Location: Dingle
Top Things to do in Dingle
10 Things to do in Dingle That You Shouldn't Miss
Perched on the hem of the Atlantic in Ireland's southwest, charming Dingle looks out over Dingle Bay to the Blasket Islands. Chock full of friendly pubs where live traditional music plays, the Irish-speaking area fills to the brim with tourists on weekends and through summer. Another regular visitor to Dingle's Gulf Stream-warmed waters is Fungi, the dolphin, the town's unofficial mascot. Popular tourist attractions include the beaches, Mount Brandon and Ballydavid and Ballyferriter villages.
Restaurants in Dingle
1. Eask Tower
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 255 reviews
Reviewed By macbethLivingston
Unbelievable views of lovely Dingle Bay and sheep to accompany you along the 30-minute climb! Wear washable shoes as you’ll need to clean them with a hose (provided by gate keeper Mary) after walking in sheep droppings!
2. Coumeenoole Beach
3. Dingle Oceanworld
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 992 reviews
A large aquarium filled with countless species of marine life.
Reviewed By Thors-other-hammer
Who doesn't love an aquarium? I've been to a good few of them at this stage and this is up there as a really good one. Great for families or anyone looking for an interesting hour or so.
4. Gallarus Oratory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,593 reviews
Ancient church built over 1,000 years ago.
Reviewed By WeDreamOfTravel - Texas, United States
Amazing original, 7th-century oratory. No mortar was used to construct it; the stones are perfectly fitted together to create the dry and solid structure that has stood the test of time. The area is very peaceful and away from towns. A parking lot and a small visitors' center welcome guests before they proceed along the walkway to the oratory. With only one window and one doorway, the cosy inside of the oratory is rather dark and free from distractions outside, perfect for someone praying inside 1,400 years ago. If you are in this area of Ireland, this is a spot you should consider adding to your itinerary. It's not every day we can enter a 6th century building that is in such fabulous condition.
5. Kilmalkedar Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By Steambush - Great Barrington, United States
It was late In the day. We’d just come from the Gallarus Oratory, and we decided to fin the Kilmalkedar Church in the recommendation of a woman at a gift shop some 20 miles back. It was quite a moment, being there late in the day. No commercial solicitation. Alone entirely. Sun setting low in The sky over the ocean and Mountains. The ogham stone, sun dial, old Large cross, and Latin lettered stone (inside the structure) are remarkable, some dating back to 600 AD. It was a most solemn experience. Beautiful.
6. St James' Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
St James' Church, Dingle with its adjacent graveyard, is situated on some 2 acres of sloping ground, on the north east side of the Main Street of Dingle town in County Kerry, Ireland. It is a living church, a constituent member of the worldwide Anglican Communion and a member of the Tralee and Dingle Union of Parishes. People of all ages, nationalities and faiths are welcome to visit or attend Sunday service which is in accordance with the Church of Ireland tradition. Throughout the year, St James' Church also hosts a programme of diverse cultural from traditional music to concerts to exhibitions, lectures and films. Many famous artists have performed here especially during the annual recording of RTE Other Voices TV series. Planning permission has been granted for restoration works which will see this historic building and graveyard preserved and enhanced as a valuable community resource in the 21st century. The Friends of St James' are actively fundraising for this.
Reviewed By mlc-Chelsea
When in Dingle, don’t miss the concert series produced by Eoin Duignan. In season, it’s on 3 times/week, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, early evening at the St. James Church. The night we attended, the musicians were profesionnal - top notch, with Eoin himself on the pipes, Jon Sanders on the guitar and a duet of sisters from the Blasket Islands singing traditional melodies. It was a special treat. You can buy tickets at various venues in town and they post announcements in the windows of shops such as Dingle Record Shop on Green Street so you know what musician is featured in the upcoming concert.
7. Dingle Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 467 reviews
Producing award-winning Dingle Whiskey, Dingle Original Gin and Dingle Vodka since 2012. Distillery Tours available.. Tour times 10:00, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00 and 16:30. Covid-19 restrictions mean tour spaces are currently limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Please be advised persons under 12 years old are not permitted on site. Suggested Duration: 45 min - 1 hour
Reviewed By didrike2020
Went to this tour and tasting along with my girlfriend. It’s different from others we’ve been to as this distillery makes gin, vodka and whiskey. We got to sample some whiskey almost right away and then our guide David took us for a tour in the distillery to show us the steps in the process of making whiskey. You can tell that David is really passionate about making these spirits and his enthusiasm is contagious. The way he talked about the drinks they produce reveals that Dingle Distillery is really proud of what they’re doing, as they should be. In the end we tasted vodka and gin which was way better than i thought it would be. Would recommend this tasting to anyone!
8. Harry Clarke Stained Glass Windows
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Diseart Institute of Celtic Spirituality and Culture is housed in a neo Gothic building designed by J J Mc Carthy. The bulding and its artworks are open to the public for viewing. The small chapel contains 6 sets of two Gothic style lancet windows by Harry Clarke. The building is set in gardens which contain the nuns graveyard and two upper gardens designed by Mary Reynolds.
Reviewed By EllenF317 - New York City, United States
Behind every stone in Dingle, a story is waiting to be discovered. Behind St. Mary's church on Green Street is a beautiful meditation garden inspired by the Tree of Life, divided into three realms of being, roots, trunk, and crown reflecting past, present, and future. Great to relax here with a coffee or tea. The serene Garden leads to the Convent of the Presentation Sisters, now the Diseart Centre of Irish Spirituality and Culture. Open to visitors, Monday - Saturday 10am - 4pm, at 3 euro each, Children Free. Check out their interesting courses in Irish Culture. Do see the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, with exquisite stained glass windows created by artist Harry Clarke in 1922, and, commissioned by the savvy Superior Mother Ita for a mere 1000 pounds. Movie scenes from the 'Agony and the Ecstasy' run through my mind… I grin to myself thinking, Mother Ita must have been one fierce lady. Amen. Sunlight floods the Chapel and story of Christ's life in stained glass artistry. I am swept into Harry Clarke's delicate faces filled with joy and sorrow. Six windows are inspired by gospels from Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. My favorite window is when Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene. The image of Mary is striking, on her knees in humility and awe, looking up at Christ who stares through her towards something only he can see. Most endearing is the way they are both holding their hand to heart. Good to read about Harry Clarke online before you go... like most artists he had a hard life and understood that sorrow always turns to joy if you follow the light. This is evident in the rich palette of colors in facial and hair features, garments and back ground choice. If you're patient, the windows change in tone and vibrancy as the sun moves outside. Tip: Stop by the former Sisters Dining Room before you leave and stare awestruck at a massive wall Fresco painted by Colorado mural artist, Eleanor Yates in 2011. The mural represents the moment when Jesus consecrates the bread and breaks it for distribution to the eleven apostles, but Judas has left in a hurry leaving his empty chair fallen on the floor. The Apostle at the extreme right looking at the viewer is Doubting Thomas. The one on Jesus' right is Peter, and the one on his left is John. Eleanor created a large scale Last Supper embedded with local images, scenes and art forms. The Apostles are all local men the artist found in various searches throughout the town of Dingle with just the right face and demeanor. They were asked to model, sometimes in full costume, for drawings and photographs. The items on the mural table were also pieced together in much the same way as the Apostles. Local artisans crafted the glasses, pitcher and ceramic vases. Even the bread, fish, olives and wine were all locally made. It's amazing really, from Italy to Denver to Dingle... art is a living gift that never dies.
9. Irish Famine Cottages
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 378 reviews
Reviewed By StalkingTheGoodLife - Yardley, United States
We thought we'd check it out. It's a glimpse of history, a peaceful place along the Dingle Peninsula. It's not polished, it just is. That's what we liked, it feels more like a place you've discovered. It's a place someone preserved and thankfully is sharing.
10. Fahan BeeHive Huts
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 336 reviews
Reviewed By nic_cox - Dublin, Ireland
This might be the best place in Ireland to have a cup of tea ... incredible views, beehive huts , Aodhan the owner is great craic and yip I may have to give up lamb. If you’re in the area definitely make time to stop.
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