Dingle

Dingle, a small town on Ireland's southwest coast, sits at the edge of the Dingle Peninsula. The town's colorful buildings, lively pubs, and calm harbor draw visitors year-round. Beyond the town, you'll find winding coastal roads like Slea Head Drive, ancient stone structures such as the Gallarus Oratory, and expansive beaches including the 3-mile-long Inch Beach. Dingle appeals to those seeking traditional music sessions, fresh seafood, or a chance to explore the rugged Irish countryside.

Exploring Dingle Town

Dingle town centers around its working harbor, where fishing boats bring in the day's catch. Walk the narrow streets lined with shops painted in shades of blue, yellow, and red. Galleries and pubs fill many of these buildings. Stop by Foxy John's - a unique combination of hardware store and pub - for a pint and conversation with locals. In the evenings, listen to Irish music sessions at pubs like O'Flaherty's and An Droichead Beag.

Scenic Drives Around the Peninsula

The 30-mile Slea Head Drive loop showcases the peninsula's coastal scenery. Starting from Dingle town, the narrow road follows the coastline past beaches, cliffs, and old ruins. Take time to visit the Blasket Centre to learn about the now-uninhabited Blasket Islands visible from the shore. For mountain views, drive the steep, winding Conor Pass road - at 1,500 feet elevation, it's the highest mountain pass in Ireland.

Beaches and Coastal Areas

Inch Beach extends for 3 miles, with golden sand framed by green hills. You can walk, surf, and ride horses here. Coumeenoole Beach sits below cliffs on Slea Head Drive, with views of the Blasket Islands. For a less visited spot, try the sheltered cove of Wine Strand near Ballyferriter village.

Ancient Structures

Stone buildings across the peninsula date back to early Christian Ireland. The Gallarus Oratory, constructed without mortar around 1,200 years ago, remains waterproof today. Groups of beehive huts - round stone dwellings - appear throughout the landscape, some from the 6th century. Dunbeg Fort sits on a cliff edge, its stone walls over 2,500 years old.

Activities

Walk sections of the 179-km Dingle Way trail that circles the peninsula. Go kayaking in Dingle Harbor or along the coast near Ventry. Ride horses on the beach at Ventry or Camp. For a more strenuous activity, hike Mount Brandon - at 3,123 feet, it's Ireland's second highest peak. You can also book fishing trips, boat tours to see Fungie the dolphin, and surfing lessons.

Local Food and Drink

Eat fresh-caught seafood at restaurants like Out of the Blue and The Fish Box. Try Murphy's Ice Cream, which uses local milk and creates unusual flavors. Tour Dingle Distillery to sample their gin, vodka and whiskey. On Friday mornings, the farmers market sells local produce, cheese, and baked goods. For traditional Irish food in a pub setting, visit Dick Mack's, which also has an extensive whiskey selection.

Getting There and Around

To reach Dingle town, drive about 4 hours from Dublin, or 1 hour from Kerry Airport. Bus Éireann operates services from Tralee. Once in Dingle, a car gives you the most freedom to explore. You can rent bikes in town. Some visitors stay in Dingle and join day tours to see the peninsula's main sights.