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Walking and Hiking on the Dingle Peninsula

Siúl de chois, to travel on foot 
to walk in the hills is to see everything, to be in nature

The Dingle Peninsula is a playground and paradise for walking, boasting some of the most spectacular mountain and coastal scenery in Ireland. It attracts climbers, walkers and trekkers from many parts of Ireland and overseas each year but remains quiet and largely unspoilt. There is a variety of walks available in the area, from more strenuous ridge walking to more gentle slopes, cliff and beach walks and many waymarked routes. These walks are also of interest to the botanist and archaeologist for their wonderful variety of flora, fauna, archaeological and ecclesiastical sites. 

Multi day hikes and long distance walking trails

The Dingle Way, and the Kerry Way are internationally recognised waymarked routes. These long-distance walking trails are multiday hikes that pass through the villages, townlands and dramatic wild scenery of the Dingle Peninsula.

Day hikes and short walking trails

A number of waymarked walking routes suitable for day hikes and short treks have been developed by local communities on the Dingle Peninsula. A mix of linear and loop walks have been compiled and the maps and details are available in print and online.

group of three walkers on high ground above sas creek, sea in background

guided walks

guided walking tours for groups or individuals

If you would like to concentrate on the beautiful scenery, learn more about the Dingle Peninsula and enjoy walking without worrying about maps and safety, why not relax and be guided by a professional? There are excellent guided walking tours available from local providers. Experienced and knowledgeable local guides will tailor walks suitable for your abilities and your interests.

cover of walking booklet by dingle peninsula tourism alliance

Self Guided Walks

Walking Guide to the Dingle Peninsula

The best way to experience the Dingle Peninsula is by getting out there and walking. To help direct you we have compiled a collection of looped and linear walking routes. These walks start in different parts of the Peninsula and are of varied length. Some of these walking trails are available below and the full guide has been published as a printed booklet available from our members. You can download it here. 

Walking on The Dingle Peninsula - Booklet in PDF format

WALKING TRAILS/ SIÚLÓIDÍ

walking on high ground above Dunquin with Blasket islands in the background, Dingle Peninsula, Ireland

The Dingle Way

Long Distance Trail - Walk the Dingle Peninsula

This long distance walking trail (176 km /109 mile) is the ultimate way to tour the Dingle Peninsula and can be done as a whole trail in 7 to 8 days or it can be broken into shorter sections which can be easily walked in a day. We recommend you sample at least one short part of this walk while on the Dingle Peninsula and plan to return for a longer version next time you visit!


front cover of ordnance survey discovery series map no.70

Maps

Discovery maps produced by Ordnance Survey Ireland at a scale of 1:50,000 (or 2cm on paper equals 1 kilometre on the ground) are the preferred choice for hill walkers and those in pursuit of the great outdoors. 

Discovery Sheet No. 70 covers the western end of the Dingle Peninsula including Dingle Town, the Slea Head route, Ventry, Ballyferriter, Cloghane, Brandon and Mount Brandon. 

Discovery Sheet No. 71 covers the eastern end of the Dingle Peninsula including Castlegregory, The Seven Hogs or Magharee Islands, The Slieve Mish Mountains, Inch and Tralee Bay.

a happy climber at the cross on  mount brandon summit  in snow

Safety

For safe enjoyable walking plan in advance and consider the weather forecast, daylight hours and food. For longer walks especially hillwalking on higher ground, let someone know your route, have the right gear and know your limits. We also advise seeking local knowledge. The weather and visibility change quickly at higher ground and walkers can easily become disorientated.

No one goes out walking intending to be rescued, but unfortunately it happens sometimes, so be safe and be prepared.

Walking guidelines

  • Do no harm.
  • Be considerate of wildlife, landowners and livestock.
  • These walks exist with the co-operation of farmers and land owners, please do not bring dogs onto the land be that private land or commonage. Dogs are not allowed.
  • Wherever possible use gates and stiles not walls.
  • Leave open gates open, keep closed gates closed.
  • Take all rubbish with you and leave only footprints.

Walking Events on the Dingle Peninsula

select a walk