There are plenty of things to see, do and explore on the Dingle Peninsula. To start, there’s almost 2,000 archaeological sites for the Indiana Jones in you! There’s more walking than you could fit into a year so get your boots on… or for nature lovers, you could head out to visit Fungie, the famous dolphin who's been living at the mouth of Dingle Harbour since 1984. And you can keep the explorer side of you happy with a trip out to the Blasket Islands.
As the hostel is in a Gaeltacht area you can practice speaking your Irish with the locals or with the hostel manager! In fact we get many visitors who visit the hostel just for that very reason.
There are many activities to keep you occupied from hill walking, cycling and bird watching to whale watching and golfing – there really is something to do for everyone! Just ask at the hostel for more information and for any discounts available to guests.
Use your Hostelling International Membership card to receive discounts in the following attractions in the area:
Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhoir - The Blasket Centre – see in a history of the Blasket Islands – where history seems to have been frozen in place.
Slea Head Drive Beehive huts - The Slea Head Cliffs are said to be the highest and finest marine cliffs in Europe. With a 300 metre drop straight in the wild Atlantic ocean below – this is a trip best kept for a more temperate weather day! It’s advised to leave your car in the car park and walk the 2-3 km to the cliffs where you can also walk along One Man’s Pass (also called Dead Man’s Pass by locals) and enjoy the spectacular views. This part of the walk is best avoided on a stormy or windy day for obvious reasons! You’ll also find the ruins of a church to investigate as well as a watchtower constructed in the early 19th century to defend against any Napoleonic attacks. Most impressive attraction to visit – well recommended for anyone in the area.
Archeological Museum - Bally
ACTIVITIES
Fishing: No permit needed to fish off the course – can rent boats in Dingle and go fishing in the Atlantic – can fish off the beaches – angling is popular in this. Rent fishing equipment in Dingle.
Hiking/Walking: Mount Brandon, The Dingle Way, The Saint’s Path, Eagle Mountain
Cycling: Dingle Way – around Slea Head
Watersports/Swimming/Surfing: Com Dhineol (2.5 miles) – beautiful sandy beach – although people swim and surf there, please be aware there are strong undercurrents and no lifeguard so take caution. Ventry Beach (4 miles) does have a lifeguard during summer and you’ll find kite-surfing for hire and other activities.
Horse Riding: Ceann Trá on Ventry Beach has horse-riding stables nearby (Long’s) Burham also.
Other activities: Birdwatching
Nightlife and Eating out: Visit Báile an Fhéirteiraigh (Ballyferriter) with three pubs with food to visit from Easter onwards for some craic agus ceol (fun and music!)
Krugers Bar - A typical well-known local bar
Tigh Áine
Ideally situated on the Slea Head Drive perfect to stop for lunch or for an evening meal in July or August. There’s home-cooked Irish food, delicious seafood and salads plucked fresh from the garden. It has unusual opening hours so it’s advised to book in advance - ask at the hostel or e-mail: tigaine@eircom.net.
As well as these, Ballyferriter/Báile an Fhéirteiraigh is only a 12 minute drive away and has plenty of choices of restaurants and hotels serving up food.
