Things To Do in Dingle Ireland For Your Bucketlist

Are you looking for the best things to do in Dingle, Ireland? If yes, then you have come to the right place!

Dingle is located in County Kerry, in the southwest of Ireland, on the epic Irish coast,

What I love about this Irish town is that it has the most stunning seascapes and is not as touristy as other larger Irish cities.

As a result, you get more of the local Irish flair and have an abundance of things to do.

There are many amazing attractions in Dingle, Ireland that you must explore such as the Star Wars filming locations, beaches, passes, and more.

So, if you are looking for the top things to see in Dingle Ireland, read below my list of Top Things to Do in Dingle For Your Bucket List.

Things To Do in Dingle Ireland For Your Bucketlist

Number One: Climb Mount Brandon

Trust me, if you are traveling to Ireland for the first time, especially Dingle, you cannot miss out on climbing the highest point in Dingle – Mount Brandon.

Although this is not an easy hike but the view is completely worth the effort!

You can start from Faha and reach the top within 4-5 hours.

Once you reach the summit, you will be rewarded with a gorgeous view of Ireland’s hills beside the Atlantic Ocean.

Trust me, if you love adventure, then one of the best things to do in Dingle Ireland is climbing Mount Brandon.

Check Prices: Ireland: Dingle Peninsula Day Tour

Number Two: Walk And Shop In Dingle

Of course, by now you must know that I love to walk around the cities and towns that I visit and Dingle is one of the best places to do just that.

You can enjoy a stroll and browse through the local shops here.

From bookshops to carvings, to arts and crafts, there will be something you will likely find irresistible!

I always like to purchase locally handcrafted souvenirs and was warned in Dingle that some establishments remove the “made in ‘wherever'” labels or tags.

They replace them with something stating the item was handcrafted in Ireland. So, be careful when buying souvenirs here.

Check Prices: Dingle Sea Safari Rib Ride

Number 3: Check Out Live Irish Music In Dingle!

Of course for the true Irish experience, one of the best things to do in Dingle is to lift a glass, laugh a little, and enjoy yourself in one of the local Irish pubs.

You will find lots of local bars and pubs to choose from here. Plus, for beer lovers, there is a wide range of beer types to choose from.

If you are also not interested in consuming alcohol like me, then the ambiance and the music at these bars can set the mood for you.

I am sure that if you spent a day in Dublin, you will have already explored the pubs but Dingle also is a good place to enjoy Irish pubs.

Check Prices: Dingle Tasting Tour

Number 4: One Of The Most Memorable Things To Do In Dingle Is Drive Slea Head Loop

Are you a driving enthusiast? If yes, one of the top things to do in Dingle Ireland is to drive the Slea Head Loop.

The loop is approximately twenty-six miles long and rivals the Ring of Kerry! It is a circular route that begins and ends in Dingle and is part of the Wild Atlantic Way.

You can easily complete it in a day and why I suggest adding it to your Ireland itinerary.

Be careful when driving Slea Head Loop because it is twisty, twiney, and very narrow at times. The misty and mysterious weather of the Dingle peninsula makes this drive unforgettable and a definite must-do!

Slea Head Loop is one of the things to do in Dingle that cyclists also take advantage of.

So be careful when sharing the road with them.

If you are a cyclist, remember to take extra caution as cars drive clockwise (to attempt to avoid the large tour buses) on the left side of the road!

Check Prices: Dingle: Self-Guided eBike Tour

Number 5: Visiting The Star Wars Rock Formations is one of the popular things to do in Dingle

Did you know that you can see the stunning rock formations used in the 2015 Star Wars film The Force Awakens here?

While driving along the Slea Head Loop, you can stop here to marvel at the otherworldly rock formations used in the Star Wars film. What a beautiful vista.

If you want to go nearer to take photos of the rock formations, be careful as it is a steep ascent. Wear hiking shoes or closed-toe sneakers and walk carefully.

This stop is one of the most interesting and unforgettable things to do in Dingle. Do not miss it.

Check Prices: Dingle: Heritage Photo And Sightseeing Tour

Number 6: Spend Some Time at the Slea Head Loop Beach

After exploring the Star Wars rock formation, you can head to the sandy Slea Head beach.

Although it is a steep walk down to the beach, it is completely worth it especially if you love swimming.

When I visited, the water of the Atlantic Ocean was chilling cold (and the air temperature was not much warmer!) However, quite a few people with wet suits in the water.

So, for beach lovers, Slea Head Loop Beach is one of the top things to see in Dingle Peninsula in Ireland.

Check Prices: Dingle: Slea Head Photo And Sightseeing Tour

Number 7: Stop  At The Famous Dunquin Pier On The Slea Head Loop 

When visiting Ireland, you cannot miss the Cliffs of Moher and the famous Dunquin Pier.

This is why one of the most iconic things to do in Dingle is to stop at the beautiful Dunquin Pier when driving along the Slea Head Loop.

The pier and the boats that stopped there were the lifeline bringing livestock (sheep!) food, medicine, and all necessary supplies to the Basket Islands when they were inhabited.

From here, the views are stunning and keep changing with each step. You can walk down to the pier but it is VERY STEEP so, be careful.

On the way, you will see wild Irish flowers that look gorgeous. There is also a cement beach in the wall that you can use to rest.

Trust me, this is one of the best attractions in Dingle Ireland that you cannot miss.

Check Prices: From Killarney: Day Trip to Dingle

Number 8: Visit The Star Wars Filming Location

For Star Wars fans, there are many amazing things to see in Dingle including the 2017 Star Wars filming location of the epic movie – The Last Jedi.

Two information panels at the viewing point explain the film set and point out specific spots along the countryside used in the Star Wars movie.

It is an easy walk down to the panels and is a gradual descent, so be careful when walking!

The area is a wide expanse of green and has plenty of opportunities to get great pictures here!

Check Prices: From Cork: Full-Day Guided Tour to Dingle Peninsula

Number 9: Take A Drive Through Connor Pass

One of the amazing things to do in Dingle is drive through Connor Pass,  the highest mountain pass in Ireland at 1,496 feet at its summit. 

The epic and panoramic vistas seem to go on forever.  And you might want to stay forever to drink in all the beauty!

Tour buses cannot make it through Connor Pass because the small one-lane road is too narrow and twisty. So, you may need to rent a car in Dingle.

Please note that trucks nor camper vans will make it either as they are too large. From the parking lot at the summit, it is said you can see the Aran Islands when the weather is clear.

If you love driving, then one of the top things to do in Dingle is driving through the Connor Pass.

Check Prices: Dingle Day Tour from Limerick

Number 10: Visiting The Fairy Forts Is One Of The Most Unique Things To Do In Dingle

Did you know that the Irish believe in fairies? Yes, that’s correct.

You can learn more about the history, superstitions, and traditions associated with the Irish “fairy forts” to enhance your Dingle experience.

They are even considered sacred places in some circles.

The “fairy forts” or ring forts are remains of early inhabitants’ circular dwellings and look like circular grass mounds.

According to tradition, it is said that these forts hold magical properties and are the entrances to the fairy world.

Legends tell of the fairies’ revenge if the mounds are disrespected or damaged. It is said that while the locals are very skeptical, they take great strides to show respect.

So, if you are looking for interesting things to do in Dingle Ireland, check out the fairy forts here!

Check Prices: Dingle: HIdden Peninsula Photo And Sightseeing Tour

Number 11: Check Out Supermarkets In Dingle

If you are on a road trip or staying at an Air B&B, you may not be interested, or able to afford, to eat out three meals every day, for your entire stay in Dingle Ireland.

So food shopping may be one of the first things to do in Dingle on your list.

Rest assured,  grocery stores and pharmacies abound in Dingle Ireland.

As a vegan, I often appreciate a home-cooked meal when I travel, and I found the selections of local produce and fresh baked goods outstanding. 

I found various coffee beans and salad oils while shopping for food and necessities in Dingle.

If you also love cooking meals, visit the supermarkets in Dingle.

Check Prices: Private Luxury Dingle Peninsula Tour From Killarney

Number 12: Explore the Inch Beach

If you love beaches like me, one of the best beaches in Dingle Ireland to explore is Inch Beach.

The beach is 5 km long and acts like a sandspit between the inner Castlemaine Harbour and the outer Dingle Bay.

Also, amazing movies have been shot here such as Excalibur, and Far & Away.

If the weather is good, you can also indulge in fun activities here such as surfing, swimming, windsurfing, etc.

Trust me, visiting this beach is one of the top things to do in Dingle Ireland.

Check Prices: From Dublin: 3-Day Dingle, Killarney & the Wild Atlantic Way

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Where to Stay in Dingle

Old Irish Farmhouse – If you want an authentic Irish stay experience, then Old Irish Farmhouse is the best accommodation in Dingle.

This place is perfect for families and is located close to Coumeenole Beach. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is a great place for hiking as well.

Check Prices Here

An Capall Dubh B&B Dingle – For B&B accommodation in Dingle, An Capall Dubh B&B Dingle is a great choice.

This 3-star bed & breakfast features a garden and gorgeous mountain views. It is located 700m from Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium and has picnic and hiking locations for guests to explore.

Check Prices Here

Short Strand Dingle – One of the best hotels in Dingle for families to stay at is the Short Strand Dingle.

This B&B offers garden and stunning mountain views and a few family rooms with lake views. You can walk around the garden or go cycling nearby, there is no shortage of fun things to do here.

Check Prices Here

Packing Tips For Your Trip To Dingle, Ireland

Here is my article on how to pack lightly to remain organized during your trip.

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves would be handy to prevent identity theft.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is easy to use.

 These Bagail packing cubes are the exact ones I use whenever I travel. I cannot believe how much more organized I am now!

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

The Bobble replaceable carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from.

This antitheft backpack has a charging port, is water-resistant, and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well. 

These waterproof all-season shoes are extremely affordable and yet fashionable. 

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these Air Run high fashion sneakers come in a lot of colors to match your outfits.

I highly recommend these Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals. 

I also sometimes bring along my Vionic Tides flip-flops. The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable. 

And let us not forget the beach shoes for the pebbly beaches around Dingle. These quick-dry slip-on aqua shoes are a great selection.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in tons of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable.

If you are fond of aviator-style sunglasses these polarized aviators may interest you.

This world traveler adapter kit can charge several devices at the same time.

If you need new luggage, this expandable soft side spinner luggage is affordable and comes in tons of colors.

If you like hard-sided better, you may favor this hard-sided luggage set better.

Do not forget about TSA-approved luggage locks for your luggage!

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