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The Peninsula is known for its spectacular scenery and dramatic contrasts. Rugged rock and cliff meet crashing Atlantic Waves, steep mountain passes with vertiginous cliffs rise into the mist and cloud. Sheltered coves and golden sandy beaches give way to soft rolling hills and a mosaic patchwork of irregular small fields divided by low stone walls.
Edged on three sides by ocean the varied coastline of the Dingle Peninsula consists of steep sea-cliffs, broken by sandy beaches, small coves and inlets. Two large sand spits project outwards forming Inch to the south and the Maharees to the north. Three drowned valleys form natural harbours at Ventry and Dingle in the south and at Smerwick in the northwest. The eastern half of the northshore is dominated by a low coastal strip, bordered by almost continuous sandy beaches.
Two groups of islands lie off the DIngle Peninsula. The Seven Hogs or Maharee Islands lie off the north shore near Castlegregory with two of the Maharee islands joined to the mainland by a sandy spit. The world renowned remote Blasket Islands lie off the most westerly tip of the Dingle Peninsula near Dunquin.The Blaskets can be visited by boat from April to September or viewed from the dramatic sea cliffs of Slea Head and Dunmore Head, considered the most westerly point of Ireland and Europe.
The coastal climate of the Dingle Peninsula has made it popular for watersports such as surfing, windsurfing, diving as it is influenced by the warm waters of the Gulf Stream and is in the path of the prevailing southwesterly winds from the Atlantic Ocean. With lakes, inlets, salt marshes and safe harbours the area is also popular with both freshwater and sea anglers.
The Slea Head Drive (Slí Cheann Sléibhe) is a circular route, forming part of the Wild Atlantic Way, beginning and ending in Dingle, that brings you along the dramatic coastline and stunning views on the western end of the Dingle peninsula. The route is clearly labelled by road signs throughout its length. To properly enjoy the Drive, a half-day should be set aside for the journey.
Travellers are advised to travel clockwise in order to avoid the large tour buses that frequent the route during the summer. The route is suitable for motorists, but is also enjoyed by cyclists: it is possible to hire a bike at a number of locations in Dingle.
DINGLE PENINSULA TOURISM ALLIANCE – PROMOTING THE DINGLE PENINSULA TOGETHER
Do come and stay! We are very happy to help guide you to your idyllic holiday or short break on the Dingle Peninsula. Dingle Peninsula Tourism Alliance, a marketing co-operative owned and managed by its members across the peninsula, have produced this website to provide you, our visitors with the most up to date information you need to plan and enjoy your visit.
If you cannot find the information you need, or have a question you would like answered, please feel free to contact us.
+353 (0)66 915 2448
Comhaontas Turasóireachta Chorca DhuibhneAonad 4, Páirc Gnó na Coille, Daingean Uí Chúis, Contae Chiarraí, Éire