10-Day Moderate Hike 👣

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Tralee.

Starting along a footpath next to the old Tralee Ship Canal, you soon pass Blennerville with its famous Windmill before climbing up the side of the Slieve Mish Mountains. From this vantage point, there are lovely views over the Atlantic Ocean. The trail now follows the rugged slopes of the mountain towards the small village of Camp.

Today you follow the Emlagh River valley through the heart of the Dingle Peninsula and across to its southern shores. Treat yourself to an ice cream and a stroll along the magnificent beach at Inch Strand before continuing on to Annascaul – home to the South Pole Inn and legendary early 20^th century Antarctic explorer, Tom Crean.

Quiet roads and farmland tracks guide you first back to the sea and past the ruins of the 16th century Minard Castle. You then pass the village of Lispole with the remains of the Lispole Railway Viaduct. From there, lower mountain slopes lead you to the popular Gaeltacht town of Dingle – renowned for its music, its culture and Fungi – a bottle-nosed dolphin that had been greeting visitors in Dingle Harbour from 1984 to 2020.

Delving ever deeper into the Gaeltacht, you continue along the Atlantic coastline and some of Ireland’s more picturesque and secluded beaches. At Smerwick Harbour you can take an optional detour to see the famous Gallarus Oratory, Ireland’s most iconic early Christian church, and then follow one of the finest cliff-top walks in the country. Stop for refreshments in the local pub on the coast, before the route guides you to the tiny townland of Cuas, with the imposing peak of Mount Brandon watching over your every step.

This invigorating climb over the shoulder of Masatiompan, a northern offshoot of Mount Brandon, is the steepest and highest ascent on the Dingle Way – but the views are unparalleled and make every last bit of effort expended worthwhile.

For those who find this hike a little daunting or for days with poor weather we also offer an easier ‘Southern Route’ option to Cloghane via an old mountain road with a less steep ascent and descent.

Leaving Cloghane, you emerge onto magnificent Fermoyle Stand, the longest beach along the Wild Atlantic Way, which stretches for more than 10km along a narrow peninsula that juts out into the sea towards the Seven Hogs – a group of islands also known as the Magharees. Return on the eastern side of the peninsula through sand dunes and along long beaches to Castlegregory village.

From Castlegregory, continue along a varied coastline, with cliffs, beaches and small headlands as far as Camp. From Camp, you return to the path you travelled on Day 2 which takes you back into Tralee along the side of the Slieve Mish Mountains.

There are regular bus and train services departing Tralee. We will be happy to provide you with further details upon request.