Destination Dingle
Once named “the most beautiful place on earth” by National Geographic, the Dingle Peninsula is a stunning area of natural beauty, stretching 30 miles into the Atlantic Ocean on Ireland’s southwest coast.
With its mountain range spine and shoulders sloping to the sea, the peninsula offers a range of vistas: steep rocky hillsides and heather covered boglands, fertile green fields, stretches of sandy beach, and the blue-green sea on all sides.
But it’s not just the natural beauty that makes the Dingle Peninsula special. It’s the feel of the place – the sense of history, of others here before, of a deep connection to nature in all its seasons and elements. For many thousands of years, people have chosen this place to live, evidenced by the remains of their houses and communities, their ritual stones and monuments, and their symbolic rock carvings. People come here, and they stay.
During your visit, you’ll discover a place rich in history and culture, including the Irish language, which is spoken widely, and a traditional music and dance scene. You’ll also find a welcoming atmosphere that encourages you to join in this tradition. Try the “cúpla focail” (couple of words) in Irish, join a singing session, play some tunes if you’ve got them, and learn a few set dances while you’re here.
Side-by-side with tradition, however, is a very modern little town, with a full range of top-quality restaurants and cafes, shops with the latest fashions, venues for both traditional and modern music and, of course, an array of pubs.
Dingle also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, focusing on art, literature, music and food, that attract national and international visitors.
In addition to welcoming, you’ll also find Dingle a very safe place. Maybe that’s because there’s a lower key way of life here, with fewer stresses than city life. Or maybe it’s because the very nature of the land makes people feel more connected, to the place and to each other. People look out for each other, and if you spend time here, you’ll be part of that community.
Whatever appeals to you – hikes in the hills, walks on the beaches, swimming in the sea, music, dancing, or pints in the pub – you’ll find the space and time to do it here in Dingle.
