The Kerry Camino is an inspiring pilgrim route along the Dingle Peninsula in south western Ireland. St James Church in Dingle was originally a farewell point for pilgrims as they set sail to Finisterre in NW Spain to continue their walk to Santiago de Compostela. At almost every turn on the Kerry Camino, there are breathtaking views enhanced by the sounds of the Wild Atlantic lapping or crashing against this ancient shoreline. You will be enchanted by the awesome scenery and historic preservation that this region has to offer. During the four days, walk from the town made famous by the Rose of Tralee, along the southern shores of the Peninsula to Annascaul, the home of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, and then to Dingle town itself. Here the rich tradition of music and culture will leave your feet tapping as you continue your journey to the western reaches of Slea Head, overlooking the magnificent Blasket Islands. Returning to Dingle you spend your last overnight before your return journey home. On the way, be sure to have your pilgrim passport available to be stamped as you walk along one of the most beautiful Caminos in the world.
What is included in the tour
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Accommodation
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Meals
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Additional Services
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Transport
What is NOT included in the tour
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Flights
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Additional Services
- Arrival in Tralee.
- Walk from St John's Church in Tralee to the village of Camp.
- Continue through bogland to Inch Beach and the village of Annascaul.
- Pass through Minard and Lisdargan to Dingle.
- Walk to Slea Head and Dunquin, return to Dingle for overnight.
- The trip concludes in Dingle.
Day 1: Arrive Tralee
Arrive in Tralee, the administrative capital of County Kerry. On arrival at your first guesthouse, your host can suggest some of the many local restaurants or pubs for food and possibly music.
Day 2: Walk from St John's Church in Tralee to the village of Camp (5hrs)
Leaving your guesthouse, head to St John's church and walk along back country roads to join the Dingle Way. You follow this route under the Slieve Mish Mountains before joining what was once an old road to Dingle. Passing a fascinating 12th century oratory, still used by locals today for prayer, contemplation and worship, you continue to the village of Camp. Walking: Distance: 16.8km/10.5mi. Ascent: 216m/708ft, descent 196m/643ft, Max. height: 158m/508ft. Terrain: Rocky and muddy mountain and grass tracks. Can be wet underfoot - boots essential.
Day 3: Continue through bogland to Inch Beach and the village of Annascaul (5hrs)
Continuing west, you walk from the lovely hamlet of Camp to the lively little village of Annascaul. This walk takes you through a fascinating area of bogland where many people still come to cut their winter fuel. Crossing to the south side of the peninsula you arrive at the magnificent Inch Beach, before continuing inland to Annascaul village. Walking: Distance: 16.7km/10.4mi. Ascent: 420m/1378ft, descent 451m/1480ft, Max. height: 236m/774ft. Terrain: Road walking on quiet back country roads, then onto grassy tracks and finishing on road - boots recommended.
Day 4: Pass through Minard and Lisdargan to Dingle (6hrs)
Leaving Annascaul you head to the town of Dingle. The route passes through Minard, with its 16th century castle, and the village of Lispole along the way. It then takes you along old, narrow country lanes through the hamlets of Lisdargan and Ballingarruan before joining the old military road below the Connor Pass, and on into Dingle. Walking: Distance: 22km/13.8mi. Ascent: 492m/1614ft, descent 506m/1660ft, Max. height: 151m/495ft. Terrain: Grass Country lanes, grass tracks and some road walking - boots essential.
Day 5: Walk to Slea Head and Dunquin, return to Dingle for overnight (5.5hrs)
Immersed in the true region of early pilgrimage on this Peninsula, today's route starts just outside Dingle, passing the Early Christian site of Kilcolman and continuing to the glorious sweep of Ventry beach. From here it takes you on a beautiful and historic walk around Slea Head, finishing in Dunquin. The walk offers an opportunity to see ‘beehive huts’ at close quarters, and also a full view of the Blasket Islands. Return to Dingle for your final overnight. Walking: Distance: 18km/11.2mi. Ascent: 501m/1643ft, descent 525m/1722ft, Max. height: 178m/583ft. Terrain: Rocky and grass tracks, beach walking and some road walking - boots essential.
Day 6: Trip concludes
The trip concludes in Dingle after breakfast. There is a regular bus service to Tralee from where there are bus and train connections to Cork, Limerick, Shannon or Dublin. Private transfers are available on request.
