There is a wealth of things to do and see on the Dingle Peninsula. You will find entertainment and activities for all ages and interests, just some of which are listed below.
Golf
The classic links course at Ceann Sibéal offers an outstanding challenge for golfers of all abilities. This is just a 20 minutes drive from Dingle Town where the 18 holes skirt the Atlantic Ocean. There is also a Pitch and Putt course just 5 minutes drive from Town where one may also avail of the driving range. Reduced Green Fees at Ceann Sibeal are available to all residents of the Dingle Skellig Hotel.
There are many marked walking routes in the area and it is a great location for hill walking and cycling. The most popular are The Dingle Way and the Pilgrims Route.
The Dingle Way ? Slí Chorca Dhuibhne ? is 178 km (112 miles) in length. The walk begins in Tralee, overlooking Tralee Bay, and then swings southwest across the peninsula from Camp to look down on Dingle Bay while you ramble inland to Annascaul, and then on to Dingle Town. From Dingle the route continues west around Slea Head to Dunquin, with magnificent views of the Blasket Islands to the west and beautiful coastal cliffs to the north. Then the trail turns back along the north coast of the peninsula, past Smerwick Harbour, and continues on below the massive Brandon Mountain, Ireland's second highest peak and named for St. Brendan the Voyager. A high pass will bring you to the village of Cloghane, east of Brandon, and then the route continues along coastal beaches to Castlegregory and the Maharees, ultimately ending back in Tralee.
The Pilgrims Route covers some 48 km (30 miles) and connects many of the early Christian sites for which the Dingle Peninsula is renowned. It begins in Dingle, turns south by Ventry, then north to Riasc, wandering over to Kilmalkedar Church along the older Saints Road, and then by green track and minor road to Cloghane.
In addition to these two way-marked routes, there are many other walks all around the peninsula that will suit every ability and age. Information and locally produced maps and booklets on these walks can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centres in Camp, Annascaul, Dingle, Cloghane and Castlegregory.
There are also many scenic and historic walks that one can take starting at the Hotel, along the shore towards Hussey?s Folly, which is a relic of the famine years of the 1840?s. It was the idea of Edward Hussey, who paid for the construction. He lived at Lough (now McDonnell), and the sole purpose of the project was to give employment to relieve some of the distress caused to locals. The building had no special purpose.
There is a belief among Dingle people, which prevails to the present day that the town was once intended as a refuge of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France. During the French Revolution plans were made by certain officials of the Irish Brigades on the continent to rescue the Queen from the Temple Prison in Paris and convey her by ship to safety in Dingle. The house proposed for her is still standing on the junction of Green Street and Goat Street.
According to the story, a local man, James Louis Rice and his helpers formed a plan to rescue her. They managed to bribe some gaolers to co-operate with them and had horses and carriages ready to take the Queen to the coast where Rice had a ship waiting to take her to Dingle. At the last moment Marie Antoinette hesitated and refused to accept the chance to escape. She was imprisoned with the Royal Family in August 1792. The plan involved abandonment of her husband and children. But she refused to go and remained to die. A cave supposedly extends from Nancy Browns parlour to the house in Dingle.
There are also facilities for bicycle hire within the town. They are at
The Dingle Peninsula is rich and dense in archaeological monuments. There are almost 2000 sites spanning from the Mesolithic period right up to Cromwell?s time. One can lose oneself in the stories of ancient folklore and mythology at the stone circles and passage tombs or marvel at the ingenious architecture of the famous Gallarus oratory. This is one of the finest examples of an early Christian church in Ireland and is renowned for being built entirely without mortar and yet never having leaked a drop of rainwater in. One may also examine the unique Ogham Stones which are scattered all over the area, the Beehive huts, ancient monastic dwellings or the various castles and forts around the area. One may choose to explore the rich soul of Ireland, which shines in these sites independently or with a local guide. There are a number of options when booking an archaeological tour but most tours focus on small groups between four and ten people and may be booked in advance.
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium - Mara Beo
Dingle?s aquarium ?Oceanworld? is situated along the seafront and provides an interesting activity for all ages particularly on a rainy day. Situated near Dingle Harbour this interactive centre takes the visitor on a journey beneath the ocean, coming face to face with Reef Sharks and deadly Piranha. The aquarium introduces the visitor to the many species of fish in our waters and one can meet Molly the Turtle, hold a starfish and stroke the rays. One can also attend the daily feedings during the summer season and experience the Amazonian jungle feature. All in all Oceanworld is a fantastic fun day out for all the family.
Dingle Oceanworld ? Tel: +353 (0)66 915 2111
The Slea Head Drive
The Slea Head Drive on the Dingle Peninsula is one of the most spectacular areas of natural beauty in the world. This area which was the setting for the famous film Ryan?s Daughter has enchanted its? visitors for many years. It?s worth spending a couple of hours on this drive, stopping to enjoy the breathtaking scenery, the dramatic cliff face at Coumeenole strand or white sandy beaches along the coast.
The Dingle Peninsula is rich and dense in archaeological monuments. There are almost 2000 sites spanning from the Mesolithic period right up to Cromwell?s time. One can lose oneself in the stories of ancient folklore and mythology at the stone circles and passage tombs or marvel at the ingenious architecture of the famous Gallarus oratory. This is one of the finest examples of an early Christian church in Ireland and is renowned for being built entirely without mortar and yet never having leaked a drop of rainwater in. One may also examine the unique Ogham Stones which are scattered all over the area, the Beehive huts, ancient monastic dwellings or the various castles and forts around the area. One may choose to explore the rich soul of Ireland, which shines in these sites independently or with a local guide. There are a number of options when booking an archaeological tour but most tours focus on small groups between four and ten people and may be booked in advance.
Great Blasket Centre
While on this journey around Slea Head one will experience the breathtaking views of the Blasket Islands and may wish to visit the Great Blasket Heritage Centre. This interpretive centre/museum is a celebration of the lives of the unique community who lived on the Great Blasket Island until 1953. This centre, which is operated by the Office of Public Works was opened in 1993 and honours the wealth of literature, which was produced by this community including the classics such as ?Peig?, ?Twenty Years a Growing?, and ?The Islandman?. The centre also examines the way of life of the islanders and visitors may explore this while enjoying the panoramic view of the Great Blasket and its family of surrounding islands.
Dún Chaoin, Trá Lí, Co. Chiarraí
Tel: +353 (0) 66 915 6444
Opening Times: Easter ? June 10.00am ? 6.00pm
July - August 10.00am ? 7.00pm
September ? October 10.00am ? 6.00pm
Last admission is 45 minutes before closing. The centre is opened on request from November to Easter.
Blasket Island Ferry & Cruise Services
Ferry leaves Dunquin pier every half hour weather permitting
Tel: +353 (0) 66 915 6422
Dingle Marine Eco Tours (2 Hour) Guided Tour of the Harbour
Tel: +353 (0) 86 285 8802
Dingle Marina Activities
Tel: +353 (0) 66 915 0768
Fungi - The Dingle Dolphin
Fungi the dolphin, has been Dingle?s favourite resident since 1983. His story has touched the hearts of the many visitors who come to see this bottle nosed friend each year. What is so unusual about Fungi is that he has remained within the bay, despite the trait of his species to constantly travel. This wild dolphins choice is to live within the community of the harbour. Visitors may like to take a boat trip out to see the playful antics of Fungi who is a born entertainer, jumping and splashing around the boats who visit him each day. These boat trips are run by approved boatmen and may be booked from the point of departure at the head of the pier. Alternatively, one may choose to swim with the dolphin. People have travelled from far and wide to have the experience of coming face to face with Fungi and it is said to be an enlightening, calming experience. Swimmers would need to book in advance for these trips, which depart early morning. The early departure allows the visitor to meet the dolphin in the tranquillity of the calm morning waters. So whether you choose to swim with Fungi or revel in his antics from the deck of a boat or spot his leaps and twirls from a sandy beach, an encounter with the dolphin is something you will never forget.
Sea fishing trips are available departing from the head of the pier where a booking office is situated. The best time for these trips is between March and September. Angling is also available in the locality.
There are many sandy beaches in close proximity to the town, which have blue flag status, and some offer rental of water sport equipment. One may also choose to swim with Fungi the Dingle Dolphin on organised early morning sunrise trips.
Scuba diving in Dingle is suitable for every level of diver, from try dives in the shallow protected harbours to diving through kelp gardens on plunging rock formations and the wrecks around the Blasket Islands.
The marina facilities in Dingle make an ideal berth for sailing enthusiasts or novices who may choose to take part in sailing courses introducing them to the joys of sailing and also the waters of Dingle. These are available for all age groups.
There are a number of equestrian centres in the environs of Dingle town where riders of all abilities may partake in treks either along sandy beaches or rolling hillsides.
