Nature & Walks Archives - Anriasc Bed & Breakfast and Farmhouse

The Dingle Way is one of Ireland’s most iconic coastal trails, loved by hikers, pilgrims, and nature lovers. From dramatic cliffs to ancient ruins and Gaeltacht villages, every step on this 179 km loop is a journey through wild beauty and deep heritage.

Whether you walk for a few hours or commit to the full circuit, this unique path invites you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience Ireland in its most sacred and untamed form.

From Sacred Soil to Scenic Trail: The History of the Dingle Way

The Dingle Way is more than a hiking route — it is a sacred thread woven through time, tracing the footsteps of saints, farmers, poets, and pilgrims. Walking this trail is like reading a landscape layered with myth, memory, and meaning.

Long before the path was officially waymarked, these routes were already part of life on the Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne). They linked Gaeltacht villages, family farms, early Christian sites, and ancient monastic settlements. People didn’t walk for pleasure — they walked to live, to trade, to pray, to pass on stories.

One of the most significant destinations was Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second-highest mountain and a sacred peak on par with Croagh Patrick. Pilgrims journeyed westward to climb its slopes in search of spiritual vision, inspired by the legendary travels of Saint Brendan the Navigator. The mountain still draws pilgrims today, especially on the feast day of St. Brendan in May.

The modern Dingle Way, or Slí Chorca Dhuibhne, was officially developed in the late 20th century as part of Ireland’s National Waymarked Trails. It was designed not only to preserve access to the wild beauty of the peninsula, but to honour its intangible heritage — language, spirituality, and deep ecological ties.

Today, the trail stretches approximately 179 km in a loop starting and ending in Tralee, passing through fishing villages, high moorlands, golden beaches, and mountain passes that feel like ancient gateways.

Along the way, you’ll encounter:

🕯 Gallarus Oratory – a near-perfect stone church from the early Christian era
⛪ Kilmalkedar Church – an evocative 12th-century ruin with Ogham stones and an early sun-dial
🛖 Clocháns (beehive huts) – mysterious dry-stone dwellings thought to have housed monks and hermits
🛡️ Ringforts and standing stones, echoing Ireland’s Iron Age past
🧘 Sacred wells, holy places of healing still honoured by locals
🌊 Windswept beaches like Brandon Bay, where myth and sea meet the sky

Whether you’re stepping over an Ogham-inscribed stone or gazing across misty fields toward the Atlantic, you are moving through a land that remembers.

👉 Visit the official Dingle Way site
👉 Trail maps & updates on Sport Ireland

What Makes the Dingle Way Unforgettable

The trail’s diversity makes it one of the most magical walking experiences in Ireland.

🐾 1. Wild Encounters

From seals and seabirds along the Atlantic to foxes, bees, butterflies, and wild orchids inland, the Dingle Peninsula is home to rich biodiversity. Several parts of the trail are located within Special Areas of Conservation (NPWS info here).

🌊 2. Atlantic Drama

The stretch along the Slea Head Drive (Section 6) offers jaw-dropping seascapes. On clear days, you might spot the Blasket Islands or even Skellig Michael in the far distance.
👉 Visit the Blasket Centre

⛪ 3. Spiritual Echoes

This is a trail soaked in sacredness. Highlights include:

Mount Brandon, part of an ancient Irish pilgrimage route (see more)
Reask Monastic Site and Clocháns (beehive huts), relics of monastic life
Ancient holy wells tucked into the hillsides

These sites embody the deep spiritual layers of the landscape — a connection you can feel with every step.

🌾 4. Seasonal Beauty

Spring: primroses, larks, cuckoos
Summer: fuchsia hedges, foxgloves, wild roses
Autumn: bracken turning copper, migrating birds
Winter: haunting mists and a sense of solitude

📷 5. Culture & Language

As you walk through Gaeltacht villages, you’ll hear Irish spoken and feel the heartbeat of a living tradition. Songs, poetry, and place-names connect land and language in powerful ways.

👉 Learn how we support local culture and sustainability

Planning Your Walk: Tips & Resources

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or a curious traveller, the Dingle Way can match your pace and your passion.

⏱ Duration & Sections

Full route: 8–10 days
Most scenic sections:
- Annascaul to Dún Chaoin
- Feothanach to Brandon
- Cloghane to Ballydavid (Section 6)
Short walk: Slea Head Loop (3–4 hrs)

👉 Explore our 3-day itinerary for Dingle

👉 Our Sustainability Values

Stay on the Trail: An Riasc as Your Basecamp

Located in Ballydavid (Baile na nGall) right on Section 6 of the Dingle Way, An Riasc is a perfect stop — or base — for walkers:

Comfortable ensuite rooms with views
Hearty breakfasts using local ingredients
Peace, space, and soulful hospitality
Warm welcome to walkers (drying area, flexibility, advice)

Many of our guests choose to stay two nights or more to explore the Slea Head and Mount Brandon areas more deeply.

👉 See our rooms

Logistics & Luggage Transfers

Walking light? Services like:

can transport your bags between accommodations so you can enjoy the trail freely.

When to Walk the Dingle Way

The best months are May to September — long days, mild weather, blooming hedgerows.

Pack:

Waterproofs
Sturdy walking boots
Layered clothing (it changes quickly here!)
Midges repellent (especially June–August)

Let the Land Lead You

Walking the Dingle Way is not just about distance — it’s about presence. Sea winds. Raven cries. Moss underfoot. Ruins and wildflowers.
You pass not only through landscapes, but through layers of memory.

And when the day ends, and you land at a place like An Riasc, the beauty of the walk meets the comfort of home.

👉 Ready to walk the Dingle Way ? Start your journey here or contact us, we’re happy to help.

Planning a trip to Ireland and wondering what to do in Dingle in 3 days ? Whether you’re coming for a weekend escape or beginning a longer Irish adventure, this guide is crafted by locals to help you make the most of your time. From coastal drives to traditional pubs and sacred sites, here’s everything you need to see, taste, and experience in and around Dingle Town and Ballydavid.

🌌 Day 1: Arrival & Discovering Dingle Town

Explore Dingle’s colourful town centre, meet local artists, and enjoy seafood and traditional Irish music.

Morning: Welcome to the Dingle Peninsula

Start your Irish adventure by arriving via Tralee or Killarney, two scenic routes that offer beautiful views of County Kerry’s hills and coastline. As you descend into Dingle town, you’ll feel the landscape shift: stone walls, sheep-dotted fields, and the smell of sea air.

Begin your day slowly with a coffee at the locally loved Bean in Dingle, followed by a walk along the Dingle Harbour. It’s the perfect way to stretch your legs after the journey and take in the fishing boats, seagulls, and calm waters.

Afternoon: Shops, Galleries & Irish Crafts

Looking for authentic souvenirs from Dingle? Spend the afternoon exploring Dingle’s colourful streets and artisan boutiques, where every piece tells a story.

Recommended stops:

🧊 Dingle Crystal – Hand-cut crystal crafted by master artisan Sean Daly, known for Celtic-inspired engravings.
🧶 Fiadh Handwoven Design – Beautiful, sustainable fashion pieces made with traditional techniques.
🖼️ Greenlane Gallery – Showcasing local artists and photographers who capture the wild spirit of the peninsula.
🥃 Dingle Distillery – Book a guided whiskey tour with tasting (pre-booking recommended).
🐠 Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium – A great indoor option, especially for families or rainy days.

Tip: Tip: These shops support local craftspeople and are perfect if you’re looking for unique gifts Déanta in Éirinn (Made in Ireland).

Evening: Where to Eat & Hear Live Music in Dingle

After a full afternoon of walking and browsing, treat yourself to some of the best seafood in Dingle. We recommend:

🍽️ Out of the Blue – A no-frills, ultra-fresh seafood-only restaurant (menu changes daily).
🐟 The Fish Box – Family-run and beloved by locals, with great portions and casual atmosphere.

Round off the evening with a traditional Irish music session (often free!) at:

🎻 O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub – Known for its high-quality sessions and community vibe.
🎶 An Droichead Beag – A lively venue with both locals and visitors joining in the music and fun.

Where to stay near Dingle? An Riasc B&B and Farmhouse in Ballydavid offers peaceful nights, local tips, and taxi service.

🗻 Day 2: Slea Head Drive & Sacred West Kerry

Take in the wild Atlantic coast, explore ancient ruins, and end your day with sunset and seafood in Ballydavid.

Morning: Drive the Slea Head Loop

If you’re wondering what to do around Dingle with a car, Slea Head Drive is an absolute must. It’s one of Ireland’s most scenic routes, with rugged cliffs, turquoise coves, and archaeological gems around every bend.

To do it right, rent a car because public transport won’t take you to these remote treasures.

Top stops on the loop:

🛡️ Dunbeg Fort – Iron Age stone fortress perched above the Atlantic.
🛖 Beehive Huts (clocháns) – Ancient dry-stone huts used by early monks and farmers.
🏖️ Coumeenole Beach – Wild, dramatic, and famously featured in Ryan’s Daughter.
📸 Dunquin Pier – Possibly Ireland’s most photographed pier, curving steeply into the sea.
🏝️ Blasket Centre – Discover the history, language, and legacy of the Blasket Islanders through exhibits and films.

Tip: Start early to avoid tour buses and enjoy softer light for photography.

Midday: Lunch with an Ocean View

Refuel at a local café with spectacular views:

☕ Caifé na Trá – Friendly staff, generous portions, and local seafood specials.
🍰 Blasket Centre Café – Great for soup, sandwiches, and a second look at the cliffs below.

Most places offer indoor and outdoor seating depending on the weather.

Afternoon: Ancient Sites in West Kerry

After the drive, explore West Kerry’s spiritual side, just inland from Ballyferriter.

Unmissable sacred sites:

🧱 Gallarus Oratory – An early Christian chapel shaped like an upturned boat, perfectly intact after centuries.
🪨 Kilmalkedar Church – A medieval ruin with ogham stones, sundials, and a sense of quiet reverence.
✝️ Reask Monastic Site – Simple, open, and mystical. Often overlooked, but deeply atmospheric.

All three usually peaceful, and great for slow, mindful exploration.

Staying at An Riasc? You can walk through nearby fields at sunset and return for dinner at local pubs.

Evening: Dinner & Sunset in Ballydavid

Return to the Ballydavid area, where An Riasc B&B and Farmhouse is nestled between the hills and the sea.

Where to eat and unwind:

🍽️ Tigh T.P. – A seaside pub with fresh fish and local musicians playing inside or on the terrace.
🍷 An Bóthar Pub – A local gem with great Guinness, friendly staff, and regular music nights. A relaxed spot for a real West Kerry experience.
🍻 Murphy’s Pub – Cosy, friendly, and just a few minutes’ walk from An Riasc.
🌇 Ballydavid Pier – One of the best local spots to watch the sunset melt into the Atlantic. Bring a jumper — even in summer!

Staying at An Riasc B&B and Farmhouse ? Ask your hosts for walking routes to the pier or shortcuts through the fields. It’s part of the magic.

🌽 Day 3: Nature, Art, and Departure

Walk the wild beaches of Brandon Bay, shop for local crafts, and enjoy one last taste of Dingle before heading home.

Morning: Mount Brandon & Brandon Bay

If you’re looking for a peaceful way to start your final day in Dingle, head north from Ballydavid to Brandon Bay, one of the longest beaches in Ireland.

🐚 Brandon Bay – Ideal for a gentle morning walk, beachcombing, or simply listening to the waves. Popular with surfers and peaceful even in summer.
🏞️ Mount Brandon – For more adventurous travellers, hike part of this sacred mountain. The trail offers panoramic views over the peninsula and holds spiritual significance in Celtic and Christian tradition.

Staying at An Riasc? You won’t need to worry about lunch. Your hosts can prepare a homemade picnic so you can make the most of your morning exploring Mount Brandon without having to stop.

Midday: Shop for Irish-Made Gifts

Before leaving the Dingle Peninsula, take time to support local artisans and bring home meaningful keepsakes:

📚 The Dingle Bookshop – A charming independent store with Irish authors, travel guides, and children’s books.
💍 Brian de Staic Jewellery – World-renowned for handcrafted Celtic pieces and ogham engravings (Ireland’s ancient alphabet).
👜 Holden Leather Goods – A hidden gem located in Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, offering luxurious handmade bags, belts, and wallets.

All of these shops make perfect stops for thoughtful souvenirs that go beyond the typical tourist trinkets.

🍦 Farewell Flavours & Final Views

Wrap up your Dingle journey with two local rituals:

🍨 Murphy’s Ice Cream – Don’t miss this famous shop’s inventive Irish flavours like sea salt, brown bread, or Dingle gin. Made with local milk and no artificial ingredients.
🌊 Benners Quay – Take one last stroll by the harbour, soaking in the salty air and colourful boats before heading back inland.

Leaving Dingle isn’t easy, but you’ll carry the taste, the music, and the stillness of West Kerry with you.

FAQ - Planning a Stay in Dingle

Where to stay near Dingle with sea views?
An Riasc B&B and Farmhouse in Ballydavid offers traditional Irish hospitality, ocean breezes, and easy access to all major sights.

How many days do you need in Dingle?
Three days is perfect for seeing Dingle Town, driving Slea Head, hiking, and enjoying local music.

Do I need a car in Dingle?
Yes, for maximum freedom. Bus 275 from Tralee reaches Dingle town, but a car lets you explore sacred sites and hidden beaches.

What is the best time of year to visit Dingle?
Spring and early autumn are ideal: fewer crowds, mild weather, and active cultural events.