17 Best Things to Do in Dingle: My Local Favourites
If you’ve seen my Instagram or talked to me in person, it’s no secret that Dingle is one of my favourite places in Ireland!
I somehow took on this personal mission to help others fall in love with the Dingle Peninsula just like I have, and one of the best ways to see that mission through is by showing you my favourite things to do in Dingle!
Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re coming back for another trip, there are so many things to do in Dingle beyond simply driving the Slea Head Drive (which I still highly recommend!) And if you are planning on driving the Slea Head Drive make sure to check out my full Slea Head guide!
So, if you are planning to visit and want to find your new favourite Irish destination, here are 17 of the best things to do in Dingle, Ireland! (Including some of my personal favourites)
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Dingle at a Glance
Now Let’s Jump into
My 17 Favourite Things to Do in Dingle
Visit Inch Beach
Inch Beach was an unexpected love of mine, and it’s definitely a place I recommend adding to your itinerary!
You can walk along the sand, do a sauna/sea swim session, or watch the surfers in the summer. I especially love how expansive the beach feels, with the mountains and rugged coastline as the backdrop. It’s hard to go wrong here!
There is even a section for cars to drive on the sand. This is great if it’s a really windy day, like it was when we went.
I also recommend stopping at the Inch Coffee trailer! This is where all the locals go. They have great drinks, cute snacks, and a really nice covered seating area.
Slea Head Drive
The iconic Slea Head Drive is the reason most people come out to the Dingle Peninsula and of the first things I recommend to anyone visiting Dingle!
This scenic loop takes you along some of the most dramatic coastline in Ireland, with rugged cliffs, beaches, green countryside, and incredible views around almost every corner.
One of my biggest tips is to not rush it!
There are so many places to stop along the route that you could easily spend most of the day exploring the drive alone. If you’re visiting Dingle for the first time, I’d definitely set aside at least half a day for the Slea Head Drive.
Want to plan your drive? I’ve put together a complete Slea Head Drive Guide with all my favourite stops, tips, and everything you need to know before you go!
Hold a Baby Lamb
If you’re looking for something a little more unique to do in Dingle, go hold a baby lamb!
This was such a fun and memorable experience, and it’s one of those things you don’t want to leave Ireland without doing.
You’ll get to meet lambs, learn about life on a working Irish farm, and of course, get plenty of cuddles with some very cute lambs. It’s a particularly fun stop if you’re travelling with kids, but honestly, I think it’s impossible not to enjoy it at any age!
I recommend stoping at a place literally called “Hold a baby Lamb.” It’s right on the Slea Head Drive, and you’ll see handmade signs along all the major roads.
Take a Sea Safari
One of my favourite ways to experience the Dingle Peninsula is from the water, and a Dingle Sea Safari is such a fun way to see the coastline from a completely different perspective!
You’ll head out onto Dingle Bay, where you can take in the dramatic cliffs, beaches, and rugged coastline while keeping an eye out for the local wildlife.
If you’re lucky, you may even spot dolphins, seals, seabird, and if the season is right, my favourite: basking sharks!
The sea safari tour I recommend is this Sea Safari by RIB boat! It starts and ends in Dingle and is a great way to add something a little more adventurous to your Dingle itinerary.
Visit Minard Castle
Minard Castle is one of those places that feels like a bit of a hidden gem on the peninsula!
The ruins sit right along the coast, with the remains of the old castle overlooking a beautiful stretch of beach and Dingle Bay. It’s a peaceful spot to stop, take a walk, and enjoy the history without the crowds.
I found this was a great spot to have a little packed lunch ready! We used Minard Castle to stop, eat a good snack, and explore a little off the beaten path.
If you’re exploring the peninsula by car, Minard Castle is an easy addition to your itinerary and definitely worth a stop if you love discovering the quieter corners of Ireland!
Drive Over Conor Pass
If you’re up for a little adventure, head out to Conor Pass, which takes you through one of my favourite landscapes in Ireland!
Driving through Conor Pass is one of the best ways to take in the dramatic landscape around Dingle. The road winds through the mountains, with incredible views over the surrounding valleys and lakes as you make your way through the pass.
The drive is the experience here, so take your time and stop at the viewpoints when you can. My favourite was Conor Pass Waterfall. We ended up coming back here three times because we loved the views so much!
It’s important to note that part of the drive can have quite narrow roads. Just take your time and don’t rush through, and you’ll be grand!
If you want help planning the rest of your time on the Dingle Peninsula, make sure to check out my Guide to The Dingle Peninsula!
Visit the Blasket Islands
If you have time, taking a trip out to the Blasket Islands is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have around Dingle!
The islands sit just off the western tip of the peninsula, surrounded by some of the most beautiful and rugged scenery in Ireland. There’s just something so special about stepping away from the mainland and seeing the Dingle Peninsula from out on the water.
The islands were once home to a small Irish-speaking community before the last residents were relocated in 1953, and today they’re known for their rugged landscape, wildlife, and incredible views back towards the mainland.
If you have time, you can take a boat trip over to the islands! This Great Blasket Island Wildlife Tour with Island Landing is one of the most popular options for doing so. If this is something you want to experience, make sure you book early, as tickets can sell out when the weather is good!
If you don’t have time to take the boat, don’t worry! The views are still great from the Slea Head Drive, and you can’t miss them as you drive along the coast.
Visit Coumeenoole Beach
Coumeenoole Beach is one of the locations that made me realise how special the Dingle Peninsula is!
Tucked beneath the cliffs on the western tip of the peninsula, the beach has an incredible view of the Atlantic and the islands. The beach itself is relatively small, but the setting is what makes it so special.
I’d definitely recommend getting out of the car and spending some time here. Carefully make your way down to the beach and see the power of the ocean and just how tall the cliffs are for yourself!
Just be careful here and remember that the Atlantic can have very strong currents and waves. I’d treat Coumeenoole more as a scenic stop than a swimming beach.
Find a Fairy Fort
A fun little stop to add to your itinerary is a traditional Irish fairy fort. These ancient ring forts are scattered throughout Ireland, and there’s something really special about standing inside one and imagining what life would have been like here hundreds of years ago!
The fort is a great example of how Ireland’s history and folklore are so closely connected. You can walk around the circular stone walls and learn about the stories and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
It’s not the biggest attraction on the Dingle Peninsula, but that’s exactly why I love it. It’s a quick, unique stop that gives you a glimpse into a side of Ireland you might otherwise miss!
Take an E-Bike Tour
If you want to explore the Dingle Peninsula in a more active way, an e-bike tour is such a fun way to see the area!
You get to experience the countryside, coastline, and little roads around Dingle without having to worry about tackling the hills on yourself.
I love that an e-bike lets you slow down and actually take in the scenery instead of simply driving from one attraction to the next. If you’re looking for a fun way to explore Dingle beyond the usual sightseeing, I’d definitely consider an e-bike tour!
You can look at e-bike rentals here.
Stop at Dunquin Pier
If you know me, then you’ve probably heard me rave about how much I love the Dunquin Pier!
The famous winding dock leading down towards the water is such a magical feeling. It’s so rugged and wild, making you really embrace the Wild Atlantic Way feeling.
This is also a great place to grab a coffee and a treat from Cúpan, where the views are beautiful and on clear days you can see the Blasket Islands!
I have over 500+ hidden gems across Ireland in my Full Hidden Gem Map, if you want to find more local favourite around the Dingle Peninsula make sure to check it out!
Visit the Star Wars Episode VIII Sunset Site
If you’re a Star Wars fan, you won’t want to miss this spot on the peninsula!
Some of the scenes from Star Wars: The Last Jedi were filmed around this area, and standing here makes it easy to see why this landscape was chosen for the film.
Even if you’re not a huge Star Wars fan, I still think this is worth adding to your itinerary. The scenery is incredible, and watching the sunset here makes the experience even more special!
If you can time your visit for the sunset, I’d definitely recommend it! I gotta say, there’s something pretty magical about watching the sun disappear over the Atlantic from this part of the peninsula.
See the Beehive Huts
One of the coolest pieces of history you’ll find around Dingle is the ancient beehive huts.
These small stone structures were built without mortar and are believed to have been used as homes or places of shelter by early Christian communities in Ireland!
I love how different they look from anything you’ll find elsewhere on the peninsula. The simple stone huts with the backdrop of rugged western Ireland make the experience even more memorable.
If you’re already exploring the Slea Head area, I’d definitely add the beehive huts to your itinerary, as they’re a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past!
Visit Gallarus Oratory
Gallarus Oratory is another unique piece of history on the Dingle Peninsula, and I definitely think it’s worth stopping to see for yourself!
This small boat-shaped stone church is believed to date back more than a thousand years. This makes the design even more impressive, considering it was built entirely from stone.
It’s another quick stop, and you don’t need much time here, but if you’re passing by, definitely stop and take a peek!
I loved how much early history is found in this area of Ireland. Even if you’re not a huge history buff, it’s still quite impressive and worth learning a bit about the history of Dingle!
Dingle Distillery
If you’re interested in Irish whiskey, a visit to the Dingle Distillery is a must while you’re in town!
This is a great way to learn more about how their spirits are made while getting a behind-the-scenes look at one of Dingle’s best-known local businesses. I also love that this experience gives you a completely different side of Dingle beyond the beaches and scenic drives.
Whether you’re a whiskey lover or simply curious about Irish distilling, it’s a fun addition to your itinerary!
I’d recommend booking your tour ticket in advance if you’re interested, especially during the busier summer months.
Have a Pint at Fitzgerald’s Pub
This was my favourite pub on the Dingle Peninsula! Fitzgerald’s pub is a true local pub, it’s cosy, colourful, and has that classic Irish pub feel!
I love that it’s the kind of place where you can grab a pint, some good food, and simply soak up the atmosphere. We ended up coming here three times because we loved the cosy vibes so much!
After a day of exploring the peninsula, this is exactly the kind of place I’d want to end the day. Don’t be surprised if you walk in for one drink and end up staying much longer than planned!
Spend Some Time at Maharees Beach
If you’re looking for a beautiful beach that’s a little more off the beaten path, Maharees Beach is one of my favourites!
I love how peaceful it feels here, especially compared to some of the more popular stops around the peninsula. It’s the perfect place to slow down, take a walk along the sand, and enjoy the scenery without feeling like you need to rush off.
If you have extra time, I’d add Maharees Beach to your itinerary. If you’re visiting in the summer months, this also is a great place to take surfing lessons!
Frequently Asked Questions About Dingle
Final Thoughts
Dingle is one of those places I could come back to again and again and still find something new to explore!
If this is your first time visiting Dingle, I’d recommend giving yourself at least two days to really experience it rather than trying to rush through all the highlights. If you’re planning a bigger Ireland road trip, I’ve got a couple of guides that can help you fit Dingle into your itinerary!
Planning your first Ireland road trip? Check out my 7 Day Ireland Road Trip Itinerary, where I take you through exactly how I’d plan a first trip to Ireland.
Have more time? My 10 Day Ireland Itinerary includes Dingle as part of a longer Ireland adventure and gives you even more time to explore the country!
With that, I hope you fall in love with Dingle as much as I have!
Safe Travels! – Olive Grace
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Such a great list! The Slea Head Drive and Minard Castle would be at the top of my list.
Such a great guide to Dingle! I love that you included experiences beyond Slea Head Drive. The sea safari, Blasket Islands, and Conor Pass would be at the top of my list. So many beautiful places to explore!