Attractions Nearby Dingle, Day Trips and Excursions

(Dingle, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland)



Peninsula panoramaThere are many day trips and excursions that tourists can enjoy during a visit to Dingle. All around is startling country and coastal scenery, as well as many old attractions that hail from the days of the early settlers of the peninsula.

The western part of the Dingle Peninsula is the most visited and has some incredible scenery and many archaeological attractions, including an ancient fort, as well as the near-shore Blasket Islands. Mount Brandon lies to the north, being the highest point on the peninsula and a great place for hiking, while for many, the countryside scenery within the Killarney National Park beckons, as does the huge sandy beach at nearby Ventry.


Further peninsula view

Dingle Peninsula (Corca Dhuibhne) Regions

Western Dingle is the most interesting part of the Dingle Peninsula for tourists, as it has the most dramatic scenery and the nicest beaches. There are also several noted historic attractions here, including the Dunberg Fort, the Gallus Oratory and the RIASC Monastic Site. Southern Dingle is home of its namesake town and also boasts quintessential Irish green countryside and many bays. The lesser-visited northern side of the peninsula is a land of windswept beaches and high country, having the tallest mountains and fantastic views.

Dunbeg Fort image

Dunbeg Fort

Address: Slea Head Drive, Fahan, Ventry, Dingle, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, IE
Tel: +353 (0)66 915 9755
Email: info@dunbegfort.com
Website: www.dunbegfort.com
Set towards the end of Dingle Peninsula on a large promontory is the ancient Dunbeg Fort, built well over 1,000 years ago and regarded by many as one of the most important archaeological sites in the area. The associated visitor centre furnishes tourists with details on the fort - when it was built, extensions and who lived in this well-preserved stone structure.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Picture showing the RIASC Monastic Site

RIASC Monastic Site

Address: Ballyferriter, Dingle, Republic of Ireland, IE
Located to the north-west of Dingle town, near Ballyferriter, is this ancient enclosed site excavated in the 1970s. Features include a fabulous carved cross with various Celtic motifs, as well as dry stone huts, a burial ground, an oratory, pathways and a corn-drying kiln. It is believed to have been built around the 5th century and was in use for several hundred years. More information on the RIASC Monastic Site can be had in the associated museum in Ballyferriter, along with items excavated here.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Photo of Slea Head

Slea Head (Ceann Sléibhe)

Address: Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, IE
Slea Head is just 16 km / 10 miles to the west of Dingle and stands at the very edge of the peninsula. This attraction makes for a popular day trip and features a dramatic coastline and jagged cliffs, so common to the west coast of Ireland, and can easily be visited on a tour around the Dingle Peninsula. There is a good beach here, great for a paddle in the summer, and the views across to the Blasket Islands really are quite sublime.

Mount Brandon view

Mount Brandon (Cnoc Bréanainn)

Address: Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, IE
Mount Brandon is one of the country's highest mountains and is great for hikers. It is around 1,000 metres / 3,280 feet above sea level and has the most fantastic panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding emerald countryside. Several routes have been established up to the peak of Mount Brandon, though it is always wise to check on the weather forecast before making an attempt on the summit.

Ventry Beach

Ventry (Ceann Trá)

Address: Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, IE
The small village of Ventry is just a few miles from Dingle and is perfect for a day trip. Based around a scenic and sheltered harbour, Ventry boasts some 5 km / 3 miles of gorgeous sandy beachfront, which ranks amongst the most attractive on Ireland's western coast. The beach at Ventry is considered to be extremely safe and affords a number of recreational attractions, such as swimming, sea canoeing, sailing, windsurfing and even pier jumping. Rahinnane Castle may also be of interest and once served as the home of the Knight of Kerry.

Picture of lake within the Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park

Address: Killarney, County Kerry, Republic of Ireland, IE
Website: www.killarneynationalpark.ie
Dingle is conveniently sited close to the Killarney National Park, which comprises vast oak and yew woodlands, bogland and a wealth of Irish flora and fauna. Home to the country's only indigenous herd of Red Deer, the park's attractions also include the Lakes of Killarney, Muckross House, Ross Castle, Kenmare House and the Mountains of East Kerry. Horse and carriage rides regularly transport visitors around the park.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free