Kinsale or Dingle?

Who is "we"? What are your interests? Where else are you going? What time of year are you traveling? Why these two towns? Providing some context always improves the responses.

Look at what both towns offer and then decide which one interests you the most. Not everyone has the same interests.

We returned from Ireland a week ago. We spent 2 nights at the PAX House in Dingle. We love Dingle!!! Didn't visit Kinsale so I can't compare the two. Dingle is very convenient for driving the Slea Head Drive and exploring Dingle Peninsula. The PAX House is our favorite accommodation on this trip out of many lovely accommodations. We had two of our best meals in Dingle.

Obviously, your choice should depend on your sightseeing plans. Are you planning on driving the Slea Head Drive? Are there things you want to do near Kinsale?

We spent time in both Dingle and Kinsale a couple of years ago. Like others said, it depends on what you enjoy. We enjoyed Dingle more. We took a van tour around the peninsula which was great. It was definitely more lively.

A lot of folks try to squeeze Dingle into a trip where it doesn't fit very well. If Kinsale is as far west as the rest of the trip gets, then I'd save Dingle for another time. Two nights in Dingle is really one full day, given the extra driving to and fro. One night is silly, unless your interests include driving. We've been to Dingle twice and love it, but it wasn't until our third and fifth trip. We've been to Kinsale for most of a day but never spent the night. It really depends on the rest of your itinerary and interests.

If you plan on spending two nights or less in one of those locations I would choose Kinsale. The highlights of Kinsale are within walking distance of each other and if those aren't enough you can take the ferry to Cobh or drive to Old Head. Dingle is more than Dingle town. Dingle's drama lays in the peninsula and requires more than one full day to appreciate..

I have been to both places, including twice to Dingle. I really enjoyed Kinsale. I LOVE Dingle and if I get back to Ireland I’m sure I will go again.

I would also say that it would depend on the rest of your itinerary. Dingle is the more remote location of the two, so will take longer to get to and from. Kinsale is fairly close to many other locations you may be wanting to visit, Cashel, Blarney, Kilkenny etc. What does the rest of your route look like? Is it mostly the eastern part, or the western part? Are you flying in and out of Dublin? Dingle might make more sense if you were flying in or out of Shannon. Are you trying to fit it in somewhere in the middle of your trip? If so, where would you be coming from, and heading to after visiting Dingle? Would you have to shorten a stay at another location in order to get to Dingle? Or, would you have to rush your visit in Dingle due to having to drive a long distance to get there?