Suggestions for Dingle Peninsula with young children
Suggestions for families travelling to the Dingle Peninsula with young children
Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí - praise the young and they will flourish
The old Irish expression 'mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí' is often used on the Dingle Peninsula and is a very good indication of the traditional West Kerry attitude to young people. Children and babies are welcomed here, the pace of life is gentle and many families return year after year to holiday and relax.
Where to Stay
Hotels: Dingle Skellig Hotel - 4* Hotel with Leisure Centre & Swimming Pool with separate Children's Pool, Spa, Fungie Kids Club, Crèche, Teenagers Club; Laundry Room, Parent’s kitchen with fridge, kettle, steriliser, storage, microwave. Interconnecting Rooms and Suites. Cots and Z beds generally available on request
Hotels with Family Rooms – Dingle Benner’s Hotel, Dingle and Óstan Ceann Sibéal, Ballyferriter
Self-Catering Houses / Holiday Home Houses / Cottages: There are a wide selection of family friendly self catering houses on the Dingle Peninsula - 2, 3 & 4 bedroomed houses / cottages with kitchen, dining area and sitting rooms. Cots and high chairs are usually available on request.
Camp Sites: Gallarus Camp Site with Motor Homes and Tent Pitches
Places to Eat
Most cafés and restaurants on the Dingle Peninsula are family friendly with Children’s Menus, high chairs and a welcome for little people.
For evening meals some restaurants may request that children eat at earlier times as children’s menus may not be available for later servings. Always enquire when making reservations.
Bar menus often offer a wholesome dinner option mid-day and a childrens menu at a reasonable price.
On a sunny day there are also some great deli options for a fun picnic.
Children’s Food and Drink Supplies available at Supermarket shops in Castlemaine, Annascaul, Dingle, Ballyferriter, Castlegregory and Grocery Stores in Ventry, Ballydavid, Feoghanagh, Cloghane, Camp
See our Eat section for a list of Restaurants, Pub Grub, Cafes, and Take-Aways.
Things to Do
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Visit a beach
Celebrate your Arrival to the Dingle Peninsula
Enjoy a family walk on Inch Beach (south shore) or one of Brandon Bay’s beaches (north shore) as you arrive on to the peninsula. Let the sea air embrace you all as the waves wash in from the Atlantic Ocean…… walk bare feet in the sand, have a paddle or build a sandcastle! After a day travelling or sightseeing what better way to unravel than to stop at one of Ireland’s favourite beaches. Your little ones will thank you ...
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Join Dingle Aquarium
Sharks, penguins, otters
Visit Dingle Aquarium and take out a week’s family membership. This gives you multiple access every day for the week during opening hours. The Aquarium has daily feedings of the fish, penguins, otters, etc. but also offers a Children’s Playroom with face painting, crafts and some science projects. -
Play on the way
Playgrounds for toddlers and young children
While you are exploring the Dingle Peninsula take time for some play on the way. Kerry Co.Council has some lovely free outdoor playgrounds on the Dingle Peninsula with good quality all weather play equipment suitable for younger children and toddlers.
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Visit a Farm
baby lambs, sheepdogs
Farms are special places for children. On the Slea Head Drive old stone walls, real beehive huts (like those in the Star Wars movies) and a spectacular view make them even more magical. Here time stands still as you watch a farm sheepdog doing his work or enjoy a cup of tea in a 19th century farmhouse. If you want to bring some memories home your children will love the experience of holding a baby lamb!
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Meet a friendly Dolphin
Land and sea Fungi visits
Children love meeting Dingle’s most famous resident Fungie! A male common bottlenose dolphin, first seen in Dingle harbour in 1983, he has been living in the bay since then. The best way to see Fungie up close is to take a boat tour from Dingle Marina. If a boat trip is not suitable children can still meet Fungi at the harbour where a bronze statue that you can sit on is a favourite playful stop for families.
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try a new skill
The Pottery Experience
Try your skill on the potter's wheel at Louis Mulcahy's Pottery Workshop. A professional thrower can be seen going through the daily routine of throwing pots, and visitors can try their skill at making the simplest shape. It is great fun for both children and adults. Children can make their own pot and have their master piece fired and glazed. Their is also a lovely café for lunch or a snack.
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Picnic in a forest
lakes, trees, forest walks
Glanteenassig which translates to the Valley of the Waterfalls is a 450 hectare area of Coillte woodland, mountain, lake and peatland, situated in a sheltered valley among the Slieve Mish mountains. Only 6km from Castlegregory this hidden world has three waymarked trails, about 8 km of forest road, a picnic area, parking and a boardwalk that runs around the lake. Glenteenassig is an ideal location for a family hike or cycle and picnic.
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Play in a hidden garden
Nature break in Green Street Dingle Town
The Diseart Family Tree Garden - Coill Crann Clainne is a hidden oasis in the centre of Dingle Town. Planted with alternate birch and rowan trees and native flower species each tree has a guardian family. The intention is to create a haven for nature and for people. Young children will love the Cúilín Seabhrach (corner of happiness) performance space where there are picnic tables and the circular grass patterns in the adjoining garden.
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Wild Atlantic Virtual Experience
Virtually Explore The Ocean Off The Dingle Coast
WAVE takes you on a virtual dive under the sea, visiting the natural world of Dingle Bay, the sunken wrecks that lie off the Kerry coast, underwater mythological lands and some of the incredible creatures that inhabit our seas.
Dingle Peninsula
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52.2740,-10.0408
Brandon Bay
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52.1535,-10.4531
Louis Mulcahy Pottery Experience
Pottery, shop , café
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52.1391,-10.2749
Fungi Statue
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52.1546,-10.2912
Explorer's World
Climbing wall and soft play area
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52.1419,-9.9838
Inch beach
parking toilets and café
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52.1003,-10.4382
Hold a Baby Lamb
Farm visit and beehive huts at Fahan on Slea Head drive
Providers
Experience
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