Ireland

The Dingle Way is one of Ireland’s most popular long distance trails and it’s easy to see why. On your 116 mile circuit of the Dingle Peninsula you’ll discover a landscape rich with archaeological and cultural heritage. There are numerous well-preserved examples of standing stones, dolmens, ring forts, clocháns and perhaps the most intriguing of all, Ogham, an ancient alphabet cut along the flat edges of stones. The western Dingle Peninsula is part of the Gaeltacht, a place where the Irish language is spoken and Irish culture is honoured, notably in dance, song and crafts.

Located on Ireland’s wild Atlantic coast the Dingle Way is renowned for its dramatic and atmospheric scenery. Prepare yourself for awe-inspiring landscapes as you traverse the lower slopes of the Slieve Mish Mountains, climb the shoulder of Mount Eagle and cross the flanks of Brandon Mountain. Off the mountains there are miles of beautiful expansive sands to be enjoyed. Add to this, quiet country lanes, picturesque farm tracks, woodlands and wetlands, and you have a hugely varied and rewarding walking experience.

The Dingle Peninsula is home to a variety of habitats and wildlife. Bell heather and the pink-flowering ling carpet the moors. Skylarks, kestrels and peregrine falcons fly overhead. Hedgerows are coloured with yellow primroses, pink and white wild dog rose and purple foxgloves. Oyster catchers, ringed plovers and redshanks can be found on wetlands and off the coast look for seals and the occasional dolphin.

The Peninsula has a fascinating geology and there are stunning rock formations along much of the coastline. Separated from the peninsula by a narrow strip of water are the Blasket Islands. Abandoned in the early 1950’s the islands lie on the westernmost edge of Europe. Consider factoring in a rest day at Dingle or Dunquin, and weather permitting, take a boat trip to spend time exploring the abandoned village and outlying buildings.

At the heart of your Dingle Way holiday is hospitality. From the quiet charm of rural guesthouses to lively inns filled with the sound of traditional music and laughter, you are guaranteed a warm welcome and good craic wherever you go.

The Kerry Way is one of Ireland’s longest and oldest waymarked walking trails. With a pedigree stretching back forty years, this walker’s version of the Ring of Kerry has established itself as a firm favourite with seasoned walkers. On your 123 mile circuit of the Iveragh Peninsula you’ll walk through what are undoubtedly some of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes.

Located on Ireland’s southwest corner the Kerry Way delivers an incredibly varied walking experience. The awe-inspiring views across Lough Leane and Muckross Lake, once seen, will never be forgotten. Nor will the sight of Torc Falls nestled in the dense woodland of Killarney National Park, Ireland’s oldest protected wilderness. In the north of the peninsula you’ll walk along centuries-old tracks passing beneath the magnificent MacGillycuddy’s Reeks, home to the country’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil. Peaceful glens with their delightful sparkling loughs enhance the wild, natural beauty of the area further still. The south coast of the peninsula is different again with its wonderful coastal panoramas of turquoise waters, golden sands, rocky headlands and picturesque islets.

The Iveragh Peninsula is home to a variety of habitats and wildlife. In the uplands purple moor-grass is widespread and bog cotton flourishes on watery ground. Insect eating sundews and the purple-flowering greater butterwort are on display also. Overhead, look out for kestrels, peregrine falcons and if you are lucky, a white-tailed eagle. Sessile oak, holly and silver birch woodlands give shelter to white wood anemone and bluebells. On coastal trails keep an eye out for the black, fish-eating, cormorant. In spring and summer blackthorn, hawthorn, clematis and honeysuckle colour the hedgerows.

Heritage features heavily too as part of the peninsula is designated as Gaeltacht, a place where the Irish language is spoken and Irish culture is honoured. Wherever you go on your Kerry Way journey you are assured of a warm, Irish welcome.