The Dingle peninsula is your destination, as you explore this dramatic and beautiful region that is littered with archaeological wonders, historical and cultural gems and golden beaches that meet the wild rolling waves of the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Your first stop off is at Inch beach, famous for being the place where an inch is actually three miles long. Heading due west to the edge of Europe, feast your eyes on breathtaking scenery of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches and the magnificent Blasket Islands. Continue your journey around this rich and vibrant peninsulas exploring its vast Gaelic culture and learning a cupla focal (some words) in Irish along the way. Take in a visit to the picturesque fishing town of Dingle, famed for its colourful streets, vibrant atmosphere and great food before making your return journey to Killarney.
Killarney
Killarney
Daily
9:00 AM – Recommended departure time. Setting off early is always recommended, but this is a self-guided experience, so you can leave when it suits you.
Overview
This spectacular walk on Dunmore Head offers you dramatic views of the wild Atlantic Ocean, Coumeenoole Bay and breath-taking views of the Blasket Islands.
As you arrive at the top of Dunmore Head, you will discover an Ogham stone, unusual in that it indicates pagan ancestry of the commemorated. It was not discovered until 1838 and the two metre stone was re-erected the following year. Its inscription is still legible and reads as “ERC MAQI MAQI-ERCIAS MU DOVINIA” Erc being the name of the person who is commemorated here.
In front of you the vision of the stunning Blasket Island will capture your eyes and fill you with admiration for the extraordinary lives of the talented inhabitants of the island who lived there up until 1953 and their unique Gaelic culture.
Highlights
Itinerary
10:30 AM: Arrive in Dingle – Departure point for Slea Head
11:00 AM: Commence Slea Head Experience
11:30 AM: Dunmore Head Walk – Self-guided
12:30 PM: Departure for Gallarus Oratory
01:00 PM: Visit Gallarus Oratory
01:15 PM: Departure for Dingle
01:30 PM: Arrive back in Dingle
Overview
Take a magnificent tour around the spectacular Slea Head Peninsula. Once described by National Geographic as “the most beautiful place on earth” the peninsula is littered with archaeological and historical sites that are nestled into the breathtakingly beautiful landscape.
Discover a land dotted with majestic views as you explore the dramatic and wild coastline of Slea Head. Delve into this unique destination by taking a visit to the stunning Blasket Island visitor centre to learn about the extraordinary lives of the talented inhabitants of the island who lived there up until 1953 and their unique Gaelic culture.
Highlights
Itinerary
10:30 AM: Arrive in Dingle – Departure point for Slea Head
11:00 AM: Commence Slea Head Experience
11:45 AM: Blasket Island Visitor Centre
12:45 PM: Departure for Gallarus Oratory
01:00 PM: Visit Gallarus Oratory
01:15 PM: Departure for Dingle
01:30 PM: Arrive back in Dingle
Overview
Explore the world famous Dingle town and Slea Head with an amazing self guided cycling tour of the spectacular peninsula. In Dingle you will hop on your bicycle to experience the impressive Slea Head peninsula. Slea Head (in Irish Ceann Sléibhe) is a promontory in the westernmost part of the Dingle Peninsula and is considered one of Ireland’s most westerly points and is marked by a stone crucifixion scene, with dramatic and breath-taking scenery of wild rugged coastline, golden beaches and the magnificent Blasket Islands.
Take the opportunity to have some down time in Dingle town, a picturesque fishing town that is famed for its quirky and colourful streets, before making your return journey to Killarney.
Highlights
Itinerary
10:30 AM: Arrive in Dingle – Departure point for Slea Head Cycle
10:45 AM: Equipment Prep & Route Brief for Slea Head Cycle
11:00 AM: Commence Self-Guided Cycle from Dingle
12:00 PM: Explore and experience Slea Head
03:15 PM: Arrive back in Dingle
Cycle Route
Distance: 45 km/28 miles approximately
Description: The cycle route starts in Dingle Town and loops around Slea Head before returning to Dingle Town. It is an undulating road route.
Departure for Dingle from Killarney
Make your first stop at the quaint village of Annascaul, which was home to Tom Crean, a famous Antarctic explorer. Tom was part of Captain Scott’s team that made one of the first attempts to reach the South Pole in the early 20th Century. There is a statue and believe it or not, a pub called the South Pole Inn in the centre of the village that commemorates Tom’s Antarctic adventures.
If you need a coffee or to use the toilet/restroom this is your opportunity. You will be back in Dingle for lunch and time to explore.
Depart from Dingle and enjoy the views of Slea Head.
Slea Head is considered one of Ireland’s most westerly points and is marked by a stone crucifixion scene, with dramatic views of the Blasket Islands, Dunmore Head and the wild Atlantic Ocean.
You can either stop off at Coumeenole Beach & Dunmore Head which is a stunning location with wonderful views of Coumeenoole Bay and the Blasket Islands.
Alternatively, if you prefer an indoor experience you can visit The Blasket Islands Visitor Centre and learn all about the people who inhabited the island until 1953. There is an entrance fee of €5 per person for the visitor centre.
One of the most famous landmarks on the Dingle Peninsula and situated close to Gallarus Castle. The Oratory , “The Church of the Place of the Foreigners”, is completely made of stone and in some way resembles an upturned boat.
Various dates have been suggested for its construction but an exact date for the same is not available (ranging from 6th to 12th Century). It is extremely well preserved and several archeological artifacts are to be found on the grounds of the Oratory. The Oratory and grounds are carefully maintained by the OPW.
Make your way to Dingle, or in Gaelic – An Daingean or Daingean Uí Chúis, meaning “Ó Cúis’ fort”.
This is your time to have lunch and explore this vibrant and colourful town that is the epicentre of the peninsula.
Depart from Dingle and enjoy the views as you make your way back to Killarney.
Take a stroll along Inch strand, a golden beach that offers beautiful scenery of Dingle Bay. The strand is a sand spit jutting into the sea between Dingle Harbour and Castlemaine Harbour and consists of three miles of sandy beach for bathing, surfing and sea angling.
The film ‘Playboy of the Western World’ was shot entirely at Inch as was scenes from the film ‘Ryan’s Daughter’.
You can also see wildlife such as sea otters and seals bask in the sunshine rearing their young, dolphins and gannets flying like arrows into the crystal blue waters.
We make our last stop of the day at Aghadoe, an incredible viewing point that overlooks the Lakes of Killarney, Innisfallen Island and the mountains of Killarney.
Aghadoe takes its name from Acha Dá Eo, which is Irish for “The place of the two yew trees”. (It was traditional for churchyards to have only one yew tree). There are ruins of a 13th century Parkavonear Castle and of “Aghadoe Cathedral,” an old Romanesque church.
Make your way back to Killarney and we really hope you have had an amazing time exploring the Dingle peninsula and its most unique destinations.
