Dingle, Ireland
June 1 - 8, 2026
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 along Ventry Beach. We will visit 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
Monday, June 1
Travel Dublin-Heuston train station to Tralee Train Station (3.5-4 hrs.). The Dingle Shuttle van will meet us at Tralee Train Station and transfer us to Dingle. We'll check in to the Greenmount House and meet our guide for a town walk.
Lodging: Greenmount House - www.greenmounthouse.ie
Tuesday, 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'.
Wednesday, June 3
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. Mid-afternoon tour of Dingle Distillery-many previous Dingle travelers have taken to Dingle Gin. Here is opportunity to see its source!
Evening: A real treat-- a folk concert at St. James Church- Main Street, Dingle. We have reserved tickets-pay for ticket at the door.
Thursday, June 4
Morning with Sciurid Archeologist, Michael, who will take us to Dingle archeology sites. We "find out where Irish came from and how they survived on this wild landscape for 10,000 years". Michael picks us up at Greenmount at 10:00 am for this 3.5 hr tour. https://ancientdingle.com
Afternoon is free for you to explore on your own "modern day Dingle".
Friday, June 5
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 local 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.)
Saturday, June 6
Dingle Cooking School with chef, Mark Murphy. This is a hands-on cooking class, using local ingredients, and traditional Irish recipes. Our lunch will be what we have created in the class. The cookery school is about a 20-minute walk from Greenmount House. https://dinglecookeryschool.com
Sunday, 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'.
Monday, June 8
After a light breakfast we will have an early departure for Tralee Train Station to arrive there for the 9:00AM train. Train journey Tralee to Dublin about 4 hours.
Please Note: The above schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control.
