The Dingle Way is the most popular hiking trail in Ireland. It is a 179km (112 miles) long route around the Dingle Peninsula in Co. Kerry starting and finishing in the town of Tralee. In this guide, we’ll tell you about some of the many highlights to be found along the Dingle Way.
Find out more about hiking the Dingle Way
Taking a break at Slea Head on the Dingle Way
Blennerville Windmill – Tralee
Standing just outside of Tralee on the Dingle Way, Blennerville Windmill is the largest working windmill in Ireland.
Visitors to the windmill are taken on a tour and shown each step of the flour-making process.
Inside the windmill there is an exhibition which shows the history of the area. During the famine, Blennerville was an important port of emigration for the people of Kerry.
South Pole Inn – Annascaul
The South Pole Inn was opened by Tom Crean during the 1920s. He was born in Annascaul in 1877.
For those of who are unfamiliar with Tom Crean, he is considered as the unsung hero of the Antarctic. Between 1911 and 1913 he was part of Captain Scott’s team who raced Captain Amundsen to the South Pole. Scott lost and most of his team perished, however Tom Crean survived.
He was then made second officer under Ernest Shackleton on the doomed expedition to Antarctica. Again, he survived and returned to Annascaul in 1920.
Fungie the Dolphin – Dingle
A wild dolphin arrived in Dingle Harbour in 1983 and never left. He was subsequently named Fungie.
Fungie has gone on to thrill visitors to the area by racing boats and leaping out of the water to greet them.
He is known for his friendly nature and playful activities, people from all over the world coming to see him.
Fungie has been playing in Dingle Harbour for over 30 years and shows no signs of leaving anytime soon!
Update (Jan. 2021): Unfortunately, Fungie went missing from Dingle Harbour in Oct. 2020. However, there have been some sightings of a similar dolphin further north since then so there is still hope that he is alive and will return
Great Blasket Visitor Centre – Dunquin
The Blasket Islands were once called home by Irish-speakers and was used by Irish-language writers as a place to learn and hone their skills. In 1953, the last inhabitants abandoned the Great Blasket as it was deemed unsafe due to its remoteness.
The Great Blasket visitor centre details the lives of the people who used to live there, while also includes displays of local flora and fauna.
The building looks over the Great Blasket and includes a bookshop and café.
Spectacular Views – Masatiompan
The Dingle Way only has one significant climb which is on the section between Cuas and Cloghane. Here, the trails brings you over the shoulder of Mount Brandon past the peak of Masatiompan. However, your effort is rewarded with spectacular views of the peninsula and Atlantic Ocean.
It is not advisable to climb to Masaiompan in poor weather conditions so Hillwalk Tours also provides an alternative lower lying route which can be taken to Cloghane.
