Ireland | Dingle Peninsular
Guided Walk
The Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular regions on Ireland's West Coast. Moreover, it is steeped in history, mythology and traditional Irish culture. There is no other landscape in Western Europe with the same density and variety of archaeological monuments. This mountainous finger of land, jutting into the Atlantic Ocean, has supported various tribes and populations for at least 6,000 years. Because of its remote location and lack of specialised agriculture, there is a remarkable preservation of over 2,000 monuments. It is impossible to visit the Dingle Peninsula and not be impressed by its archaeological heritage, which ranges from Prehistoric times through the Early Christian period to the Middle Ages.
Throughout the region there are magnificent views in all directions. Incredibly green pastures stretch as far as the eye can see, completely empty save for small herds of sheep or goats. At almost every turn there are spectacular views of mist-covered mountains and wild stretches of uninhabitable coastline where deep fissures have been carved, over the centuries, by the pounding waves of the Atlantic Ocean.
The tip of the peninsula, west of Dingle town, is a stronghold of the Irish language and many traditions and customs have been preserved here along with the language. This is a delightful one-week walk and along the way you'll enjoy plenty of good Irish cheer!
| Duration: | 8 Days |
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| Tour Code: | ITW319 |
| Trip Style: | Moderate - 3 star |
| Departure Dates: | 07 Apr 2012, 21 Apr 2012, 12 May 2012, 02 Jun 2012, 30 Jun 2012, 21 Jul 2012, 04 Aug 2012, 08 Sep 2012, 29 Sep 2012 |
| Price: | From $1,210 |
| Single Supplement: | From $285 |
| Places you'll visit: |
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| Highlights: |
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Ideal for Solo Travellers
Walkers may be tired at the end of the day but they will never be alone. The people in your group share your sense of adventure and exploration - they are as interested in meeting you, as you are interested in meeting them. There is NO additional supplement for those willing to share a two-bedded room with someone of the same gender. If you require a room on your own - there will be an additional supplement charged. Groups are small - maximum 10-12.
Trip Details
GROUP SIZE: 12 max.
SEASONAL PRICE RANGE: $1,210 to $1,315
Single Supplement: $285
This trip begins and ends at Tralee, where we spend two nights, an excellent starting point for our exploration of the Dingle Peninsula. We walk west and then south to the pretty town of Dingle where we stay for three nights. From here we explore the spectacular promontory at Slea Head, and on our free day we offer a trip to the Great Blasket. For the final stage of the tour we cut back to Cloghane on the northern side of the peninsula for our final two nights. From here we discover the dramatic glacial corries of Mount Brandon and its string of ‘paternoster lakes'.
The daily stages take us cross-country, through landscapes that are hilly - and boggy at times. During the week we'll experience wild mountain scenery along with picturesque coastal villages.
Day 1
Courtesy Airport Collection from Shannon Airport at 12:00 noon, Cork Airport at 14.00 hrs. and Kerry Airport at 16:00 hrs. Arrive at first guesthouse near Tralee where we stay for the first two nights of our holiday. Evening meal together and a general chat about the coming week's walks.
Day 2
Today we enjoy a wonderful walk along the Slieve Mish Mountains from Tralee overlooking Tralee Bay and North Kerry. We finish the walk in Camp and transfer back to Tralee. Evening meal in local restaurant.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 250m. Rocky and sometimes muddy mountain track. Boots essential.
Day 3
We cross the peninsula from north to south, following a spectacular old farmer's track across the plateau and visiting a genuine old famine village on the way. We finish in the lovely little village of Annascaul and transfer from there to Dingle, where we stay for our next 3 nights. This evening we enjoy dinner together in one of the many excellent local restaurants in the town.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 400m. Grass tracks, open bogland. Can be wet underfoot - boots essential. Some road walking.
Day 4
Wonderful walk around the spectacular Slea Head - one of the richest areas of archaeology in this region, with its numerous beehive huts and promontory forts. There are breathtaking views from Mount Eagle on the way. Return to Dingle for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 16kms. Duration: 5 hours. Max. Height: 500m. Beach walking, some road walking, grass and rocky tracks. Boots recommended.
Day 5
This is your free day. Weather and boats permitting, we offer a visit to the Great Blasket Island, renowned for its great storytellers and the literature they produced. Evening meal and overnight accommodation in Dingle.
Day 6
We follow the Dingle Way across the shoulder of Mount Brandon, with magnificent views of Brandon Bay. At the end of the walk we descend to the lovely, picturesque village of Cloghane where we spend our last two nights and enjoy our evening meal.
Walk Details - Distance: 18kms. Duration: 5hours. Max. Height: 650m. Grass and rocky tracks, open bogland and some road walking. Boots essential.
Day 7
Our last day's walk is spectacular, taking us into the heart of the Brandon Range of mountains to the famous ‘paternoster lakes' with views over Brandon Bay and Fermoyle Strand. If weather permits and if, all the group feel able we may continue to the top of this historic mountain. Return to Cloghane for dinner and overnight.
Walk Details - Distance: 12kms. Duration: 5 - 7 hours. Max. Height: 600 - 950m. Rough mountain tracks and rocky terrain. Boots essential.
Day 8
Departures. A courtesy transfer will be offered to the group from Cloghane to Tralee Bus/Rail Station arriving there at approx. 09.30 hrs. From Tralee there is an excellent bus and train service to all major towns, cities and villages in Ireland. Tralee to Cork Airport is 2 hrs. 50 mins. Approx. by bus. Tralee to Shannon Airport is 3 hrs. 20 mins. Approx. by bus.
Difficulty of Walks: 2 Boot
This grading offers hiking, sometimes across open mountain and bogland (wet conditions). The terrain is varied and each day will have uphill and downhill hiking - some of which may be steep. The maximum height we reach on any of these holidays is 950 metres but during a day - your accumulative height gain may exceed this figure. This type of holiday is suitable for people in a good state of fitness and capable of walking up to 2Okms (12 Miles) a day. (Please note: the guide with your group will normally go at an "average pace" that they feel is comfortable for all participants, assuming everyone is capable of the above criteria.)
Recommended reading: ‘The Dingle Peninsula' by Steve McDonogh, published by Brandon Press.
Inclusions
- 7 nights bed in room with private shower/bathroom.
- Full Irish breakfast each morning
- Picnic lunch (on walking days only)
- 7 evening dinners
- 6 days walking with expert Irish Guide who accompanies the group for the duration of the holiday
- Transport to/from each days walking locations and luggage transfers when required
- Courtesy airport collection from airport to the start of the holiday and first night's B+B
- Transfers to nearest bus/train station at end of holiday
- Souvenir book ‘ Ireland - a Travellers Guide'
What's Not Included
- Any boat trips (eg Great Blasket Island)
- Entrance fees to theatres, parks or museums etc
- Gratuities
Terms & Conditions
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For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.
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