Stops Along The Dingle Peninsula Drive In Ireland- One of our favorite areas in Ireland was along the Dingle Peninsula. We only had one day on the Dingle Peninsula so we knew we had to move quickly. We also had the task to try our best to find all of the best stops on the Dingle Peninsula. Being able to see some great scenery along the coast, stop downtown for some bites to eat, and even visit a distillery I think we came up we a great list!

This itinerary is best for one with a rental car. Having a rental car gives you a lot more freedom while in Ireland. We were hesitant at first, as they drive on the opposite side of the road from us. But it actually ended up being not too bad. My husband said he got used to it after a full day of driving.

Be sure to check out my post on What to Pack for Ireland.

Overview:

Downtown Dingle
Food
Scenic Stops
Our route

Where To Stay

We spent three nights basing ourselves out of the town Killarney to explore this area of Ireland. One day for Killareny and the Ring of Kerry, one day for the Gap of Dunloe, and then one day for a day trip for the Dingle Peninsula. We loved our stay at the Ardee House Bed and Breakfast through AirBnB (use this link for $55 off your first stay). We also used booking.com to book a lot of places during this trip. Here are a few options for places to stay:

Killarney:

Dingle:

Transportation

There are tour bus options for seeing the Dingle Peninsula but most go to the Ring of Kerry. So it is best to have a rental car. No need for 4 wheel drive in the spring and summer as all the roads along this route are paved and well maintained.

The Route Options

Since we stayed in Killarney this made it a great way to make a loop without having to backtrack too much. Killarney to Dingle is about an hour drive. But there are stops along the way to break up the drive.

You can drive this route in two directions easily. North first or South first. We actually started North, taking N22 to N86 and then onto R560 before dropping down to Conor Pass before downtown Dingle. Then headed south on the Dingle Peninsula to loop back around.

Conor Pass

Our first stop was a little bit out of the way, and completely optional. We read about Conor Pass online and was intrigued to check it out. Conor Pass is a 9 kilometer long road, although it is a two way street in some spots there’s really only room for one car. This wheel gripping drive attracts tourists. The reason to go to Conor Pass is for the thrill and the views, unfortunately it was a little foggy for the views on the day we went, so it was all thrill. This could be easily missed if not interested.

If skipping Conor Pass and coming from Killarney Inch Beach will be on your way. You could make an early morning stop here, we hit it on the way back, I wrote about it below.

Slea Head Drive

We stopped in the town of Dingle before starting our official route. Here we went to the grocery store to pick up a few snacks for the drive. From Dingle this route should take you 30 miles along the coastline in around 3 hours depending on stops, with all of our stops we made this into an all day event.

Ventry Bay Beach

Ireland’s Beaches are so unique with their rocky formations and light colored sand. We stopped at Ventry Bay Beach as our first stop. If tight on time I would skip this and save your time for Coumeenoole and Inch Beach( (I write about these below).

Fahan BeeHive Huts

The beehive huts, or also called in Ireland ‘clochán’ are a reconstruction of a square-shaped beehive hut. You will find a few places like this first along the drive, and even places for holding baby sheep. These sites and activities usually ask for tips or fees so we skipped some of these as we were ready to see the natural formations of the land.

In this area there are tons of spots to pull off the side of the road and see the rocky cliff sides.

Slea Head Viewing Point

This stop is famous for its iconic views over Coumeenoole Beach. Definitely worth a stop to see the rolling hills meet the coastline.

Coumeenoole Beach

This rocky beach spot is a major stop along many drives. And there is a reason so as it is a beautiful area. Definitely take the time to park in the lot above the beach and walk down to the sand.

Dunmore Head

This was my husband and I’s favorite stop on the Dingle Peninsula. From Coumeenoole Beach head right to the little trail. This trail is also like the beehive huts as there is a box for donations and tips. Try to have some cash on hand. The walk is short before you arrive on some closer views of the Blasket Islands. You will probably walk by many sheep as well.

Dun Chaoin Viewpoint

Somehow we missed this stop as we were starting to wear down and ready to get back into the town of Dingle for dinner. But this is a different angle of seeing the Blasket Islands. The stairway down looks neat!

Clogher Head/Ceann Sraithe

Another iconic view of Ireland’s rolling hills, rocky coastline and blue waters. There is an official parking lot like most of the major stops along this route.

After all of these stops we headed back to downtown Dingle for dinner. You could easily take this route back to the N86 to N22 to head back to Killarney for the night.

Downtown Dingle:

Dingle Distillery

Before dinner we had reservations at Dingle Distillery to do a whiskey and gin tasting. We really loved our tour here and the spirits!

Murphy’s Ice Cream

Trying Murphy’s Ice Cream in Ireland is a must! Definitely indulge in a scoop or two after a long day. If you run out of time in Dingle they have locations in many major towns in Ireland, such as Dublin and Killarney.

Out of the Blue Seafood

Being on the coast it’s hard to not find amazing seafood. Out of the Blue Seafood is a great option if looking for dinner. A little more on the pricey side but worth it!

N86 Scenic Stops

From downtown Dingle you will drive along the N86 back to Killarney. There are plenty of scenic stops along this drive. So many that on a sunny or foggy day look like classic Ireland, with flowers, rolling hills and vibrant green patches of grass.

Inch Beach

Inch Beach was another one of our highlighted stops on the Dingle Peninsula. Not representing its name well, Inch Beach is actually 4 miles long. I loved the colors and peacefulness of this beach. Here you can drive down on the beach (we used the parking lot), or surf if you feel so inclined to.

We arrived back in Killarney for a night cap at our favorite whiskey bar in town, read about it on my post about Where To Eat and Drink in Killarney, Ireland.