11 Fun Things To Do In Dingle For Families

There’s plenty of things to do in Dingle for families regardless of the time of year.

And, while the likes of the Dingle Acquarium and the sheepdog demonstrations tend to get much of the attention online, there’s plenty more on offer.

Below, you’ll find everything from gentle walks and unique attractions to things to do with kids in Dingle when it rains.

Popular things to do in Dingle for families

The first section of our guide looks at the most popular things to do in Dingle with kids.

Below, you’ll find everything from the aquarium and boat tours to water sports and more.

1. Spend a rainy day at Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium

Dive into Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium (not physically of course!) and enjoy a fun-filled day that all ages will talk about for the rest of the trip.

Located in Dingle Town, it’s the largest aquarium in Ireland showcasing a world of marine-life and other water-loving critters.

See cute Gentoo penguins, Asian Short-Clawed Otters, Sand Tiger Sharks, endangered sea turtles, reptiles and many different fish in all colours and sizes.

Follow a map to make sure you don’t miss a thing, and time your arrival around the feeding times for best experience. If you’re looking for things to do in Dingle for families when it’s raining, this is a great shout!

2. And a fine one on a ferry to the Great Blasket Island

From Dingle Harbour there’s a super-fast ferry across to the Great Blasket Island which takes about 50 minutes to reach. Sit back and enjoy the view, passing Slea Head and then approaching Great Blasket Island.

It was once home to over 100 people including writer of note, Peig Sayers, but was abandoned in 1953. Wear suitable footwear for hiking and explore the 1100 acre isle with its rugged mountain terrain.

Nose around the abandoned village or relax on the sandy beach and drink in the solitude. The complete trip takes around 4.5 hours.

3. Try your hand at watersports

If you’re looking for unique family activities in Dingle, try some of the water sport activities with Jamie Knox.

He’s been teaching waters ports at his approved Surf and Windsurfing School in Brandon Bay, Castlegregory since 1990.

He covers the whole “raft” of watersports including windsurfing, windsurf and wing foiling, bodyboard surfing and provides fun for youngsters with a one hour session (€15 per person) of water trampolining, water slides, paddle boats, canoeing and you get to walk the plank!

4. Or keep your feet dry on a dolphin and whale watch tour

The magic of spotting dolphins and whales off the coast of Kerry cannot be over estimated. It’s an incredible experience for all ages.

Take this four-hour trip around Dingle Bay (affiliate link) starting with a drive along the wild Atlantic Way before hopping board for a wildlife spotting cruise like no other.

Sail past Slea Head, Europe’s westernmost point, then cruise around the remote Blasket Islands. Keep an sharp eye open for tell-tale fins and waterspouts indicating the presence of dolphins and whales.

If you’re lucky, they’ll jump, “spy-hop” and “breach” so have your camera ready!

5. See the sights on the Slea Head Drive

Ireland doesn’t come more beautiful and remote than Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula. Far from city crowds and polluted air, the Slea Head Drive (Slí Cheann Sléibhe in Irish) offers one of Ireland’s most scenic routes.

The circular route starts and ends in Dingle and overlaps with the Wild Atlantic Way. It takes in Gaeltacht villages, historic sites, breathtaking views, Hollywood film locations and glimpses of the Blasket and Skellig Islands.

Don’t miss Dunbeg Fort and the Beehive Huts and the endless view points along the way.

6. And stop off for some sheepdog demonstrations along the way

Next up is one of the more popular things to do in Dingle for families. In this rural area of “real” Ireland, sheep farming is a big business.

There are a unique opportunity to stop and enjoy Sheepdog Demonstrations and Trials at Dingle Sheepdogs.

Watch farmer and dog work together to herd sheep in the traditional manner with precision and skill. The attraction also includes visiting some derelict Famine Cottages belonging to the Kavanagh family and dating back to the 1800s.

Kids are welcome to meet and greet the newest additions to the family in the petting corner. 

More things to do in Dingle with kids

Now that we have the most popular things to do in Dingle for families out of the way, it’s time to look at some other brilliant family activities.

Below, you’ll find everything from the brilliant Sandy Feet Farm and the excellent Dingle Sea Safari to plenty more.

1. Spend a morning a Sandy Feet Farm

Located in Tralee, Co. Kerry, Roy, Eleanor and the family welcome visitors to their farm which has been passed down through the generations for over 300 years.

See rare breeds of cattle, hens and sheep and explore the petting farm, stroking and cuddling baby animals. Take a trailer ride around the farm and enjoy the kiddies playground while grown-ups head to the cafe.

There’s a sensory garden and a newly opened fitness gym to keep you busy. Open 10am to 5pm daily from March to September and all school holidays.

2. Or hit the beach on horseback

Next up is another of the more unique things to do in Dingle for families. There’s no better way to feel part of the scenic surroundings and Dingle scenery than on horseback.

Dingle Horseriding is a family-run stables since 1989. It offers horse treks in West Kerry for novice or more experienced riders.

Novice riders can enjoy a 2.5 hour ride on the Shamrock Trails in the nearby hills with views of the ocean and offshore islands.

You can also book a full day Mountain Experience or a 6-hour trek to the scenic beaches for a gallop on the sand and wading in the waves.

There’s also a half-day Gaeltacht River and Beach Ride following bohareens (small country roads), mountain trails and golden sandy beaches. Idyllic!

3. See Kerry from the water with Dingle Sea Safari

All aboard for a Dingle Sea Safari on a thrilling RIB experience. These tours use the biggest open commercial Rigid-Inflatable Boast (RIBs) to explore the water around the Dingle Peninsula and the Blasket Islands.

Tours depart from Dingle Pier and last 2.5 to 3 hours as you view the breathtaking dingle coastline, caves, cliffs, beaches and the looming Great Blasket Islands.

This exhilarating trip is limited to 12 riders. You experienced captain will point out interesting sights and wildlife including seals, dolphins, seabirds, rock formations and a Star Wars film location in this unforgettable trip!

4. Or with the folks at Wild Sup Tours

If you’ve the weather for it, a bit of SUP is one of the more unique things to do in Dingle for families.

Take to the waters in Dingle Kerry on a stand-up paddleboarding tour with the folks at Wild SUP Tours (not pictured above).

Suitable for guests aged 13+, the 3-hour trip embraces the natural beauty of the area from your own stand-up paddleboard.

After a briefing, you’ll soon get into the rhythm of paddling and building confidence as you go.

SUP adventures include a Half-day Sup-fari, a 7-hour all-day adventure including a picnic lunch, a Freshwater Paddle on inland waterways, lakes and streams or perhaps a Nighttime SUP Adventure in the Kerry Dark Sky Reserve. 

5. Meet birds of prey with Kingdom Falconry

Kingdom Falconry in Dingle offers private, public and customised falconry experiences in this sport of kings! It’s an amazing chance to get up-close and appreciate the majesty and beauty of these awe-inspiring birds of prey.

Birds include hawks, falcons, eagles and owls. Falconer Eric is passionate about rehabilitating injured wild birds and releasing them back to nature.

With 26 years of experience, he’ll answer all your questions knowledgeably and with insight. Book a Private Hawk Walk or Falconry Experience and enjoy every moment of this unique activity. 

FAQs about family activities in Dingle

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What’s good for a rainy day?’ to ‘Where’s good for toddlers?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.