Dingle...

Dingle is a coastal town located on the Dingle peninsula, the northernmost of the Kerry peninsulae. Dingle is situated in a Gaeltacht area, which is an area where Irish is the first language. So as you walk the streets or visit local shops you will hear Irish being spoken. The locals prefer the town to be referred to as Daingean Uí Chúis which is the Irish form of Dingle.

The town originally developed as a port town for import and export, but now Dingle is a major fishing port. This colourful fishing port and marina makes a lovely stroll and there are many restaurants and cafés dotted along the sea front. Many people come to the port to take a boat to swim with fungi the famous friendly dolphin who has been in the harbour since 1984. You can also take a boat to the Blasket Islands or around the bay. The Dingle Wild life and Seal Sanctuary, set on 22 acres of beautiful lakes and wetlands it is an ideal location to enjoy wildlife, or Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium.

Dingle town centre is celebrated for its old world charm, craft centres and colourful shop fronts. The towns hilly narrow streets still reflects its origins as a walled borough. The town has many forms of accommodation from Hotels and B&Bs to two Hostel one of which has camping facilities and a caravan and camping site. You will find jewellers, designer and traditional Aran Handknits, Crystal, Linen, Lace and tapestry artists within the town. For art buffs check out Harry Clarke Stained Glass windows at the Díseart Visitor Centre.

The town also has a cinema, night club, a weekly Farm & Craft Market in the centre specialising in local seafood and produce. Dingle Ocean World Aquarium and is good rainy day activity. For an all weather activity for all the family visit Play At Height - Adventure Specialists. Outdoor activities include mountaineering, rock climbing, abseiling, horse riding on one of the many breathtaking beaches and canoeing. Play golf at Dingle Golf Links the most westerly course in Europe or there is a pitch and putt course just five minutes from town. There are great views to be admired if you hike up Carhoo Hill to Eask Tower.

 

 

Dingle has a wide range of quality accommodation to suit all budgets, ranging from hotels and bed & breakfasts to hostels and self catering accommodation. Dingle has a nice variety of pubs which are well worth a visit on a warm summers evening or a cold winters one!.

For diners there are a selection of restaurants

Dingle is a popular place to base yourself on your Kerry tour if your thinking of hiking or cycling on the Dingle Peninsula. You can hire a bicycle in the town. The Kerry Way (a marked walk way) winds itself through the peninsula. You will get breathtaking views when you climb to the top of Mount Brandon, it is the highest peak outside the Macgillycuddy's Reeks in Kerry. The Dingle walking festival is held each year in February and the Dingle half and full marathon takes place in September.

Other festivals include The Dingle Film Festival held in March, Féile na Cásca an arts festival in April, Fhéile na Bealtaine a cultural festival in May, the Dingle Food & Wine Festival which takes place in October.

There are a great number of pubs in the town many of which have traditional Irish music sessions at night. Many traditional Irish pubs used to double as shops in the past and in Dingle there are a number which hold on to that tradition, you can find on sale anything from wellingtons to sheets and fertiliser.

Dingle Tourist Office can be found on Strand Street, its open all year-round Monday- Saturday in the off season and open Sundays June – September.