Dingle Peninsula

Dingle is on the edge of the Irish speaking Gaeltacht – though for economy reasons it resides within the Gaeltacht. Further out the peninsula the Irish language is commonly spoken

The town of Dingle has many craft and art shops and has attracted a number of artists to the region. Throughout the year there are a number of art exhibitions.

Dingle has one of the longest established aquariums in Ireland. The aquarium is very popular with all family members.

The Dingle peninsula has a wealth of- archaeological sites – from monastic beehive huts, forts, early Christian churches to carved stones.

The port of Dingle is a working fishing harbour. Fish caught in the Atlantic are regularly unloaded on the docks. The restaurants benefit from their proximity to the harbour and can serve very fresh fish. The harbour and bay are very sheltered from winter Atlantic storms.

There is a good walk along the east side of the bay, down by the Hotel along the shore and out past the lighthouse to where the open sea crashes against the cliffs.

Having a fishing tradition, Dingle offers both the experienced and newcomer some exciting sea angling trips.

Typical fish caught on a trip could include conger eel, pollack and ray. If you prefer to watch the fish from dry land, check them out in Ocean world aquarium.

Fungi the dolphin made his home in Dingle Harbour in 1984 and has enthralled many visitors ever since.

He swims in the outer harbour and is regularly seen leaping from the water. An entire tourist ferry business has been created by Dingles most revered citizen.

Boats leave Dingle Pier every hour every day to see Fungi wild and free in his natural habitat.

Group bookings and school tours are catered for, and there is no charge if the dolphin is not seen.

Follow the route of the Slea Head drive from Dingle - along the rugged coast line, past the Blasket Islands, through Ballyferriter and back to Dingle

Slea Head
A tour of Slea Head whether by self drive or tour operator must include a visit to Dunbeg Fort, the Beehive Huts, a stop to see the Blasket Islands and Coomeenole ( coo meen ole ) strand and of course the little church at- Gallurus.

Dunbeg Fort
Perched on the edge of a cliff for about 2000 years, a visit to Dunbeg offers a glimpse back in time. Much of the fort remains in tact – despite visitors walking on top of the walls.

The scattered village and town land of Dunquin along the Slea Head Loop overlooks the Blasket islands.

The heritage centre close to the cliff road tells the story of the writers of the Blasket Islands and is well worth a visit.

There are a number of cafes and bars in the area.

During the tourist season, weather permitting, ferry boats leave this tiny harbour for the trip to the Blasket Islands.

Tickets can be bought from local Bed and Breakfasts and from the kiosk above the harbour.

It's possible to walk most of the route from Slea Head to Ballydavid along the coastal tracks without having to walk the road.

Smerwick Harbour and Bay is on the north west side of the western end of the Dingle Peninsula, facing the village of Ballyferriter and on the Slea Head Drive.

The bay is almost enclosed with a relatively narrow opening in the Sisters cliffs (The Three sisters are on the west side and cliffs continue on the east side ). The southern end of the bay has long sandy beaches.

The tiny Smerwick harbour is on the west side of the bay and Ballydavid is far across on the north east side.

Take time out and follow the marked Ballydavid Cliff walk - Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula is ideal for those who enjoy walking through the country side.

A number of fine publications outlining the various walking trails can be purchased locally.

The book "Easy Walks of West Dingle" we found to be particularly useful and straightforward.

Mount Brandon, the highest peak in the Dingle peninsula and one of the highest (950 m) in Ireland.

The mountain is named after Saint Brendan who set sail from Brandon Creek below for the Americas.

Life on the islands swept by Atlantic gales was harsh and the islanders were often isolated from the main land for weeks by winter storms.

The islanders eked a living from fishing and tillage – sowing potatoes and oats.

Some households had a cow or two which had to be brought over from the mainland not by ferry but by swimming behind a currach – the small canvas boat of the islanders.

Turf was an important source of fuel. The hill tops were covered in blanket bog and this was cut and dried into turf during summer in preparation for the long winter. During the cold months, the dried turf was burnt in the open fires in the village cottages.