The Unknown Ahead

Ready to mingle in Dingle? This peninsula on Ireland’s west coast has so much to offer families looking for wildlife, views, hikes, history, and (of course) great pubs. Situated about 4 hours from Dublin, I would definitely road trip through this area in addition to exploring the Ring of Kerry. I feel like a lot of people target the Ring of Kerry, which is gorgeous, don’t get me wrong; however, the Wild Atlantic Way is just as dramatic and has ample activities to keep the whole family happy. Dingle is a really fun spot and is full of great seafood restaurants too.

Why target Dingle? The wildlife! In addition to the traditional sheep and sheepdogs, did you know dolphins and puffins are prevalent off the coast of Dingle? There are also some really cool falconry experiences suitable for the whole family. And for those who need a distillery in Ireland, don’t worry! Dingle has you covered!

Take a look at our interactive map to create your road trip! And be sure to check out other Ireland posts if you have a longer trip. Let’s be on our way to the lovely town of Dingle!

Unique Dingle Experiences

1. Dingle Sea Safari – This was such a fun experience for the whole family! As far as experiences go, this was one of our most memorable excursions in Ireland. You meet your guide at the dock in Dingle where they suit you up for any weather. And I mean any weather! We visited in early June and it was quite windy and chilly. Although we had coats, hats, and mittens, it would have gotten pretty uncomfortable out on the water for hours without Sea Safari gear. They offered up some serious water/wind proof pants and really cozy coats with hoods. We were toasty and comfortable the whole trip despite the windy weather. The captain was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We learned a lot about Ireland’s coast, the puffin population, the dolphin pods, and seals. I would expect this trip in Hawaii, not in Ireland! It was such a cool surprise to see a crazy amount of dolphins – and boy did they put on a show!
2. Kingdom Falconry – Ever want to pet a baby owl? Hold a falcon? You’re in luck! Kingdom Falconry really exceeded expectations. The backdrop is downtown Dingle, so you’re already in for a treat. And then you meet the Kingdom Falconry team, and you’re totally in love with these birds. They were so informative, super patient in answering all 10,000 of my son’s bird questions, and you could feel the passion this team had for their animals. If you’re visiting Ireland as a multi-generational group, this is an activity that will please the youngest and wisest in the family.
3. Dingle Sheepdogs – It’s no secret that sheep dominate the Irish countryside. They’re everywhere. Seriously, close your eyes, spin around, and open them…you’ll see a sheep. So why not learn how people have been gathering these fuzzy friends for centuries? The Dingle sheepdog experience was so much fun! While waiting for the show, you have access to lots of animals on the property – sheep (duh), donkeys, goats, hold a baby lamb, and pet the dogs. You can get little containers of food which delighted all of the kiddos in our group. The actual dog show is really impressive. One of the dogs responds to English and the other to Gaelic, so it’s cool to hear the different languages and see the dogs work together.

Hikes & Drives

• The first hike on my list is the Star Wars Hike (The Last Jedi). Full disclosure, I’ve seen the original three Star Wars and have been a little lazy with the rest. Don’t ask me for specifics, but this hike brings you to an infamous Star Wars location. It was an easy hike through pastures and up a slope to an incredible view. The route is well marked and very easy for all ages. Unfortunately, it started pouring rain on our way there, but we were troopers and carried on to the end! In general, be prepared for aaaalllllll weather when hiking in Ireland! Also think about your footwear. Not only do you want to be comfortable, but be aware that sheep poop is everywhere. Like every ten steps. Maybe every five steps. Everywhere. You can see my Google Map at the end of the post for trail head locations.
• My second hike suggestion is the Eask Tower hike. This is on private property so you have to pay a few euro to start your trek. This one is not only an incredible view of Dingle and the harbor, but also full of history. This solid stone tower was used as a beacon for ships trying to find the Dingle harbor. Think of it like a light house without the light. It’s truly amazing that this structure has been hanging out here since 1847. If you go on the Dingle Sea Safari, you’ll recognize the tower as you go in and out of the bay. For the exact location, check out the Google Map at the end of the post.
• Slea Head Drive – This is like The Ring of Kerry, but in Dingle. There are so many spots to stop along this route for ridiculous views! Conor Pass Waterfall is gorgeous and super fun to climb. You can scurry up the rocks to a little waterfall and lake. This was probably my kid’s favorite activity because there seemed to be no rules and no path, just climb willy-nilly up the rocks until you hit the lake. Kinard Beach is part of the Slea Head Drive loop. You’d think you were in the Caribbean! Lovely, clear blue water on a white sand beach. Bring some towels in the trunk so that you can ditch your shoes and wade into the water. The Gallarus Oratory is a great 30-minute stop. This old building and grounds are a little bit of a mystery, but it’s thought to be a place of worship from 1000 years ago. There’s an easy walk to the site, a little gift shop, and a documentary that explains the grounds. Along the Slea Head are also several Beehive Huts and old houses that you can tour. I’d set aside one full day to drive around the sites and enjoy these views.

Town of Dingle & Restaurants

• Guys, this is the cutest town! If you feel the need for shopping, look no further! There are little gift shops all over the place, so buy some souvenirs: wool sweaters, scarves, sweatshirts, jewelry, you-name-it. A few places that I would highlight: Dingle Crystal – forget Waterford, these crystal glasses are beyond gorgeous! There are several designs that are all linked to Ireland and Dingle. We bought a few glasses with the Beehive design and the traditional harp of Ireland. Everything is made by hand and beyond beautiful. Murphy’s Ice Cream is a local favorite. Ever thought you’d need a gin flavored ice cream? Irish Bread ice cream? Just close your eyes and take a bite. It’s all amazing, and the staff here is tremendously nice. It’s a little pricey, but you’re on vacation! There’s also a great little aquarium in Dingle called Oceanworld that will keep your kids happy for 3+ hours. Enjoy the octopus, otters, penguins, and fish! In case your children haven’t had enough sugar, there’s also a great Sweets Shoppe where you can purchase a zillion candies of all kinds. I’d suggest hitting up the sweets store before hikes so that you can use candy as bribes to keep walking!

• Restaurants – where to begin? We had so many amazing seafood experiences in Dingle! Honestly, get reservations. We were traveling with extended family (10 people), so reservations were a must with a large group. But I was surprised how small some of these restaurants were and how packed they were given that we were there in early June. Here were my favorites:
  • The Boatyard – Honestly, one of the best seafood restaurants ever. There is a full kids menu with legit options like salmon and cod. I had the Fisherman’s Pie, and it was truly one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. Buttery, creamy, full of fish and shellfish…I can’t even do it justice with words. Not only was this place delicious, but the views over the harbor were perfect. Highly recommend!
  • Fenton’s – Everything here is sourced locally and beautifully prepared. There is a children’s menu with fish ‘n chips, but also a lot of healthy options. The oysters were really good! It’s a small place, so definitely call ahead.
  • The Dingle Pub – OK, this is just a pub. Normal pub food. Good stuff. But the great part about this spot is the live music and the ambiance. Stained glass windows, old bar, really fun vibes, chatty locals, quintessential Ireland.
  • The Half Door – This is a little more upscale, but still family friendly. There are lots of options here from fish-to-beef-to-lamb. Everything was delicious.
  • This one is NOT a restaurant, but was my favorite places in all of Ireland. Maybe it’s because I’m a music teacher, but I love traditional Irish music. If you want to have a Guinness while listening to traditional instruments, look no further than O’Sullivan’s Courthouse. Weird name, I know. But this place hosts some of the best Irish musicians in the country. Things start a little later around 8pm or so, but the nightly lineup never fails. I seriously went here every night. Although it’s a pub, there is a major focus on the music. So get your pint, find a seat, and listen respectfully. Kids are welcome, but it’s not the kind of place where you can run around or be loud.

Whether you want to drive through in a few days or spend a week, you will not be disappointed with your stay in Dingle! The people are super friendly, the food is amazing, the views are even amazing-er, and there is so much to explore! You could easily spend a week with Dingle as a home base and not be able to do it all. We combined Dingle with The Ring of Kerry, and I really wish we had more time to explore!

Here is our Google Map of activities! Feel free to mix-and-match activities based on the weather and your interests. Just be sure to have a proper pint between locations! Slàinte!