The Dingle Peninsula is perhaps less travelled than the adjacent Ring of Kerry but in our opinion, is every bit as beautiful! Its charming villages and breathtaking viewpoints make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Ireland. Read on to learn our top 5 places to check out on the Dingle Peninsula.
Spend Time in Dingle Town & Marina
Dingle is a colourful marine town in Co. Kerry. It is full of history, renowned for traditional Irish music and has fantastic food that caters to everyone’s taste. The town offers lots of great pub and restaurant options to try out. Dingle is also home to Ireland’s friendliest dolphins! Take a boat trip around the harbour to spot as many as you can. Dingle Ocean World is also a lovely place to visit; they have a great selection of sea life including fantastic penguin and otter displays! And, if you’re visiting in October, don’t miss out on the famous Dingle Food Festival held every year!
Stop at Ventry
Ventry is a small Gaeltacht village located about 7km west of Dingle. Ventry is home to one of Ireland’s best beaches, a golden sandy paradise that stretches for 5 miles. Rain or shine, Fionntrá beach is a beautiful place to go for a walk. Sports enthusiasts will also appreciate Ventry as the hometown of GAA legend Páidi Ó Sé. The pub he once owned and ran is still a busy tourist spot in the village. Today, Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub is adorned with photographs of the great Kerry GAA teams, alongside images of many famous visitors, including Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Martin Sheen, and even Dolly Parton!
Take a Drive out to Slea Head & Dunmore Head
Slea Head is marked by a Crucifix which the locals call ‘the cross.’ The Blasket Islands come into full view here and the scenery is outstanding. Dunmore head (An Dún Mór) is Ireland’s westernmost point on the Dingle Peninsula, and offers more amazing views. Take a hike on the magnificent headland and at the top, look out for the Ogham Stone. Don’t worry, both these spots are well-mapped by road signs so you don’t have to get out your Google Maps!
Visit The Blasket Centre
The Blasket Centre is a captivating heritage museum found in Dún Chaoin. It honours the unique community who lived on the isolated Blasket Islands until their evacuation in 1953. Through interactive displays and fascinating artefacts, the centre brings the daily experiences of these islanders to life. The Blasket Islands are known for producing many gifted writers, most notably; Peig Sayers. The centre also has a restaurant and restrooms, making it the ideal place to take a travel break.
Cleanse your Soul at Gallarus Oratory!
Gallarus Oratory is a very quick stop, but well worth a look. This ancient Romanesque stone church is estimated to date back to the 12th century. Gallarus is only 4.8 m by 3 m wide on the inside, and has 1 small window on the west wall opposite the entrance. Legend says that if a person can successfully climb through this window, then their soul will be cleansed. As you will see when you visit, this is quite difficult to do!