23 Things to do in Dingle and on the Dingle Peninsula

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There are lots of things to do in Dingle, one of the most picturesque towns located on the Dingle Peninsula. The Dingle Peninsula is located in the south-west of Ireland in County Kerry, one of the 26 counties of Ireland. It is one of our favourite counties and truly one of the most beautiful to visit for couples in Europe as it features the beach, mountains, waterfalls and jungle-like landscapes. It even offers some unique experiences such as the best alpaca walks in Ireland. People often focus on the best things to do in Dublin. However, Ireland has so much more to offer than just its capital city. The Dingle Peninsula is only a small part of Kerry but one that you should definitely visit. After reading this post, we hope you’ll consider adding the Dingle Peninsula to your 8 days in Ireland itinerary!

You might be wondering what there is to do in Dingle or even what to do in Dingle in the rain. Well, you would be right to wonder the latter as there is a high chance that it will be raining the day you visit Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula. That said, it should not stop you. Rain in Ireland is normal and it does not take away the beauty of what you can do in Dingle (unless it rains so much you can’t see anything, which happens sometimes, but it never lasts long). There is also lots to do in Dingle and on the Dingle Peninsula regardless of the weather. The people will make you feel right at home while the views will turn into memories you will never forget.

We really enjoyed our one-week stay on the Dingle Peninsula. This is an area of Ireland we had never been to and we weren’t sure what to expect. Our minds were blown and we loved it. In this post, I share with you 23 things to do in Dingle and on the Dingle Peninsula.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you purchase or book through my link, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay

There is quite a lot of things to do on the Dingle Peninsula so I would definitely recommend staying a few days up to a week. When we visited the Dingle Peninsula, we rented an Irish Cottage on Airbnb. We like renting Airbnbs as this allows us to cook our own food and not be tied by a schedule for breakfast and dinner. There are lots of Airbnbs in the area but be careful as they get rented pretty fast and early.

Alternatively, if you would prefer staying at a hotel or a B&B, I would suggest checking the accommodations in Dingle.

Transportation

A car will be necessary on the Dingle Peninsula. You can rent cars at airports (such as the Dublin Airport) or in Dublin city. I have rented cars with Sixt before and everything always went well. I highly suggest, however and no matter who you rent a car with, that you do so with a credit card as opposed to a debit card. When renting with a debit card, you have to take out a special insurance which can sometimes cost as much as the rental cost itself. In France, what we call “credit cards” aren’t exactly the same as credit cards in Ireland which means that they are read as “debit cards” here. I know, it’s a bit of a mess. The best is to check with your bank what kind of card you have and then check with the rental company to make sure you won’t have any issues.

Beaches

There are quite a few beaches on the Dingle peninsula that are worth visiting. Although there are lots of nice beaches near Dublin, the ones on the Dingle Peninsula are definitely at an other level. Usually, the weather in Ireland does not get nice enough for you to go dive and snorkel in the water. It rarely gets nice enough for you to tan on the beach either. That said, it can happen and honestly, when the weather is nice, the sun can get really warm and make your time at the beach very nice. Although Irish beaches are not tropical beaches, they are still extremely nice and there is lots you can do on the beaches in Ireland. Here are our favourite Dingle beaches and activities you can do on each of them.

Inch Beach

Inch beach is located on the south of the Dingle Peninsula between Castlemaine and Dingle. It is almost 5km long (about 3 miles) and is the perfect spot if you want to be active at the beach. Inch beach is one of the favourite spots of surfers. If you visit Inch beach, you won’t be able to miss surfers going out in the water and surfing the waves. If you would like to try surfing on Inch beach, you can rent gear for about 10€ right on the beach.

If you are not into surfing, having a nice long walk on Inch beach is definitely something you might want to consider. The beach being 5km long, there is definitely space there for you to enjoy a long walk. The sand on inch beach is quite compact which makes it easy to walk on. Another thing you might want to try is meditating or even practicing yoga early in the morning or later in the day depending on the tide. Finally, you can also just sit in the sand and appreciate the beautiful view on the mountains of the Ring of Kerry.

This beach is also actually a fun one as it is a beach you can drive on. As the sand is quite compact, cars do not sink. Do not forget your car there though as the tide will come up! If you have ever been to Chesterman Beach on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada, you will probably notice similarities! Chesterman beach is one of the 15 best beaches in Vancouver and looks a lot like Inch beach on the Dingle Peninsula.

Inch beach is easily accessible with a parking lot available right by the beach or space directly on the beach if you feel comfortable driving on sand.

Ventry Beach

Ventry beach is a crescent shaped beach located by Ventry, just a few kilometers away from the town of Dingle. It is made of thin gold sand. Its shape protects you (more or less) from the wind, especially if you sit by the dunes. You will probably see a few people riding horses there as it is one of the activities to do on Ventry beach (more on this below).

Besides riding horses on Ventry beach, you can also have a picnic on Ventry beach or just take a walk from one end to the other.

Ventry beach is easily accessible with a parking lot right by the entrance of the beach.

Cappagh Beach

Cappagh Beach is in my opinion, one of the hidden gems of Ireland. It is not talked about very much, however it is breathtaking. We visited it in September and had really good weather. We were the only ones there and had a blast. The water was extra blue, the mountains in the back extra green and the sand really soft and thin. The view made me think of the Reunion Island.

Cappagh beach is a rather long beach located on the other side of the Peninsulas as the town of Dingle. To get there, follow the Slea Head Drive. Then set your google maps of Iphone maps to “Cappagh Beach”. It will take you directly to the beach.

There is a small parking lot right by the beach. As the place wasn’t crowded at all when we visited (besides a couple of fishermen), we had no problem finding parking space. Parking is free. Once parked, you will want to head over to the right side of the beach. There is a little bit of walking before reaching the water but it’s really not far.

The view from the beach is one of my favourites in Ireland. The mountains are high and green, the water extra blue and the sand golden. It is a very peaceful place where you dip your feet in the water and just enjoy the views and explore. If you love hidden beaches, you will love Cappagh beach on the Dingle Peninsula.

Coumeenoole Beach

Coumeenoole beach is located off the Slea Head Drive Scenic Drive before Dunquin Pier. It is one of the filming locations in the movie “Ryan’s daughter” and this is due to the beauty of the place. Between the golden sand, the waves and the typical Irish surrounding landscape, you will definitely know you are in Ireland when looking at it.

Activities

Horse riding in Ventry

Ventry is a beautiful town located a few kilometres away from Dingle. If you are visiting the Dingle Peninsula, you will need to visit Ventry as well. Ventry that takes you up the mountain where you will find Longs Horse Riding Centre. I definitely recommend Longs Horse Riding Centre. The centre offers several options of horse riding tours for reasonable pricing. We picked the 2 hours beach and mountains ride and had the best time. The weather was beautiful and the people really nice. I advise you to book in advance regardless of the weather (if you are constantly waiting on the weather to be good to do something here, you will do nothing). We booked three weeks in advance and had no idea what the weather was going to be like and we lucked out. For information, the rides still go ahead even if it rains so plan your outfit accordingly. 

We had a nice and long ride on the beach. First, we rode with a group all the way down the mountain and to the beach. Then we rode on the beach for a good while, which gave us time to really appreciate both the activity of horse riding and the views. While on the beach, we took photos both by ourselves and also with the Centre accompanying person. For the second part of the ride, the group went back to the centre while we continued as we had chosen to do the beach and mountain ride. We went up the mountain for a good while and had an amazing view on the beach we were just at and the fields. From the top of the mountain, we were able to have a look at Mount Brandon, one of the ten highest peaks in Ireland. On our way up, we were able to trot which was really fun. We lucked out as with the group the pace was just walking.

The ride is fairly easy and is accessible to beginners. The pace is slow so you won’t have any problem following even if you’ve never ridden a horse before.

We really enjoyed our ride with Longs Horse riding Centre. I loved that we weren’t rushed during the ride and that the team gave us time to take photos, and videos.

The Blasket Islands

The Blasket Islands are located to the west of the Dingle Peninsula. You can book boat tours for a full day or a half day which will take you to the Islands. The tours depart from the port of Dingle. You will find a parking lot right by the port where you can leave your car for the duration of the tour. You can get tickets online or directly in Dingle on the main street of the town.

On your way to the islands, some companies will also take you to specific spots to show you dolphins and whales. Dingle and the area around Dingle was the home of Fungi the dolphin for over 20 years. Fungi was an icon of the town and the Peninsula and a few tours would take you see Fungi. It was so certain that you wouldn’t miss Fungi that you were entitled to a refund if Fungi wasn’t there. However, in 2020, Fungi left and never came back. It is still uncertain as to what happened and whether Fungi passed of old age or decided to move away for a little bit.

But don’t worry, even though Fungi is gone, there is plenty of animals that you will be able to see including seals. The Blasket Islands are home to a colony of grey seals (extra cute, I know) which you can also visit. There is an option to spend a night on the Great Blasket Island if that is something that interests you!

Hike Mount Brandon

Mount Brandon is one of the highest mountains in Ireland. From the top of the mountain, you will have a beautiful view on Ireland and the Atlantic ocean. To climb Mount Brandon, you will need to drive to the village of Claghane and then park near Miss O’Connor’s House. You can then start your hike from there. While in Dingle, don’t hesitate to ask the locals for some tips and the best route to get there. They, for sure, will know how to help you. Always check out the weather before going on hike in Ireland and always dress appropriately. The rain and wind can be very strong in Ireland so you don’t want to find yourself stuck up there.

Walk the Dingle Way

The Dingle Way is a 176km walking route which takes you all around the Dingle Peninsula in about 8 days of walking. We have never done it as we have heard it is quite the workout and tiring. However, if you love walking and have the time to do it, this is definitely a great way to explore the Peninsula. Make sure you are well equipped though as the weather in Ireland can be unpredictable. We have written a quick list of items you should absolutely bring with you when visiting the Dingle Peninsula below. This should help you be prepared for your visit and the weather.

Get ice cream at Murphy’s

Murphy’s is an iconic ice cream place in Dingle and you should definitely stop by to get some if the weather is good. They are located on the main street just a bit after the statue of Fungi.

Watch the Dingle Bay from the sea

If you want to get a different view on Dingle, you can rent paddle-boards in Dingle and paddle in the Bay. This is a fun way to get active while exploring the Peninsula by the sea. Do it at sunrise or at sunset for amazing light on the town.

Visits

Slea Head Scenic Drive

The Sea Head Drive is a scenic route that goes around the end of the Dingle Peninsula. It is truly beautiful and will take you to places and views you will not regret visiting. I go over the different stops on the Slea Head Scenic Drive below so you know exactly where to stop and what to see.

It is recommended that you follow the Slea Head Scenic Drive clockwise. As the roads are rather narrow, it helps to regulate road traffic. When driving, be careful about bikes and hikers. While driving, keep your eyes open for all sorts of beautiful views. There are quite a few pull outs all along the road so don’t hesitate to stop on your way to snap a few photos and explore.

The Slea Head Scenic Drive is only about an hour drive so you have plenty of time to stop as much as you want and take all the views in.

Dingle

What to do in Dingle, you ask? Well, there are lots to do in the small town of Dingle. First, you can walk around the town and get a feel for it. It is a very welcoming coastal town with lovely people. Houses there are quite interesting as they are all different colours.  Then you can have lunch at one of the pubs of the (small) town centre. Finally, Dingle is the departure port for lots of boat tours to go see dolphins and whales!

Dunquin Harbour

Dunquin Harbour is one of the viewpoint you should stop at on the Slea Head Drive. The view will take your breath away. When arriving at Dunquin Harbour, find parking. This is usually one of the busiest stops on the Slea Head Drive (for good reasons) so parking might be a bit more difficult to find. However, even though it was busy when we came, we found a spot in just a few seconds.

First, you will want to admire the view from up there. You will be able to see part of the pier and of course the rock formations in the water with the sea. Then, you will want to make your way down to the Pier. The walk down only takes a few minutes and is fairly easy. It is a bit more steep to come up though. There isn’t much down at the Pier but the view is a bit different and you will be able to see that it is a small port. Once you are down at the pier, look up at the cliffs. You will see lots of different birds!

Conor Pass

Conor Pass is the road that takes you from Dingle on to the other side of the Peninsula and is one of the best things to do in Dingle. Just like the Slea Head Drive, this is definitely a drive you want to take for the views. At the peak of Conor Pass, you will go over Mount the second-highest peak in Ireland. From there, you will have one of the most beautiful views in Ireland. Whether you are looking at the mountains, at the fields or at the beach, your mind will be blown by the beauty surrounding you.

As the weather changes quite quickly in Ireland, you will most likely experience the views with different light which will also provide different experience. I would recommend taking that drive on a day that is not foggy. Otherwise, you will not be able to much from the peak of the road.

Gallarus Oratory

The Gallarus Oratory is an ancient church and is one of the most popular visits in Ireland. This is because it is a 1200-year-old dry-stone oratory that has been kept in perfect condition. You will find it right off the north of the Slea Head Scenic Drive when coming back to Dingle.

Beehive Huts

The Beehive Huts are located all along the Slea Head Scenic Drive between Slea Head and Dunquin Harbour. They are also worth checking out as they are a testimony of history and have been kept in good condition.

Star Wars filming location 1

The Dingle Peninsula was chosen as a filming location for two episodes of Star Wars: Episode VIII “The Last Jedi” and Episode IX “The Rise of Skywalker”. Part of the filming locations are on private grounds and therefore not accessible for the public. However, there are two spots around Dingle that are accessible.

The first one is Sybil Head. Sybil Head is a 206 meter high cliffs which the Star Wars filming team judged fitting of to replicate the landscape of Skellig Michael which was used in the original movies.Sybil Head is located near Farran at the north tip of the Dingle Peninsula.

Star Wars filming location 2

The second spot is Dunmore Head. This is the place where the scene with Luke Skywalker milking a space sea cow was filmed. Dunmore Head is the stop right before Dunquin Pier. You will recognise it by the amount of cars parked. This is the one spot where you actually might have trouble finding parking because this is THE spot that most people want to see while on the Slea Head Drive. To avoid the crowds, I would recommend coming to Dunmore Head first thing in the morning and arriving before 9am.

Whether you are a Star Wars fan or not, it is pretty cool to see where the movies were filmed and it might even make you want to see the movies if you never have!

Things to do in Dingle in the rain

We have covered this already but Ireland is well known for it’s beautiful wet weather. The Irish weather is known for going through the four seasons in one day. You might wake up with rain and find the weather warm and dry by the afternoon. You might wake up with sun and by the time you’re out of the door, it’s raining. The weather in Ireland is extremely unpredictable. I wouldn’t recommend even trusting the weather apps as it changes sometimes overnight. Hence you asking me what are the things to do in Dingle in the rain. Well, sit back and relax while I give you a few ideas.

Have a snack in one of the pubs

Whether you would like a snack or a pint, you will always find a pub in an Irish town, and that’s a good thing, even more when it’s raining! Although Dingle is a small town, there is no shortage of cafés, restaurants and pubs. As the weather can change quickly, finding a pub for a half hour might be the perfect refuge for you if it starts raining in Dingle. Most cafés and pubs are located on the main street of Dingle, across from the port. You will recognize this area of dingle by the colourful houses and crowds.

We had an afternoon snack at The Marina Inn in Dingle, right by the statue of Fungi, the iconic dolphin of Dingle. We had chocolate ice cream, fries, a Fanta and a pint of Guinness. The food and service were good and it was nice chilling at the pub for a little bit.

On a different day, we had another snack at Harrington’s restaurant on the same main street of Dingle. We had a brownie with vanilla ice cream and some deep-fried Ferrero chocolates. The restaurant had lots of choices for dessert which we liked. The decor was also very much marine themed which definitely put us in the Dingle mood.

We would recommend both restaurants.

Visit the aquarium

I have to admit this would not be my first choice of activity on vacation. That said, it is always fun to visit an aquarium. If you have kids, that can be a good way to reflect on what you may have seen on one of the boat tours. The Dingle aquarium isn’t very big but it’s an entertaining activity to do when it rains.

Visit the St Mary church and the St James Church

Maybe it’s just my family and I but we love visiting churches. It does not really matter what your beliefs are. I usually go in to look at the architecture, the stained glass, and the organ. There are a couple churches in Dingle which will keep you busy.

Dingle Whiskey Distillery

The Dingle distillery is located right off the port in the town of Dingle. It is a Whiskey distillery, one of the best in Ireland. Tours are available and take you around the fully functioning distillery with explanations of each step of the process. The tour takes about an hour and ends with Whiskey samples testing.

I would recommend booking a tour directly on their website as to ensure you can get your desired slot. That said, note that due to the current situation, no tours are available at this time.

Go somewhere else

If the weather is just too much for you and you would like to find some sun, you might want to leave and visit a different part of Ireland like the Wicklow Mountains National Park . Of course, in Ireland, nothing is ever guaranteed so you might just be getting the same weather but you have nothing to loose by trying. The Wicklow Mountains National Park is located on the east cost about an hour south from Dublin and is an amazing place to spend some time hiking and discovering Ireland. By going across the country, you might get more luck in finding better weather.

If you’re not in the mood to drive across the country or if you are attached to a rented accommodation in the West, note that Dingle is close to the Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park which you can find more information on and recommendations here. The Ring of Kerry and Killarney National Park are beautiful Irish landmarks that you will definitely want to explore when visiting Ireland.

If the weather does not look good in the south, then you can try heading to Galway and the Cliffs of Moher, equally as beautiful. On your way to Galway, stop by the Burren National Park and don’t forget to visit the Aran Islands.

Of course, you can always go back to Dublin where there are plenty of things to do such as finding the Phoenix Park Deer and trying some of the best restaurants in Dublin.

What to wear when visiting Dingle and the Dingle Peninsula

As I explained above, the weather in Ireland can be extremely unpredictable, to the point that even weather apps are wrong every other day. It’s therefore very important to be well equipped so you can both enjoy your trip to the fullest and be safe, especially if you decide to go hiking.

You might think that in the summer months, you are fine wearing shorts, flip flops and a tank top. Well, it’s not exactly how summer works here unfortunately. In the summer months, Ireland has a mild weather. The summer weather can range from 15 degrees and rainy to 24 degrees and sunny with a whole lot of different variations in between. You might be lucky and find yourself in Ireland during the one week of sunny and warm weather. But you might end up being like the rest of us and have to compose with a mix of unreliable weather variations.

The worst part of the Irish weather is definitely the rain and the wind. The temperature does not get extremely cold and although you will need a coat and a scarf in the winter, you won’t need any specific cold weather outfit you might need to visit other northern countries like Iceland.

Also note that the south west of the country seems to be getting a lot more rain and stormy weather than we would here in the east around Dublin.

To solve the outfit and weather issue, I would recommend wearing layers no matter what month you are visiting. This really is the only trick we have found that prepares us for any situation. A few items you don’t want to forget are:

• a waterproof rain jacket
• good waterproof hiking shoes with grip
• sweaters
• tank tops to wear under a sweater
• long sleeves lighter shirts
• jeans
• socks

One thing you might want to give up on is bringing an umbrella. When it rains here, it also usually brings the wind and it’s the kind of wind that an umbrella cannot resist. A hood will be much more efficient.

Any questions? Drop them in the comments or on insta and we will get back to you asap.