Gap of Dunloe, The Ring of Kerry, Co Kerry
Gap of Dunloe, The Ring of Kerry, Co Kerry Courtesy Fáilte Ireland

Kerry Camino

📍 Tralee – Dingle, Kerry

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 28 April 2026

Overview

The Kerry Camino is a linear, point‑to‑point walk that links Tralee and Dingle across the Dingle Peninsula. Following the western section of the Dingle Way, the trail covers roughly 57 km (about 35 miles) of coastal cliffs, rolling hills and quiet country roads. Walkers collect stamps in a free pilgrim passport and finish at St James Church in Dingle, where a certificate marks the completion of this modern pilgrimage.

History & Background

Although the Kerry Camino was launched in the 2010s by a volunteer‑run, non‑profit group, its inspiration reaches back to the early medieval saint Brendan the Navigator, who is said to have travelled these lands on his legendary voyages. In the 12th century Spanish merchants built St James Church in Dingle as a departure point for Irish pilgrims heading for Santiago de Compostela. The modern route therefore mirrors an ancient pilgrim corridor that linked Irish saints with the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The project is supported by Kerry County Council, regional development partnerships and the Department of Rural & Community Development’s Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme, and is listed as an official pilgrim route by the Camino Society Ireland.

Launch and Growth

The Kerry Camino was officially opened in June 2012 after Tralee resident Michael O’Donnell proposed a walking pilgrimage that would showcase the Dingle Peninsula’s heritage. Early walks attracted just a few dozen participants; by 2024 the annual May Bank Holiday walk regularly welcomed over 250 walkers, prompting the committee to cap numbers for safety. Funds raised from these events have financed signage, passport printing and the maintenance of stamping stations.

Annual Walking Festival

Each May Bank Holiday weekend the volunteer group organises a guided three‑day walk. The 2024 edition saw more than 250 pilgrims start at St John’s Church, receive a blessing from Fr Padraig Walsh and walk the full route with daily shuttle buses and luggage transfers. The event includes a communal barbecue in Annascaul, live music in Dingle and a welcome meal at Geaney’s Pub. Certificates of completion are handed out at the St James Church ceremony.

Route Details

The walk is usually broken into three stages, each roughly 18–22 km:

  • Tralee → Camp (≈ 18 km) – Leaves St John’s Church in Tralee, follows a gentle canal tow‑path before climbing onto the northern slopes of the Slieve Mish Mountains. Highlights include the historic Blennerville Windmill (with its emigration exhibit) and sweeping views over Tralee Bay.
  • Camp → Annascaul (≈ 17 km) – Traverses minor roads and grassy tracks across the peninsula’s interior, passes the long sandy Inch Beach and reaches the village of Annascaul, home to the South Pole Inn (once owned by Antarctic explorer Tom Crean).
  • Annascaul → Dingle (≈ 22 km) – Follows quiet country roads hugging the Atlantic, climbs the old Conor Pass road for panoramic sea vistas and finishes in the bustling harbour town of Dingle.

The total ascent is about 1 200 m, with most climbs being short and moderate. The trail consists of tarmac boreens, mountain paths, field tracks and occasional coastal boardwalks.

Scenic & Cultural Highlights

  • Coastal cliffs – Between Annascaul and Dingle the trail skirts dramatic Atlantic cliffs, offering uninterrupted sea views.
  • Historic villages – Camp, Annascaul and Dingle provide opportunities to meet local innkeepers and see traditional crafts.
  • Early Christian sites – Along the way you’ll spot beehive huts, Ogham stones and the famous Gallarus Oratory near the southern tip of the peninsula (a short detour from the main path).
  • Blennerville Windmill – The visitor centre includes an emigration display, model railway and bird‑watching platform.
  • Minard Castle – A 16th‑century ruin overlooking Dingle Bay, worth a quick photo stop.
  • St James Church, Dingle – Built by Spanish merchants in the 12th century, it was the historic farewell point for Irish pilgrims sailing to Spain.

Wildlife & Flora

The Kerry Camino passes through a mosaic of habitats. Walkers may see Irish hares, red foxes and a variety of seabirds. The heathland is dotted with gorse, heather and the occasional montbretia flower in late summer.

The Passport Experience

Pilgrim passports are free and can be collected from the Tralee tourist office, the Kerry County Museum (until the office re‑opens in June) or the Dingle tourist office. Stamping stations are located at the trailheads, Camp, Annascaul and Dingle. Once the final stamp is obtained, the passport can be exchanged for a certificate of completion at either tourist office.

Symbol and Badge

The Kerry Camino logo features a pewter scallop shell with a bronze‑gilded statue of St James. The shell was uncovered during a 1992 archaeological dig at the ruins of Ardfert Cathedral and is believed to be an ancient pilgrim’s badge, linking the route to the wider Camino de Santiago tradition.

Guided Walks

From April to August the volunteer group runs guided weekend walks, the most popular being the May bank‑holiday edition (1‑3 May 2026). Guides lead the group each day, a shuttle bus returns walkers to Tralee each evening and luggage is transferred to the next night’s accommodation. The group cap is currently 250 walkers to ensure safety and a pleasant pace.

Independent Walking

The Kerry Camino is graded as a moderate, multi‑day hike. It is well‑marked on the official Dingle Way maps and on the interactive Google Map provided by the Kerry Walking Trails project. The HiiKER app also offers downloadable GPX tracks and offline navigation.

Practical Information

  • Difficulty: Moderate; suitable for walkers in good health. Not recommended for children or dogs.
  • Elevation gain: Approx. 1 200 m over the whole route.
  • Parking: Free parking is available at St John’s Church in Tralee and at the Dingle endpoint near St James Church.
  • Public transport: Tralee is served by Kerry Airport, regular bus services and rail links from Dublin, Cork and Limerick. Dingle is reachable by bus from Tralee (routes 275/276) and by the Irish Rail “Dublin‑Cork‑Tralee” line to Tralee.
  • Accommodation: A list of participating B&Bs and guesthouses is supplied with the passport. Typical stops are Camp, Annascaul and Dingle; most offer dinner and breakfast. The South Pole Inn in Annascaul is a popular choice.
  • Maps & Resources: Official website hosts downloadable route notes, GPS tracks and a list of stamping locations. An interactive Google Map shows trailheads, parking areas and way‑marked sections approved by Sports Ireland. The HiiKER app provides offline maps and elevation profiles.
  • Safety: Irish weather can change quickly; bring waterproof clothing, sturdy boots and a basic first‑aid kit. Carry enough water and snacks for each day’s stage.

When to Go

The most popular months are May to September, when daylight hours are longest and the weather is relatively mild. Early spring can be wet, while late autumn may bring stronger winds on the coastal sections.

Nearby Attractions

While walking, consider short detours to:

  • Gallarus Oratory – an early‑Christian stone chapel on the southern tip of the peninsula.
  • Slea Head Drive – a scenic loop offering spectacular views of the Blasket Islands.
  • Inch Beach – a long sandy beach ideal for a quick dip or a coffee at the beachfront café.
  • Dingle town – vibrant harbour, traditional music pubs and excellent seafood.
  • Blennerville Windmill – visitor centre with emigration exhibit and bird‑watching platform.

Official Recognition

The Kerry Camino is listed as an official pilgrim route by the Camino Society Ireland and forms part of the wider network of Camino de Santiago routes across Europe.

Contact & Further Information

The Kerry Camino offers a blend of pilgrimage tradition, coastal grandeur and community hospitality. Whether you join a guided weekend or set out on your own, the walk delivers a rewarding sense of achievement and a deep connection to the wild beauty of County Kerry.