Located on the west coast of Ireland, in County Kerry, is the beautiful and dynamic Dingle Peninsula. The Dingle Peninsula is known for green, rolling hills that nearly touch the rough Atlantic Ocean. It is my favorite place in Ireland and a place I could visit again and again. If you are planning a trip to Ireland and are feeling adventurous, consider renting a car for your journey. While driving on the left side of the road is intimidating for those acclimated to driving on the right, a car provides countless views of castle ruins, sheep, and lush countryside.

Arriving in the city of Dingle is an easy 2-hour drive on the N22 from Cork or a 4-hour drive along the M7 & M20 from Dublin. If flying in and out of a smaller airport is more your style, Shannon Airport (the world’s first duty-free airport) is around 2.5 hours from Dingle.

For an adventurous and scenic activity in the Dingle Peninsula, book a horseback riding experience that takes you through the beautiful countryside and right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.

Horseback riding on Ventry Beach, Dingle Peninsula

While the city of Dingle is very charming, exploring the perimeter of the peninsula is a must to experience the full scope of breathtaking scenery. If you are arriving in Dingle from the south, build in time for a detour to the city of Killarney along the Ring of Kerry. Close by is the beautiful Ross Castle. This castle was built in the 15th century and sits on the shores of Ross Bay.

Inch Beach is a tranquil location on the southern coast of the Dingle Peninsula. It is one of the best places to enjoy views of rolling hills abutting the sea. You can drive your car directly on the beach at Inch Beach, making it a perfect spot for a picnic.

The city of Dingle has Irish charm to boot. As it is a fishing village, you will find plenty of fresh seafood options as well as many cozy restaurants serving up Irish staples like lamb stew. Pop into Murphy’s for a scoop of ice cream made with all local ingredients (even the sea salt is from the Dingle Bay).

Dingle is known for traditional Irish music, so be sure to stop into a pub for a performance while enjoying a pint of Guinness or a local Irish whiskey. If you’d like to learn how Irish whiskey is made, Dingle Distillery offers tours and tastings of whiskey, gin & vodka.

Ready for your Celtic getaway?

Published: July 7, 2024 - Updated August 27, 2025

Dingle Peninsula: Where Ireland’s Rolling Hills Meet the Sea

Andorra

Très jolie: Villefranche-sur-Mer