Relaxing Things To Do In Dingle

An Overview of Dingle

Dingle is a small town full of artistic and friendly citizens. The area is famed for it’s off-kilter hardware pubs which pragmatically sell pints and iron nails side-by-side. Outside the town, there are ancient ruins, dramatic coastlines, swells of salty waves, sheep upon cliffs and clouded skies which shift from minute to minute. The city is especially well known for their food and beloved culinary culture. There are many relaxing things to do in Dingle.

Relaxing Things To Do In Dingle

Slea Head Drive

Scenic drives through the countryside are some of the most popular things to do in Dingle. The Slea Head Drive is a long and winding scenic driving route following the edges of cliffs.  The 46 kilometer route rivals the Ring of Kerry in terms of beauty. There are numerous attractions on the route, including the rugged cliffs of Coumeenoole Beach, the dramatic overlook near Cé Dhún Chaoin (also known as Dunquin Pier), The Gallarus Oratory stacked-stone chapel, the rolling mounds around Conor Pass, the devestating Famine Cottages (Teachíní an Ghorta Mhóir) and the standing runic stones of Riasc Monastic Settlement. Thanks to the rolls of the road and gorgeous scenery, the Slea Head Drive is one of the most relaxing things to do in Dingle.

Bean in Dingle

Located on Green Street in Dingle, this is an excellent coffee shop which is locally sourced and improved by the addition of baked goods.

Fungie the Dolphin

Fungie is likely the most iconic individual in all of Dingle.  He’s a wild bottlenose dolphin who used to call the bay home.  Sadly, after nearly forty years of companionship with the citizens of Dingle, Fungie is no longer sighted. However, his legacy lives on, and many of Dingle’s features honor the marine companion and show respect towards other bottlenose dolphins which visit the bay.

Inch Beach

Inch Beach is the prime sunset-viewing location near Dingle. Visitors who rest along Inch Beach can enjoy views of crashing waves, steep sharp mountains and tiny groups of surfers.

Foxy John’s

Dingle has an odd tradition of combining pubs with hardware shops. Foxy John’s is one example of the hybrid store. This strange pub-hardware store can offer patrons a pint, some rat poison and a bike rental all in the same visit. Fortunately, all goods and services are properly seperated and fully appreciated by visitors

Gallarus Oratory

This is a unique structure from the 11th century with an interior alit by a single thin window.  There’s a local legend which states that those who can fit through the window are guaranteed access to heaven. However, actually forcing one’s self through the protected ruin’s window is frowned upon in this era.

Murphy’s Ice Cream

Murphy’s Ice Cream can be found in many major settlements throughout Ireland, but the original shop is located in Dingle. Murphy’s makes the most unique ice cream native to Ireland.  The ice cream shop boasts many unique flavors and is made from a special brand of milk from Ireland’s Kerry Cows.

The Great Blasket Island

This is a large island found at the tip of the Dingle Peninsula, complete with over 1,000 acres of unspoilt verdant mountains and green-field terrain. Long ago, the island was home to a small fishing community that was eventually abandoned s their way of life became unsustainable. Now, the island is a network of hiking trails to various viewing points so visitors might glimpse seals, dolphins, whales, sharks and a stunning array of birds.

Gallamore

Just outside of town is an enormous standing-stone monument, a four meter grey slab raised several thousand years ago.

Dunbeg Fort

Dunbeg Fort is a promontory fort overlooking Dingle Bay, constructed in the Iron Age times to withstand rough seas and harsh weather. The fort is made of tightly stacked stones on the edge of a sheer cliff. The fort is small, but elaborately constructed.

The Dingle Way

The Dingle Way is a fantastic 176 Kilometer walking route arching out around the Dingle Peninsula.  It takes roughly eight days to fully hike and visits stunning landscapes and tough terrain. The route passes Anascaul, Dingle, Dunquin, Ballycurrane, Cloghan, Castlegregory and Camp. Officially, the route begins and ends in Tralee.

Fahan Beehive Huts

These Beehives can be found on Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula. These are a collection of stone huts, some crafted underground and other standing upright against the elements. The stones are artfully constructed, since the original builders didn’t use any mortar. Instead, rings of stone were gradually stacked on top of one another, laboriously shifting towards the center until making a snug, capped roof. The building techniques, which likely housed hermit monks, pagans and fishermen, make the huts almost impossible to date, since this buidling technique was used for thousands of years. These heritage sites were also used as background props for the Star Wars films.

Eask Tower

A large coastal tower designed to guide ancient vessels into Dingle Harbor. The solid-stone building sits atop Carhoo Hill with views of the harbor. The tower was necessary since Dingle is a “blind” harbor, meaning sailing ships would need to dramatically reduce speed to enter. The presence of the tower could signal incoming ships on directions and speed reduction moments.

Read more about relaxing things to do in Dingle and seeing the world by visiting Leftfade Trails Blog.

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