Taking friends to Ireland for their first time. We've been several, and almost exclusively to Dingle. Would love to know if there are other sights, hikes, drives that have been experienced that we might explore, other than those in Rick Steve's book, as my husband and I have done them many times. Also, any recommended day trips near the peninsula? We have and airbandb in Dingle, so won't be staying overnight anywhere else. Thanks!
Posted by
Colorado Springs
3097 posts
Near the village of Aughacasla on the northern side of the peninsula is the very pretty Glanteenassig (little glen of waterfalls) forest park - reached via a one lane farm road that eventually empties into a sheep paddock before you arrive in the parking area. Great place for a picnic and there's a boardwalk that circles a little lake - about 1.2 miles around as I recall. We enjoyed it so much that we went there twice. It's especially pretty after a rain shower when you'll get to see how the place got its name.
In the village of Annascaul is the South Pole Inn - an atmospheric little pub dedicated to the memory of Tom Crean, who was second officer on the ill-fated Shackleton Polar expedition of 1914. He founded the place after he retired from the Royal Navy, and the pub is basically a little museum featuring photos and mementos of his long career as a polar explorer. Good pub grub, and they do know how to pour a good pint of Guinness.
Just a mile or two down the road from there is Inch Beach - one of the longest, widest, and prettiest expanses of sandy beach you'll see anywhere - you can literally walk for miles. It was featured in the old David Lean film "Ryan's Daughter" back in the 70's.
The whole northern half of the peninsula is worth a day trip - lots of terrific hikes and pleasant little villages, and it's mostly undiscovered since everyone tends to congregate in and around Dingle town.
Posted by
Land of La
9471 posts
Have no clue if hiking the Gap of Dunloe is in Rick’s book but I quite enjoyed it. You could also take a trap.
Killarney National Park is a lovely place to stroll.
Posted by
Colorado
2 posts
If you are up for an adventure, the boat trip and landing at Skellig Michael is a once in a lifetime experience. Skellig Michael is a UNESCO site, an island off of Portmagee that was the site of a 6th century monastery. The boat ride over can be over rough seas and the hike up is 600 stone steps but it is breathtaking. Puffins nest all over there and the ruins are in amazing condition. This was the highlight of my trip to Ireland. It does require sea legs and good physical fitness but was an amazing adventure.
Posted by
Lincolnshire, UK
2519 posts
There's loads more to see on the Dingle Peninsula than you will read about in the guide books.... Rather than go into details, have a look at this website that offers loads of ideas as well as different drives.
One place this website doesn't mention is the Famine Cottage at Fahan. This is an old cottage dating back to the early C19th, standing above the road. This is now restored as a museum showing what life would have been like in the days of the Irish potato famine. It is a sobering experience and there is more detail here.
The cottage is owned by Dingle Sheepdogs and you can contact them for a working demonstration.
Below the road is the remains of Dunbeg stone ring fort. Read more about it here.
We also enjoyed the ruined Kilmalkedar Church, just a few minutes drive from Gallarus Oratory with its ogham stone, remains of a sundail and old crosses.