Last Updated: 2026-10-20 20:24:01
Dingle Peninsula
The most westerly point of mainland Ireland, with the Blasket Islands on the horizon.
Where the land runs out
The Dingle Peninsula reaches about 50 km into the Atlantic from the mountains of central Kerry. It has one of the densest collections of archaeological sites in Ireland, from Iron Age forts to stone beehive huts and early Christian oratories, and much of it is an Irish-speaking Gaeltacht.
Dingle town (An Daingean) is a working fishing port with brightly painted shopfronts, excellent seafood, and more pubs per head than seems possible. Several films have been shot nearby, including Ryan's Daughter and Star Wars: The Last Jedi.
Don't miss
- The Slea Head Drive, a loop of about 47 km from Dingle town past cliffs, beaches and beehive huts. Drive it clockwise, as the tour buses do.
- Gallarus Oratory, a dry-stone church shaped like an upturned boat and still watertight after more than a thousand years.
- Conor Pass, one of the highest mountain roads in Ireland, with lakes and two bays below.
- Coumeenoole beach near Slea Head, for the view out to the Blaskets.
Quick facts
Where: West Co. Kerry
Region: Wild Atlantic Way
From Dublin: about 4 h 15 min by car
From Killarney: about 1 h
Base: Dingle town
Good for: scenic drives, seafood, music, history
Local tip
Skip Conor Pass in a large camper van or with a caravan: the road narrows to a single lane in places. Go over it in a car, or take the N86 through Annascaul instead.