Dingle Peninsula

The Dingle Peninsula reaches into the Atlantic in the far south-west, a wild landscape of mountains, sea cliffs and green fields dotted with ancient stone huts and forts, much of it Irish-speaking. The Slea Head Drive loops its dramatic tip past the Blasket Islands, and the lively harbour town of Dingle anchors it with pubs, music and seafood.

Highlights

• Slea Head Drive - the scenic loop around the peninsula's cliff-edged tip.
• The beehive huts - the ancient dry-stone Gallarus Oratory and clochans.
• Dingle town - the colourful harbour town of pubs, music and seafood.
• The Blasket Islands - the abandoned islands off the tip and their story.

When to go

Late spring to early autumn for the mildest weather; the peninsula is beautiful and wild year-round. Slea Head Drive is best clockwise on the narrow roads.

Good to know

The roads on Slea Head are narrow and can be busy in season. The weather is famously changeable, so cloud and rain come and go. It rewards slow exploration and stops rather than rushing the loop.

Nearby

The Ring of Kerry is on the next peninsula south; Killarney is inland.

Key facts