Dingle, Ireland
June 1-8, 2023
The very attractive harbor town of Dingle is an excellent base for our discovery of the Dingle Peninsula. This land juts its mountainous finger into the Atlantic and has been host to various tribes and people for almost 6,000 years. The extraordinary number of ring forts, high crosses, and ancient monuments all bear witness to this long history. The Dingle Peninsula was once described by the National Geographic Traveler as the most beautiful place on earth. The warmth of the Gulf Stream reaches the Peninsula and gives it an interesting mix of rare and unusual flora.
Our hikes will take us via coastal paths and bog roads to Ireland's most westerly parish, Dun Quin. From here we look across to the Blasket Island - the last land before America. Our hikes will take us to the Bronze Age valley of Loch an Duin and along the pilgrim path from Ventry Beach to Gallarus Oratory. Shaped like an upturned boat, this Oratory is a dry stone building over 1200 years old and the best preserved early Christian church in Ireland. You will find Ballydavid Head with its wonderful cliffs and seascape views a photographer's paradise.
We will have a tour of Dingle town, with just over 2,000 people it is the only town on the Peninsula. You will find it a lively town well supplied with pubs, lots of music and beautiful crafts.
With its panoramic views across Dingle Bay, Greenmount House, a 4 star guesthouse will be our base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula. (www.greenmounthouse.ie) Our location is only a ten minute walk to world famous music, pubs and restaurants. And the breakfasts at Greenmount are legendary.
Day by Day Overview
Thursday, June 1
The Dingle Shuttle van will meet us after breakfast at the Courtyard B&B (Bunratty) for
transport to Dingle (3 hrs). We'll check in to our Dingle hotel midafternoon and meet our guide for a town walk.
Lodging: Greenmount House - www.greenmounthouse.ie
Friday, June 2
Dunquin Wild Atlantic Way Walk - This is a lovely walk featuring a combination of coastal cliff walking and some old bog roads through the parish of Dun Chaoin, Ireland's most westerly parish and the heart of the west Kerry Gaeltacht. Expect lots of big skies and Atlantic and Blasket Island views. We will visit the fascinating Blasket Museum - recording the history of the Great Blasket Island, its residents, and their evacuation for good in 1954.
Distance: 6 miles; Elevation gain: 600'.
Saturday, June 3
Loch an Duin Bronze age Valley- This walk back in time is a wonderful combination of Bronze Age archaeology and beautiful nature as we explore the valley of the fortified lake. This valley, now deserted and covered in bog contains dwellings, rock art, burial tombs and pre bog field walls from over three thousand years ago. And there is also the waterfall of course! Some rough ground, no major ascents.
Distance: 6-7 miles; Elevation gain: 600'.
Sunday, June 4
Today is officially a "free day". There will be an option of a short morning walk along Dingle Bay. You're free in the afternoon to explore Dingle town on your own.
Monday, June 5
Cosan na Naomh - Following the old pilgrim path from Ventry beach to Gallarus Oratory. Dating back 1200 years the Gallarus Oratory, this small dry stone structure, is said to be the best preserved Christian Church in Ireland. The Pilgrims path is 17.7km long. We will walk approximately 10km, along quiet country roads, bothaireens (small roads) and farmland. This route is rich in archaeology from the early Christian period (5th - 12th century).
Distance: 6-7 miles; Elevation gain: 500'.
Tuesday, June 6
Weather dependent, we will take a boat trip to the Blasket Islands and begin our walk from the harbor. We have had these islands in sight all week on our coastal walks. The Great Blasket Island was inhabited by Irish people from 1841 until 1953, when the inhabitants were forced by loca government to abandon the island. The living conditions were harsh. The island reached its population peak of 150 in 1840 but decreased to 100 following the Great Famine. The Great Blasket is known for its gifted Irish language writers who have written several books describing their way of life. Today's walk is a trip back in time! (As getting to Blasket Islands is weather dependent, this day may move to a different day in the schedule.)
Distance 6 - 7 miles; Elevation gain 400'.
Wednesday, June 7
Following the Dingle Way around Smerwick Harbor, we come to the fishing village of Baile nan Gall. We have stunning views of the Three Sisters in the shadow of Mount Brandon . We have some lovely beach walking today through areas named Beal Ban and Cul Dorcha and Tra an Mhuiriosh. We end our day at Tigh Pub (TP's pub). There has been a pub on this site for over 100 years. Take a look at the family photos on the wall!
Distance - 5 miles; Elevation gain 325'.
Thursday, June 8
After a light breakfast we will have an early departure for Tralee Train Station to arrive there for the 9:00AM train. Total Drive Time: about 1 hr.
Please Note: The above schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
