please make your own way to the first accommodation, where your guide will meet you at 18.00 hrs. for a Briefing Session followed by dinner with the group at 19.00 hrs.
 www.irishrail.ie   www.buseireann.ie 

Please note that Ireland can be a bit ‘damp’ both underfoot and overhead, with some liquid sunshine!  Irish weather is unpredictable and the nature of walks can change quickly and dramatically because of the weather. This is one of the many pleasant aspects of walking in Ireland.  SouthWestWalks Ireland reserve the right to alter this itinerary due to weather conditions or the walking ability of each group.

Please refer to the accompanying “General Holiday Information” document to assist you in your holiday preparation.

2009 Tour Dates:  
April   11 - 18
May 2 - 9
May 23 - 30
June  13 - 20
July 11 – 18
July 18 - 25
Aug.  15 - 22
Sept.  12 - 19
Oct.   3 - 10

Difficulty of Walks:  2 Boot