Dingle Peninsula

Depart Killarney and make your way to Inch Beach to admire its 3-mile stretch of golden sand along the Atlantic Ocean. Get lovely views of the beach, known as a popular location site for movies including Ryan's Daughter and Playboy of the Western World. Continue to Slea Head, considered by many as one of the most beautiful peninsulas in the world. Travel the winding road through Gaelic-speaking Corca Dhuibhne, beginning at Ventry Beach. Pass the 4,000-year-old beehive huts as you drive to Dunquin and get stunning views of Blasket Island and the Sleeping Giant. Drive through the beautiful village of Ballyferriter, and then stop at the pretty fishing village of Dingle at the heart of the Dingle Peninsula. The charming village is celebrated for having the most pubs in Ireland for a town of its size and is also home to Fungi, an adult bottlenose dolphin that has been courting human contact since 1983! 

On this 10-hour excursion to the Dingle Peninsula from Cork, you’ll make your way towards County Kerry and the town of Killarney, starting out at 08:30. Stop in charming Killarney, and enjoy a bit of time to explore the town before continuing on to Dingle. Your drive takes you through the Cork and Kerry mountains and then along the most westerly route in Europe, known as the Slea Head drive. Take in views of the Atlantic coast as you travel on a road that hugs the shoreline. Enjoy views of the Blasket Islands on a clear day, and maybe even see the Sleeping Giant. Visit Inch Beach, one of the best-known beaches in Ireland, and a site of outstanding natural beauty. Weather permitting you may choose to dip your feet in the Atlantic! Inch Beach, like many on the west coast, is well known among surfers. It has also featured in many films such as Far and Away, and Ryan's Daughter. You’ll also make a stop in Dingle town, one of the most picturesque fishing villages in Ireland. Dingle town is the heart and soul of the peninsula, and attracts visitors from around the world, including artists and musicians. Head back over the mountains to Cork, with an expected arrival time of 18:30.

This full-day tour from Dublin to Kerry takes you to a mystical and unspoiled region of Ireland that has attracted visitors for hundreds of years. The region boasts some of the finest coastal scenery in Europe. You’ll discover quaint towns and enjoy panoramic views of a landscape that was carved out of rock during the last Ice Age. Detailed Itinerary Adare On the way to Kerry you’ll stop at one of Ireland's most picturesque villages. Adare’s thatched cottages and lovely stone buildings line the village's broad main street. You’ll see medieval monasteries and ruins as well. Killarney National Park This is probably the most beautiful and admired national parks in the world. Admire the stunning views of the Lakes of Killarney and Black Valley at stops in Aghadoe and at Torc Waterfall. Enjoy a stroll by the lakes of Killarney. Town of Killarney Killarney is the best-known town in County Kerry and the gateway to the region. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, it’s easy to see why it has often been voted the best place to visit in Ireland. Take some time to explore the town. Torc Waterfall See this 18-meter-high waterfall that cascades through Friars Glen. Take a walk through the wooded area and enjoy the tranquility. Killorglin You’ll pass through Killorglin, home of the Puck Fair, an ancient Celtic festival where a goat is crowned king of the village. Dating back to 1613, this is one of the oldest festivals in the world. You’ll also see part of the famed Ring of Kerry on this part of the tour. Dingle Bay Enjoy a panoramic drive along the famous Dingle Peninsula. Stop to take in amazing views of Dingle Bay, and enjoy a visit to famed Inch beach, where the wild Atlantic hugs the Celtic shores. Wild Atlantic Way Your drive along Dingle Bay and the Atlantic Coast continues with even more breathtaking views. You’ll also drive along the well-known Wild Atlantic Way, and head to the other side of the Dingle Peninsula, where you’ll have spectacular views of Tralee Bay and the remote landscapes of the Dingle area. Inch Beach Inch Beach, stretching along the Atlantic coast for miles, is one of the most famous beaches in Ireland. Stop for a walk on the sand and admire the views of a site that has appeared in many movies.

Come to the activity provider's office and then go to the pier. Then, board the speedboat and glide over the waves. Listen to many interesting stories about the coastline from your experienced captain. Marvel at the breathtaking coastline of Dingle Bay and observe the towering cliffs. Head to the Great Blasket Island, a small island where a fishing community used to live. Spend some time sailing around the coast and watch out for marine mammals and birds as well. Finally, sail back to the pier and get off the boat. Say goodbye to the captain after the activity.

The tour will pass through small towns like Milltown and Castlemaine before reaching your first stop at Inch Beach. Inch has provided shooting locations for several Hollywood films, including the epic Ryan’s Daughter.  Then, travel to Dingle town, a beautiful harbor town where the fishing boats unload the daily fish catch throughout the day.  Continue to Slea Head Drive, a scenic circle loop of 26 miles (41 kilometers), and travel through Ventry, Dunquin, and Ballyferriter. Enjoy the magnificent views of the seven rocky Blasket Islands, spectacular cliffs, and idyllic beaches, rounding the head of the peninsula. This is the edge of Europe and history is everywhere - Iron Age forts, beehive huts, early-Christian churches, 19th-century cottages and picturesque stone houses set against a patchwork of fields. The town of Dingle is rich in culture, traditional music, great pubs and restaurants. There will be a stop here for lunch and a walk around the town at your leisure. After lunch, the bus will return to Killarney town center via Camp and Tralee (home of Rose of Tralee Festival).

The Dingle peninsula in south-west Ireland stretches out into the Atlantic Ocean, and attracts visitors for its mountainous and coastal scenery as well as its antiquities. You’ll visit the major attractions of this spectacular region on a 6.5-hour tour from Killarney. From Slea Head you can see the Blasket Islands, which are the last outposts of Europe and are known as the next parish to America. They are famous for the literary and linguistic heritage of the former inhabitants. These remote islands have been uninhabited since the 1950s. The western end of the peninsula is a Gaeltacht area that has produced a number of nationally notable authors and poets, including O’Siochfhradha and Peig Sayers among others. Being an Irish-speaking district traditional customs are still very much alive. A band of sandstone forms the Slieve Mish mountain range at the neck of the peninsula in the east, and the unnamed central mountain range further to the west. Ireland’s highest mountain other than Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Mount Brandon, reaches 951 meters and forms part of a high ridge that boasts stunning views over the peninsula and northern county Kerry. The Dingle peninsula is named after the town of Dingle, derived from the Corco Dhuibhne who occupied the peninsula in the Middle Ages and who also held a number of territories in the south and east of county Kerry. Dingle was Kerry’s chief port in the old Spanish trading days and in the reign of Queen Elizabeth was important enough to be a walled town. The peninsula is the location of numerous prehistoric and early medieval remains. The Gallarus Oratory, for example, is located in the very west of the peninsula near the village of Baile an Fheirtearaigh in Ard na Caithe.

So, you want to be wowed? Do you want to marvel at something? You’ve come to the right place. Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula is an icon for a reason, and we can’t wait to share it with you. As we depart Killarney Town, we assure you the weather does not matter – even as we head for the glorious Inch Beach. It’s the kind of place that’s perfect no matter what – glistening in the sunlight or waves crashing in argument with the angry clouds above. You’ll find the locals and other travellers agree, the beach being popular with surfers, anglers and swimmers all year round. We then journey along Slea Head Drive (or Slí Cheann Sléibhe if you want to practice the local tongue), one of Ireland’s most scenic routes. Make sure you’re not napping as we coast along this circular route. Trust us, you’ll kick yourself later if you miss these views. There’s so much to love along the way, and we’ll keep our options open as we drive. Perhaps you’ll stop in at Tóchar Maothaithe – Ireland's famous beehive huts. Or maybe the Famine Cottages, bleak histories with an incredible view. Our drive takes us to Slea Head (or Dunmore Headland) where beautiful views await. You’ll pop out for a little walk, or perhaps down to the beach below. The adventure continues and we’ll look for more incredible places to stop along the way as we make our way to Gallarus Oratory. Ancient and striking, this is one of the only remaining churches of its type to survive intact today and it’s your turn to explore it. Our final stop of the day is the lovely town of Dingle. You have a couple of hours here to explore as you wish. Maybe you’ll sample some of the local cuisine? Or have yourself an afternoon treat at the distillery? Or simply wander and take in those views. The choice is yours. It’s time to head back to Killarney, just a short drive to end a pretty fabulous day.

You will stop at the famed Inch Beach, an extensive beach in a rural environment and is a site of outstanding natural beauty. Then to the most westerly drive in Europe known as the Slea Head drive. Marvel at the Atlantic Coast as you travel on this spectacular road which hugs the western shoreline. Enjoy great views of the Blasket Islands and maybe even see the "Sleeping Giant." You will also stop in Dingle town, one of the most picturesque fishing towns in Ireland. Dingle town is the heart and soul of the Peninsula. Today it attracts visitors, including artists and musicians, from all over the world. ITINERARY Departure from Limerick -We leave Limerick City behind and travel via the charming village of Adare down through the mountains to County Kerry Killarney - Make a stop in the charming town of Killarney, as you make your way towards the Dingle Penninsula Inch Beach - Take a stop at Inch Beach. This is one of Ireland's most famous beaches. The home of a surf school, this beach is loved by all in Ireland. Enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlantic coast from this awesome stop Slea Head - Travel around the Slea Head drive, the most Westerly drive in Europe. From this point travel along the Atlantic coast with stops for photos at the most dramatic locations Blasket Islands - On a clear day enjoy superb views of the Blasket Islands. Your guide will explain that the Island's people had to leave their Island home and move to the mainland Return to Limerick - Following a chance to grab refreshments, make your way back to Limerick, arriving at approximately 7:30 PM depending on traffic, after a fun day on the Dingle Penninsula

Day 1: Dublin – Cliffs of Moher – Dingle Peninsula  Meet your tour guide and fellow travellers at one of the central Dublin collection points in the morning. Enjoy a relaxing drive across the beautiful countryside with amazing views. Your tour guide will also ensure you have the best possible experience while on the road by telling stories and providing information you may be interested in. Take a short stop for refreshments and then continue the drive towards the West Coast. Then, enjoy a drive along the shores of Galway Bay with fabulous views of the Atlantic Ocean. This coastal route is distinctive due to its gorgeous golden beaches and dolphins breaching off the shore. Make your way to the Burren which is one of the most popular landscapes in Ireland, famous for its Limestone Rock that stretches as far as the eye can see, reaching down to the sea shore. Before reaching the Cliffs of Moher, pause for lunch in the small village of Doolin with continuous views of Doolin Harbour and the Aran Islands. Then, arrive at the world-famous Cliffs of Moher, which is considered one of the world’s great natural attractions. Here you can enjoy breath-taking views, relaxing walks, and take memorable photographs. In the afternoon, change bus and continue south towards the Kingdom of Kerry. Then, stay overnight in Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula.  DAY 2: Dingle Peninsula - Highlights of the Ring of Kerry - Killarney - Dublin  After a relaxing morning and a hearty breakfast, depart from the Dingle Peninsula and make your way towards some highlights of the Ring of Kerry, including Torc Waterfall, Moll’s Gap, Lakes of Killarney, Leprechaun Crossing, and Killarney National Park, before enjoying time at leisure in Killarney. Once you arrive at Killarney you can go on a horseback ride through the park or go on a horse and cart ride through Killarney National Park, both are optional. On your way back to Dublin, drive through the heritage town of Adare with its amazing Golden Vale, the finest agricultural land in Ireland. You should arrive back in Dublin by 7:00pm approx.

Detailed Itinerary Day 1: Dublin – Connemara – Galway From Dublin you’ll cross the midlands of Ireland in style in the green Paddywagon! You’ll be in the west in no time at all. Experience dramatic mountain scenery that has been the setting for countless Hollywood blockbuster movies. You’ll stop in the charming village of Cong to see magnificent Ashford Castle and the ruins of Cong Abbey. Enjoy lunch at one of Cong’s quirky cafés and take a lakeside walk. Your route follows along the massive Lough Corrib on the way to Galway. When you arrive your guide will find a nice pub for you overlooking Galway Bay, where you can enjoy the scenery and some traditional Irish music. Consider taking an optional walking tour of the city with a local guide or participating in an award-winning pub crawl! Day 2: Galway – Cliffs of Moher – Dingle Today you’ll have the wild Atlantic Ocean at your side as you drive along the west coast. See golden sand beaches and maybe even a few dolphins and whales. Explore the lunar landscape of the Burren, the only place on earth where Alpine, Arctic, and Mediterranean flowers grow side by side. Then it's on to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher. Tonight you'll stay in the village of Annascaul on the Dingle Peninsula. Mix with the locals and enjoy the character of a real Irish village, away from all the tourist traps. Pull up a stool by the fire or choose to dance the night away! Day 3: Dingle – Killarney Head out on the short drive to Dingle, a charming Gaelic-speaking fishing village. You’ll have ample free time for shopping and lunch before a pleasant tour around Slea Head. There will be loads of time off the bus to take in the views and maybe a wee hike, or to just breathe in that wild Atlantic air. Learn stories and songs of this traditional region from your guide. See Sleeping Giant Island and the famous 3 Sisters mountain range. Spend the night in Killarney, a popular town because of all the things to see and do. You’ll find traditional music, great restaurants, dancing, and an idyllic national park. Day 4: Killarney - Dublin The day begins with a horse and cart ride through Killarney National Park (optional) or horseback ride through the park for the energetic and adventurous (optional). Afterward he head for the world famous Blarney Castle. You will enjoy 2 hours visiting the Castle where you kiss the Blarney Stone if you wish After lunch we take a leisurely drive through the Golden Vale region, Ireland's finest agricultural land and home to some of the best livestock in the world. Before we reach Dublin, we'll pause at the Rock of Dunamase - a ruined castle perched high on a hill overlooking the province of Leinster - amazing photo opportunities and vistas await you.