My first visit out of town since moving to Dublin was to the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula. We hired a car and drove the 3.5 hours across the country, transitioning from high rises and highways to tiny cottages and winding country roads. Your best option for getting right into Dingle town is to rent a car as the nearest train station is almost an hour away!
One of Dingle’s most famous attractions is a dolphin called Fungie who lives in the harbour. But, if you’re looking for more of the real Irish seaside culture like I was, try some of these options.
Take a Wander Down Main Street
The main street in Dingle is actually called Main Street. It’s full of restaurants, little shops, and bars that trade in other things by day… like hardware. This street is as picturesque as a town can get.
Eat Fish & Chips at the Reel Dingle Fish Co.
Right on the water, we knew we had to try some classic fish and chips. This little shop has three stools and might fit a line of eight people. And the fish? Delicious! One of the best fish and chips I’ve ever had; you know it’s fresh.
A Bit of Heaven at Murphy’s Ice Cream
We stopped in here because they do several dairy free options, and the sorbet on offer turned out to be amazing! I’ve since found one of these shops in Dublin, but the product is made in Dingle.
Enjoy a Pint with the Locals
Dingle has a huge number of pubs for the size of the town. Our favourites were An Droigead Beag, which we were told is the happening place to be on the weekend (perhaps because of the ‘free club on Saturdays’ that was advertised outside), as well as Dick Mack’s.
The latter was quite interesting as the front door welcomes you into an old shoemaker’s store, and the rest of it still looking like the house it probably was before being converted into a pub.
One thing that stayed the same in every locale? Everyone was having a laugh.
Dine at the Global Village Restaurant
If you’re looking for a nice restaurant during your stay in Dingle, the Global Village Restaurant is a good choice. It was ranked by the Irish Restaurant Awards as the Best Restaurant in Kerry in 2013, and it lives up to that. It wouldn’t hurt to make a reservation though, as it’s not the biggest space and fills up quickly. I’d say they’re known for their seafood, but the steak I had was to die for!
Shopping Bonus: Gift Someone a Dingle Candle
Fancy a gift to bring back from Dingle? My choice was a handmade eco soy candle from Dingle Candle. I chose a yummy autumn scent called Barmbrack Cake!
Have a good time, and don’t forget to take in the view.
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