The Dingle Way.
| Guided | Self Guided |
Hilltoptreks provide 8 or 9 day self guided treks along The Dingle Way or 8 day guided along the "ring of Kerry".
The Dingle Way sits in the far South west of Ireland on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry. It is a 179Km Trail that takes in the whole peninsula in a loop from Tralee and back.
The trail is a real delight for all the senses from high passes, old boreen tracks to wonderful sandy beaches with waves crashing in from the Atlantic Ocean.
Dingle itself the main town on this small peninsula is one of my favourite town’s in Ireland. A small fishing village that is alive with Irish music from many of it’s great pubs, Great restaurants and wonderful atmosphere. Dingle is also in a Gaeltacht area (Irish Speaking Location) and full of Irish Culture, music and dance. I have suggested a day to stop in Dingle, because I’m sure you may find it difficult to leave.
The trail takes you from one great location to the next over looking the Irish coast line towards the Blasket and Skellig Islands.
The town of Annascaul is another great place to enjoy a pint along the way in “The South Pole Inn” the pub of Tom Crean , a world renowned explorer who travelled to the South Pole with Scott and Shackleton at the turn of the century. “Unsung Hero” is a great book about Tom Crean and would be a good read before reaching this area.
You are always just a few hours from one town to the next along this trail so food and drink can be bought along the way. Bringing just a small packed lunch and water to get you along your way.
Your luggage will be transferred for you.
The Peninsula is stepped in history from some of the earliest settlers in Ireland with their incredible passage tombs, dolmens and circle stones. The Celts and the early Christians… Standing stones, ogham stones and beehive huts.
The level of walking on this trail would be easy – moderate for most of it. When reaching the shoulder of Mt Brandon it does get a little steeper for a short spell.
Getting to Tralee:
KERRY AIRPORT www.kerryairport.ie
Visitors can fly into Kerry. Bus from the airport to Tralee or Camp for start of walk.
CORK AIRPORT www.corkairport.com
Visitors can fly into Cork and can hire a car at the airport. Avail of public transport and either take a train from Cork Train Station in the city centre to Killarney or Bus Eireann from the Central Bus Station to Tralee. There is a shuttle bus service between the airport and the train station.
DUBLIN AIRPORT www.dublinairport.com
Visitors can fly into Dublin and can either take a train from Dublin Heuston Train Station in the city centre to Tralee (go to www.irishrail.ie) or take Bus Eireann from Busáras Central Bus Station to Tralee. Also, flights are available with www.ryanair.com from Dublin to Kerry airport three times a day.
SHANNON AIRPORT www.shannonairport.com
There is a frequent shuttle bus from Shannon airport to Limerick. A direct bus goes from Limerick to Tralee.
SEA FERRY FROM SWANSEA TO CORK
The new Swansea to Cork route operated by Fastnet Line saves you 600km (375 miles) driving on a round trip and connects the M4 Motorway in the UK directly to Cork on Ireland's South coast. The service offers overnight sailing 6 nights a week (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from Cork and Wednesday, Friday & Sunday from Swansea) departing at 21:00 and arriving at 7:00 the next morning. Additional sailings are added in the high season.
Bus Service
There is a public bus system which travels throughout ireland-See www.buseireann.ie for details
Train Service
Train service throughout Ireland wwww.irishrail.com for details of schedules.