Information about Dingle

Dingle is the main town on the Dingle Peninsula, on the West coast of Ireland. The town falls between the mountains and the sea. Principal industries in the town are tourism, fishing and agriculture.

Getting in by car is recommended so that you can take advantage of the beautiful views offered by the Conor Pass, as well as the Slea Head Loop. Parking in town is very easy, with plenty of free/non-metered parking.

Cycling is a fantastic way to see the area. The Slea Head road is a moderate cycle at between 30 and 50 kilometers depending on the route choice, offering some of the best views available. Bikes are available for rental in the town at modest prices.

Image: Dingle

Dingle Peninsula

Once referred to as "the most beautiful place on Earth" by National Geographic Traveller, the Dingle Peninsula is the northernmost of the two major peninsulae in County Kerry, Southwest Ireland.

Famed for its rugged beauty and indigenous cultural heritage, the area has long been a holiday destination, drawing both Irish and foreigner visitors alike. In fact, the Dingle Peninsula has been rated amongst Tripadvisor's top 100 global destinations, while Dingle Town has been recommended as one of the best places to spend New Year's Eve by Lonely Planet Guide.

With a large Irish speaking population and some of Ireland's highest mountains, liveliest pubs and most beautiful beaches, the area has something to offer every visitor, be it music, scenery, excitement or culture.

What to see

Dingle's St. Mary's - was a neo-Gothic church built to designs by J. J. McCarthy and O'Connell. The foundation stone was laid in 1862. It originally had a nave and aisles separated by arcades, supported on columns capped by octagonal tops. The arcades were demolished in one of the most radical reordering schemes to have been executed in Ireland. The project also saw the demolition of the exterior walls to below the original clerstory level, and, most notably, of the attic and upper ranges of the west elevation.

There are many opportunities to hear traditional Irish music in the town, particularly during the summer tourist season. Dingle has a number of pubs as well as restaurants and cafes. There is also an aquarium, "Oceanworld Aquarium", in the town, and a number of art and craft shops.

Dingle Distillery - one of only five in Ireland—was launched in Dingle in 2012.

Conor Pass - a scenic and windy mountain road that gives great views on the clear day. There are sheep and goats that graze on either side of the road, and sometimes find their way out onto the road. About half way through the pass is a small but pleasant waterfall, running down the mountain from a crater that used to house a glacier. The waterfall can easily be seen from the road (Conor Pass), and there is a small parking lot for cars. There is a short hike up behind the waterfall that leads up the glacier bed.

Slea Head Drive - a beautiful 25-30 km loop that can be taken by car or bicycle (most of the time is spent taking pictures, climbing on rocks, and walking on beaches). The loop runs along by bays, beaches, mountains and rocky cliffs (at which you can get out and climb/hike if you like). There are also hiking trails, golf courses, swimming and sailing along the loop.

Fungie - also known as the Dingle Dolphin is a dolphin who is known to live in very close contact with humans in Dingle, Ireland. According to locals he was first seen in the harbour in 1983, and continues to seek out human contact over thirty years later. Dolphins have been known to live to 48 years of age. Fungie is a male fully grown bottlenose dolphin.