The Bottom Line
Jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, the Dingle Peninsula is one of the westernmost areas of Ireland. Here Irish is still spoken on a daily basis, but in summer the massive influx of tourists may lead to a Babylonian babble of voices. The area is best visited in spring or fall, it virtually closes down in winter. The Dingle Peninsula as an attraction can be a two-edged sword - wild, deserted and simply breathtaking in many places ... commercialized, overcrowded and stifling in others.
Pros
- Unspoilt coastal landscapes and beaches.
- Roads lead over high mountain passes, other mountains wait to be climbed.
- Numerous historic and prehistoric sites.
Cons
- Can be overpopulated by tourists in summer.
Description
- The peninsula north of Dingle Bay is the westernmost area of Ireland.
- Despite becoming ever more popular with tourists, quiet and unspoilt areas can still be found.
- The Dingle Peninsula is largely Irish-speaking, a so-called gaeltacht.
- Curious fact - locals do not like to use the original Irish name An Daingean because tourists might not find Dingle then ...
Guide Review - Dingle Peninsula (County Kerry)
The best route onto the Dingle Peninsula is via Tralee - take a right after passing the Blennerville windmill, follow the coast road and finally take the left turn signposted "Connor Pass". After a steep and challenging ascent stop at the large car park and have a walk. The Dingle Peninsula lies at your feet. Now you can decide where to go:
An Daingean
The town formerly known as Dingle has a lively fishing harbor and Fungie the dolphin. A good base for a holiday, though the summer months can be overcrowded.Baile an Fheirtéaraigh
Better known as Ballyferriter this charming village is home to the Louis Mulcahy pottery and a small museum.Blasket Centre
A modern development centered on the history of the nearby Blasket Islands, the writers and storytellers coming from there and the Irish language.Blasket Islands
The islands were evacuated in 1953, but boats still go out to them from An Daingean.Ceann an Dúin Mhoir
... or Dunmore Head, Ireland's most westerly point (excluding islands, obviously).Dunbeg Fort
An Iron Age fortification, one of the best preserved in Ireland. Nearby are the beehive huts of Fahan, maybe a form of accommodation for medieval pilgrims.Gallarus Oratory
An early medieval church near Smerwick, built from stone without mortar and shaped like a boat - an architectural and ecclesiastical gem.Kilmalkedar
The Romanesque church of Cill Maolchésdair es in ruins, but in the graveyard you might find ancient crosses, a medieval sundial and pagan memorial stones.Riasc
A monastic settlement of the 7th century, excavated and open to the public. Visitors will find an inscribed "pillar stone". These stones were precursors of the high crosses.Slea Head
Reached via the Slea Head Drive, a massive Crucifixion scene and a stunning View of the Blasket Islands are to be found here.
