The Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula, stretches 30 miles (48 kilometres) into the Atlantic Ocean on the south-west coast on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. The peninsula is dominated by the range of mountains that form its spine, running from the Slieve Mish range to the Conor Pass and Mount Brandon, Ireland’s second highest peak. The magnificent coastline consists of steep sea-cliffs such as Slea Head (the most westerly point of Europe), dramatic headlands broken by sandy beaches, with the award-winning beach at Inch in the south and the Maharees to the north.

The Blasket Islands lie to the west and the peninsula is dotted with lovely villages that each offer their own unique sense of place…

Take a small detour from the Slea Head drive to visit Gallarus Oratory, a tiny early Christian church that resembles an upturned boat with its sloping side walls. Built using a system called corbelling, the Oratory has withstood the harsh Atlantic weather for at least ten centuries without the need for mortar and continues to exert a powerful spiritual influence today.

Far more than just a base for exploring the peninsula, Dingle town (an Daingean, in Irish) is small but endless interesting. Wander the winding streets to discover quirky shops, buzzing cafes, great restaurants, and – of course – probably the best pubs in the country.  Impromptu music sessions, odd conversations, and memorable characters are the order of the day.

Spend time in a place rich in tradition, literature and culture, where native Gaeilge (Irish language) prospers alongside modern languages, where the perfect harmony created by nature restores the spirit, where you can relax and savour the scenery, the flora and fauna, the art & photography, craft trails, the culture, the archaeology, the local food, craft distillery and breweries, or just meet the people – the choice is yours!