Dingle Town Map
Dingle Town Map
Descending from the incredible Conor Pass, Ireland’s highest mountain pass, you’ll arrive at the bustling cosmopolitan town of DINGLE, the peninsula’s main hub. This colourful fishing town, set around a busy fishing port and marina, is packed with eclectic eateries and traditional pubs where you’re bound to catch a lively traditional music session.
The town’s most famous resident is Fungi, a friendly bottle-nosed dolphin who has been living in the bay since 1983. Children will love taking boat trips to visit Fungi or a visit to the town’s well-stocked aquarium. North of Dingle town is the mighty rampart of Brandon and on its western side lies a coastal plain, studded with typical Irish hamlets and villages. This western end of the peninsula offers magnificent coastal scenery.
There is so much to attract you to Dingle…fungi, magnificent surroundings, eating, music, drinking and activities such as golfing, equestrian, surfing, climbing, kayaking… log onto www.discoverireland.ie placestogo dingle for information on upcoming events, places to visit and things to do… you won’t be disappointed, we have something to suit everyone… discover ireland… the fun starts here.
The Dingle Dolphin – Fungi – He is an adult male Atlantic Bottlenosed dolphin about 20 years old. He is totally wild and free; he catches his own fish and is self sufficient in every way. He took up residence at the mouth of Dingle harbour as a young dolphin, possibly orphaned in 1984, when he first allowed local divers to approach him. Since about 1986 he has actively sought the company of human beings. He often approaches and jumps snorkellers, divers and canoeists. “Fungi” in Dingle is unique both for the length of time he has been here and for the variety and complexity of his interactions with people.
Places of Interest around Dingle
The Dingle Way
Experience the magnificent coastal scenery of Dingle on foot by following The Dingle Way, a 179-kilometre, marked walking route which follows a complete circuit of the peninsula past cliffs, beaches and mountains. The full route, starting and ending in Tralee, would take 8 to 9 days but smaller routes can be undertaken by daytrippers. Ordnance survey maps 70 and 71 display the entire route clearly. Explore the boreens and beaches of Dingle by bike which can be hired from Paddy’s Bike Shop, Dykegate Street, or from Foxy John’s Pub, Main Street.
Dingle Peninsula
From Dingle via Ventry, Slea Head, Dunquin, Ballyferriter, Ballydavid, Murreagh, Feoghanagh, Brandon Creek and south of Dingle continuing from Dingle over the Coner Pass take in Cloghane, Brandon, Castlegregory, The Maharees, Camp and returning to Dingle via Annascaul and Lispole. The western end of the peninsula offers magnificent coastal scenery. The Conor Pass, the highest mountain pass in Ireland, links the northern and southern sides of the Dingle Peninsula.
The Slea Head Drive
Drive the SO-mile loop west of Dingle town to explore the peninsula’s rich archaeological history, from the Iron Age promontory fort of Dun beg, and the medieval beehive huts, to the early Christian churches of Gallarus and Kilmalkedar. Visit the three museums of the peninsula to explore the history of the area further: the Celtic and Prehistoric Museum at Ventry, the Blasket Island Heritage Centre at Dunquin or the Ballyferriter Archaeological Museum
Ring of Kerry
From Dingle, via Annascaul, Castlemain, Milltown, Killorglin, Glenbeigh, Caherciveen, Waterville, Sneem, Kenmare, Killarney and return to Dingle. To obtain a panoramic view of Kerry’s most outstanding scenery this trip is a must! (See Ring of Kerry or Kerry Guide).
The Blasket Islands
Uninhabited since 1953, the Great Blasket Island can be accessed by passenger ferry from both Dunquin and Dingle town. Walk the island or picnic on the strand; watch out for puffins and seals, choughs and gannets. The maritime wildlife of the islands can be further explored by Eco-Tour, a 2.5 to 3 hour cruise around the Blasket Islands – boats leave from both Dunquin harbour and Dingle Marina everyday throughout the summer months. To book ferries or Eco-Tour: 066-9151344/066-9156422.
Cashel Murphy Beehive Huts
Ancient Celtic and pre-Celtic Stone settlement ,which has Five Beehive huts and an Underground Souterrain (Tunnel which leads to an underground building ) Where they stored food and grain and also hid from Enemies.This is one of the most well preserved and impressive monuments in the country. Its the first car park, Just 200 metres from where the river runs over the road on the Slea head drive. Guided tours available , Call Jerry at 0876829392 for Information.
Activities To Enjoy
surfing
The beaches of Brandon Bay and Inch afford great surfing conditions
kayaking
Enjoy a half day sea kayaking trip in Dingle Bay to explore the many caves along the coastline and say hello to Fungi the Dingle dolphin. Also you can try a sunset kayaking trip, rock-climbing or abseiling at sea cliffs or mountain biking. Book at The Mountain Man Outdoor Shop or at Irish Adventures next to Marina Bar or call 087-4190318
golf
Play a round of golf at the local golf clubs … details available locally from the Dingle Tourist Office. T. +353 66 915118 or log onto www.discoverireland.ie for further information.
Equestrian
Long’s Horse Riding & Trekking Centre (See advertising panels for further information.
Cinema
CINEMAX. See all the latest films in 2D and 3D. (Check out our advertising panels)
Music
The tradition of Irish music, song and dance goes back to the beginning of time in the Dingle Peninsula. In our grandfather’s time, there was dancing at the crossroads. Next came the house dances, the biddy balls and American wakes. A lone accordionist usually provided the music on these occasions. Today we have the pub session or seisiun; a group get together, the more instruments the better and they all synchronize to create the sweetest and most melodic music ever heard. In the heart of the West Kerry Gaeltacht, we have many such musicians. Muintir Ui Bhaghlaoich of national and international fame are perhaps the best known in these parts. The group Hot House Flowers have close connections with Dingle and play quite regularly in the area.
Folk Concerts
Many top class artists perform folk concerts throughout the season. Information is available from local newspapers and the Dingle Tourist Office.
Cinema
Nightly in Dingle Town. Check local press
Dancing Discotheques
Available during the season. Check locally.
Singing Pubs
There are many premises which provide entertainment, ranging from smaller intimate pubs to larger entertainment lounges. The atmosphere is friendly and the entertainment often spontaneous.
Fabulous Food
Available locally, you won’t be disappointed in what is on offer in Dingle town and throughout the county of Kerry. Catering for all appetites, see advertising panels and check locally for details.
