Dingle, the southwest of Ireland in a nutshell [Part 1]
This rustic place is actually no longer an insider tip. But the Dingle Peninsula in beautiful County Kerry is still far enough away from Dublin and Galway not to be overrun. Especially in the off-season, this wonderful spot is worth a side trip. In 2017, I fell in love with Dingle and spent almost two weeks on the peninsula.
I have always been fascinated by the colors of Ireland. Not only the fabulous sky blue over the evergreen meadows, but also the mystical gray when the whole island disappears in the fog. Dingle is located on the west coast directly on the Atlantic Ocean. Accordingly, the weather and landscapes are varied.
Arrival to the Dingle Peninsula
Recommended for a side trip to Dingle is a car. The town of Tralee is the gateway to the peninsula and is well served by the major bus operators. From there it becomes more difficult. Buses take the N86 road to the town of Dingle, which is in the southwest. The possibilities to get from A to B on the peninsula itself by public transport are limited. In some cases, buses run only once a day. In the off-season, some routes are completely discontinued.
Bus schedules for longer cross-country trips can be found on the site of the Irish bus company Bus Éirann.
You can rent a car in Tralee with Enterprise. Prices and categories can be found directly at Enterprise.
Alternatively, Killarney is not far and also a good starting point. Budget Car Rental and Europcar can be found at Killarney International Airport. Kerry Airport even offers direct flights from London, Berlin, Frankfurt and Faro, Portugal.
On the way from Tralee to the town of Dingle (“capital” of the peninsula is too bold a title with just over 2000 inhabitants) you will pass directly by one of the highlights. Conor Pass is a cool waypoint in any weather. You can take a photo stop in the coves along the road or just enjoy the view. When it's foggy, the place has something mystical, and when it's stormy, it's almost spooky.
Daingean Uí Chúis – the Irish name of the place Dingle
There are two ways to see the peninsula Dingel in peace. It depends on how you prefer to travel. Some travelers choose the town of Dingle as a starting point and make day trips to the highlights of the island. The advantage is that you don't have to pack your backpack for a few days. On the other hand, you have to travel some routes twice.
Others prefer to travel from place to place and do not mind living out of a backpack. This way you are more flexible and can get to know even more places of the peninsula. Depending on whether you are traveling in the high season and want to book accommodation spontaneously, you may have to spend some time each day looking for accommodation. Attention before the summer season: Book here in the corners that you absolutely want to see, better an accommodation in advance!
The town of Dingle is a cute little town with pubs, small restaurants and privately run B&Bs and hostels.
Check out the sunny yellow Towerview B&B!
With a campsite right outside the door and great reviews, Rainbow Hostel is a convincing choice.
The Dingle Whiskey Distillery is also a great experience. The distillers here see themselves as artisans and the focus is on independence from the large chains and suppliers. Of the hundreds of small distilleries, Dingle Whiskey Distillery is one of a few individual distilleries left.
Guided tours, tastings and dates can be found here on the website.
Curious now? In the next part you will get to know the highlights of the Dingle Peninsula. Maybe you have already been there yourself and you can think of some places worth seeing!
Which travel guide should I carry with me?
▷ You can find more guides and useful equipment in Work & Travel Shop.
What else might interest you:
- 5 good reasons for a working holiday in Ireland
- Ireland: How to get to the green Island
- Ultimative Work & Travel Packliste – Was muss mit
Ciao Lena 🙂
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