23 Best Things to do in Dingle (I’m Visiting Since 1997)

Although there are countless things to do in Dingle, many visitors rarely venture beyond the Slea Head Drive. I first visited the peninsula in 1997, and have returned many times since – both for hiking trips and lively weekends away with friends.

The Dingle Peninsula is the northernmost of Kerry’s major peninsulas and, interestingly enough, it’s the westernmost point on the island of Ireland.

Beyond Dingle town, the peninsula opens out into a mix of wild Atlantic coastline and culture, from Annascaul, home of Antarctic explorer Tom Crean, to the wild Blasket Islands.

Below, you’ll discover a map showing what to do in Dingle, several 1-and-2-day itineraries and some tips on where to grab great pints (Kennedy’s!) and mighty feeds!

The best things to do in Dingle Ireland

It’s worth taking a couple of seconds to look over my map of Dingle above, as it’ll give you a sense of the lay-of-the-land.

As you’ll see, Dingle Town sits roughly at the centre, with Slea Head stretching out to the west along the wild Atlantic edge.

1. The Slea Head Drive

The scenic Slea Head Drive is one of the top things to do in Dingle and it rivals the Ring of Kerry as one of the best drives in the county. 

It kicks off just outside of Dingle Town and it follows a 38km/24 mile route that takes in breath-taking scenery, historical sites and lovely little towns and villages.

The Slea Head Drive can take around 1 to 2 hours to finish. However, leave at least twice that if you’re looking to take your time and stop off multiple times.

2. The Dingle Peninsula Drive

If you only have a day, the Dingle Peninsula Drive is a good way of seeing the best the area has to offer in one big swoop (if you have more time you can split it up into chunks).

If you’re starting from Killarney, aim for Inch Beach and kick-it-off from there. You’ll need the guts of a day to tackle this spin, especially if you fancy doing the various walks.

Over the course of the spin, you’ll conquer Slea Head, see Dingle Town, travel along Conor Pass and tick-off many of the best things to do in Dingle.

3. The best pubs in Dingle

There are some magnificent pubs in Dingle, many of which are steeped in tradition, offering great pints, lively music sessions, and interiors that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

One of my favourites is Curran’s, a pub that has been welcoming visitors since 1871. Stepping into Curran’s feels like travelling back in time – in the best possible way.

Another gem is Foxy Johns, a quirky spot that’s part pub, part hardware store. As you step through its doors, the wall behind the bar is sure to catch your eye, stocked with everything from hammers to nails.

If you’re visiting the town and you’re wondering what to do in Dingle with a group, head for a long hike in the morning, do Slea Head after and then kick-back in Dingle’s pubs in the evening.

4. Conor Pass

A spin along Conor Pass is arguably the most unique of the many things to do on the Dingle Peninsula, as you can see from the photos above.

The pass here runs from Dingle out to Brandon Bay and Castlegregory. At 410 m above sea level, it’s one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland.

The tight, bendy road weaves its way alongside a rugged mountain on one side and a big aul drop on the other.

Now, if you’re reading this and you’re driving in Ireland for the first time, relax. Although this road may seem daunting, once you take your time you’ll be fine.

5. Dun Chaoin Pier

Dun Chaoin Pier is the very unique looking departure point for the Blasket Island Ferry. Now, if you’re not getting the ferry, don’t worry – you can still stroll down for a look.

You’ll find Dun Chaoin (pronounced ‘Dunquin’) Pier in a gorgeous little Gaeltacht village of the same name on the Dingle Peninsula at the northern end of a little secluded bay enveloped by jagged cliffs.

You can take a stroll down the pier itself or you can admire the view from above (don’t get too close to the edge).

The quirky road combined with the gorgeous rocky peaks that jut out from the water in front of the pier make for a wonderfully unique scene on County Kerry’s dramatic coastline.

6. Coumeenoole Beach

There’s a handful of beaches near Dingle that are well worth a saunter along. However, always check locally to see whether it’s safe to swim.

While the water at Coumeenoole Beach looks inviting, there are dangerous currents at play here so please keep your feet on dry land.

This is one of several filming locations for ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ and you access it via a winding path from the parking area above.

7. The Eask Tower hike

Next up is another of the more unique things to do in Dingle. Few of the Dingle attractions, in my opinion, are as overlooked as Eask Tower. Now, personally, the history of the tower doesn’t interest me too much.

It was built in 1847 as an aid to help guide boats into nearby Dingle Harbour. History aside, it’s the views from its position up on Carhoo Hill that make it worth a visit.

You park at the bottom of the hill, pay €2 into the honesty box and then take the short climb to the top. You’ll be treated to glorious views on a clear day.

8. The Blaskets viewpoint

You’ll find the lookout point for Dunmore Head a short distance from Coumeenoole Beach, so make sure you keep an eye out for it.

When you step out of your car and gaze out, the sound of wind and wave combined with the view that you’ll be treated to is immensely special.

This is another one of those things to see in Dingle that tends to rock you a little bit.

Related read: Check out my guide to the best things to do in Kerry (hidden gems and tourist favourites)

9. Clogher Strand

If you’re wondering what to do in Dingle to dodge the crowds, carve out some time to visit the mighty (and often-missed) Clogher Strand.

The bay at Clogher is circular and the little beach is surrounded by rugged cliffs. If you visit, look out towards the sea and you’ll see ‘Fear Marbh’ (‘Dead Man’ in English).

Fear Marbh is the most northerly of the three Blasket Islands. If you arrive on a clear day, hop out of the car or off the bike and head for a ramble. This is another ‘no swim’ beach.

10. The self-guided Dingle Town walking tour

Many people stop-off in Dingle Town, park at the harbour, and then aren’t overly sure of where to go next.

The map above will give you a nice little route to follow and it takes in the main sights in the town.

If you’re after a bit of grub, Fish Box on Green Street is one of the best restaurants in Dingle, in my opinion!

11. Inch Beach

You’ll regularly see Inch Beach listed as one of the best beaches in Ireland, and it’s for good reason!

Inch is almost like a peninsula in itself (as you’ll see from the snap above) and its long expanse of sand makes a great destination for a ramble.

Kick-off your visit with coffee from Sammy’s (beside the car park) and then head for a stroll. You’ll have mountain views in front of you and likely plenty of surfers attempting to tame the Wild Atlantic Waves.

Keep in mind that as this is one of the few beaches near Killarney, it can get very busy when the weather’s good!

12. The Mount Brandon hike

You’ll find one of the best views on the Dingle Peninsula on the Mount Brandon hike. There are several different options for reaching the summit of Mount Brandon.

The only one that I’m familiar with starts at Faha, a stone’s throw from the village of Clogane. This is a pretty strenuous walk that can take between 4 and 5 hours.

You kick your ramble-off in the car park near Faha Grotto (where you’ll be treated to a fine view on a clear day).

Interestingly enough, the summit of Mount Brandon is the highest point of the Dingle Peninsula. One for the experienced hikers among us.

13. The ferry to the Great Blasket Island

The historic Great Blasket Island is the largest island in a group of three that can be found off the tip of the Dingle Peninsula (several Dingle tours will take you to it).

The island boasts over 1,100 acres of unspoiled, mainly mountainous terrain and is roughly 6.4km long by 0.8 km wide. 

Many associate the Great Blasket Island with Peig Sayers. Peig was an Irish author who moved to the island in 1892 after marrying an island native.

She’s best known for her autobiography ‘Peig’. If you want to visit the island, you’ll need to take a ferry from Dun Chaoin Pier. There’s a 1km crossing and it takes a handy 20 minutes.

A visit to the Blaskets is one of the more off-the-beaten path things to do in Dingle, but the island is well worth exploring.

14. Gallarus Oratory

Gallarus Oratory is arguably one of the best known of the many Dingle attractions. It’s believed that it dates back to the 11th or 12th centuries.

The interior of the oratory is just 4.8m long by 3m wide and is illuminated by a single window.

There’s a local legend that says that anyone who climbs through the little window will be guaranteed access to heaven (this is frowned upon now, though, so best not to try).

15. The Dingle Distillery

If you’re wondering what to do in Dingle when it’s pouring down, earmark the Dingle Distillery for a visit – this is one of the most popular whiskey distilleries in Ireland for good reason. 

A favourite of local and visiting whiskey lovers, the Dingle Distillery offer a tour of their fully functioning production facility.

You’ll get an introduction to the history of Irish whiskey and the rigorous distillation process in practice at the distillery.

And, of course, you’ll also experience the many sights and sounds of a working distillery. The tour here lasts around an hour and includes whiskey sampling.

This is another handy one for those of you looking for things to do in Dingle with a large group. The tour here is supposed to be the business!

16. The Caherconree Scenic Route

The Caherconree Scenic Route is another of many things to do in Dingle that tends to get overlooked. However, a glance at the photos above may tell you why.

The road here is very narrow in places and can be off-putting to some drivers. Similar to the likes of the Ballaghbeama Gap near Kenmare, this route is wild, unspoiled and remote.

Care is needed but, for those that brave it, you’ll be treated to glorious views that many tend to miss.

17. The Blasket Centre

Another of the Dingle activities that’s handy for those rainy days is a visit to The Blasket Centre.

Here you’ll be immersed in what life was like for those that inhabited the Blasket Islands.

The centre takes visitors on a journey back to the years leading up to 1953, when the last of the islanders were evacuated.

Aside from the immersive insight into what island life was like, you’ll also soak up spectacular views of the Blaskets from inside the building.

18. The Ceann Sibéal viewpoint

If you’re a fan of Star Wars the next stop might look familiar – the area overlooking Ceann Sibeal (pictured above) was used to recreate the beehive huts from Skellig Michael. 

Although this is one of several Dingle attractions that shot to fame 6 or 7 years ago, no dedicated parking area was added, so you’ll need to safely park in off the hard shoulder.

The views from where you pull in are pretty much what you can see above, but you can walk out a little for a closer look.

19. Annascaul Lake

A spin out to Annascaul Lake is one of the more popular things to do in Dingle amongst those fond of tracks and trails (and peace and quiet!).

You’ll find the lake near the town of the same name. On the way, keep an eye out for the South Pole Inn – the pub once owned by Antarctic explorer Tom Crean.

Now, you can drive right up to the lake, but please keep in mind that the road is a proper old country road – i.e. narrow, so care is needed.

20. Minard Castle

Minard Castle boasts the title of one of the most scenic castles in Kerry, arguably only pipped to top spot by Ross Castle in Killarney National Park.

You might recognise this location from the movie ‘Ryan’s Daughter’ – the castle was used to depict ‘The Tower’.

Minard is one of several castles on the peninsula that was built by the knights of Kerry.

It’s stood at the top of a little hill and the location is nice and dramatic when the weather is wild and the waves crash against the stoney beach below.

21. The Dingle Way Walk

Walking the Dingle Way has been on my bucket list for what seems like forever at this stage. If you’re not familiar with it, the Dingle Way is a 176km walking route.

It takes walkers around the coast of the Dingle Peninsula over the course of 8 days and is a path generally taken by seasoned walkers, considering the time that it takes to complete.

This is one of the more strenuous Dingle activities so, if you don’t feel up to it, you can always tackle the trail in chunks over several visits.

22. Wine Strand

The gorgeous Wine Strand is part of the Slea Head Drive and you’ll come to it right before you reach Gallarus Oratory.

This is a nice sandy spot for a ramble after the drive around the coastline.

The beach offers beautiful mountain views and you’ll often share it with horse riders.

23. Glanteenassig Forest Park

Glanteenassig Forest Park is one of the more overlooked things to do on the Dingle Peninsula.

It’s around a 40-minute drive northeast from the town of Dingle and it’s home to numerous trails of varying difficulty level.

The most notable routes are the Lough Caum (long), River Walk (medium), and Lough Slat (short) trail.

If you’re looking for things to do near Dingle, hop into my guide to County Kerry or my guide to the best things to do in Killarney.

My map showing what to do in Dingle

If you’re wondering what to do in Dingle and in which order, my map of Dingle above should help.

It has all of the ‘main’ attractions plotted and it’ll give you a sense of where you’ll be focusing your efforts.

If you’re picking a base to explore from and you want to be near the action, there’s some great hotels in Dingle and there’s heaps of excellent B&Bs in Dingle, too.

Where to stay on the Dingle Peninsula

Now that you know what to do in Dingle, it’s time to pick a place to stay. I’ve created the map above for you that accompanies my guide on where to stay in Dingle.

Staying in Dingle town puts you right in the middle of the action. Everything from pubs and restaurants to tours and shops is within walking distance, making it the most convenient base, especially for first-time visitors. The downside is the crowds, particularly in summer.

Staying outside the town, along Slea Head, in Ballyferriter or around Annascaul, offers a quieter, more scenic experience, with easy access to beaches, walks and coastal views. However, you’ll need to drive for food, drinks and most activities, and accommodation options can be more limited.

Where to eat in Dingle (and the best pubs)

Food and drink are two of the highlights of Dingle. If I had to narrow it down, my three go-to pubs are Foxy John’s, Kennedy’s and Curran’s.

Foxy John’s is as unique as it gets – part pub, part hardware store – with great pints and regular trad music. Kennedy’s strikes the perfect balance between cosy and lively, with musicians dropping in most nights.

Curran’s is the one I head to when I want something quieter – old-school, no fuss, and a great pint.

For food, I keep going back to The Fish Box (casual and consistently excellent), Out of the Blue (hard to beat for fresh seafood) and Land to Sea (fancier spot for a feed).