Camp to Annascaul
Climb up and away from the north coast, across the isolated mountains of the interior, and then drop back down to the south coast.
Today’s journey is a unique outlier on the Dingle Way as the coastline hardly features along it. To cross from Dingle Peninsula’s north to south coast, you’ll have to pass the dramatic mountains of the interior. The ‘mountain pass’ you must overcome is low at only 235 metres, however, it plunges you into a valley that feels more isolated than expected. Streams trickle and gurgle, cows grunt, sheep bleat, and the rumble of cars retreats further into the distance. A boreen - a narrow, unpaved Irish lane - stretches through the valley and guides you to the south coast.
You'll join the coast just above Inch Strand. If the weather is good, this three-mile spit pointing a sand dune rippled finger out into Dingle Bay makes a tempting detour. The beach is popular with surfers, anglers, and bathers. Continuing on, the route parallels the coastline, connecting boreens, grassy paths, and minor roads that rarely see a car. In summer, the hedgerows and verges explode with a rainbow of wildflowers and blackberries and are a feast for the eyes, nose and taste buds.
Autorentipp
Grab a drink in the iconic South Pole Inn and be thankful the Dingle Way doesn’t involve icebergs, shipwrecks and freezing temperatures!

Wegearten
Höhenprofil anzeigenSicherheitshinweise
A large portion of the Dingle Way is on minor, low-traffic roads. Where there is no pavement, you should walk on the right side facing the oncoming traffic, except where the road bends right when you should cross over to the other side. Stay alert to vehicles around you and be prepared to step into the verge if necessary.
The trail is often rocky and uneven and can be slippery when wet. Wear appropriate footwear and take care with your foot placements, particularly at the end of the day when you may be tired. Walking poles can be useful on some of the steep ascents and descents.
The weather can change quickly. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing in your day-bag.
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Points of Interest
Inch Strand
For three miles the vast sandy spit of Inch Strand stretches out into Dingle Bay, with waves rolling right up against the sand dunes. It’s a popular spot for surfing, fishing (for seabass), and swimming. It’s also a very tempting and worthwhile detour (500 metres) from the Dingle Way.
South Pole Inn
Thomas Crean joined both Scott and Shackleton on their expeditions to reach the South Pole. Sadly, he never succeeded so instead, he opened the South Pole Inn in Annascaul. There are lots of photos, books, and artefacts inside, and even a mysterious cupboard; open it to be transported to the South Pole.
Food and Drink
There are limited food options along today’s walk so be sure to leave Camp with enough food and drink (at least two litres) for the day. Your accommodation may organise a packed lunch, but otherwise enquire at one of the cafes or pubs.
After 12 kilometres, there are a couple of cafes where you can have a lunch overlooking a panorama of Inch Strand. Note: this is a 500-metre detour from the Dingle Way.
Annascaul has a cafe, a fish and chip shop, and a handful of pubs serving dinner.
Start
Ziel
Wegbeschreibung
0.00km – Start facing the entrance to St Mary’s Catholic Church. BEAR RIGHT to follow the L8102 road uphill. This is the same road you walked yesterday and will return you to the three-way junction for the Dingle Way.
1.00km – At the three-way junction for the Dingle Way, TURN RIGHT to follow the road signposted for Dingle uphill. This road will climb up to a small mountain pass 235 metres above sea level.
3.10km – After cresting the small mountain pass, enjoy the view as the valley opens out in front of you, and then TURN LEFT to pass the gate or cattle grid and follow the gravel track which descends through the valley.
9.10km – TURN LEFT at the T-junction to continue your descent towards the south coast of the Dingle Peninsular. After 600 metres, BEAR RIGHT onto the unpaved road that heads uphill. This track will eventually become a grassy path that overlooks the vast swathe of sand that comprises Inch Strand.
11.40km – As the road forks just above Inch Strand, BEAR RIGHT to head uphill. Here the Dingle Way is well-signposted and uses tracks and footpaths to walk parallel to the coastline on your left.
12.70km – TURN RIGHT at the T-junction with the paved road. As the road begins to bend right after 200 metres, BEAR LEFT to pass beside a barn and continue walking parallel to the coast.
13.80km – The path will bend away from the coastline and begin heading uphill. CONTINUE STRAIGHT ON to follow the grassy track across two roads. At a third paved road, BEAR RIGHT and then immediately BEAR LEFT. This road will lead to Annascaul.
17.00km – Finish beside the South Pole Inn. Be sure to stick your head in for a drink and to be thankful the Dingle Way doesn’t involve icebergs, shipwrecks and freezing temperatures!
Koordinaten
Ausrüstung
Bring appropriate footwear, preferably walking boots with good grip and ankle support.
Bring a waterproof jacket and trousers, even where the weather forecast makes this appear unnecessary.
Walking poles may be useful on some of the steep ascents and descents.
Food for the duration of the hike two litres of water is recommended.
A powerbank and phone cable may be useful if you are navigating using your phone. Phone batteries are less effective in cold weather.
Fragen & Antworten
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