There are many things to see and do in Dingle! The Peninsula is home to some of the most spectacular scenery on the island, as well as interesting history and quaint towns. Dingle Town is the main town on the peninsula, where you can find many great pubs, shops and restaurants. Dingle has a strong seafaring tradition, so you could definitely try some of the local (and fresh!) delicacies when you’re there. Dingle Bay is also the home of
Fungie: a friendly dolphin who has been living there for over 30 years now, greeting those who come out and meet him. The Dingle
Farm Produce and Craft Market is held every Friday, it’s a great way to get a taste of this part of Ireland and meet the locals.
The Dingle Peninsula is great for
road trips as well. You could drive the loop within a day (either the R560+ R561 or the N86+ R650, depending on where you start) and there’s also the option of adding the Slea Head Drive (30 km).
The Slea Head Drive is a circular route, forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, beginning and ending in Dingle that takes in a large number of attractions and stunning views on the western end of the peninsula. The route is clearly labelled by road signs throughout its length. To properly enjoy the drive, a half-day should be set aside for the journey. Travellers usually travel clockwise in order to avoid the large tour buses that frequent the route during the summer. The route is suitable for motorists, but is also enjoyed by cyclists: it is possible to hire a bike at a number of locations in Dingle.
Another option would be to include the Conor Pass – the highest mountain pass in Ireland. It is situated on the road that crosses the peninsula between Dingle Town and the coast on the other side. This road is rather narrow and winding on some points, but the views are simply spectacular! There’s a car park on the pass, to give you even more opportunities to soak up the sheer beauty of Dingle.
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, the Dingle Peninsula might be the perfect destination for you – not surprising, given the tranquil and rugged landscapes! The
Dingle Way is a 179 km long hiking and cycling trail, taking you past some truly spectacular panoramic views, interesting historic sites and unspoilt beaches. At the
Ceann Sibeal Dingle Golf Club, you can play challenging holes while enjoying the view – what’s not to like! This golf course is located in Ballyferriter, on the northern part of Slea Head, making it the most westerly golf club in Europe. Equestrian enthusiasts can enjoy Dingle’s beaches, mountains and fields as well, as you can book a session with
Dingle Horse Riding, just north of Dingle Town.
Dingle can be considered as a treasure chest of archaeologic monuments, such as beehive huts, megalithic tombstones, high crosses and oratories. Some of the best known sites are
Gallarus Oratory, the Ballintaggart Ogham Stones,
the Dunbeg Promontory Fort and the Beehive Huts just off the southern part of the R559 road (west of Dunbeg Fort).
Even more historic remnants can be found on the
Blasket Islands, just off the coast. These islands used to be inhabited until 1953, and it was a centre of Irish language and culture. You can learn all about this in the
Blasket Centre in
Dunquin on the mainland, and the Great Blasket Island is still open to visitors. Here, you can discover the pre-historic remains, hilly tracks and the extraordinary bird life. You might also meet the large colony of seals who have made the island their home! It’s also possible to camp the night on this beautiful and rugged island, a great way to get an even better understanding of life on the island.