Around Ireland In 18 Days: A Coastal Road Trip Of A Lifetime (Full Itinerary)

Day 7. Portmagee to Dingle

Day 7 is one that I’ve been looking forward to for the entire trip.

It takes us through a corner of Ireland that I fell in love with many years ago, and that I revisit as often as physically possible.

Get some breakfast into you and prepare your mind for the beauty that awaits.

1. One of my favourite places in Ireland

Image © The Irish Road Trip

Portmagee to Valentia Island – 2-minute drive (leave Portmagee at 9, arrive to Valentia for 9:02.. handy or what).

Ah, Valentia Island – easily one of my favourite places in Ireland. Connected to the little town of Portmagee by the Maurice O’Neill Memorial Bridge, Valentia Island is one of Ireland’s most westerly points.

Our first stop-off is the car park near Bray Head.

For those of you that fancy an early morning walk, you can do the Bray Head Walk if you like, but for this trip we’re going to just admire the view below, out towards the Skellig Islands.

From here, make your way up to the Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs (€5 entry fee), and start the steep ascent (it’s insanely steep – keep the car in first gear the entire way up) towards one of the best views in Ireland.

I’ve done a reasonable amount of travelling outside of Ireland, and there are very few places that I’ve been to that offer a view as spectacular as the Geokaun Mountain and Cliffs.

2. the Rossbeigh Hill Loop Walk

Photo by Monicami/Shutterstock.com

Valentia Island to Rossbeigh Beach (aim for the car park) – 50-minute drive (leave Valentia at 10:20, arrive at the beach for 11:10).

We’ve a bit of walking up next. Aim the car in the direction of Rossbeigh Beach Car Park – the starting point for the Rossbeigh Hill Loop Walk.

This walk will take you between 3 and 4 hours depending on your fitness levels, and it offers a magnificent view out over the surrounding countryside.

The view of Rossbeigh Beach that you’ll be treated to is worth the trip alone.

3. Lunch by the sea

Photo © The Irish Road Trip

Rossbeigh Beach to Inch Beach – 49-minute drive (leave beach 1 around 14:30, arrive at beach 2 for 15:20).

We’re going to stop off at Inch Beach for a spot of lunch and a strong cup of coffee. At this stage, you’ve packed in a lot already.

Take some time to kick back and relax while gazing out at the waves. If you’re not too fatigued, spend a bit of time walking along the shore – you usually get a good crowd of surfers here tackling the waves.

4. Checking out a dolphin in Dingle

Photo via Failte Ireland

Inch Beach to Dingle – 26-minute drive (leave Inch at 16:20, arrive in Dingle for 16:50). Our last activity of the day will see us hop on a little boat (it’s a 1-hour trip and boats leave regularly)

If you’ve never heard of him (or her…) Fungie is a wild Bottlenose Dolphin that lives in the waters around Dingle.

He has been in the area for around 32 years and according to experts, he has a lifespan of between 40 and 50 years.

The boats leave Dingle Pier at regular intervals during the day, all year round (weather permitting). This is a nice unique experience to round your day off in style.

5. Dingle for the night

Photo © The Irish Road Trip

The Fungie tour takes around an hour, so your feet should be safely back on dry land for 18:00.

We’re staying in Pax Guest House (mainly for the amazing views) this evening, so get checked in and chill for a while.

I recently ate in John Benny’s Pub and I’m going to recommend it for this evenings meal. Once you’ve been fed, head to Dick Mac’s Pub for a few and then on to Foxy John’s.

Two of my favourite pubs in the country. Enjoy the food, the drink and the craic (check out our guide to the best pubs in Dingle for more idea on where to go).

Keith O'Hara

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