Walks in Dingle

What other country can boast so justly or so well of being a paradise for outdoors types, nature lovers and the walking enthusiasts of the world than Ireland? And what part of Ireland can better lay claim to its declaration that it is a walkers’ paradise than the Dingle Peninsula? The Dingle Peninsula boasts a sumptuous network of lanes, paths and treks that take the hiker well away from the hum of traffic and immerse him (or her) in the sweet solitude that is offered by the Dingle country side. The sweep of the green hills, the steep cut of the Dingle cliffs, the majesty of mountains, the tranquility of the beaches and the crash and swell of the sea . . . Dingle is a haven for lovers of nature, and a paradise for those who thirst to walk through it. There are in the Dingle Peninsula two walking tracks in particular that are popular with locals, but most especially tourists. These are called the Dingle Way, which is a hundred and seventy-eight kilometres in length and features many coastal views, and the Pilgrims’ Route, which is much shorter at just forty-eight kilometres in length and makes more of a fine hike between many of the early Christian archaeological sites for which Dingle is so famous. Of course, these two are not the only walking routes available on the Dingle Peninsulaâ€" not by a long shot! They are, however, the most popular with tourists because they are the best marked of the lot, and those visitors who wish to take advantage of the many, less clearly-marked tracks should do so with a degree of caution, and the willingness to stop and ask for directions should they become turned around! As is common sense for any walk, wear comfortable, sturdy footwear and lightweight, insulating clothing. A light, waterproof coat is advisable also, and be sure to stay well hydrated on your trek. Ronan Menton is the webmaster for a number of travel related websites and has been for some time in Ireland, associated with search engine optimization in the Irish travel industry. Among the many sites he is currently working on are the following: Seaview Dingle and Bayview Dingle .