Dingle Peninsula Drive is the popular road trip that people take in County Kerry, Ireland. It is usually taken right after fining the Ring of Kerry and is part of the Wild Atlantic Way adventure. You can start the drive from Castlemaine or Tralee, depending on how much time you have. The following are the best stops on the Dingle Peninsula Drive.
CASTLEMAINE
Castlemaine is a small town in County Kerry that road trippers begin their Dingle Peninsula Drive from. It is located on River Maine and serves as a decent town to spend the night and enjoy local pubs if you are starting your road trip early in the morning. Take the R561 towards Dingle and stop at Inch Beach for relaxation.
INCH BEACH
Three miles of golden sand and beautiful waves make up the Inch Beach, a location used for many Irish films. Swimming, walking, and just resting is encouraged here.
DINGLE TOWN
From Inch Beach, you can go straight to Dingle, the small port town on the southeast of Dingle Peninsula. This will be your main stop on the peninsula drive if you are looking to experience the traditional Irish way of living. Buildings are very colorful, perfect for a postcard picture.
GREENLANE GALLERY
At this gallery, visitors can view three floors of traditional Irish art. It is encouraged to go, as the beautiful art gallery has been on display since 1992 and seems to be a popular stop on the Dingle Peninsula drive.
THE DILLON GALLERY
Many works by local painters can be seen, most notably renowned artist Honora O’Neill. The art rotates frequently and various events occur at the location so it is always good to stop in and see what is it on display.
DINGLE MARINA
A harbor in Dingle town, the Dingle Marina is good for a stop to stock up and refuel. The Harbor also has boat tours and sailing/diving clubs.
DINGLE OCEANWORLD AQUARIUM
An aquarium in Dingle, the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium showcases many types of fish, such as sharks, starfish, and rays. There are even crocodiles, iguanas, and much more.
DINGLE DOLPHIN TOUR
On this one-hour scenic boat tour, visitors will be able to ride a ferry onto the waters and experience the feeling of the sea as they watch dolphins ride along with the ship, jumping up and playing with the people.
DINGLE CRYSTAL
Single is synonymous with crystal making, and nowhere else will you see the best crystal creation but at Dingle Crystal. Traditional Celtic practices are used to create the best crystals, and watching is a breathtaking experience in and of itself.
DINGLE PUB CRAWL
A common way to experience the culture of Dingle is through the Dingle Pub Crawl. All of the following pubs have Irish food and drinks and usually nightly music: McCarthy’s Pub, Goat Street, An Droichead Beag, Main Street, Foxy John’s, Main Street, Adam’s, Main Street, John Benny’s, and Strand Street.
DINGLE DARKROOM
At this photography site, one can enter into workshops to learn more about photography. There are many opportunities from this location to see beautiful landscapes of the Irish coast.
DINGLE PITCH AND PUTT
Just outside of Dingle Town, Pitch and Putt is a miniature golf course and driving range. Experience golf the way it was meant to be played, on the beautiful green grasses of Ireland.
EASK TOWER
Overlooking the Dingle Harbor is the Eask Tower, a stone structure created in 1847. This location was even a lookout during World War II.
SLEA HEAD DRIVE
A circular route that originates and ends in Dingle, the Slea Head Drive is a route where visitors can see many attractions and stunning views. One can even rent a bike to enjoy the trip on. The views are stunning and the Sea Head is the must-see place on the Peninsula. You can see the Blasket Islands from this point and when the weather is good the views are breathtaking.
IRISH FAMINE COTTAGES
These cottages and barns are preserved from the time of the Irish famine. It is an excellent opportunity to see how the residents of Kerry lived during the dark times.
FAHAN BEEHIVE HUTS
A series of ancient huts, numbering over four hundred, can be found here. They are shaped like beehives and made out of rock with no mortar. Many tours are given in this area to describe the history of these huts.
COUNEENOLE
The most sought-after place in this area is Couneenole Beach. In the summer people enjoy a swim break here. The drive itself also offers nice views.
BLASKET ISLAND FERRIES
Going to the Blasket Island can be not only a great destination but a fun trip by boat. Many birds and ocean creatures can be seen on the trip, including puffins, whales, and dolphins. These animals enhance the amazing natural views that can be found on the coast.
CEANN SIBEAL
The Ceann Sibeal site was used for filming in the movie Star Wars and the Last Jedi. Huts of stone were used in filming and can be seen at this location. This is a must-see for any movie buffs.
SINEAD LOUGH CERAMICS
At this location in Ballyferiter, traditional pottery and tableware are made in the Irish style. It is worth visiting to view the process of creation and all the pieces that can be made.
RIASC MONASTIC SETTLEMENT
The ruins of a 6th-century monastery can be found here. The ruins of houses and churches can be seen. There is even a cemetery, containing the bodies of monks hundreds of years old.
GALLARUS ORATORY
An early Christian stone church, the Gallarus Oratory has stood for hundreds of years and was used as a refuge for pilgrims during the 1990’s.
CONOR PASS
Conor pass is Ireland’s highest mountain pass and has some of the most picturesque views in Dingle. Lakes, trees, and glaciated mountains can all be seen on this beautiful slice of Ireland.
CAMP VILLAGE
As you are completing your dingle peninsula drive, you want to stop by Camp village for a wind-down. Taking in the views of Slieve Mish Mountains while enjoying a last meal on the peninsula is the best way to complete this road trip.
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