Dingle Way – guide, accommodation, and stages
- Christian Sommer
- Nov 25
- 17 min read
The Dingle Way is a wildly romantic long-distance hiking trail along the Irish Atlantic coast: it circles the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry and delights with rugged cliffs, endless sandy beaches, green hills and the typical charm of the Irish landscape. You will hike – mostly at sea level, but sometimes at altitudes of over 600 metres – through lonely moorlands, lively fishing villages such as Dingle Town and past ancient stone ruins, Celtic crosses and mysterious places.
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Accommodation
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Recommended stages
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
Dingle Way
The Dingle Way stretches for around 114 miles (183 kilometres) along the spectacular Dingle Peninsula in the west of Ireland. The trail is rated as easy and it usually takes 8 days to walk the Dingle Way. Ancient coastal paths, historic pilgrimage routes and secluded moorland lead you along wild cliffs, wide sandy beaches and through charming villages. Despite its growing popularity, the trail remains pleasantly quiet and authentic. The Dingle Way is well marked throughout, easily accessible and offers places to stop for refreshments and overnight stays in every village along the route.
Info: The Dingle Way (‘Sli Chorca Dhuibhne’) was designated an official long-distance hiking trail in the 1980s and is now one of Ireland's ‘National Waymarked Trails’. It was created to promote sustainable tourism in the region and preserve the cultural identity of the Dingle Peninsula. Particular attention is paid to preserving the Irish language, which is still actively spoken in many villages here.
Dingle Way getting there
The Dingle Way traditionally starts in Tralee, the lively capital of County Kerry in the south-west of Ireland. The town is well connected to the public transport network and can be easily reached in several ways.
The easiest and often cheapest way is to travel via Dublin. The Irish capital has an international airport with numerous direct connections from all over Europe. From there, you can easily continue to Tralee by train, long-distance bus or rental car – depending on your budget, schedule and preferences.
Airplane: The nearest airports are:
Dublin Airport – approx. 4 hours by bus or train (direct connection)
Kerry Airport – approx. 20 minutes by bus or taxi and 40 minutes by train
Shannon Airport – approx. 3-4 hours by bus and train (no direct connection)
Cork Airport – approx. 2.5 hours by bus or train (direct connection)
To find cheap flights, I highly recommend Skyscanner – a first-class app that gives you a quick overview of the best flight deals.
Bus: Long-distance buses from the ‘Burgh Quay’ bus station run regularly (approx. 8 times a day) from Dublin to Tralee. To find a bus, I highly recommend the OMIO app.
Train: Irish Rail connects Dublin (Heuston Station) directly with Tralee. The journey takes around 4 hours (the train also runs approx. 8 times a day). I highly recommend the OMIO app for finding a train.
As always, I recommend watching a video about the tour:
Dingle Way route
The Dingle Way is easy to walk and ideal for enjoyable long-distance hiking. Only the sixth stage should be attempted in good conditions. Most of the route follows old coastal paths, quiet side roads and wide meadow paths. Technically difficult or exposed passages are the exception, so you can relax and concentrate on the landscape and nature.
Nevertheless, you should carry a GPS device or an offline map – especially in foggy conditions, in the boggy highlands or if you are travelling outside the main season. This will help you stay on course even if the trail markings are missing.
Gaiters: Gaiters can be helpful in heavy rain.
Trail markings: These mainly consist of yellow arrows on a black background.
Remember to insure your trip well – because a fall or other typical hiking injury can quickly result in high rescue costs. Auras Insurance offers you worldwide hiking and trekking insurance, specially designed for active travellers.
Use the discount code HIKINGFEX to get 10% off your insurance.
Dingle Way stages
The Dingle Way is an impressive hike that leads through varied landscapes in several stages. Each stage offers unique views of the mountains, valleys and villages in this region. The difficulty varies only slightly depending on the length of the route and the altitude difference:
Classic:
Stage 1: Tralee - Camp (19.5 km and 290 m ascent)
Stage 2: Camp - Annascaul (17 km and 300 m ascent)
Stage 3: Annascaul - Dingle (23 km and 340 m ascent)
Stage 4: Dingle - Dunquin (22 km and 390 m ascent)
Stage 5: Dunquin - Feohanagh (20 km and 100 m ascent)
Stage 6: Feohanagh - Cloghane (25 km and 750 m ascent)
Stage 7: Cloghane - Castlegregory (26 km and 50 m ascent)
Stage 8: Castlegregory - Tralee (30 km and 280 m ascent)
Dingle Way accommodation
There are several accommodation options along the Dingle Way, ranging from charming guesthouses and hotels to B&Bs. You can book your accommodation directly here via my partner platform ‘Booking.com’ using the links below. It won't cost you a penny more. I have also compiled a list of all other accommodation and campsites for you.
Wild camping: Not permitted in Ireland. However, there are several campsites.
Starting point: Tralee
Stage 1: Camp
Curraduff Farm House - +353 87 696 2952
Stage 2: Annascaul
Sammy's Camping INCH BEACH HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST, COTTAGES AND CAMPSITE (3km von Annascaul entfernt)
Stage 3: Dingle
Stage 4: Dunquin
Stage 5: Feohanagh
Stage 6: Cloghane
Stage 7: Castlegregory
Kelliher's - Seaview House
Stage 8: Tralee
Dingle Way experiences
My experiences on the Dingle Way are as varied as the long-distance hike itself. Here is a rough overview of what you can expect on your upcoming tour.
Getting there:
Getting to the Dingle Way was very straightforward. I booked a flight to Dublin – an international airport with numerous connections from all over Europe. Once I arrived in Dublin, I took the bus (which runs eight times a day) directly to Tralee. Upon arriving in Tralee, I spent my first night in a cosy bed and breakfast – including a hearty Irish breakfast the next morning.
Stage 1: Tralee – Camp (19.5 km and 290 m ascent)
A gentle start on the Atlantic coast: from the city out into the moorland. The Dingle Way begins in the heart of Tralee, right next to the Kerry County Museum. To the right, on the wrought-iron fences of the city park, you will find the official start sign for the long-distance hiking trail. From here, it's time to shoulder your rucksack and get going!
After a short stretch through the town and a roundabout, turn right and leave the traffic behind you for good. The trail now follows a quiet path along the canal, which takes you almost two kilometres towards Blennerville. The terrain gradually becomes more marshy, and soon you will be balancing on large, flat red sandstone slabs that serve as stepping stones through the wet sections – gaiters are definitely recommended here.
The last part of the stage climbs gently uphill and then descends again into a lush green valley. This is where the actual Dingle Way circuit begins – a circle that will bring you back here after many eventful days.
It is now not far to the small village of Camp, which offers inviting pubs and cosy accommodation, the perfect end to your first day of hiking. An atmospheric introduction to one of Ireland's most beautiful hikes.
Stage 2: Camp - Annascaul (17 km and 300 m ascent)
After Camp, the terrain becomes much gentler than on the previous stage. You first follow small side roads with little traffic until you finally meet the Dingle Way again. Within sight behind you towers the 835-metre-high Caherconree with its impressive shape. At an altitude of about 235 metres, you reach the saddle between the peaks of Corrin and Knockbrack. Gradually, the path begins to descend and leads into a small wooded area – the only forest on the entire Dingle Way. You will now walk in pleasant shade for a while until the view of the beach opens up in front of you. It's worth taking a break here: right by the water, you will find a café, a small shop and a pub that also serves hot food – perfect for lunch with a sea view. At the end of this stage, you will finally reach Annascaul – a traditional village with hospitable residents and inviting pubs.
Don't forget to take an emergency bivouac with you. It consists of an emergency blanket that is cold-resistant, a whistle and a mini compass. It should be in your rucksack on every hike anyway.
As the old Scottish saying goes: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes!"
Stage 3: Annascaul – Dingle (23 km and 340 m ascent)
From Annascaul to Dingle means old paths and views of the sea. After a restful night in Annascaul – perhaps with a pint at the South Pole Inn, the legendary pub of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean – you'll set off refreshed the next morning. This stage takes you step by step back to the coast: through quiet valleys, over lonely hills and past centuries-old stone walls that look as if they were laid by hand into the landscape. The closer you get to Dingle, the livelier the surroundings become: small farmsteads, well-tended stone walls, colourful flower pots on the windowsills. Finally, you reach the outskirts of the village – the last few metres take you right into the heart of this charming harbour town. Dingle welcomes you with open arms: the pubs are full of music, the cafés serve homemade cakes, and the small pedestrian zone invites you to browse. If you like, you can visit the Dingle Distillery, which offers tours with whiskey and gin tastings. If you want to take it easy, stroll to the harbour and watch the fishing boats come in.
Stage 4: Dingle – Dunquin (22 km and 390 m ascent)
My day began today with typical Irish foggy weather. The atmosphere in the harbour town – and especially at the harbour – was mystical. On this stage, you can expect a beautiful sandy beach, a pilgrimage trail and wild cliffs.
You leave Dingle heading west along the harbour. After meadows and pastures, a real treat awaits: for the first time, the Dingle Way runs directly along the beach! You walk across the fine, light sand of Ventry Bay until you finally reach a road.
Caution: this section requires extra attention. The road is very popular with tourists and there are no hard shoulders or places to pull over. Be sure to walk in single file and always stay on the outside of the bends – this will give drivers the chance to see you early on.
After a long bend, a path branches off to the right, taking you back to the official Dingle Way. And then one of the most spectacular sections of the entire trail begins. For the next seven kilometres, you walk at the foot of Mount Eagle – with an ever-increasing view of the Atlantic Ocean. Step by step, the Blasket Islands archipelago comes into view.
The last section of this stage runs along the main road for a short distance until you finally reach Dunquin, a tiny but charming village. My evening ended with a spectacular sunset.
Ireland is not exactly known for its sunshine, but I sometimes had it all day long. That's why, as always, I would like to recommend my beloved Piz Buin Mountain sun cream!
‘The sun shines even behind the clouds.’ Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
Stage 5: Dunquin – Feohanagh (20 km and 100 m ascent)
The next morning, I looked out of the window of my accommodation and saw the fog-shrouded Irish landscape once again. On the stage to Brandon Mountain, you can expect another coastal path, a pottery and roaring surf.
Shortly after Dunquin, in this quiet, remote area, you will be surprised by a large, modern building with an artistic interior – the ceramic studio of Louis Mulcahy, one of Ireland's most famous potters. It is well worth a visit.
After more meadows and pastures, you will reach an open coastal arc: Smerwick Harbour – and with it another six-kilometre-long beach walk.
Finally, the route turns inland again, swings onto a narrow country road at Glashabeg and leads through the quiet area of Feohanagh. Now a new giant comes into view – Brandon Mountain rises majestically before you.
Enjoy your evening in Feohanagh.
Stage 6: Feohanagh – Cloghane (25 km and 750 m ascent)
⚠️ Warning! This stage of the Dingle Way takes you to the highest point of the entire hike – and is by far the most challenging. If the weather is bad, fog is rolling in or there are strong winds, you should seriously consider skipping this section and taking an alternative route (taxi or bus) to Cloghane. West of the trail, the terrain drops steeply to the sea at a height of up to 450 metres.
Today you will hike between the peaks of Masatiompan and Piaras Mór – over a pass with magnificent views. The descent can be strenuous in wet weather: the steep slope then turns into a muddy, slippery challenge. Trekking poles are a must here – and good footwear is essential.
After about two strenuous kilometres, you will reach a wider gravel path that leads you further down into the valley on a gentler slope until you finally reach a paved road.
After this stage, you will have earned a well-deserved break in Cloghane – perhaps with a plate of fish and chips and a strong pint, while outside the shadows of the mountains slowly reach the valley.
Due to the long distance and the strenuous altitude difference, I would like to recommend my ultra-light hiking gear at this point:
I would also like to recommend my beloved Salewa trekking shoes because of the mountain and jungle landscape and the challenging mountain trails:
‘Give a woman the right shoes and she can conquer the world.’ Quote from Marilyn Monroe
Stage 7: Cloghane – Castlegregory (26 km and 50 m ascent)
After the wild mountains, the Dingle Way now follows gentle hills and meadows. Behind Cloghane, you say goodbye to the mountainous landscape and follow a quiet, slightly hilly road that winds its way through the interior of the country. After passing through a few villages, you will reach the coast again – and then the real wonder begins: before you lies Ireland's longest beach – 11 kilometres of the finest sand, right on the roaring Atlantic Ocean.
Small streams cross the beach again and again – after heavy rainfall or at high tide, they can be quite deep. In such cases, it is worth taking a detour to the sand dunes. At some point, the Dingle Way turns into a narrow country road and takes you to Castlegregory. The colourful houses of this small village are lined up next to each other – a wonderful place to take a breather, reflect and enjoy yourself.
Stage 8: Castlegregory - Tralee (30km and 280m ascent)
The final section of the Dingle Way takes you back to Tralee – a fitting end to this magnificent circumnavigation of the Dingle Peninsula. Once you have left Castlegregory behind, the trail heads southeast through flat moorland. Eventually, you will come across small side roads that lead you to the junction with the main road and into the village of Blennerville.
If you are travelling in the summer months, there is a very special experience to round off your trip: the restored steam train takes you comfortably back to Tralee for the last two kilometres – right along the canal. Alternatively, you can continue on foot and enjoy the last stretch of the Dingle Way on the quiet path to Tralee.
When you finally reach your destination – congratulations! You have earned my utmost respect. It was not an easy journey, but it was unforgettably beautiful.
Dingle Way best time to travel
The recommended time to travel on the Dingle Way is between May and the end of September, with the months June to August generally offering the most stable weather conditions.
May and June are ideal for those who love nature and prefer a quieter pace. The landscape looks freshly washed, everything is green and flowers are blooming everywhere. In September and October, a golden tranquillity reigns over the Atlantic. The temperatures are still pleasant, the air is often clear, and the paths are quieter again. The light becomes warmer and the landscape slowly begins to take on autumnal colours.
If you want to get a better idea of the typical weather patterns, it is worth taking a look at the historical weather charts for the Dingle Peninsula. They give you a good idea of how temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine develop over the course of the year.
Dingle Way – further information
Here you will find further important information about the Dingle Way!
Money: ATMs and credit cards are accepted in many places. Nevertheless, you should take enough cash with you on your trip.
Tent: There are several official campsites. You can find them under the subheading ‘Accommodation’.
Wild camping: Not permitted in Ireland.
Water: There are water sources in some places along the way, but they are not always reliable. I therefore recommend that you fill up your water supply at your accommodation before starting each day's stage. If you want to refill your water on the way, you should definitely filter or boil it to be on the safe side.
Dingle Way packing list
Here I recommend the most important hiking equipment that I own, have tested myself and have also bought myself. I pay a lot of attention to the weight and quality of my equipment. The equipment should simply feel good on longer tours and also be light. I can recommend the equipment for women because my wife uses it and it is basically the same as the equipment for men.
Note: Please keep in mind that the packing list is general and you will have to adapt it depending on the season and your needs!
Advertising note: These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This is for the maintenance of my blog and you support me with my project, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much!
Clothes
Hiking boots
Hiking shorts
Long hiking pants
Functional shirt
Hybridjacket
Fleece-jacket
Rain jacket
Functional underwear
Hiking socks
Other hiking equipment:
• Sun cap
Hiking backback (approx. 60 litres or as required)
by EXPED - unfortunately not available on Amazon.
• Backback - Ospray (was my old one and is also good)
Technology and orientation:
• Compass
• Headlamp
• GPS device or GPS watch if necessary
• Binoculars if necessary
Catering:
• Sweets to keep up morale :)
Health & first Aid:
• First Aid (small and light)
• Tape
• Bivouac
• Toilet paper
Other:
• Passport/Insurance certificate
• cash
• Gas cartridge
Film equipment:
• Camera
• Drone
• Tripod
• Clip
To prepare yourself optimally for your hikes, I recommend the workouts on my YouTube channel.
Long-distance hiking trails in Europe: 90 routes, all countries
Safety advice
The Dingle Way map
Here you will find a map of the Peaks of the Balkans, which you can use to get a rough overview for planning purposes. For more detailed planning, I would recommend the maps from Outdooractive and Komoot.
Outdooractive:
The most beautiful stages of the Dingle Way
The most beautiful stages of the Dingle Way are stages 4, 5 and 6. They take you along spectacular coastal stretches, through idyllic villages and over rolling hills with magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Particularly impressive are the beach walks at Ventry and Smerwick, as well as the viewpoints at Mount Eagle and Brandon Mountain – pure Irish natural diversity!
Dingle Way start
The Dingle Way starts in lively Tralee, leads through moorland and along quiet canals – a perfect start.
Dingle Way Ireland
The Dingle Way in Ireland is a beautiful 183 km long hiking route that leads through impressive nature and varied landscapes. It offers a perfect mix of tranquillity, nature experiences and cultural highlights. The route is well signposted and also suitable for hikers with average fitness levels, whereby you can individually adjust the stages depending on their length and elevation profile. I wish you a wonderful time and every success.
As always, I would be very happy to receive feedback via one of my channels.
You are also welcome to leave me a comment here.
Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.
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