Dingle Peninsula Travel Guide

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

The Office of Public Works has renovated this four-storey building. Built in the 16th century it was probably used in Cromwellian times and to garrison troops during the siege of Dun an Oir [1580].

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Gallan na Cille Brice

Approximately 2 miles North West of Ballyferriter Village the standing remains of this Castle can be found. This castle was the birthplace of Pierce Ferriter, who was the last Irish Chief to hold out ...

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Ferriter’s Castle

Approximately 2 miles North West of Ballyferriter Village the standing remains of this Castle can be found. This castle was the birthplace of Pierce Ferriter, who was the last Irish Chief to hold out ...

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Feothanach [Irish – Feohanagh]

Shadowed by Mount Brandon the surrounding countryside is a hill walker’s paradise. The coastline in the vicinity is of much geological interest. Brandon Creek is nearby and it is from here Saint...

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Fahan Group

Situated on the Slea Head/Ventry Road, are the Beehive or Clochans Huts [Beehive shaped cells or Huts made without mortar], eighteen Standing and Inscribed Stones, nineteen Souterrain, two Sculptured ...

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Easc Hill and Tower

The tower stands at the top of this hill, which is on the south side of Dingle Harbour. It holds a 19th century Mariner’s Beacon and a world war 2 look out post. The beacon is a solid tower of m...

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Dunquin

Peg Sayers the writer is buried here and in Dunquin village one can see the Blasket Experience.

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Dunmore Head

In the Blasket Sound below the head two Spanish Armada ships the San Juan and the Santa Maria la Rosa sunk in 1588. At the highest point on the headland is an Ogham Stone, it indicates the pagan ances...

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Dunbeg Fort

Consisting of a fortified stonewall cutting off a triangular promontory. Protected by an elaborate system of earthen ramparts and trenches on the landward side. On the cliff edge inside the fort shows...

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Dun an Oir

North of Ballyferriter on the broad inlet of Smerwick Harbour built on a rock promontory lies the old fortress of Dun an Oir [Fort of Gold]. It was here in 1580 that the infamous massacre of 600 Irish...

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Dingle Lighthouse

Dingle Harbour Commissioners maintain this lighthouse, which was built in 1885 to guide boats to the seaward side of Crow Rock, which may be seen off Easc Tower to the West.

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Dingle

This is the most westerly town in Europe, being the chief town of the peninsula and a fabulous centre for the tourist. This town though modernised retains much of its old world charm. The new Dingle S...

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Conor Pass

The Connor Pass is a drive over the mountains from Castlegregory to Dingle. It is the highest mountain pass in Ireland; the road climbs 7 miles along the Brandon Range to a height of 1,500 feet. At th...

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Cathair Chonroi

A stone fort on a mountain top 2,050 feet high in Beithineach near Camp. It is a triangular area of land with steep high cliffs on two sides. On the third side it slopes gently with a protecting stone...

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Castlegregory

Situated at the base of a long sandy peninsula which separates Tralee and Brandon Bay. Off the Northern tip of the peninsula are the Maharee Islands. To the west of the town is Lough Gill. Southwards ...

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Camp

This area has a beautiful sandy beach on Tralee Bay. There is a stone promontory fort on the mountain slopes 2,050 feet above sea level. It is the highest fortification on the Western fringe of Europe...

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Burnham House (Colaiste Ide)

In the wooded grounds of Colaiste Ide, formerly a school of the Mercy Order.This was once Burnham House, the residence of Lord Ventry. Six Ogham Stones can be seen on the driveway.

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Brandon Creek

Folklore has it that Saint Brendan the navigator sailed from here on his voyage of discovery into the western ocean. It is written in legend that Saint Brendan discovered the North American Continent ...

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Brandon and Cloghane

This is situated at the South – Western extremity of Brandon Bay, underneath the Eastern slopes of the Brandon Mountain. An excellent base for climbing Mount Brandon. A fine beach nearby is a qu...

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Blennerville

One mile from Tralee, it is known as the gateway to the Dingle Peninsula. In famine times many people left for America from here on emigrant ships that sailed from the pier adjacent to the windmill. T...

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Ballydavid Tower

A three-storey building built in 1801 as a signal tower against possible French Invasion. It had fallen into disuse by the middle of the Century, but was briefly reoccupied during the First World War.

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Ballintaggart Ogham Stones

An ancient burial site surrounded by a stone and earth enclosure. Nine Ogham Stones are situated inside the enclosure some with crosses; this could suggest a transitional phasing from Pagan to Early C...

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Ath an Charbail

Some stones are found with cups and circles incised on them. A stone bearing this form of Bronze Age Rock Art may be seen in a field, a short distance from the road in Ath an Charbail in Kinnard Paris...

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Annascaul

This is the birthplace of Jerome Connor, the famous sculptor and Tom Crean, the Antarctic Explorer who had a pub here called the South Pole Inn. He accompanied both Robert Scott and Earnest Shackelton...

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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.