Start and End an amazing trip of the Dingle peninsula in the beautiful Tralee, County Kerry.
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The Dingle Peninsula is the most westerly peninsula in Ireland; the next parish to the U.S.A., stretching some 30 miles westward from Tralee.
It is of great Archaeological and Geological interest. This area was once submerged in shallow seas during the Silurian Period, 400 million years ago. Rhyolite a type of rock found in stone tools at Ferriter’s Cove, was produced by Active Volcanoes. The earliest known human settlements on the peninsula, by Carbon Dating, were established at 3,500 B.C. Early Christian times also left its mark on the peninsula, eg. The Gallarus, Riasc and Kilmalkedar.
The greatest influence on this area was created by Saint Brendan, mainly in the great Mount Brandon 952 metres high. The language, folk customs, crafts and lore are still very much alive today in the Dingle Peninsula. Add these features to the conventional holiday and it makes the area a worthwhile place to visit.
Gallarus Castle
Gallan na Cille Brice
Ferriter’s Castle
Feothanach [Irish – Feohanagh]
Fahan Group
Easc Hill and Tower
Dunquin
Dunmore Head
Dunbeg Fort
Dun an Oir
Dingle Pier
Dingle Lighthouse
Dingle
Conor Pass
Cathair Chonroi
Castlegregory
Camp
Burnham House (Colaiste Ide)
Brandon Creek
Brandon and Cloghane
Blennerville
Ballydavid Tower
Ballintaggart Ogham Stones
Ath an Charbail
Things to do on the Dingle Peninsula
- Trails and Walks – Sli Chorca Dhuibhne/Dingle Way Walking Route: this encompasses the whole Dingle Peninsula, stretching from Tralee right around the Peninsula and returning to Tralee. Other walks include the Pilgrims Route.
- Salmon and Trout Angling – on a small number of lakes and rivers in the Dingle Peninsula.
- Shore Angling – many areas around the Dingle Peninsula coastline are suitable.
- Sea Angling – a good variety of sea angling is available.
- Bus and Coach Tours – Full and Half day tours are available.
- Cycling – this is an excellent way to explore and enjoy the splendour and beauty of the Dingle Peninsula.
- Bathing – There are many glorious beaches and coves on the Dingle Peninsula. The main ones being Inch Strand, Bealban, Wine Strand, Cloghane and Derrymore.
- Golf – 9-hole course at Castlegregory and 18 hole course at Ceann Sibeil, Ballyferriter.
- Horse Racing – At the racecourse in Dingle held annually during August.
- Gaelic Football and Hurling – Matches most Sunday afternoons.
- Painting – The Dingle Peninsula is an artist’s paradise, which is renowned for its scenic beauty.
- Mountaineering – Numerous mountains are within easy reach of Dingle Town suitable for climbing and hill walking.
- Pitch and Putt/Driving Range – At Milltown Dingle.
- Trail Riding – Information available from Tourist Office.
- Ornithology – Much to interest the avid Bird Watcher; Choughs, Auks, Ravens, Sheerwaters, Gadwall, Duck and Gannets. The Dingle Peninsula is an area of compelling interest for the Ornithologist.
- Archaeology – There is a great concentration and a wealth of Archaeological remains to be found throughout the Dingle Peninsula. Organised tours are also available.
Entertainment, Events & Festivals on the Dingle Peninsula
Entertainment
- Cinema: – nightly in Dingle.
- Discotheques: – On offer during the season.
- Dancing: – Available during the season with many top class groups and Showbands, to suit one’s taste.
- Cabaret: – Many top class artists perform in cabaret throughout the season, as Advertised in Local Newspapers.
- Singing Pubs: – Many licensed premises provide entertainment during the season, ranging from small intimate type pubs to large entertainment Lounges.The atmosphere is friendly and the entertainment often spontaneous.
- Drama: – Occasionally during the season.
- Teach Siamsa: – At Carraig, located on the edge of the village, this is a centre of Cultural activity. Open all year around.
Events and Festivals
- Feile na Bealtaine: takes place in April/May and includes music, poetry, literature, art and theatre.
- Regattas: a number of Regattas are held throughout the Dingle Peninsula during the season, featuring Currach Races.
- Dingle Races: two-day event held on a Saturday and Sunday in August. An event for all the family, with a Carnival atmosphere.
- Carlsberg Music Festival: takes place in September, with traditional, jazz, blues and folk music.
Attractions/Exhibitions
- Dingle Sea Life Centre– Mara Beo Teo: This purpose built Sealife centre gives excellent viewing of the Sealife of the Dingle Peninsula and also more exotic sealife species from other parts of the world.
- Dingle Peninsula Heritage Exhibition -Oidreacht Chorca Dhuibhne: The Heritage Center in Ballyferriter, opens all the year round. There is a display of history, archaeology and literature of the area. Other exhibitions also on show. Times of opening: June to September 11.00am – 6.00pm, off season opens on request.
- Historical Exhibition of Dingle: At the Old Presbytery, Main Street, Dingle. Open 10.00am – 6.00pm Monday – Saturday during season.