Dingle’s Eask Tower is one of the peninsula’s most unique landmarks and it can be found at 600ft above sea level on Carhoo Hill.
Constructed in 1847, the tower’s main function was to guide ships into Dingle Harbour, which is known for its tricky entrance.
Fast forward 175+ years and Eask Tower still stands proudly overlooking the harbour, and it can be reached on a 1-1.5-hour hike.
What to know about the Eask Tower hike
Although a visit to Eask Tower is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. The car park
There’s room for around 8 cars right at the trail head (here on Google Maps).
2. The entrance fee
There’s a little ticket booth right next to the car park. The cost is €2 and you’ll need a coin.
3. Length/difficulty
The hike up to Eask Tower is 2.2km (1.37mi) and it will take a total of 1-1.5-hours depending on pace. This is a moderately difficult hike due to the steep section at the start which measures around 0.35km (0.22mi).
4. Footwear and dogs
You’ll follow a rough trail up to the top of Carhoo Hill. The trail is often muddy so walking shoes are needed. Dogs are not allowed on the trail.
5. The views
From the viewpoint at Eask Tower, you’ll have views of Dingle Bay, Valentia Island and the Iveragh Peninsula (where the Ring of Kerry Route is located).
The history of Eask Tower

Photos via Shutterstock
Standing proudly at 600 feet above sea level a 10-minute drive from Dingle Town, Eask Tower has been helping ships navigate Dingle Harbour since 1847.
The harbour’s narrow, tricky entrance required a novel solution for navigation, and Eask Tower, with its wooden hand (see photo on the left above), guided sailors to safety.
Eask Tower’s construction wasn’t solely for navigation; it also served as a lifeline during the Great Famine (other similar projects were Healy Pass in Cork and Sally Gap in Wicklow).
Reverend Charles Gayer, a local Protestant leader, started the project to offer much-needed employment in the area during a time when work was almost non-existent.
The tower was originally 27 feet tall. Around 1900, it was extended by an additional 13 feet, and a new guiding hand was added.
Things to do nearby
There are endless things to do in Dingle a short spin from the tower.
Here are some suggestions:
- The Slea Head Drive: (10-minute drive)
- Conor Pass: (20-minute drive)
- Coumeenoole Beach: (30-minute drive)
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.