DINGLE PENINSULA MUST SEES

The Dingle Peninsula is home to rugged cliffs, beaches, and some of the best views of the Atlantic that I have ever seen. Dare I say it is my favorite area in Ireland? (But then there’s also Ashford Castle, the Gap of Dunloe, Mizen Head, Skellig Michael, Glendalough, Kylemore Abbey…) The Dingle area is a Gaeltacht, which is a region where the Irish language is widely spoken. There are even certain areas of the Dingle Peninsula where Irish is actually the dominant language, and it is very cool to spot on signs as you are driving along!

As this area is on Ireland’s southwest coast in County Kerry, it is a four-hour drive from Dublin. However, it is only a one-hour drive from Killarney (a town that I love and talk more about here), two hours away from Limerick, and two hours away from Cork City (a city I share more about here). I specifically bring up driving distance, because renting a car truly is the easiest way to see all that the Dingle Peninsula has to offer. Nonetheless, there are plenty of day trip tours to Dingle from major cities (like those mentioned above) that you can absolutely book instead.

So, when is the best time to go to Dingle? The warmest months are June, July, August, and September, with high temperatures in the low 60s. However, weather is always unpredictable, and I have been in Ireland in June when it was actually 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You just never know! In addition, while the summer months are certainly the drier months, know that it can rain any day, anytime, anywhere in Ireland. It can be wonderfully sunny one moment and then woefully gray the next. In sum, due to the hope of warmish weather and the anticipation of less rain, Dingle tends to be more crowded during the summer months (and the hotels have higher rates). Even though there may be more crowds, I am very partial to June and July!!

There are many places to see throughout the Dingle Peninsula, and here are my must sees when visiting the area:

Slea Head Drive

The Slea Head Drive is much like the Ring of Kerry: both are circular routes, technically start and end in towns (Slea Head in Dingle, Ring of Kerry in Killarney), and are recommended to be driven in a clockwise direction, as large tour buses are required to travel counterclockwise. Without stopping, the Slea Head Drive, which forms part of the famous Wild Atlantic Way, will take you about one hour to complete by car. However, I highly recommend you stop, as there are many fantastic destinations you do not want to miss (such as Dunmore Head and Dunquin Pier, mentioned below)! There will be times when you are driving the Slea Head and there is only really room for one car. Therefore, be on the lookout for passing cars, and always get as far to the left as you can to make room!

Minard Castle

Minard Castle is a 16th century tower house that sits atop a grassy hill, looking out over the boulder beach below. It is not much of a castle now, as Cromwellian troops led a siege in 1650 that disrupted the structural integrity of the castle, as well as wiped out all who were inside. While the Internet will tell you that the castle is closed, that just means you cannot go roaming inside. However, the ruins are still a breathtaking sight to see! In addition, we found the beach just below the castle to be the real gem on our adventure. The beach is covered in large pebbles, which were washed ashore by the sea during storms. It is quite the windy one-lane road to get to the castle and beach, but there are a few spots to park and it is well worth it! We arrived on a Friday mid-morning and had the beach to ourselves for at least 30 minutes before a few people started to pop up here and there.

Dunquin Pier

Dunquin Pier, or Cé Dhún Chaoin, is situated on a magnificent coastal stretch among huge cliffs. When we were there last, we parked where there was a little food truck with coffee and baked goods. We spotted a sign that read, “The Best Brownie I’ve Ever Had,” so we of course got a brownie (it did not disappoint). Beyond the truck were little tables and chairs to sit on what felt like the edge of the world. Flanked by cliffs on either side while listening to the sound of the waves was wonderfully delightful and relaxing. You can stay here to take in the views or follow the windy road down to the pier where you can take a ferry to the Blasket Islands. (And when I say follow, I mean walk down the road, as you are not allowed to drive down to the pier itself!)

Dunmore Head

Another incredibly serene spot is Dunmore Head, a craggy headland on Dingle Peninsula. Dunmore Head is mainland Ireland’s most westerly point, and home to the small yet gorgeous Coumeenoole Beach! From the car park, we walked down to the beach and it was simply awe-inspiring. I would not swim here due to the strong currents, but it is absolutely wonderful to stand on the beach and enjoy the views of the water (and of the Blasket Islands!) While the spot has gotten popular in more recent years due to its feature in Star Wars The Last Jedi, it is still not nearly as crowded as somewhere like the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland or the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland.

Dingle Town

This town shares its name with the peninsula that it resides on, and this place can definitely get crowded. And maybe that is because it is actually the ONLY town on the Dingle Peninsula, not to mention it is packed with charming stores, colorful buildings, and gorgeous harbor views! Take a walk around and pop into the Original Kerry Craft Centre for Kerry-made items, Uisce Leather for handstitched leather goods, the Greenlane Gallery that showcases paintings and sculptures, and Dingle Artworks. Before you leave, do not miss out on some Murphy’s ice cream! While they have expanded into places like Dublin and Killarney, Murphy’s ice cream got its start in Dingle in 2000. Absolutely try the Irish Brown Bread flavor!

SKELLIG ISLANDS

KILLRUDDERY HOUSE & GARDENS