A complete guide to Dingle

Dingle: a small, seaside town, nestled in between mountains on the waterside, where fish come into the harbour and old fashioned and modern co-exist side by side.
Despite Dingle being a small town, it is a huge tourist destination, with both Irish and international tourists going out of their way to visit this small town.
Personally, I think it’s the allure that Dingle has: it’s old fashioned and rural, but there is also something very modern about it, with a very diverse community for such a small rural town. Many people come visit and get what locals knowingly call ‘the Dingle fever’, that special tingling feeling that the town and it’s surrounding land gives you, that makes you want to stay… well, forever!
So, if you are planning to visit, there is plenty to do, ranging from art to nature to, of course, music.

Activities

You can go to the Dingle Distillery for a tour, where you can get an insight in how Dingle's popular gin, vodka, and whiskey's are made - and you can of course try a sample and their signature serves.

Straight across from the distillery is the Falconry, where you can watch the falcons take to the skies, and enjoy the falcon show. I
 you walk past the waterfront from the Falconry, you start making your way into Dingle town.

On the way in you can find Dingle's former fish factory, where Wave is now located: an immersive underwater experience of the Wild Atlantic Way. You walk through the former halls of the fish factory, and learn a bit about the history of the factory, before entering the spacious halls where the huge screens on the walls show you underwater life.

Of course, Dingle town itself is always buzzing as well with things to do.
Check out Carol Cronin's art gallery, and let her gigantic oil paint seascapes take your breath away.
Across from the gallery is the church, a central point of Dingle town.
You would not think it looking at the front gates, but behind the church are sweeping gardens, with native plants, and beautiful mazes and fairy-like arches based on Celtic mythology. In the church itself, you can see Harry Clarke's stained glass windows.

Are you looking for maybe a bit more action? You can visit The Blasket Islands, but you can also do the Great Blasket Island boat tour - you take the boat around the islands to spot marine wildlife. Sometimes, there are even puffins! The boat leaves from Dingle, Ventry Bay, and Dunquin, all during the high season.
There is also the option to do Dingle Sea Safari - you go from Dingle Bay around the peninsula, and if you are lucky you can spot dolphins, seals, and even basking sharks!

Lastly, I cannot emphasise doing the Slea Head Drive enough.The stunning views along the route alone are so worth doing the loop, but it's definitely worth stopping at Louis Mulcahy, where you can do a pottery course, admire the works of art, and have a cup of coffee.

Another attraction on the Sleahead Drive are the Beehive Huts, which are similar structures as the ones on Skellig Michael, where Star Wars was filmed! The same farm that has the Beehive Huts on their land also hosts sheep dog shows, and you can hold their baby lambs during lambing season.

Food

Don't worry about getting hungry, because Dingle is a real foodie town!

There is Nourish just hidden off Greenstreet, where you can get sandwiches on their homemade sourdough bread.
Across from Nourish is the trendy Bean in Dingle, a coffee shop famous for being a trailblazer - they were the first to bring gourmet coffees to the town, and roast their own beans.

Looking for something a bit more traditional? Benners Hotel, with their cosy lounge has you covered.
The best scones can be found in Strand House, with juicy raspberries or blueberries, or raisins, and always served with fresh jams.
For dinner, Danno's has great traditional Irish food, made with love in their cosy pub.

Something more upscale would be Out of the Blue seafood restaurant, appropriately located on the marina - go here to get impressed by their super fresh seafood and refined flavours (definitely book ahead, especially in summer!)

Music and pubs

Music is such an integral part of Dingle town, so you are spoiled for choice!
Nelligan’s pub has traditional music sessions, on every night in the summer and weekend nights in the off season.
The famous Begley’s often have their trad sessions here.

The Dingle Pub has trad sessions on every night too in the summer, and often David Geaney, the famous tap dancer, performs here.
O’ Sullivan's Courthouse Pub, (locals just call it the Courthouse) next to Dingle’s Courthouse, has some legendary trad sessions on too. 
Looking for some not so traditional music? The Green Room is a speakeasy cocktailbar and music venue, where they often have dj sets, and performances from both up and coming artists, and famous Irish trad musicians. It's hidden in the alleyway next to John Benny's pub, where you go up the stairs to the cosy vintage looking lounge with mismatched furniture.

So, whatever you are looking for, Dingle has something to offer for everyone.