Visiting Dingle is a must for anyone planning a trip to Ireland. Nestled in County Kerry, the town of Dingle is a small yet vibrant destination that offers breathtaking views and friendly and helpful locals. Known for its stunning landscapes, lively pubs, and friendly locals, Dingle offers a unique Irish experience that attracts visitors from around the world.
Exploring the Dingle Peninsula is one of the best things to do during your stay. With its scenic drives, charming villages, and historic sites, a tour of the Dingle Peninsula is an unforgettable experience.
Our pick of the best hotels in Dingle 🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Dingle Skellig Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: Dingle Benners Hotel
- 🏨 4-Star: Inch Beach House
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Dingle Bay Hotel
- 💸 Cheap: Rainbow Hostel
- 🏢 Apartment: Dingle Town Center Apartment
- 👨👩👧👦 For Families: Ceann Sibeal Hotel
- 🏩 For Couples: The Lantern Townhouse
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top areas to stay in Dingle, highlighting the best spots for every type of traveler. Plus, we’ll recommend some of the best hotels in Dingle, ensuring you have a great stay.
Quick Dingle Area Guide: ☀️
- 🏖️ For Stunning Beaches: Inch Beach Area
- 🍻 For Lively Pubs and Nightlife: Town Center
- 🏞️ For Scenic Drives and History: Slea Head Drive Area
- 🏝️ For a Quiet Seaside Retreat: Ventry Village
- 🍀 For an Authentic Irish Experience: Ballyferriter
- 🥾 For Hiking and Adventure: Annascaul
1. Inch Beach Area – Best for Beach Lovers and Water Sports Enthusiasts 🏄♂️🏖️
🌊 Surfer’s delight: The beach has the perfect conditions for windy water sports, with consistent waves and plenty of space to catch them. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner – there are lifeguards on duty during the summer months to keep an eye out.
🍂 Autumn swells: For the best surfing conditions, visit Inch Beach during the autumn months when the swells are at their peak. You can rent gear or take lessons from Kingdom Waves Surf School right on the beach.
🎣 More than surfing: But surfing isn’t the only draw here. Inch Beach is also a popular spot for:
- Storm fishing (the waters are teeming with species like bass, flounder and plaice)
- Long walks along the pristine sand
- Picnicking with a view of the mountains
- Swimming in the refreshing Atlantic waters
- Spotting wildlife in the surrounding dunes
🎥 Movie magic: The beach has been a filming location for many famous movies over the years, including Ryan’s Daughter and Far and Away. It’s easy to see why directors are drawn to the cinematic landscape.
🍽️ Seaside eats: After a day in the surf and sand, you’ll probably work up an appetite. Luckily, there are two great options for food and drink right by the beach:
- Sammy’s Restaurant – Cozy spot with tables right on the sand. Famous for fresh, locally-caught seafood chowder. Perfect for a pint of Guinness at sunset.
- Seafront Inn – Aptly named with beautiful views over the water. Extensive menu with everything from quick sandwiches to sit-down dinners. Cocktails, beers and wine available.
💰 Budget-friendly: Access to Inch Beach is completely free! There’s a small car park with about 60 spaces. Arrive early during peak season to snag a spot.
Accommodation in Inch Beach Area: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels in Inch Beach Area
- Inch Beach Cottages These charming cottages offer stunning sea views and direct access to Inch Beach, featuring fully equipped kitchens, cozy living areas, and private patios, perfect for a relaxing seaside getaway.
- Seascapes Kerry Located in the center of the Dingle Peninsula, Seascapes Kerry provides modern accommodations with breathtaking ocean views, spacious rooms, and a tranquil garden, ideal for those looking to explore the scenic beauty of the area.
- Inch Beach House Overlooking the stunning Inch Beach, this guesthouse offers comfortable rooms with panoramic sea views, a hearty breakfast, and easy access to local attractions, making it a perfect base for beach lovers and adventurers.
2. Town Center – Where to Stay in Dingle, Ireland for First-Time Visitors and Nightlife 🍻🎭
🚶♂️ Easy to explore: The heart of Dingle is delightfully walkable. Wander down Green Street, John Street, and the harborfront Strand Street to browse eclectic shops and galleries. Many streets are pedestrian-only, so you can meander without worrying about traffic.
🐬 Must-see attractions:
- Dingle Harbour: Stroll along the pier and keep an eye out for Fungie, the town’s beloved resident dolphin who’s been spotted in the bay since 1983.
- St. James Church: Dating back to the 13th century, this stone church now houses a fascinating collection of stained glass and sculptures.
- Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium: Get up close to penguins, otters, and tropical fish at Ireland’s largest aquarium.
🍽️ Foodie heaven: For such a small town, Dingle boasts a seriously impressive food scene. Some top picks:
- The Fish Box: No-frills seafood joint serving the freshest local catch. The fish and chips are legendary.
- Out of the Blue: Cozy, casual spot known for its daily changing menu based on whatever the fishing boats bring in. Reservations recommended.
- Murphy’s Ice Cream: Handmade scoops in creative flavors like Dingle sea salt and brown bread. Perfect for a post-pub treat.
🍺 Pub perfection: No visit to Town Center is complete without a proper pub crawl. Raise a pint at classics like Dick Mack’s, which is a equal parts pub and leather shop, it’s been a beloved watering hole since 1899. Foxy John’s is a hardware store by day, hopping pub by night. Yes, you read that right. And O’Sullivan’s Courthouse Pub is Housed in a former courthouse, it hosts nightly trad music sessions that often spill out onto the street.
✨ Endless charms: There’s a reason Dingle has been charming visitors for decades – its town center has an infectious energy and endless charms to discover. Spend a couple of days soaking it all in before venturing out to explore the rest of the peninsula’s rugged beauty.
Dingle hotels in Town Center: 🏨
⭐ Best hotels in Town Center
- Dingle Bay Hotel Overlooking Dingle Bay, the hotel combines modern amenities with traditional family hospitality, offering comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and easy access to the bustling marina and local attractions.
- Dingle Harbour Lodge Overlooking the exquisite Dingle Harbour, this 3-star hotel in Dingle provides affordable accommodations with stunning sea views, complimentary private parking, and a large scenic patio, just a short walking distance from Dingle’s town center.
- Quayside B&B Located in a converted 19th-century stone building, this 4-star hotel in Dingle offers cozy rooms with harbor views, free Wi-Fi, and a hearty breakfast, situated right next to Dingle Marina.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- Dingle Benners Hotel Located in the heart of Dingle town, Dingle Benners Hotel is a historic boutique hotel offering spacious rooms with antique-style furnishings, award-winning food, and a cozy bar with a log fire, perfect for exploring the town and the Dingle Peninsula.
- Dingle Skellig Hotel Dingle Skellig Hotel is one of the best hotels in the area, offering a great location with stunning views of the bay, a selection of dining options, and a relaxing spa. Guests rave about the delicious full Irish breakfast in the morning and the friendly staff who make every stay memorable.
- Rainbow Hostel Located a minute walk to town, Rainbow Hostel offers clean, comfortable accommodations with shared facilities, free parking, and a friendly atmosphere, perfect for budget travelers.
3. Slea Head Drive Area – Perfect for Scenic Views and History Buffs 🏞️🏛️
🏞️ Scenic Drive: Slea Head Drive is a breathtaking 30-mile circular route that winds along the western tip of the Dingle Peninsula, offering some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in Ireland.
📍 Top Stops:
- Dunmore Head: The westernmost point of the Dingle Peninsula, with stunning views of the Blasket Islands and the Atlantic.
- Coumeenoole Beach: A secluded, sandy cove surrounded by rugged cliffs, famously featured in the film Ryan’s Daughter.
- Dun Chaoin Pier: A picturesque harbor with a breathtaking view of the Blasket Islands, particularly the distinctively-shaped “Sleeping Giant” island.
- Gallarus Oratory: An ancient dry-stone church dating back to the 7th or 8th century, showcasing remarkable corbelled construction.
- Ceann Sibeal (Sybil Head): Panoramic viewpoint and headland with jagged cliffs, featured in Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
🚗 Best by Car: The best way to experience the area is by car, traveling clockwise from Dingle Town. This direction offers the most spectacular views and helps avoid tour buses. Plan for at least a half-day to fully appreciate the route, but you could easily spend a full day or more stopping at all the scenic lookouts and historic sites.
☕ Coffee Break: Along the way, be sure to stop at Caife Na Tra near Coumeenoole Beach for coffee with a view, or enjoy lunch at the Blasket Islands Centre in Dun Chaoin while learning about the area’s fascinating history.
Best Dingle hotels in Slea Head Drive Area: 🏨
- An Portán Situated in the picturesque village of Dunquin, An Portán offers cozy accommodations with stunning views of the Blasket Islands, featuring comfortable rooms and a welcoming atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
- Old Irish Farmhouse Nestled in the tranquil countryside of Annascaul, the Old Irish Farmhouse provides a charming stay with traditional decor, modern amenities, and a warm, friendly host, ideal for those seeking a quiet escape.
- Dunquin House Bed and Breakfast Located near the Blasket Centre, Dunquin House Bed and Breakfast offers recently renovated accommodations with free private parking, free WiFi, and a beautiful garden view, making it a perfect base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula.
4. Ventry Village – Quiet Retreat with Beautiful Beaches 🏝️😌
🏖️ Quiet Retreat: Ventry, or Ceann Trá, is a charming village just a short drive west of Dingle, perfect for those seeking a peaceful seaside escape. The village is known for its stunning crescent-shaped Blue Flag beach, Ventry Beach, which stretches for nearly three kilometers and is ideal for swimming, walking, and picnicking.
🌊 Top Spots:
- Ventry Beach: A beautiful, long sandy beach backed by dunes and wetlands, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Ventry Harbour: A picturesque harbor that serves as an anchorage for small sailing and fishing boats, with marine eco tours and trips to the Blasket Islands available in the summer.
- Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub: A local favorite, this bar offers a welcoming atmosphere, great food, and a glimpse into the village’s rich cultural heritage.
- Quinn’s Bar & Restaurant: Enjoy fresh, locally caught seafood with stunning views of the inner harbor and Ventry Beach from the outdoor terrace.
🌳 Small but Charming: The village itself is small but full of character, with a post office, shops, and a couple of bars and restaurants.
Dingle Accommodation in Ventry Village: 🏨
⭐ Luxury in Ventry Village
- Hotel Ceann Sibeal Located in DIngle, Ceann Sibeal Hotel features spacious rooms, traditional local cuisine, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for walkers and hikers.
- Dingle Town Center Apartment Situated on Orchard Lane, this apartment offers a prime location in the heart of Dingle, featuring modern amenities and easy access to local attractions, ideal for exploring the town on foot.
- Murphy's Pub and Bed & Breakfast Centrally located on Strand Street, Murphy’s Pub and Bed & Breakfast offers en-suite rooms, live traditional music, and hearty meals, making it a lively and convenient base for exploring Dingle.
🏨 Best cheap/moderate hotels
- The Cloisters The Cloisters provides comfortable accommodations with a serene atmosphere, located just a short walk into town and near to Dingle’s main attractions, perfect for a peaceful stay.
- The Lantern Townhouse Located in the heart of Dingle, The Lantern Townhouse offers modern, stylish rooms with free Wi-Fi and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for those looking to explore the town’s vibrant culture.
5. Ballyferriter – Authentic Irish Village Experience 🍀🏡
🍀 Authentic Village: Ballyferriter, or Baile an Fheirtéaraigh, is a picturesque village nestled in a green valley between the majestic hill of Cruach Mharthain and the jagged peaks of Ceann Sibéal and the Three Sisters. This village is a stronghold of traditional Gaelic language, music, and culture.
🏞️ Top Spots:
- Ballyferriter Museum: Learn about the local history and archaeology of the Dingle Peninsula.
- Wine Strand Beach: A stunning beach perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
- Ceann Sibéal: Known for its dramatic sea cliffs and as a Star Wars filming location.
- Páidí Ó Sé’s Pub: A welcoming bar offering great food and a glimpse into the village’s cultural heritage.
🗣️ Gaelic Hub: The village is the largest west of Dingle town and serves as the capital of all Gaeltacht areas. It’s a center for Irish language and studies, and you can often hear the language spoken in local bars and shops. Ballyferriter offers a huge choice of year-round activities, including golf at the Ceann Sibéal links course, stunning walking trails, craft studios, workshops, and welcoming bars with crackling fires and great bar food.
🍽️ Local Flavors: The local dining scene is a treat, with fresh, locally-sourced seafood and traditional Irish dishes. Quinn’s Bar & Restaurant is a must-visit, offering delicious meals with stunning views of the inner harbor and Ventry Beach from the outdoor terrace. The Ceann Sibéal Hotel also offers a comfortable dining experience with a menu featuring the finest local ingredients and seafood.
🎉 Cultural Events: Ballyferriter is known for its vibrant local festivals and events that celebrate its rich cultural heritage. These events echo the village’s stronghold of traditional Irish language, music, and culture, providing visitors with an authentic experience.
Accommodation in Dingle, Ballyferriter: 🏨
- Sheelagh's Kitchen Located in Ballyferriter, Sheelagh’s Kitchen offers welcoming accommodations with sea views, free WiFi, and a delightful garden, making it a perfect retreat for couples and nature lovers.
- Granville House Apartments Situated in Ballyferriter, Granville House Apartments provide spacious accommodations with free WiFi, a garden, and BBQ facilities, ideal for families and groups looking to explore the Dingle Peninsula.
- Cille Apartments Located in the heart of Ballyferriter village, Cille Apartments offer modern one-bedroom units with a veranda, free WiFi, and easy access to local attractions, perfect for a relaxing stay.
6. Annascaul – Hiking Paradise and Tom Crean’s Hometown 🥾🍺
🥾 Hiking Paradise: Annascaul, a charming village nestled in the Dingle Peninsula, is a hiker’s paradise and the birthplace of the legendary Antarctic explorer Tom Crean. This quaint village is surrounded by stunning landscapes, making it an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.
🌄 Top Spots:
- Annascaul Lake: A serene lake surrounded by mountains, perfect for a peaceful hike or a picnic.
- Tom Crean’s South Pole Inn: A bar and museum dedicated to the local hero, offering a glimpse into his adventurous life.
- Inch Beach: Just a short drive away, this 5km long Blue Flag beach is perfect for surfing, swimming, and leisurely walks.
- Annascaul Walking Trails: A network of trails that cater to all levels of hikers, offering breathtaking views of the Dingle Peninsula.
🍻 Cozy Pubs: The village boasts a few bars where you can relax after a day of hiking. Tom Crean’s South Pole Inn is a must-visit, offering hearty meals and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Randy Leprechaun is another local favorite, known for its lively music sessions and friendly locals.
🚶♂️ Easy Access: Annascaul is easily accessible by car and is well-connected to other parts of the Dingle Peninsula. The village’s central location makes it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions like Dingle Town, Slea Head Drive, and the Conor Pass.
Popular hotels in Annascaul: 🏨
- Ardrinane House Located in the picturesque village of Annascaul, Ardrinane House offers traditionally furnished rooms with modern amenities, set in landscaped gardens beside the Annascaul River, perfect for a peaceful stay.
- Inspiration Lodge Situated on Main Street in Annascaul, Inspiration Lodge provides modern accommodations with a focus on tranquility and comfort, featuring easy access to local attractions and scenic walking routes.
- Brackluin Lodge Located in Annascaul, Brackluin Lodge offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi, and free private parking, making it an ideal base for exploring the Dingle Peninsula.
7. Additional Activities in Dingle Peninsula ☀
🏝️ Island Escape: For a unique experience, I suggest visiting the Blasket Islands. Accessible by ferry from Dun Chaoin Pier, these islands are steeped in history and offer stunning views and wildlife spotting opportunities. The Great Blasket Island, in particular, is perfect for hiking and exploring the ruins of the old village. Don’t forget to stop by the Blasket Centre to learn about the islanders’ way of life.
🚶♂️ Things to do in Dingle:
- Hiking: Mount Brandon, Dingle Way, and Conor Pass offer trails for all levels.
- Water Sports: Surf at Inch Beach, kayak in Dingle Bay, or take a boat tour to see dolphins and seals.
- Cycling: Rent a bike and explore the Slea Head Drive or the quieter backroads of the peninsula.
🍽️ Food and Drink: If you’re a foodie, Dingle won’t disappoint. Take a tour of Dingle Distillery and sample some of the finest whiskey, gin, and vodka. Enjoy fresh catches at local favorites like The Fish Box and Out of the Blue. For a cozy atmosphere and traditional Irish music, Dick Mack’s and Foxy John’s are must-visits.
🎉 Festivals Galore: If you’re a fan of festivals, Dingle has plenty to offer throughout the year. The Dingle Food Festival in October is a must-visit for food lovers, featuring cooking demonstrations, tastings, and a farmers’ market. The Dingle Walking Festival in February is perfect for those who enjoy exploring the great outdoors, with guided walks and hikes around the peninsula.
🏛️ Historical Sites: For a more relaxed day, consider visiting some of the local historical sites. The Kilmalkedar Church is both fascinating and offers a glimpse into Ireland’s early Christian history. The Fahan Beehive Huts, dating back to the Iron Age, are another must-see.
FAQs about trips to Dingle ❔
How far is Dingle from Dublin?
Dingle is located approximately 350 km southwest of Dublin. The driving time from Dublin to Dingle is around 4 hours and 15 minutes.
Best places to stay in Dingle, Ireland?
Some of the best places to stay in Dingle include Castlewood House, a comfortable B&B known for its award-winning gourmet breakfast. Other popular hotels close to attractions like the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium are Heaton’s Guesthouse and Greenmount House.
Does it snow in Dingle, Ireland?
Dingle has a relatively mild climate in winter, with an average temperature of 8°C (46°F) over the winter months. While snow is possible, it is not common in Dingle.
How long to stay in Dingle, Ireland?
While an exact recommended stay duration was not specified, the Dingle Peninsula is described as an ideal place for a seaside getaway, with many activities and sights to explore like hiking, sailing, visiting pubs, and seeing ancient monuments. This suggests planning for at least a few days to fully experience what Dingle has to offer.
How many people live in Dingle, Ireland?
As of the 2022 census, the population of Dingle was 1,671, which represented an 18.5% decrease from the 2016 census figure of 2,050. Dingle also has the oldest average age for a town in Ireland at 44.4 years.