Dingle Ireland, nestled on the western coast of Ireland, is known for its rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage. Stretching for 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, the area around Dingle has dramatic cliffs, rolling green hills, and pristine beaches. The peninsula is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, cycling, and water sports against a backdrop of stunning vistas. Dingle is quite small, making it a perfect day trip to any southern Ireland itinerary (especially if you are in the Ring of Kerry!). Below I’ve listed our 5 highlights from our trip to Dingle, Ireland:
5 Things To Do and See in Dingle Ireland
#1 Dunquin Pier
A trip to Dingle Ireland would not be complete without seeing Dunquin Pier. Perched on the southwestern edge of Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, Dunquin Pier is the emblem of the region’s coast. What you see in the photos above are often the images you see on postcards throughout the area! A trip to Dunquin Pier is worth it just for the view itself. From its vantage point, the pier offers awe-inspiring views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Blasket Islands.
We made a trip out to Dingle just to see Dunquin Pier, and I was so glad we did. We spent around 2 hours exploring and taking photos. An extra plus is that it is completely free to visit the pier!
Though not a common sight these days, Dunquin Pier holds a unique historical nickname – Ireland’s ‘sheep highway.’ There is an iconic image of sheep being guided on the pier, as they were transported from the Blasket Islands to the mainland. Great Blasket housed a tight-knit community for centuries until their evacuation in 1953. With the people came their sheep, and Dunquin Pier then earned its nickname.
#2 Exploring the Town of Dingle
Dingle is a charming coastal town on the edge of the Dingle Peninsula. In fact, it is the only town on the peninsula. Visitors can stroll the colorful streets, savor fresh seafood in cozy pubs, and cozy up in one of the coffee shops in the area. A highlight is meeting Fungie, the famous dolphin, on a boat tour. We spent a few hours exploring the town, grabbing breakfast, and sampling a few of the coffee shops in Dingle. Below are a list of our favorite cafés and restaurants in the area:
- Bean in Dingle Coffeeshop
- My Boy Blue (Brunch/Coffeeshop)
- Bácús Bakery (closed Sat, Sun, & Mon)
- Out of the Blue restaurant
- Ashes Restaurant & Bar
#3 Conor Pass
Conor Pass is one of the highest mountain passes in Ireland and cuts through the middle of the Peninsula, running from Dingle out towards Brandon Bay and Castlegregory. It offers panoramic views of rugged landscapes and the bay, making it a stunning route to pass through on your day in Dingle. We sadly missed out on driving through Conor Pass, but you can check out this blog for all things Conor Pass and how to safely drive it.
#4 Hold A Baby Lamb
‘Hold A Baby Lamb’ was easily one of the biggest highlights of my trip to southern Ireland. As the title reads, this is a visit to some precious farm animals and to have a photo opp with a baby lamb. It sounds simple, but after seeing all the sheep dotted the countryside for the past few days, you just want to touch one! So we opted for this excursion after seeing its sign on the road.
The whole experience took about an hour and cost 5 euros per person. It was also a good opportunity to explore some beehive huts, which also happened to be on the property. Beehive huts are medieval stone-built round houses dating from over 1000 years ago. The exact location for the experience is here, but you shouldn’t miss it with the signs. There are large signs on the road directing you to the farm (pictured above).
#5 Inch Beach
Stretching along the rugged coastline of Dingle Peninsula, Inch Beach makes for a great end-of-day stop on your way back to the Ring of Kerry. With its expansive stretch of golden sand nestled between rolling green hills and the water of Dingle Bay, Inch Beach offers a picturesque retreat for travelers. As we were visiting during October, it was way too cold for swimming, but we enjoyed a walk along the beach and stopped at the cafe nearby for a snack and coffee. Whether strolling along the shore, admiring the panoramic views, or partaking in water sports, Inch Beach is worth a stop no matter what season you’re visiting during.
