Anascaul – Daingean Uí Chúis
( Abhainn an Scáil - Dingle)Distance: 23 km | Ascent: 150m | Time: 5—7 hrs | Grade: Easy
Leaving Anascaul, home of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean (1877-1938) and the renowned sculptor Jerome Connor (1874-1943), the Dingle Way briefly joins the busy Tralee-Dingle road (N86) before finding a quieter road that twists and turns for a little over 4km before finally descending to sea level beside the magnificent ruin of the 16th century Minard Castle, a tower house built by the Fitzgeralds, Knights of Kerry, to protect them against Cromwellian forces. Take a break here at this lonely beach and take in the views across Dingle Bay towards the Iveragh Peninsula. If you have time visit the local holy well, just west of the Castle, which is named in honour of John the Baptist.
Map of the Anascaul to Dingle section of the Dingle Way
Leaving the strand, the Dingle Way rises steeply up a narrow path and goes on to follow some classic Irish boreens and minor roads that weave around the surrounding farmland for the next 6km. Before crossing the N86 road at Lios Póil you will have sight of the remains of the Lispole Railway Viaduct built in 1934 and which formed part of the Tralee-Dingle Railway which operated from 1893 to 1953.
The trail heads north in the direction of Croaghskearda Mountain (608m) on a minor road for a few kms before cutting across farmland and rising onto the lower mountain slopes through Lios Deargáin, where you can see the remains of an old fort which christened the townland. This part of the Dingle Way lasts for around 5km and can get quite mucky.
A bridge crossing the Garfinny River sees the Dingle Way realigning itself in a south-westerly direction and heading straight for the town of Dingle. The trail traverses the Conor Pass road, a popular tourist route. Nestled below you is the town of Dingle and across the harbour, among the trees, Burnham House, one time residence of Lord Ventry.
Looped Walks
Coum Duff Loop Walk, Annascaul
Distance: 8.5 km | Time: 1.5 hrs | Grade: Easy
This is a fairly gentle walk along minor roads and lanes. The walk starts and finishes at Annascaul Bridge. You will see signs indicating “The Foot of the Hill Loop Walk” and “Sean Droichead Com Dubh Loop Walk”. It should take about an hour and a half, but allow more time if you wish to visit Annascaul Lake